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Chartered Architectural Technologists in the built environment
About the Chartered Architectural Technologist
A Chartered Architectural Technologist applies the science of architecture and specialises in the technology of building design and construction. A Chartered Architectural Technologist (MCIAT) has demonstrated competence as a specialist in building design and construction and can undertake a building project from inception through to final certification.
The services of a Chartered Architectural Technologist may include:
Project preparation and feasibility studies
- Meeting with the client and discussing the design brief, budget and timescale
- Advising on the need for independent consultants
- Giving guidance on possible types of contract and tender
- Evaluating and advising upon environmental and statutory requirements affecting the project
- Preparing tentative proposals for discussion and development with the client
- Preliminary discussions with authorities and consultants
- Design stage risk assessment
Architectural design, management and production
- Preparing and presenting design proposals using CAD and traditional methods
- Researching problems and producing, developing and advising upon innovative design solutions
- Preparing final scheme drawings and details
- Submission under the Town and Country Planning Acts
- Managing and coordinating the design team and associated professional consultants
- Producing, analysing and advising upon specification, materials selection and detailed design solutions in relation to performance and production criteria
- Producing, managing, controlling and integrating design and production information
- Submission under the Building Acts, Regulations and other statutory requirements.
- Carrying out design stage risk assessment
- Proceeding with production information, drawings, schedules and specifications suitable for tender purposes
- Leading the detailed design process and coordinating the detailed design information
Contract procedures
- Inviting building contractors and specialist sub-contractors and suppliers to submit formal tenders and quotations for work
- Considering offers received and making recommendations to the client
- Preparing contract documents as necessary and arranging for their execution
- Giving instructions to appointed contractors on behalf of the client.
- Inspecting work in progress from time to time to determine whether the contractor is fulfilling his obligations under contract.
- Carrying out other administrative duties entailed.
- Certifying interim applications for payment on account of work properly carried out.
- Considering and agreeing the final certificate of payment under the contract.
General services throughout the process
- Risk assessments
- Management and co-ordination of associated professionals
- Development of the design
- Support Information to the cost plan
- Ensuring the construction meets the design and statutory requirements
Post construction
- Supplying the client with a set of as built drawings, service drawings and maintenance manual
- Gaining feedback from and de-briefing client and user (if different)
- Appraisal of building performance in use and producing, developing and maintaining maintenance management information systems
- Evaluating and advising upon refurbishment, repair, refuse, recycling and deconstruction of buildings.
Members may offer additional professional services including
- Health and Safety (acting under the CDM Regulations)
- Expert Witness
- Party Wall Surveyor
- Energy Efficiency Assessor
- Access Auditor
- Historic Buildings Adviser
- Home Inspector
Chartered Architectural Technologists undertake a wide variety of work embracing all sectors of the building industry. A large number of CIAT’s membership practise privately or run businesses as partners, LLP members or co-directors with other professionals. Only Full Members of CIAT are permitted to use the designation MCIAT and the descriptor “Chartered Architectural Technologist”.
The Institute sustains proper standards of competence in Architectural Technology and promotes the interests of its members, as such:
- All practising members are obliged to keep themselves informed of current practices and developments appropriate to the type and level of their responsibilities, and comply with the Institute’s current guidelines for continuing professional development (CPD).
- All members who provide services directly to a client must obtain and maintain adequate professional indemnity insurance.
- All members must adhere to a Code of Conduct which requires the proper and ethical conduct of business, and that disciplinary procedures for infringements of the Code are in place.
The Institute’s qualification MCIAT is recognised by lending and funding organisations. To achieve the status of MCIAT, individuals must satisfy the Institute that they have achieved the high standards of education, training and monitored professional practice required.
