Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists CIAT

The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) describes itself as ‘…the lead qualifying body for Architectural Technology and represents those practising and studying within the discipline.’

Qualifications available from CIAT include; Chartered Architectural Technologists (MCIAT), and professionally qualified Architectural Technicians (TCIAT). Architectural technicians specialise in the application of technology in architecture, whereas architectural technologists lead the technological design of buildings.

The institute was originally founded as the Society of Architectural and Associated Technicians (SAAT) in 1965 following a report by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) which recommended the creation of an institute for technicians. In 1986, SAAT became the British Institute of Architectural Technicians (BIAT), then in 1994 the British Institute of Architectural Technologists. On receiving its Royal Charter in 2005 it became the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT).

It is a membership organisation, funded by, owned by and operated on behalf of its members. It is governed by an Executive Board and Council, both of which are chaired by its president.

CIAT describes its objectives as:

To promote, for the benefit of society, the science and practice of Architectural Technology.
To facilitate the development and integration of technology into architecture and the wider construction industry to continually improve standards of service for the benefit of industry and of society.
To uphold and advance the standards of education, competence, practice and conduct of members of the Institute thereby promoting the interests, standing and recognition of Chartered Members within the industry and the wider society.

A CIAT accredited honours degree or equivalent in architectural technology is required to become a Chartered Architectural Technologist, or alternatively, an equivalent honours degree in a built environment subject.

A higher diploma (HND) or foundation degree or equivalent in architectural technology or a built environment subject is required to become a professionally qualified Architectural Technician.