I began the Architectural Technology course with no knowledge or experience of the construction industry and thanks to the ongoing support from faculty members at Sheffield Hallam University, I have been able to progress to a very high standard.

I was able to secure work experience with Bond Bryan LLP in Sheffield, where I worked as a Trainee Architectural Technologist on a major college scheme in Swindon. In my final year, I completed designs for a carbon neutral school for the future which won the CIAT Student Award for Technical Excellence in 2007, of which I am very proud.

I have now emigrated to Dublin and work for Kavanagh Tuite. As of today I am working on a mixed use development incorporating retail, residential and commercial. I will be applying sustainability and an overall environmental awareness to the project along with the normal duties of an Architectural Technologist.

It is my aim to become a Chartered Architectural Technologist by 2008 and to be running my own practice with a fellow student from Sheffield Hallam University by 2010.

When you compare the age of CIAT against sister institutes such as RIBA, many professionals within the industry are unaware of the capabilities of students who graduate with a degree in Architectural Technology. With promotion of the discipline over time, it is our duty to educate the industry of our presence and apply our knowledge and skills to the work we produce.