Recorded 17 November 2025

Welcome to Where it's AT | the Architectural Technology Podcast

In this special 'CIAT at 60 anniversary' episode of 'Where it's AT,' CIAT President Eddie Weir and President-Elect Usman Yaqub discuss the evolution of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) and the discipline of Architectural Technology. The conversation highlights CIAT's journey from its founding in 1965 to its current status as a leading global voice in Architectural Technology. The co-Hosts share personal reflections on leadership, the importance of continuous improvement, and the Institute's future direction in tackling challenges like climate change, digital transformation, and inclusivity. They also emphasise the significance of supporting and developing the next generation of professionals in the field.

Eddie Weir PCIAT PPCIAT 

Eddie Weir is the President of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists and has previously held the posts of Vice-President Practice and Regional Chair for the Northern Ireland Regional Committee. 

Externally, Eddie is the Vice-Chair of the Northern Ireland Construction Professionals Council (which is affiliated to the CIC) and is a member of the Management Boards of the prestigious NI Construction Group and the Construction Industry Forum of Northern Ireland, representing the industry at the highest level. He is also the President for the Architects’ Benevolent Society (ABS) where Architectural Technology professionals are supported alongside architects.

Eddie is a frequent guest speaker at professional seminars and workshops regarding Architectural Technology and architecture. He also represents CIAT as an expert witness at Parliament Buildings at Stormont, when required. 

 In November 2014, Eddie was a recipient of the prestigious CIAT Gold Award for his services to the Northern Ireland Region.  

Usman Yaqub FCIAT

Usman Yaqub PCIAT FCIAT has worked in the field of architecture and the built environment since 2007 and is a Fellow Member and recently inaugurated President of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT).  As the founder and principal of his own architectural practice, Usman has developed extensive experience across projects of all scales — from early feasibility studies and planning, through to detailed design and construction. 

With a career grounded in technical design and delivery, Usman is passionate about promoting the value of Architectural Technology (AT)  and the essential role Chartered Architectural Technologists and Technologists play in shaping a sustainable, innovative, and inclusive built environment.  This passion can also be found in Usman’s academic role as Associate Lecturer at the University of the West of England, where he is able mentor and guide the future talent of AT.

 As President of CIAT, Usman is honoured to represent and champion the discipline of Architectural Technology — advocating for its recognition, influence, and future direction within the wider built environment. In this role, Usman is committed to supporting members at every stage of their professional journey, strengthening collaboration across industry and education. 

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Highlights

00:00 Introduction

01:09 Special Episode: CIAT's 60th Anniversary

01:45 Reflections on Leadership and Achievements

02:11 Historical Milestones of CIAT

03:42 Eddie Weir's Leadership Journey

08:22 Usman Yaqub's Vision for the Future

08:57 Challenges and Opportunities in Architectural Technology

22:19 The Importance of Inclusivity and Diversity

24:06 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

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Key Takeaways

Leadership means taking responsibility and being honest.

Eddie Weir shared that leading CIAT taught him the importance of carrying responsibility, being clear with people, and always trying to improve. Good leaders are open, build trust, and help others move forward together.

Architectural Technologists are problem solvers who must keep learning.

Eddie and Usman talked about how the profession faces many changes, like climate change and new technology. They said it is important for members to keep learning, share their skills, and be ready to solve new problems.

Supporting the next generation and being inclusive is key for the future.

The interview highlighted the need to help students and new members, making their path easier and more welcoming. They also said that having people from different backgrounds makes the profession stronger and better for everyone.

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Know someone who could benefit from listening?  Subscribe and share this episode with your network.

Know someone with a story to tell or a topic to explore?  Email us at atpodcast@ciat.global to nominate a guest or a topic.

Want to learn more about Architectural Technology, how to progress your career, or how to work with a Chartered AT?  Head to architecturaltechnology.com to find out more

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Podcast recorded and edited by: Jon Clayton [Podcasting]

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Disclaimer

The contents and views expressed by individuals in the Where it's AT podcast are their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of the companies they work for or the Host. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as advice.

The episode transcript is AI-generated. Typos or incorrect words may still be present.

Eddie Weir PCIAT PPCIAT: We are both standing on the shoulders of many people

who's built CIAT into what it is today.

And at the same time, we have the responsibility of helping

to ensure that the institute.

Does continue to evolve and thrive long end of the future

and for the next 60 years.

Usman Yaqub FCIAT: I think the role of Architectural Technologist is only

going to become even more critical as the industry faces challenges like

climate change, digital transformation, and the need for greater inclusivity.

