Merry Christmas

Just to wish all my followers, fellow members and anyone who reads my blog a Merry Christmas and a healthy and successful New Year 2013.

2013 will my last year as President - a sad thought but I look forward to representing and leading the Institute in the new year.

Architectural Technology: Raising the Profile

A symposium stimulating activity to raise the profile of Architectural Technology held on Friday 7 December 2012 at the University of Ulster, Jordanstown. I was honoured to be one of the speakers for the day.

With a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, the symposium stimulated activity to further raise the profile of Architectural Technology through the sharing of experiences and opportunities in practice and academia.  The one day event brought together a range of professionals, academics and students working and studying in the field of Architectural Technology.

The day looked something like this:

Architectural Technology – Setting the Context
Professor Sam Allwinkle PPBIAT MCIAT 

Theme Overview and University Perspective
Gareth Alexander BSc (Hons) PGCertHEP AFHEA MCIAT, Lecturer in Architectural Technology, University of Ulster 

FE Colleges – Where Further Education Fits In
Andrew Hamilton, Belfast Metropolitan College

CIAT Perspective – What is the Future of Our Discipline?
Mr Colin Orr BA (Hons) DipArch MArch PCIAT RIBA FHEA 

Opportunities and Innovation in Architectural Technology
Leo Forte MCIAT, McLean & Forte Partnership, Belfast based CIAT Practice 

Design + Technology: Bridging the Gap
Scott Kyson MCIAT, MCSD, BIID, Kyson, London based CIAT Practice 

Benefits of KTP and Feeding the Knowledge Back Into the Curriculum
Dr Dave Heesom BEng (Hons) MSc PhD MCIAT MInstKT FHEA
Reader in Building Information Modelling (BIM), University of Wolverhampton 

Architectural Technology: The Scandinavian Perspective
Dr James Harty BArch MArchSc PPCert PGCert PhD RIBA MAA Copenhagen School of Design & Technology, Denmark 

Workshop – What Can We All Do to Raise the Profile?

I hope that there will be papers published from this event.

From left, Scott Kyson, Leo Forte, Gareth Alexander, Professor Peter Walker, Colin Orr, Dr James Harty, Andrew Hamilton, and Dr Dave Heesom.

Society for the Environment Christmas Reception

Earlier this month, I was delighted to attend the Society for the Environment Christmas Reception and meet with fellow professionals and colleagues from the industry on 4 December held at the Institute of Directors.

It was very humbling to learn of the two new Honorary Fellowships with their remarkable achievements within, and contributions to, the world that we live in.

With Adam Endacott, Public Relations Director for CIAT

Meeting with CHOBE

Yesterday, I attended an excellent meeting with Council of Heads of the Built Environment (CHOBE).

CHOBE supports and represents those with strategic responsibility for the development and delivery of graduate and postgraduate education and research within the disciplines of construction, property and surveying.

It provides -

• Networking opportunities for Heads and their colleagues to share and inform each other in respect of knowledge and good practice.
• A means of mutual support at individual and institutional level.
• A forum in which to discuss and solve problems of mutual concern.
• The opportunity to foster relationships to achieve educational and research aims.
• Representation on professional bodies and other organizations in order to strengthen knowledge of the disciplines and their contribution to the economy and to lobby on behalf of our members; and
• The primary point of consultation by external stakeholders for education in our sector.

It comprises Heads of Schools/Departments in UK universities responsible for research, knowledge transfer and learning in the fields of construction, property and surveying whose aim is to work with colleagues to ensure that built environment disciplines are well supported within educational institutions and to act as a representative body.

CIAT and CHOBE were in discussions about how the two organisations can work together for the benefit of both CHOBE constituents and CIAT’s universities and its members.

 

President's Dinner Dance

Saturday 17 November
A fine end to the AGM weekend - my Presidential Dinner Dance at the Titanic Belfast. What a venue and evening!

Our VIP guests were Dame Mary Peters and Sammy Wilson MP, who both spoke during the evening. I was delighted to make all the Award presentations to the winners who were able to attend and celebrate another successful year for CIAT. We danced to the Belfast Jazz Orchestra and I much enjoyed networking and catching up with fellow members and all our guests. It was great to see guests from fellow Institutes such as RIBA, CIOB, ARB, LABC and ABE.

With Sammy Wilson MP

The venue

For those of you who were unable to join us, here is my speech:

Minister, Dame Mary, distinguished guests, fellow members, friends and my family – what a privilege it is to be standing here in this magnificent building, in such a vibrant City. A City which 100 years ago constructed and launched the Titanic from its dockland, and it is because of its centenary that we are here tonight.  As the Institute’s President I am now just starting my second and final year and it gives me immense pleasure to recognise the progress that our essential discipline continues to make in what continues to be difficult times for both our members and the construction industry. Hebrews 12 v1 reminds me that we need to ‘run with patience the race that is set before us’.

