I have been an Architectural Technologist for over 40 years. I studied architectural design and history in the National College of Art and Design for one year and then Construction Studies for three years in Bolton Street College of Technology, graduating in 1967.

I have been employed in architectural practices all of my career – at first with a family practice, then in a practice in Auckland, New Zealand, returning to Dublin in 1973 and joining several well known practices such as Brian O’Halloran & Associates, David Gilligan Architects, Building Design Partnership and Meehan Associates, arriving at my present position with Campbell Conroy Hickey Partnership, where I have been for three years. The practice specialises in large healthcare, leisure and residential developments. I run projects from inception to completion, with an emphasis on Contract Administration, Health & Safety, and general troubleshooting.

I have been a member of CIAT since 1987, when the Irish Institute of Architectural and Associated Technology amalgamated with BIAT to become, in effect, its Republic of Ireland Centre. I am now a member of CIAT governing Council and the principal liaison person between the UK and Ireland.

Due to my involvement with CIAT Republic of Ireland Centre’s Technical Committee, I was appointed by the Minister for the Environment to the Building Regulations Advisory Body in July 1995 and have served on this body ever since.

Membership of my professional institute has been the mainstay of my career. Networking with other Technologists, keeping abreast of developments in the construction industry and job opportunities are due to my membership of and participation in my professional institute.

Denise Germaine, MCIAT