Welcome to Where it's AT.

The podcast from CIAT shining a spotlight on the future focused design

discipline of Architectural Technology.

Know someone who could benefit from listening.

Subscribe and share this episode with your network.

Eddie Weir PCIAT PPCIAT: Hello, my name is Eddie Weir and I'm the

president of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists.

I'm delighted to be joined today by Usman Yaqub, who is

CIAT's current president-elect.

And of course, that's our status at the time of recording.

Welcome, Usman.

It's always a pleasure.

Usman Yaqub FCIAT: Thank you for having me.

Eddie Weir PCIAT PPCIAT: This is a special episode of where it's at and

it marks a major milestone, and that of course is CIAT 60th anniversary.

We'll be celebrating this by looking back at our journey so far and looking ahead.

Uh, to what the next 60 years might hold for this wonderful institute and the

discipline of Architectural Technology.

So those who know me will know that I make no secret.

The fact that I just love everything about CIAT and this fabulous

discipline of Architectural Technology.

Many of you'll have heard me saying continually that as an institute

we must always be improving.

On a reflection, as I come to the end of my second term as president, I can

honestly say hand and heart, that CIAT is in the best position that it's ever been.

Well, as far as I can remember anyway.

And that, of course, is quite simply down to the hardworking efforts of

our wonderful central office staff and are dedicated members who continually

volunteer their time selflessly to promote and support everything that we do.

When you think back, CIAT has come a long way since its very humble beginnings

as A-S-A-A-T to become the leading global voice for the discipline and

profession of architectural technology.

It's pretty incredible to think that 43 people gathered on the 12th

of February, 1965, the four of the foundations of what we know today as CIAT.

If we fast forward to 2025 with between nine and 10,000 members and affiliates,

CIAT is in an incredible inclusive institute that leads and promotes

architectural technology and sets them, maintains the standards for education

and practice all throughout the world.

If I was to pick out other standout moments in the past 60 years, we would

have to mention, you know, that granting of our royal charter in our 40th year, uh,

and the formation of the protected title of Chartered Architectural Technologists.

And my goodness, let's not forget our first AGM, which was held outside

of Europe, and that was in Hong Kong, which I think was 2007, 2008.

Trip was absolutely amazing.

And of course we've hosted AGM weekends regionally, all over the

UK and all our other centers and most recently, uh, in Denmark.

And of course, for those who'd like to know a wee bit more about our

detailed history, we have a special part of our website all dedicated this.

Please take your time.

Have we look?

Usman Yaqub FCIAT: You've raised some really interesting points, Eddie.

One particular area, obviously you now are a two term president.

And it'd be really interesting to hear about what excites you about

the institute, but particularly what you've learned about leadership that

you'll carry with you beyond your term.

And I think the membership, uh, old and new would be really

interested to hear more about that.

Eddie Weir PCIAT PPCIAT: My goodness.

Well, suppose without a doubt being, um, the president of

CIAT on both occasions is.

Definitely shaped my understanding of leadership and in, uh, ways that the

most certainly always stay with me long after, uh, this second term ends.

I suppose it fits really well with one of my own personal standout moments

and that would be taken to the stage in the 2018 President's Ball in

Glasgow, just after becoming president earlier that day at our AGM event.

Obviously the run up to that election process that was focused on my

manifesto focus points, and they were inspire, promote, and support.

I'd said it that many times as you'll know throughout their whole manifesto campaign,

and I was pretty confident in how I was gonna be able to deliver on these.

Then Cummins, the announcement as I sat at the dinner table.

Please welcome to the stage the president of the Chartered Institute of.

Architectural Technologist, Mr. Eddie Weir and without a nerve in my body.

I took to the lecturn and looked over at the hundreds of members,

guests standing, clapping in chair near, had a heart attack.

Um, honestly, for me standing there, it seemed to go on for ages.

It was like I was watching it in slow motion.

I mean saying thank you, you're very kind a couple of times nodding, you know,

sort of waiting for the noise to sort of die down and still the cheering kept on.

If you look back at the fellow footage, you'll see me say, wow,

it was truly incredible and I never experienced anything legged in my life.

At that moment, I felt a huge weight of responsibility.

'cause all of these people and all of our members had put their faith

in me to represent them and our institute to the best of my abilities.

And for that sort of reason, it's why it's so important for me to continually

put a big shift in, you know, everybody will say, oh geez, Eddie's so busy.

He's running length of breath of the country.

That's the reason for me why that's so.

So considering that one of the most significant lessons has been recognizing

that weight responsibility, that comes with leading an institute.