However, I know that Architectural Technology is strong and ever more important and will continue to thrive and evolve as the Institute moves towards its 50th Anniversary in 2015.  With its ambitious and young vibrant members I am extremely confident in the future of the discipline for us and all our members, which in turn will ensure the built environment is one fit for now and the future. 

With our fundamental review of how the discipline has evolved, continues to develop and strengthen we look forward to a strengthened membership of a significantly high calibre who will be leaders in their fields.  I would like to thank Professor Sam Allwinkle for the immense amount of work, time and dedication he has, and continues, to put into leading this project.  It is certainly a very exciting time for specialists in Architectural Technology.

We continue to work with Governments and industry partners from across all nations and we are very aware that Westminster is not the only government we should be working with.  Here in Northern Ireland I know that our members have strong links with the relevant departments and also fellow professional bodies and I would extend a personal welcome to those guests from within Northern Ireland who are here with us this evening.

BIM and the Green agenda both for the existing building stock as well as new build, together with the review of Building Regulations and planning issues continue to dominate the topics for action and are topical to all our members wherever they practise in the world. 

As we all now work and live in a global economy we continue our development of international profile, both within Europe working with The Association of European Building Surveyors and Construction Experts (AEEBC) as well as other countries and organisations around the world.  At this time I would also recognise that it is the Republic of Ireland’s 25th Anniversary and soon it will be the Hong Kong Centre’s 30th Anniversary.  Both Centres we support strongly and I have just returned from a very successful visit to Hong Kong and the team at Central Office are working incredibly hard on particular issues currently effecting members in the Republic of Ireland.

Our relationships with fellow Institute’s and organisations have thrived and we now have a Memorandum of Understanding with the RICS which sits alongside those we have with the RIBA and CIOB.  We also partner with other organisations to continue the enhancement of our position and influence.

I am also particularly delighted to be the first President to be fully engaged, along with the Institute, with social media - love it or hate it, it is here to stay and we must engage and use it to our advantage. I shall be blogging about you all! 

2012 has been a significant one in the mission is to position CIAT externally and internally; in June, the Institute was delighted to learn that our Chief Executive received an MBE in Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Birthday Honours, for services to the Architectural Technology profession. October saw our Vice-President Education; Norman Wienand being awarded the title of Professor of Architectural Technology at Sheffield Hallam University, again recognising the position and profile of the discipline.

Before closing, I would like to thank all involved with making this weekend a success especially the CIAT staff both here and back in London and for their ongoing commitment to the Institute. And the Northern Ireland members who have worked incredibly hard over the last few years.  I must also thank all here at the Titanic Building and the associated team for this fabulous evening.
 
It is also essential that we recognise and thank Barry as Immediate Past President. Barry was an incredibly active and motivational President - he set out his ambitions and clearly met them as President.

His desire to enhance communication was demonstrated at all levels from one to one with members through to our impressive use of the social media and industry respected films which I now embrace.

His enthusiasm and attention to the Institute and its members was all the more impressive as he had to fly over from Jersey on a very regular basis which normally required a very early morning or overnight stay or both.  All of this whilst still running a very busy practice with your co-director.

In recognition of his immense contribution, commitment and dedication to CIAT, its members and the discipline of Architectural Technology which during his four-years as President-Elect, President and Immediate Past President would not have been possible without the support of his family and especially his wife Daphne.

I now take great pleasure to invite Barry and Daphne to receive these gifts as a small appreciation of their contribution.

In closing, it gives me great pleasure to welcome the guests to our celebration and I ask the members to please stand and drink a toast to the guests.

Thank you

CIAT AGM

Saturday 17 November
The Institute's AGM was held in the morning at the Europa Hotel - the business of the day was very straight forward and included the announcement of our Award winners, all of which can be seen here:

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbC0IgGpcFIEl5L4pWb50C2VH403S5tBN&feature=plcp

A Night to Remember

After such a great and enjoyable weekend in Belfast, I have finally got down to updating my blog with all the news and events!

Friday 16 November 2012
As the Regional host for the AGM weekend, our Northern Ireland Region organised our Friday social evening which was entitled 'A Night to Remember' to reflect the Titanic theme! Belfast is celebrating the centenary of the Titanic as it was built in its docklands.

We commenced with a tour of the magnificent City Hall - the guide was very knowledgeable and highlighted many interesting stories about the building and artefacts on display.

After the tour, we were then treated to a Civic Reception hosted by the High Sheriff of Belfast, May Campbell, who gave a speech alongside our very own Bob Kay MBE PPBIAT.

