Welcome to Where it's AT | the Architectural Technology Podcast
Anthony Oziabor speaks with Elizabeth Olubaju, a CIAT Fellow, chartered architect, and founder of Lizben Consult, about what chartership means as a commitment to professionalism, competence, ethics, and public trust. Elizabeth shares her route into architecture in Nigeria, her studio-led training at Ambrose Alli University, and her NYSC community road rehabilitation project in Akwa Ibom that won state and national awards. She explains why she chose CIAT and describes how CIAT chartership helped her establish credibility in the UK as an internationally trained professional by reducing the need to repeatedly justify qualifications. Elizabeth discusses challenges such as balancing life and time pressures and translating international experience into the UK professional framework. She outlines CIAT benefits including mentorship, CPD, networking, reduced fees for members outside the UK, and international recognition such as the mutual agreement with the Association of Architectural Technologists of Ontario. She also describes founding Architecture Pearl to address gaps in clarity and support for newcomers, advocating for recruiters and firms to create opportunities for international professionals, and developing a CIAT-linked platform to help internationally trained Technologists transition into UK and Canadian practice. Elizabeth closes with guidance for listeners who feel “not ready yet,” encouraging early engagement, documentation of experience, mentorship, and viewing chartership as an investment and a platform for confidence, credibility, and giving back to the profession.
Elizabeth Olubaju FCIAT
Elizabeth is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (FCIAT), a Registered Architect (AAA), and a Chartered Architect, with over 20 years’ experience delivering architectural projects across the UK, Canada, and international markets. She is the Founder of Lizben Consult (UK), providing architectural consultancy and project leadership across residential, commercial, and community-led developments. Her expertise spans the full project lifecycle — from concept design and regulatory approvals through to construction delivery — underpinned by strong technical, contractual, and strategic leadership. Elizabeth has led and contributed to multi-million-pound projects including childcare facilities, mixed-use developments, places of worship, and large-scale residential schemes. She is recognised for her collaborative approach, bringing together design excellence, delivery rigour, and trusted client relationships to create long-term value. Beyond practice, Elizabeth founded Architecture Pearl, an initiative championing internationally trained architects and architectural technologists. Through advocacy, mentorship, and storytelling, she supports professionals navigating licensure, professional identity, and belonging — while encouraging a more inclusive, human-centred built environment profession. For Elizabeth, architecture is about more than buildings — it’s about making room for people.
Anthony Oziabor MCIAT
Anthony Oziabor MCIAT is a Chartered Architectural Technologist with nearly 24 years’ experience across architecture and the built environment. He holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree with honours in Architecture from Ambrose Alli University, Nigeria and a second Master’s degree in Construction Project Management from the University of Greenwich. He achieved Chartered status with CIAT in 2015.
Anthony is the Managing Director of Prime Projects Design and Management Ltd, a registered CIAT Chartered Practice since 2018, based in Kent. He has successfully delivered a wide range of projects, and has extensive expertise in residential, listed, and public buildings, with a particular specialism in religious architecture. His career includes experience within Chartered architectural practices in the UK and overseas, as well as a senior role as Design Manager for a multinational main contractor and developer in the Eastern Counties. Alongside practice, Anthony is deeply committed to mentoring students and graduates in architecture and architectural technology, both locally and internationally, supporting the next generation in understanding the profession’s roles, responsibilities, and opportunities.
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00:00 Introduction
01:06 Meet Elizabeth Olubaju FCIAT
01:43 Finding Architecture by Accident: University Studio Days in Nigeria
03:17 NYSC Road Rehab Project: Awards, Confidence & Thinking Bigger
04:58 Why CIAT? Becoming Chartered & Building a Practice
06:32 Mentorship & Encouragement for Overseas Professionals
08:09 The Hard Part: Time, Life, and Translating Experience Across Systems
09:12 Identity & Recognition: How CIAT Chartership Opens Doors Internationally
11:46 Architecture Pearl: Bridging the Experience Gap for Newcomers
13:52 “I’m Not Ready Yet”: Practical Steps to Start Your Chartership Journey
15:41 How Chartership Changed Everything: Confidence, Credibility & Giving Back
19:07 Closing Reflections: Chartered Week Wrap-Up + Where to Learn More
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You Don't Need to Be Perfect to Start Your Career Journey
Elizabeth found architecture by accident when she visited her sister at university. She didn't have everything planned out from the beginning. The important thing is to start where you are and take the first step. You can learn and grow as you go. Even when you feel lost or unsure, you can still move forward and find your path.
Having a Mentor Can Save You Years of Struggle
Both Elizabeth and Anthony talk about how being lost for years could have been avoided with the right guidance. A mentor can help you find your direction much faster than trying to figure everything out on your own. Instead of spending 5 or 10 years working things out, a mentor can help you get there in less time. Don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help from people who have already walked the path you want to take.
Professional Recognition Opens Doors and Builds Confidence
Getting chartered (professional recognition) helped Elizabeth in three big ways. First, it gave her confidence in her own abilities. Second, people trusted her more and stopped questioning her background all the time. Third, it made her want to help others coming after her. When you have proper qualifications, you spend less time explaining yourself and more time actually doing the work. It also connects you to a community of professionals who understand and respect what you do.
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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.
