Where it's AT - the Architectural Technology podcast

Available Episodes

5 of 14

Collaborative working for sustainable outcomes - a real life example with Chris Halligan MCIAT & Alex Tilley | 013
Welcome to Where it's AT | the Architectural Technology Podcast.In this episode, Chris Halligan MCIAT and Alex Tilley Senior Building Performance Consultant at Nulla Carbo, discuss the importance of integrating sustainability into building design from the early stages. They share their experience working on a mixed-use development project in Holbeck, Leeds. They explore how sustainability was addressed using dynamic thermal modelling, natural ventilation, and passive cooling techniques. The episode highlights the need for an integrated design team to achieve truly sustainable buildings and discusses the challenges and solutions they encountered during the project.Chris Halligan MCIAT is a Chartered Architectural Technologist (MCIAT) and Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv), and current Chair of CIAT's Climate Society, with a career spanning over three decades. Chris has been involved with a wide range of architectural projects, this experience covers leading teams from inception to completion across a variety of sectors including residential, educational, commercial, leisure and institutional spheres. As well as being adept at the technical and functional resolution of buildings, Chris also specialises in Sustainable Design with a particular interest in the use and performance of building materials in respect to the environment. In this capacity he is an accomplished public speaker, presenter, guest lecturer, and advisor.Alex Tilley is a Senior Building Performance Consultant at Nulla Carbo. with a focus on zero carbon road mapping and holistic sustainability. Alex has been in the construction industry for 4 years, keeping up with the rapid evolution of the industry as it looks to target ‘net zero’. As an accredited domestic and non-domestic energy assessor, Alex can consult on and support with the development of ‘truly sustainable’ new and existing buildings, with decisions driven by data drawn from dynamic simulation modelling software, considering natural daylight, thermal comfort, operational energy and Part L compliance.—Highlights00:00 Introduction00:35 Meet the Hosts: Chris Halligan and Alex Tilley02:44 Project Overview: Holbeck Area Development03:46 Challenges in Sustainable Design07:06 Collaborative Solutions for Daylighting11:21 Innovative Ventilation and Cooling Strategies19:05 Financial and Environmental Impact24:16 Conclusion—Key TakeawaysEarly Integration of Sustainability is EssentialSustainability must be considered from the very beginning of a building project. Attempting to add sustainable features as an afterthought or as “bolt-on” systems is far less effective. The interview highlights that a truly sustainable outcome depends on involving an integrated design team at the earliest stages, ensuring that environmental performance is embedded in the building’s fabric and design strategy from inception.Collaboration Between Disciplines Drives Better SolutionsThe success of the Holbeck Project was largely due to the close collaboration between Architectural Technologists and building physicists. By combining practical experience with technical modelling, the team was able to develop and refine innovative solutions - such as optimised daylighting, natural ventilation, and the use of phase change materials - that would not have been possible in isolation. This iterative, evidence-based approach led to more effective and tailored outcomes.Financial and Environmental Benefits Go Hand in HandThe interview demonstrates that sustainable design is not just about environmental responsibility; it also makes financial sense. By presenting operational cost savings, payback periods, and maintenance considerations alongside...
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Biophilia in Architectural Technology: The Professional Lens with Amelia Chasey MCIAT and Ann Vanner FCIAT | 012
Welcome to Where it's AT | the Architectural Technology PodcastAmelia Chasey MCIAT and Ann Vanner FCIAT explore the intersection of nature and architecture, discussing the concept of biophilia and its impact on the built environment. They explore how Architectural Technologists can integrate biophilic principles to enhance human well-being, productivity, and ecological sustainability. The conversation covers educational approaches, the influence of biophilic design in various sectors, and the idea of incorporating nature as a key stakeholder in design processes. This episode emphasises the importance of designing spaces that feel alive and support life, from professional practices to personal choices.Ann Vanner FCIAT is an accomplished Chartered Architectural Technologist, designer, and research consultant. She runs Healing Buildings, a design practice and educational consultancy dedicated to integrating health and wellbeing into architectural practices. With extensive experience in school, university, and research facility design, she is a passionate advocate for the role of nature in the built environment and emphasises the importance of sustainable, health-promoting spaces. Ann is also a Living Futures accredited professional and a seasoned academic, leveraging her diverse expertise to drive industry innovation.Amelia Chasey MCIAT is a passionate Chartered Architectural Technologist with specialist expertise in Biophilic Design. Driven by both personal and professional experience within the built environment, she is committed to enhancing health and wellbeing through thoughtful, human-centered architectural solutions.—00:00 Introduction00:38 Meet the Hosts: Amelia and Ann01:20 Understanding Biophilia in Architecture03:35 The Impact of Biophilic Design05:39 Biophilia in Education and Professional Development14:11 Research Supporting Biophilia18:46 Personal and Professional Applications of Biophilia23:02 Final Thoughts and Takeaways—See nature as an important part of every building project, right from the start. Instead of thinking about plants or natural features as something to add later, you can make better choices by including nature in your plans and decisions from day one. This way, your designs will be more thoughtful and connected to the world around you.When you bring natural elements like daylight, fresh air, and greenery into buildings, you help people feel happier, healthier, and more comfortable. These changes can make a big difference in how people work, learn, and live. By thinking about how nature affects people, you can create spaces that are not just useful, but also pleasant and good for wellbeing.Learning about biophilia and using it in your work is something that matters at every stage, from your first lessons in school to your daily job as a professional. You can keep growing your knowledge and skills by staying curious and open to new ideas. This helps you make better choices in your projects and supports a way of working that cares for both people and the planet.—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 [email protected] 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—Podcast recorded and edited by: Jon Clayton...
