Lachlan CrawfordCoventry UniversityThe primary reason for me taking theArchitectural Design Technology degree atCoventry University was to give greaterbackground knowledge for the work I do in thetechnical department at Ayrshire Metal ProductsLtd (a leading cold rolled steel manufacturer). Istudied the course on a day release basis whilststill working full time; as such there was quite achallenge in balancing work, study and socialactivities. I did, however, receive ample supportfrom my employer, lecturers and CIAT toovercome these issues and ensure I was able toachieve my best.The programme of work on the course was veryinteresting with a good mixture of technical andbackground modules. In particular I enjoyedapplying the skills learnt to design projects onreal sites within Coventry using multiple drawingpackages (AutoCAD and Revit) alongside somemanual drawing to visualise the designs. It wasalso very interesting seeing how all the differentaspects of construction are integrated toproduce a successful building.John DaviesPembrokeshire CollegeI have always had a keen interest in architectureand the building industry. After finishingsecondary education I trained as a builder aftersecuring an apprenticeship within the publicsector. I gained a wealth of practical knowledge,experience and skills working within this capacity.During employment as a builder within the NHS,I enrolled on the HNC Computer AidedArchitectural Technology programme (CAAT).This opened a window of opportunity for me.My career progressed and I was fortunateenough to join the team as a senior architecturaltechnician within a private architectural practice- Pembroke Design Ltd based in Haverfordwest,Pembrokeshire. They supported my learning andI went on to a Foundation degree inArchitecture. Still eager and determined, Ienrolled on the BSc (Hons) ArchitecturalTechnology programme. After almost 11 years striving to maintain abalance of home, work and study, I graduatedthis year from Pembrokeshire College (affiliatedwith the University of Glamorgan) with theOutstanding Graduating Student Award inArchitectural Technology accreditation, and theHighest Graduating Student Award inArchitectural Technology from CIAT.CIAT was an invaluable resource tool and alwayskept me up to date and well informed on therelevant subject matter of our ever-changingindustry.Jason Hull De Montfort University,LeicesterThe choice to undertake an ArchitecturalTechnology degree was made during my secondyear of A-levels. The main reason I choseArchitectural Technology over an architecturecourse was because I believe that students gain agreat deal more knowledge than someone on thesame level on an architecture course.The programme itself was very beneficial as ittaught me all of the basics for me to become aChartered Architectural Technologist in thefuture. Throughout my degree, CIAT has aidedmy education in a number of ways, by sendingme information about what is happening in theindustry through the weekly Enewsletter,allowing my practical knowledge to expand andbeing available to contact whenever I neededinformation regarding my programme or theindustry. On my programme I was lucky enoughto obtain a number of awards, for each of thethree years of the degree I received an award forbest student. Since completing the course, I amnow currently employed and on my way tobecoming Chartered, which I hope to achieve inthe next few years.Paras MakwanaUniversity of Wales Institute,CardiffI have always been interested in civil engineeringbut also have a passion for architecture. Afterdoing some research and going to universityopen days as well as taking advice from CIAT, Iconcluded that Architectural Design Technologywas for me. Since completing the ADTprogramme at UWIC I have no regrets about thechoice I made. I really enjoyed the course butmade sure my undergraduate study was backedwith credible work experience, which helpeddevelop my professional skills. Even now inpractice I am always learning and try to keep upto date with industry news. Since graduation Iam now employed by Powell Dobson architectsand working my way up to a senior position.Having CIAT behind your back certainly helps,as it provides you with professional standards,which can make you, stand out from the crowd. My advice to students who wish to start a careerin ADT is to be on your toes as the industry isalways changing therefore you must keeplearning even after your studies.Paul SleeThe University of Salford As a mature student who changed his career toArchitectural Technology, being awarded theHighest Graduating Student Award helpsconfirm this was the correct decision. I wasdrawn to Architectural Technology as it linksdesign, building technology and problem solvingin a recognised career. Undertaking the degreeprogramme at the University of Salford was agood decision due to its reputation andEDUCATIONAT SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER20119

