James Randle MCIAT is co-founder and director of Cheshire based architectural firm, Randle White.  Here, he explains why he became a Chartered Architectural Technologist and how it has helped him in his career:

At a very early age, James Randle decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and work in the construction industry. When he finished school, rather than doing a seven year traditional architecture degree like his father, Randle says it suited him better to work and study at the same time:

“I grew up with drawings all around the house and always knew that I wanted to work within the construction industry in a creative role, although I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do. From speaking to my father, it was apparent that the role of the architect had broadened and changed dramatically over the years and this attracted me to the Architectural Technologist’s role.  After I finished school at 16, I went to a technical college in Warrington once a week for two years and worked at the same time as a Junior Architectural Technician. I achieved my Ordinary National Certificate (ONC) and went on to study for a Diploma in Construction Studies at Leeds Metropolitan University. This Institute approved course took two years to complete and again, it combined studying with gaining invaluable work experience when not in college.”  

After completing his studies, Randle gained extensive large-scale technical and design expertise working with big brand leisure industry names including Surrey Free Inns and Scottish & Newcastle. After this, he moved into the residential sector where he played a key role creating multi-million pound city centre residential developments for leading Manchester architect firm, Calder Peel:

“I left Calder Peel three years ago and on that day, I went straight to an interview at Manchester University to become a Chartered Member of the Institute. I planned to set up my own business and knew this would help prepare me and also prove my competence to potential clients.”

Randle White was set up in 2004 by amalgamating two sole trader practices and, in a short space of time, has grown to become a team of five. The company works on large scale commercial and residential projects. As well as working with North West developers, it has a thriving residential division that has designed over 100 new homes and apartments in the north west in the last twelve months. The business also specialises in listed buildings and conservation work and has developed a niche portfolio of high quality projects in this area for its ‘Cheshire Set’ clients.

Randle explains why he became a Chartered Member of the Institute:

“In the last twenty years, design has become much more scientific and an in-depth knowledge of the latest rules and regulations is vital.  Because of this change, CIAT now has an extremely strong role and has become much more influential within the industry.  Newly qualified Architectural Technologists are in more demand than ever. It’s certainly something I look for when interviewing new recruits and it gives them much more leverage when negotiating salary.

“Becoming a member of the Institute means you have to abide by a Code of Conduct which is designed to protect the public’s interest.  The code ensures that the Institute’s members can be relied on for their integrity and professionalism. One part states that members must keep themselves up to date with current practices, developments and regulations. For example, members must know about far reaching changes to the Part L Building Regulations encourage the use of renewable sources. Being aware of the implications of this and designing with these regulations in mind is extremely important in today’s climate.

“Members also have to be able to provide evidence that they’re continuing their professional development (CPD).  This means that I’m always learning about the latest practices.

“To be successful, you need to have up-to-the-minute knowledge of market advances in construction methods and materials.  This ensures cost and time efficiencies are fully explored on all projects.  Being a Chartered Architectural Technologist is certainly not just about being able to produce working details.

“In the future, the industry will only become more regulated. Rising fuel costs and government initiatives to reduce CO2 emissions will push energy efficiency up the business agenda. Twenty years ago, this wasn’t an issue, but today, it is vital that this is considered when designing a building.”

Randle White has recently won a number of high profile projects with large developers in the north west. With increasingly complex rules and regulations, Randle stresses that technical expertise will become even more important in the future.