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The School of Biophilia: Connecting Nature, Design, and Wellbeing with Ann Vanner FCIAT and Amelia Chasey MCIAT | 011
Welcome to Where it's AT | the Architectural Technology PodcastIn this episode of 'Where it's AT,' host Ann Vanner FCIAT, a Chartered Architectural Technologist and co-founder of The School of Biophilia, is joined by co-founder Amelia Chasey MCIAT. They explore the concept of biophilia and its profound impact on human health and wellbeing. Amelia shares her personal journey with biophilic design, sparked by her challenges with a chronic pain illness, and how it led her to advocate for integrating nature into the built environment. They discuss the importance of biophilic design in architecture, its benefits supported by research, and how The School of Biophilia aims to educate professionals and the general public about creating healthier and more productive spaces.Ann Vanner FCIAT is an accomplished Chartered Architectural Technologist, designer, and research consultant. She runs Healing Buildings, a design practice and educational consultancy dedicated to integrating health and wellbeing into architectural practices. With extensive experience in school, university, and research facility design, she is a passionate advocate for the role of nature in the built environment and emphasises the importance of sustainable, health-promoting spaces. Ann is also a Living Futures accredited professional and a seasoned academic, leveraging her diverse expertise to drive industry innovation.Amelia Chasey MCIAT is a passionate Chartered Architectural Technologist with specialist expertise in Biophilic Design. Driven by both personal and professional experience within the built environment, she is committed to enhancing health and wellbeing through thoughtful, human-centered architectural solutions.—00:00 Introduction00:44 Meet Your Hosts01:19 Understanding Biophilia03:15 Amelia's Journey to Biophilia07:11 Impact of Biophilic Design on Health12:28 The School of Biophilia14:46 Evidence Supporting Biophilic Design20:14 Practical Applications and Final Thoughts24:26 Conclusion and Farewell—You benefit from being close to nature.When you connect with nature, you feel better, work better, and your health improves. Even small changes, like having more sunlight or plants around you, can make a big difference in your daily life.You can shape your environment to support your wellbeing.By making simple changes to your home, school, or workplace, you can create a space that helps you feel happier and more comfortable. Paying attention to things like light, air, and natural elements can help you enjoy your surroundings more.You can help others by sharing what you know.When you learn how nature and good design help you, you can share these ideas with others. By working together, you can make your community, school, or office a better place for everyone.—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 [email protected] 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—Podcast recorded and edited by: Jon Clayton [Podcasting]—DisclaimerThe 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...
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Introducing Where it's AT - the Architectural Technology podcast
Welcome to Where it's AT | the Architectural Technology PodcastWhere it's AT is the podcast dedicated to Architectural Technology, presented by CIAT. It celebrates the individuals and projects advancing the discipline, featuring 30-minute monthly episodes released on the last Friday of the month. With conversations from both aspiring and practicing Architectural Technologists and thought leaders.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 [email protected] 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 morePodcast recorded and edited by: Jon Clayton [Podcasting]DisclaimerThe 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.
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Professional Standards Competency Framework Update with Paul Laycock MCIAT & Noora Kokkarinen | 010
Welcome to Where it's AT | the Architectural Technology PodcastIn this episode of 'Where it's AT', co-hosted by Paul Laycock MCIAT, CIAT's Vice President of Education and CIAT’s Head of Education, Noora Kokkarinen, discusses the recent updates to the Professional Standards Competency Framework (PSCF). The conversation highlights the enhanced focus on fire safety, health, ethical conduct, and continuous professional development. Paul explains the implications for both current and prospective Chartered Architectural Technologists, outlining the new standards in education, practice, and professional conduct. The discussion also underscores the broader impact on the Architectural Technology profession and the construction industry.—00:00 Introduction00:36 Overview of the Professional Standards Competency Framework (PSCF)01:06 Detailed Changes in the PSCF04:07 Stages of the PSCF Process09:28 Impact of PSCF on the Profession and Industry12:55 Additional Resources and Final Thoughts14:07 Conclusion and Farewell—Key TakeawaysThe Professional Standards Competency Framework (PSCF) update is transformative for the field of Architectural Technology, addressing future demands around sustainability, technical innovation, and ethical considerations.The updated PSCF places significant emphasis on fire safety, health, safety, materials, building performance, ethics, behaviour, professional conduct, and continuous professional development (CPD), ensuring that Architectural Technologists are well-prepared for the industry's evolving standards.The PSCF enhances clarity and confidence for industry stakeholders, assuring clients and collaborators of professionals' competence in delivering high standards throughout their careers, while also promoting the value of Architectural Technologists in all project stages.The PSCF document referred to in this episode of Where it’s AT can be found here: MCIAT Professional Assessment.—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 [email protected] 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—Podcast recorded and edited by: Jon Clayton [Podcasting]—DisclaimerThe 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.
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