CIAT

As one of the newest Chartered Institutes in the construction industry, the origins of CIAT began following a report calling for the establishment of ‘an institute for technicians’. Consequently, on 12 February 1965, the Society of Architectural and Associated Technicians (SAAT) was founded, representing and qualifying technicians within construction. In its first year, 1,799 technicians joined the Society.

Over the subsequent decades, the Society thrived with an increasing level of membership and recognition, thus creating itself as a pivotal body within the construction industry.

On 1 May 1986, SAAT’s name changed to British Institute of Architectural Technicians — BIAT, to reflect the specialisms of Architectural Technicians and in 1994 the title of the Institute changed to British Institute of Architectural Technologists, to recognise the development educationally and in practice of the professionally qualified Architectural Technologist. In 2002 the Institute introduced a new technician grade which recognises the professionally qualified Architectural Technician.

In its fortieth year, the Institute was momentously Granted Chartership by Her Majesty the Queen in July 2005. Full Members became Chartered Architectural Technologists (MCIAT).

The Institute is now building on its solid platform to develop the discipline of Architectural Technology as an internationally recognised descriptor.

For a full history of the Institute, a book commemorating the Institute's 40th anniversary is available from CIAT, for further information please contact Adam Endacott at CIAT Central Office.