Discussion paper: National Registration Framework for Building Practitioners

Whilst the recommendations are laudable and necessary to effect positive change in the construction industry, on behalf of CIAT’s members in Australia, we would like to offer our view on the registration of building practitioners. Should an exhaustive list of professionals be specified because of this recommendation, this will result in other competent professionals such as Chartered Architectural Technologists being excluded and therefore being unable to practise.

We would request that the principle of Recommendation 1 be carefully considered prior to its implementation, specifically to avoid the use of designated titles which would narrow the field of those able to practise, and which would create unfair competition by excluding competent professionals. If this is not a workable solution, I would request that consideration be given to making an allowance for the possible future inclusion of building practitioners not yet specifically listed such as Chartered Architectural Technologists. This would ensure greater transparency and recognise ability, competence, qualifications and professional status.

The use of specific designated titles would exclude certain competent professionals from practising, thus unfairly restricting competition.

The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) is a not for profit professional membership qualifying body which sets and maintains standards of education, practice and professionalism within Architectural Technology.

It is the only body able to award the regulated professional qualification of Chartered Architectural Technologist and this status reflects the prestigious, independent character of our Institute and recognises the distinct nature of the Architectural Technology discipline.

Today in the UK and increasingly elsewhere, the Chartered Architectural Technologist is recognised as having parity of esteem with the architect and other Chartered professionals. This is demonstrated by the UK government Standard Occupation Classification 2020 where architects and Chartered Architectural Technologists are classified under the same minor group.

For membership progression purposes CIAT has adopted external (UK government-led) educational standards for Architectural Technology at Honours and Masters degree level. This means that CIAT deems its Chartered Members to be at a level akin to Masters degree, as they have demonstrated that they have met these educational standards as well as have appropriate practical experience and professionalism.

Architectural Technology is a creative and innovative design discipline which integrates architecture, science, technology and engineering.

Architectural Technology forms the link between concept, innovation and realisation of a building or structure. At its heart is the technology, buildability, functionality and performance of the design, taking into consideration materials, innovative processes, production techniques and sustainability, all in compliance with regulatory, statutory and legal requirements.

Architectural Technology is important as it influences the technological, environmental, social, economic, cultural and political issues in both the built and natural environment.

It ensures a building or structure is fit for purpose and inclusive so the needs of the end user are met. The design will incorporate and address health and safety, welfare and ethical issues as well as social well-being of those using the building or space.

Chartered Architectural Technologist, MCIAT, is a professional qualification which recognises an individual’s education, work experience and professionalism.

Chartered Architectural Technologists are the lead for the technological and technical design of a project; forming the link between concept, innovation and realisation. They are qualified to identify, investigate, research and evaluate the needs, functions and aspirations of society within the built environment and they ensure that projects are designed and constructed to be economical, environmentally sustainable and robust to perform efficiently and effectively within their planned life.

Chartered Architectural Technologists are qualified and competent in their field of practice such as offering full design services and managing building projects from conception to completion. The depth and breadth of specific functions may vary within the wide range of job roles of the Chartered Architectural Technologist but they must be conversant with the main aspects relating to design, technology, management and practice within a national and international context.

To become a Chartered Architectural Technologist, an individual must complete and pass one of CIAT’s qualifying processes

1. MCIAT Professional Assessment
This is measured against the Professional Standards Framework (PSF). The Framework sets the standards for education, practice and professionalism that applicants must satisfy to achieve Chartered Membership.

In order to pass the MCIAT Professional Assessment, applicants must undertake the three stages:

● Stage 1: Educational Standards

Applicants must demonstrate that they have the necessary underpinning knowledge required of an Architectural Technology professional. Holders of a CIAT-Accredited Honours or Masters degree (or eqiuvalent) are exempt from having to complete this stage.

● Stage 2: Practice Standards

Applicants must demonstrate their experience by outlining the type of projects they are involved in. Their experience must correlate to four core areas: designing, managing, practising and developing (self).

● Stage 3: Professional Standards

This is assessed in the form of a Professional Interview by examining the applicant’s ability to engage, communicate and interact in a professional, ethical and knowledgeable manner.

2. MCIAT Professional and Occupational Performance (POP) Record

The MCIAT POP Record is a three-stage assessment process (similar to the Professional Assessment) and consists of 17 knowledge and performance units providing step-by-step guidance on how to deliver, manage and procure an architectural project from its conception through to completion.

The POP Record sets out the knowledge, performance and professional standards which a candidate must assess themselves against. The POP Record must be signed off by a Supervisor who is a qualified built environment professional.

The MCIAT POP Record is completed in the work place and assessed by CIAT and followed by successfully passing a Professional Practice Interview.

In order to qualify as a Chartered Architectural Technologist, candidates must successfully demonstrate their academic achievement, which is either usually an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in Architectural Technology or related discipline. Although we do not stipulate a minimum or maximum length of time in education or practice, or to complete the MCIAT membership process, candidates would normally undertake at least three years in professional practice. Altogether our combination of education, practice and professionalism, attaining Chartered status is normally at least six years.

i. The following information is extracted from the UK government’s immigration rules from its website (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-j-codes-of-practice-for-skilled-work). As clearly illustrated, the Chartered Architectural Technologist is recognised at Regulated Qualification Framework Level 6+ (as is the Architect for comparison). Example job tasks are also state below.
2435 Chartered architectural technologists RQF Level 6
Example job tasks:
develops construction project briefs and design programmes;
• advises clients on methods of project procurement and forms of contract;
• advises on environmental, regulatory and legal requirements and assesses environmental impact;
• prepares and presents design proposals and manages and coordinates design team;
• monitors compliance with design, statutory and professional requirements, undertakes stage inspections;
• administers contracts and certification and manages project handover;
• evaluates and advises on refurbishment, recycling and deconstruction of buildings;
• manages health and safety and carries out design stage risk assessments.

2431 Architects RQF Level 6
Example job tasks:
• liaises with client and other professionals to establish building type, style, cost limitations and landscaping requirements;
• studies condition and characteristics of site, taking into account drainage, topsoil, trees, rock formations, etc.;
• analyses site survey and advises client on development and construction details and ensures that proposed design blends in with the surrounding area;
• prepares detailed scale drawings and specifications for design and construction and submits these for planning approval;
• monitors construction work in progress to ensure compliance with specifications.

ii. Regulated Profession under Directive 2005/36/EC
Currently the Chartered Architectural Technologist is regulated under the Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications Directive - see Regulated Qualifications Database: https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/regprof/index.cfm?action=regprof&id_regprof=7459 (Note: there are no reserves on activities, meaning there are no restrictions on function, and it is a protected title).

Activities listed on EU database - Chartered Architectural Technologists specialise in the technology of architecture focusing on the design of buildings for use and performance. Skills include: Arbitration & adjudication, Building control, Building design and specification, Building pathology, Building regulations, Conservation and restoration, Construction management, Construction site supervision, Construction technology, Contract Administration, Defects diagnosis, Development of property, Disabled access & amenities audits, Dispute resolution, building surveys, Environmental management, Expert witness, Fire safety, Health and safety/CDM, Legal/regulatory compliance of property, Maintenance management, Measurement of buildings, Party wall & rights to light, Project management, Sustainability & 'green building' advice, Refurbishment/Re-fit/Restoration, Planning submissions and advice, Life Cycle and costings, Concept and technical design development, Detailing, Feasibility studies, Building Information Modelling.