10 ATSEPTEMBER/OCTOBER2011EDUCATIONAccreditation by CIAT. The university offeredlive projects, which are vital for students enteringthe work place. The Phoenix project in thesecond year was a design competition which Iwas awarded first place in the sustainabilitycategory. This was extremely rewarding havingalso recovered from major heart surgery in thesame year. I was fortunate enough to undertake a workplacement for an architectural practice in theUSA following my second year, which I hope willhelp during the forthcoming job search.Unfortunately, moving forward, the job market isextremely difficult and I feel this is an area whereCIAT can assist. As an organisation, I feel CIATcan be the catalyst to changing the industry'sreluctance to take on graduates during thiseconomic downturn. Hopefully in the nearfuture my skills will take me to a graduateposition and I hope to be a CharteredArchitectural Technologist within three years.Nicholas StrongSouthampton SolentUniversityThree years ago at the age of 27 I made thedecision to change my career from investmentbanking to follow Architectural Technology. Thisdecision came about as a result of working manylong hours in a job I did not enjoy. Having neverexperienced any form of construction before Ihad to start at the beginning, the first year ofSouthampton Solent's programme really helpedto give me a basic knowledge of constructionmethods and gave me an appreciation of thetypes of software at our disposal. During the second year of my degree I managedto secure some part time work experience withMorrish Builders who are currently working onthe Duchy of Cornwall site at Poundbury inDorchester. This work experience turned into afull time job offer which I took up in June of thisyear. Without the passion and support of mytutors I can honestly say I would not be enjoyingthe success at academic and professional level Iam currently enjoying. Over the course of thenext five years I hope to develop my knowledgeof building technology as well as develop myselffrom a professional point of view.Emma WalshawSheffield Hallam UniversityI had always been interested in architecture sowhen I discovered the Architectural Technologyprogramme I knew it would be well suited to mebecause of its more technical side. I chose thecourse at Sheffield Hallam because it had a goodreputation for getting students ready for theworkplace, which for me was very important. The course has a strong environmental focuswhich is very relevant at this time but also asubject I have become passionate about. Aparticular benefit was the year out placement,where I felt I had the chance to put into practicethe grounding knowledge I had built up over thefirst two years. I really enjoyed every aspect ofthe programme, particularly Design Studio andbeing able to apply learning from the technicalmodules into my designs.I took out my membership with CIAT in my firstyear as a student and have found that you areconstantly kept up to date with what ishappening within the field, and also feel you havethe support of a professional body behind you.I was thrilled to receive the Sheffield HallamUniversity Highest Graduating Student inArchitectural Technology Award which has givenme more enthusiasm to get out into practiceagain, work hard and push forward. I am keen tocomplete my POP Record to become aChartered Architectural Technologist.Mark WrightUniversity of BoltonUp to the age of 23 I was a professional footballplayer but following an injury I was forced toretire. I had always been fascinated witharchitecture, buildings and general design andhad carried out two renovation projects and myown selfbuild whilst still a footballer. Followingmy retirement from sport, I enrolled on the BScAT course at the University of Bolton as I knewarchitecture was the career I wanted. As I have ayoung family, the part time course really appealedto me as it allowed me to study whilst being infull time employment. I thoroughly enjoyed the programme andparticularly enjoyed the fact that some of mylectures were shared with other builtenvironment students, both part and full time. Ifeel that this allowed me to learn from the otherstudents' experiences, especially those who haddifferent roles in the construction industry.Nearly all the lecturers had worked in theindustry before coming into teaching and Ifound this hugely beneficial. CIAT President Elect Colin Orr was my courseleader at Bolton and he, along with NooshinAkrami, encouraged my creative and design flairbut importantly made me understand that nomatter what the design, issues such asbuildability, costings and construction detailingare just as important. I feel that the AT degree has allowed me toimprove my design skills but also has ensuredthat whatever I design can be built in the 'realworld'. I received a first class honours degree,graduating top of my year and received theCIOB and CIAT excellence awards, along with aGovernors' Prize from the University.I am currently looking for employment with acompany where I can grow and flourish andbecome an asset.'CIAT keep youconstantly up to date'