And it's not about guiding day-to-day operations.

It's about overseeing the organization's reputation, safeguarding its

values, making sure that that the decisions that are set are

set on the tone for the future.

Leadership requires constantly boss and what is right for individuals and what

is right for the institute as a whole.

And understanding that every action carries an impact beyond that moment.

I've also learned that it's so important to manage people's expectations clearly

and consistently, people naturally look to leadership for direction,

for reassurance and for answers.

For me, it's important to be transparent and when the message that you need

to deliver sometimes isn't difficult.

You gotta make sure that you build trust and that everybody's engaged and comes

along that journey with you at times X.

Expectations can exceed what's possible, but I've discovered that being honest,

being a good communicator, and most importantly being grounded helps

people feel respected and informed.

Perhaps the lesson, the most value is the importance of.

Continuous improvement.

As an institute, we cannot stand still.

You know, you'll have said it earlier and I'll be saying it

many, many times in the future.

We, what they are members, uh, our discipline, uh, and our future.

To always look for ways to, to refine what we do, question how we operate,

and always strive to be better.

You know, leadership means fostering a culture where progress is not

just encouraged, it's expected.

Where every challenge becomes an opportunity to learn and every success

becomes a foundation to build upon these lessons of responsibility.

Clarity of expectations and commitment of ongoing improvement will shape

how I lead, uh, in all of my roles that I would take on from here.

So Oman, at no time at all, you're gonna be CIAT's next president,

and of course I'll be there alongside you for the next year.

Paying on your side help you to whatever you need.

Tell me what excites you most about leading CIAT on the next part of its

journey and give us a wee taste of some of the issues that are close to your heart.

Usman Yaqub FCIAT: Most definitely.

Obviously the, the immediate one is obviously I'm gonna have

a whole year with Mr. Weir, so that's, that's absolutely amazing.

Eddie Weir PCIAT PPCIAT: God love you.

Usman Yaqub FCIAT: But honestly I, what really excites me, uh, as we move into

this new era of architectural technology, I do really feel like the, the amount

of development that's happening at the moment is absolutely, uh, mind blowing.

We've got.

Challenges in a range of sectors where we are looking at housing

shortages, retrofit, climate change, safety regulation, um, new composite

materials, materials that were once allowed or no longer allowed.

We've got ai, which is hugely affecting a whole range of areas.

however, the real key and important element is that all of these areas where

chartered architectural technologists do and will thrive, we are problem solvers.

And as someone once said is where the Swiss army knife, so we innovators

and this is our moment to lead.

This is our moment to move forward.

Take.

Note, sit at the table, be present in the rooms that you are, you were

uncomfortable with, but now you realize that you are most welcome, you are needed.

This, this is the time for all of our peers to take a step

forward and actually get involved.

There's, going back to my manifesto, there was three key areas that I was looking at,

making sure that I could have an effect.

I hope to have an effect in all of those areas and many more with the support

of, um, obviously past presidents, um, the central office, and also the

hundreds of people who give their valuable time year in, year out to

help not only the institute, but also the industry and society as a whole.

First, there's developing our members through a stronger CPD framework.

CPD in 43 is my brainchild, and it's shown that people have a hunger to

improve their professional development.

They want high quality learning, and I want to build on that and in and

introduce things that would be most relevant for the membership and also

ultimately benefit, uh, everyone as a whole in the longer term.

Secondly is showcasing our value.

We have so much expertise in the profession, but we need to shout

about it louder and prouder.

That means elevating campaigns like the Wheres It Act campaign, the

podcasts that we're doing right now, and a whole range of other services

that we can offer, and that will.

Make us more present and make us, um, better heard and better understood.

Strengthening our identity and giving both individuals and practices better

support, especially around areas of the business of architecture.

Many other facets would be hugely valuable to the membership, society

as a whole, then the general public.

And third and very importantly, retaining and supporting the next generation.

There's hundreds of at students that graduate every year, and we need

to make their journey to chartered status clearer, more engaging and

better supported strengthening that pipeline and launching the Future

Leaders Initiative, which Eddie was.

Uh, pushing forward for many years, and hopefully we can bring that into

formality with the support of aspirations.

As long as they're happy with the content and the structure of that

is a huge opportunity for the institute, and we really need to

make sure that we are creating that continuity in that pipeline of.

Highly skilled students that have come young, really hungry,

wanting to get involved and actually have a positive change.

Ultimately, what excites me the most is championing this profession.

Of incredibly talented and incredibly important people who

can take on any role when given.

