The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists has awarded its coveted Honorary Membership status to Keith Snook, Director of Research and Technical, RIBA and Herbie Mawhinney of the University of Ulster Belfast.
Honorary Membership is the Institutes’ mechanism for recognising non-members who have supported or contributed to the development of the Institute or the discipline of Architectural Technology. It is an ‘exclusive club’ of 17 Members, with membership awarded only in exceptional circumstances.
Keith Snook has consistently promoted acceptance and recognition of CIAT within the RIBA, thereby demonstrating the unity between both organisations. This has led to a sharing of resources and enabled Architects and Chartered Architectural Technologists to work side by side with the clear demonstration of the collaboration of their professional bodies.
Keith said ‘I am so pleased about this honour and to be one of only 17 is amazing. The citation refers to the work that I have done to help practicing Architects and Architectural Technologists and I am tempted to say 'but it is my job' - it is also my calling and to have it recognised is very humbling.’
Herbie Mawhinney is a lecturer and former course leader of an Honours degree programme in Architectural Technology and Management at University of Ulster Belfast. During the last 30 years, he has been actively involved with CIAT in establishing degree programmes in Architectural Technology and has dedicated his professional life to the development of the discipline.
Herbie said ‘the invitation to become a Member of the Institute took me completely unawares. As a career comes to an end one naturally reflects on the value of a life’s work. The award permitted me to indulge in considerable self-gratification for a day or two! I thank CIAT most sincerely and have much pleasure in accepting this prestigious award.’
The status will be granted officially at a ceremony in London in 2009.