Robert Gordon University’s (RGU) Professor Richard Laing and Tahar Kouider have been appointed as chair and vice chair of the Research Group at the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT).

Working with the group, Richard and Tahar will be facilitating debate of key research challenges and harnessing the work produced by universities that offer CIAT Accredited Architectural Technology programmes.

The aim of the Institute’s Research Group is to support, encourage and disseminate research and innovative working in the profession, through knowledge exchange and working between practice, research and education.

Prof Laing said: “Tahar and I are thrilled to have been appointed Vice-Chair and Chair of CIAT’s Research Group and we hope to use our experience to build on the important work being done by the Institute for the Architectural Technology discipline.”

Professor Sam Allwinkle PPBIAT MCIAT, chair of CIAT’s Education Board which established the Research Group and its Terms of Reference, said: “In restructuring the Group, CIAT wanted its membership to be drawn from both members and non-members to broaden the scope and opportunities to deliver within its Terms of Reference.

“The Research Group will push the importance of developing further the Architectural Technology research culture and increasing the reach and economic, environmental and social impact of the discipline.”

Since 1999 Prof Laing has led a number of research commissions, including ‘Streetscapes’ (Scottish Enterprise), ‘Greenspace’ (ECFP5, Scottish lead) and ‘Urban Connections (Aberdeen City Growth).

Prof Laing has extensive experience of research concerning holistic value assessment in the built environment, including studies on design evaluation, the use of computer games technology in design, building conservation and innovative housing. His research concerning design evaluation has made a significant and innovative use of 3D virtual models to present various designs and environmental scenarios.

Tahar Kouider MCIAT is a Chartered Architectural Technologist and Programme Leader of Undergraduate courses at the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture at RGU. He trained as an architect then obtained an MPhil in architectural and environmental studies from Oxford Brookes University. After a short period in professional practice as a design then project architect in the UK and overseas, he has had 18 years of teaching and research experience.