British Institute of Architectural Technologists

The origins of CIAT began following a report by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) 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.

It was on 1 May 1986, that 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 to recognise the professionally qualified Architectural Technician. In its fortieth year, the Institute was recognised by incorporation by Royal Charter in July 2005. Full Members became Chartered Architectural Technologists (MCIAT).

The Institute continues to build on its solid and respected platform for the continued evolution of the discipline of Architectural Technology, particularly internationally with the establishment of its new Overseas Centres.