And this is the right time for architectural technology to be a louder

voice, a stronger voice, and have, um, as big as impact as we possibly can

to make improvement for our current generations and our future generations.

Eddie Weir PCIAT PPCIAT: The, uh, the, I love the wee bit there about the

Swiss Army Knives of architecture.

I gonna have to put my hand up.

That was me.

That's one of my, that's one of my teasers.

And it's for every, I remember, I remember, uh, being at a, a seminar

and someone says, oh, uh, Chartered Architectural Technologist, are the

Swiss Army knives of Architecture.

And then they said, I'm not too sure who, who conned that phrase.

And I'm sitting with a big grin in the background.

Oh, that would be me.

Know someone with a story to tell or a topic to

explore email atpodcast@ciat.global to nominate a guest or a topic.

Usman Yaqub FCIAT: Classic.

Often, I often, to be honest, I often talk about the Rubik's Cube and I, and

I say that what, what an AT does is we can solve a Rubik's cube whilst having a

conversation, because often we'll be given a problem and the co problem constantly

changes and we'll have the Rubik's cube in our hand and we're slowly solving

it whilst also speaking to someone.

Um.

People often, especially probably someone who's quite qualified,

understands exactly what I mean.

But whenever I say it to students, students go, oh my

God, is that what I have to do?

And I always, I always say to 'em, look, it comes with

time, you'll be perfectly fine.

But it's just, I'm just trying to give a bit of an idea of

how it could potentially work.

Eddie Weir PCIAT PPCIAT: Our we brains are wired completely different to everybody

else, but we, we have this wonderful ability to have a, an imagination of

what our finished projects looks like in our head, uh, and try to get that image

of what that is over to your client.

And that's what we have all this wonderful, modern technology to do.

So.

Usman Yaqub FCIAT: Exactly, but o on on that, all of this points, these points

that we're making, there's an element of reflection that we could do as, so.

I would really like to hear about what it means to you to have represented CIAT at

such a milestone moment, but not only such a milestone moment for how coming to the

end of a second term of being president, um, being a, a lead in an architectural

practice in Northern Ireland, offering services, um, all over the country, um,

engaging with, uh, lots of different people from different walks of life.

Uh, it'd be amazing to sort of hear more about that.

Eddie Weir PCIAT PPCIAT: Yeah, getting a, getting, uh, putting,

uh, uh, your manifesto ahead and getting elected once is incredible.

Uh, to do it twice.

It's something else.

I, I dunno what used word letting yourselves in for, but, uh, here we're,

we're near to the end of it, but, so I'm always, I'm always joking about it.

It's, uh, uh.

Put the faith in, in our electoral colleagues and our processes.

Uh, so yeah, for that, and only thank you for, for, for letting me represent

you and, and represent CIAT Of course.

It is a special thing, especially during the, the 60th anniversary

year, and probably it's been one of the greatest honors of my life.

Uh, I've honestly been overwhelmed.

You know, I, I, I couldn't say it enough about the amount of personal support

that I've received, and of course, a lot of that's from all our members, but.

From the way their industry circles as well.

You know, you'll have seen me, uh, networking and chatting to, you

know, hundreds and thousands of people at all these events, and I

feel as if I nearly know everyone.

But milestones like this don't come around though often, you know?

Uh, and being part of such a significant moment in the institute's history made

me feel both humbled and deeply proud.

Usman, we.

We are both standing on the shoulders of many people who's

built CIAT into what it is today.

Leaders, volunteers, members, associates whose dedication over the

last 60 years has shaped our very identity, our impact on our brand.

And at the same time, we have the responsibility of helping

to ensure that the institute.

Does continue to evolve and thrive long end of the future

and for the next 60 years.

And one of the elements of this role that has mattered most to me is just

what you mentioned there, champion succession planning, uh, and supporting

the future leaders within CAET.

Celebrating those 60 years reminded me that our longevity only matters

if we invest in the next generation.

You know, those who'll take the institute further than we can ever dream of.

You know, I see these young people in aspiration groups at

all our events, and we think that we are really good at network.

No, these guys are amazing at a, that's a different level.

Uh, and I know when, when they're standing in the positions that we

are, uh, they're gonna be absolutely incredible at what they do.

And being able to com contribute to that sort of pipeline, uh, of emerging talent

has been, for me, incredibly rewarding.

And it's something that'll remain.

And I'll remain passionate for forever.

And for one last reflection, I would say that to represent CIAT

at such an important moment in this journey is something yeah,

that I'll always carry with me.

And it's reinforced how meaningful our work is.

How strong.

Amazing and incredible our AT Community can be and how vital it is to continue

improving our institute as presidents.