With the Northern Ireland Region

Harry Johnston, Regional Chairman, me, May Campbell and Bob Kay

We then all returned to the Europa Hotel for a Titanic quiz and a meal of Irish Stew. Thanks to all the Region for the organisation and for making it a real 'Night to Remember'!

Presented with a Titanic framed photo as a memento

CIAT Awards 2012 (playlist)

Professional Practice Interview Boards in Hong Kong

Whilst in Hong Kong, I was delighted to be part of some Professional Practice Interview Boards and welcome some new Chartered Members who were successful after their interview.

Presidential Tour of Hong Kong

Having found another internet cafe to access my blog, here are just a few images from my Presidential Tour of Hong Kong:

Building on our recent Memorandum of Understanding with the RICS, I met with the Commercial Director, Asia Pacific and Deputy Director, North Asia. RICS are keen to facilitate networking with our Hong Kong Centre and members are invited to RICS CPD events.




Here I am at City University along with the staff from the university, Francesca and Professor Sam Allwinkle

CIAT at City University

Then time for a spot of lunch with the staff at the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education who run our approved programme there - HD Architectural Design and Technology

IVE staff

Snapshots from our meeting with the Hong Kong Centre, members and potential members - great to meet so many new members

I finish with me at the lecturn giving my Presidential address which was followed by a membership futures presentation by Sam.

A President in Hong Kong

This week sees me, along with Francesca Berriman MBE, Chief Executive and  Professor Sam Allwinkle PPBIAT MCIAT in Hong Kong. We are visiting the CIAT Hong Kong Centre and also meeting with educational establishments and like minded organisations to advance the Architectural Technology discipline and ensure that recognition continues.

Hermann Fong MCIAT (centre) with fellow Centre Members

Francesca and I meeting with the Hong Kong Centre

Support of a letter to Government

CIAT is a signatory to the Society for the Environment’s (SocEnv) letter to support the IMechE in its call for the Government to analyse carefully the benefits of energy storage to Edward Davey MP as Secretary of State.

Dear Secretary of State

The Society for the Environment supports the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), one of its members, in its call for the Government to analyse carefully the benefits of energy storage and to consider whether current regulatory and commercial policies and mechanisms are holding back the development of innovative technologies.

There is a need to balance supply and real-time demand as renewable energy sources, which are by their nature intermittent, form an increasing part of the UK’s energy mix.   Storage is one way of helping to do this.  A number of innovative storage methods have been developed and demonstrated in the UK, and some reports have estimated a potential global market of up to $25 billion.  These include, for example, cryogenic storage, where electricity is used to liquefy air, which is later expanded through a turbine to recover the energy as electricity.  This technology has recently been demonstrated at pilot plant scale by a UK company.  The demonstration was covered by the BBC in its Today programme and on its website, and a summit at IMechE on the subject was attended by your own officials.  Other approaches have been developed and demonstrated, at a range of scales which can be suited to all parts of the energy market.  Storage is also important for other forms of energy, including heat from such sources as wood-fuelled boilers, which work most efficiently when run continuously and where supply therefore needs to be balanced to demand.

The potential of storage is serious enough to be the subject of a proper analysis.  There are a number of constraints that could hold back further development, including the rate-of return-requirements applicable to transmission and distribution companies and the fact that electricity storage, if it is not recognised as a market sector in its own right, could fall foul of European rules that exclude network operators from generation.  If the development of appropriate technologies is held back there is a danger that they will be exported and that UK businesses will lose out.                                                                                                                         

The Society for the Environment works to champion a professional approach to environmental issues by licensing institutions, under a Royal Charter, to award the title “Chartered Environmentalist”.  We acknowledge that there is a range of views on energy policy, but all our members support the need for policy decisions to be based on evidence and sound science, and to be implemented by qualified professionals.  We therefore support IMechE in its call for energy storage to be subject to a thorough analysis so that it can be properly considered as policy development is taken forward.   

Yours sincerely,

                          

CAROLYN ROBERTS Chair

ALEX GALLOWAY Chief Executive

Supported by

FRANCESCA BERRIMAN MBE Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists	MICHAEL BROWN Chartered Institute of Building
NICK REEVES Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management	TIM BRIGSTOCKE Institute of Agricultural Management
DOUGAL DRIVER Institute of Chartered Foresters	MARTIN BAXTER Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment
CHRIS WHETNALL Institution of Agricultural Engineers	NEIL ATKINSON Institution of Chemical Engineers
WILLIAM POPE Institution of Environmental Sciences	MICHAEL DORAN Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
NICK JONES Society of Operations Engineers	TIM BOLDERO Institute of Water