CIAT, also known as the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists, was founded after a report from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) that called for an establishment of ‘an institute for technicians’. This resulted in the formation of SAAT, the Society of Architectural and Associated Technician, which represented and allowed technicians to be qualified within construction. Within the first year over 1,799 technicians joined the Society.
The following few decades the Society faced two problems; the recognition of the new Society and also getting more members to join. However, they were successful in overcoming both issues, which lead them to become a lead body in the construction industry.
Later on in 1986, SAAT was renamed to BIAT (British Institute of Architectural Technicians), this was done to reflect the Architectural Technicians specialism. But was then changed to the British Institute of Architectural Technologists in 1994, as a recognition of the educational developments and the practice of the professionally qualified Architectural Technologist.
As of now, the institution continues to grow as it becomes more respected and the discipline of Architectural Technology widens. Especially internationally, with its establishment of the new Overseas Centres.
(Image Reference - Building Academy [Online]. Available from: https://www.thebuildingacademy.com/publisher/51/Chartered_Institute_of_Architectural_Technologists_CIAT (Accessed February 1st, 2017)