We are just a small part of CIAT's leadership history and hope you

feel that I have served you well.

So Usman, before you take us out, tell us how you see the role of the discipline

evolving in response to the emerging challenges like climate resilience,

digital transformation, and inclusivity.

Usman Yaqub FCIAT: Definitely.

Um, but whilst, whilst you was raising those points, it really came to mind.

Some really interesting points because, for example, let's look at myself.

I can give you the, the, the way I've grown with this institute.

So I came from a student on an accredited degree, then I volunteered helping some

bits and bobs, then regional chair, fellow, and then winning the gold award.

And these were really pivotal for me.

Considering deeper engagement with the institution, almost, uh, relatively

serendipity to a certain degree of me sort of really getting involved and being

basically awarded for this involvement.

So honestly, for everyone who is thinking about it or has done this,

it's really key for you to get involved.

In the institute and really help us affect change.

We have a huge amount of consultations, uh, groups, societies, um, and so on.

Obviously, Eddie's, um, jump in if there's any bits that I missed, but ultimately

there's a. The technical expertise that we have and the way in which we can engage.

There's often the need for us to feed back to government, um, to

legislation, to British standards.

These can have an effect not only regionally, nationally,

but also internationally.

And these are really, really important don't ever think that you

don't have a reason to be involved.

Your thoughts are valid.

We want you to be involved.

We need you to be involved, and you are the future of architectural technology

regarding the, the points on evolution of the profession.

It sort of echoes parts of the conversation that we've already raised.

I think the role of architectural technologist is only going to become

even more critical as the industry faces challenges like climate

change, digital transformation, and the need for greater inclusivity.

these are very specific problems and these are only a few that we're touching

on, but these are social ones and also these are ones where we thankfully

have a skill set that really shines.

So it's not just these three, it's just that we have the time to sort of run

over these three on climate resilience.

We have an area where at already lead.

On building performance, building physics, materials, regulations, and

whole life thinking, the whole circle of life in regards to reuse and so on.

With issues like flooding, overheating, rack and biodiversity, net gain,

becoming everyday challenges.

Our ability to bridge design and building physics makes us an essential partner

to create safe future proof buildings.

And then we have digital transformation.

This is another huge opportunity where whether it's ai.

Building information, modeling automation, data driven design, and so on.

Again, there's only so much we can run over because these are, each and

every one of these are quite complex environments to discuss, and architectural

technologists are naturally positioned to turn these tools into real world, world

solutions and unlock hidden potential.

We understand how technology integrates with construction, and

that makes us key to driving in innovation rather than reacting to it.

And then when it comes to inclusivity, both.

Who we design for and who enters a profession.

I see eighties playing a major leadership role.

We're a profession rooted in problem solving, practicality and collaboration

that gives us the ability to champion inclusive design, but also a, attract

a more diverse generation of students and future leaders, especially

if we strengthen that journey from student to chartered status.

This then would be fully representative of all the, the ratio of.

Male to female, the various backgrounds of people from different working

classes, different and so on.

There's all these different areas where it would enrich the environment

further, and even abilities and disabilities, et cetera.

All of these different facets are so integral to be part of

this, this space, because it will help and enrich this space.

So for me, the evolution is clear.

Architectural technologists will be the technical anchors of a

rapidly changing built environment.

Our expertise in performance technology and people focused design puts us right

at the heart of industry's biggest challenges and its biggest opportunities.

I hope both what me and Eddie have raised during this.

Very short podcast goes into some way of highlighting the huge opportunities we

have and the reflection that we could do on the past because the past helps inform

the present and the future, and we have all of this potential with all of the

burgeoning technological developments that are coming and how we adapt and how we

could potentially change to take advantage of those in the best way possible.

This brings an end to this very special 60th anniversary episode of Where's it at?

A heartfelt thank you to Eddie Weir, immediate press president,

not yet, but almost for sharing his reflections and insights as we

celebrates six decades of progress.

Innovation and professional excellence.

We are also looking forward to a future shaped by collaboration,

creativity, and growth.

Thank you ever so much for listening, and please do tune in for future episodes.

Are

Eddie Weir PCIAT PPCIAT: Thank you very much.

Thank you.

You've been listening to where it's at.

A huge thanks to our guests and to you for listening.

Want to learn more about architectural technology, how to progress your

career, or how to work with a Chartered Architectural Technologist?

Head to architectural technology.com to find out more.

The contents and views expressed by individuals in the where it's at

podcasts are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of the

companies they work for or the host.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should

not be considered as advice.