MAKE the most of your space and transform your home with expert advice from a chartered architect through innovative fundraiser, Architect in the House, supported by architect and TV presenter, George Clarke.
Architect in the House is the hugely successful fundraising initiative run annually by the housing charity Shelter Scotland and the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS).
Each year, architects nationwide give up their time for free to offer hour-long consultations to members of the public in return for a £40 suggested donation to Shelter.
Now in its 14th year, Architect in the House has raised over £1 million across the UK for Shelter’s work with homeless and badly housed families, including over £100,000 in 2009 alone.
The scheme is a fantastic opportunity for homeowners to discuss changes to their home with a RIAS chartered architect. Whether it’s knocking down an interior wall or adding a new floor or extension, a consultation with an architect is the first step to making your dream home a reality.
The scheme officially launches on Monday 19 April 2010, but those who can’t wait until then can pre-register now at www.architectinthehouse.org.uk. Participants will be matched with architects in early July and consultations can take place any time up to the end of November.
George Clarke, architect and presenter of Channel 4’s Home Show and forthcoming series Restoration Man, said: “Architects play a key role in any successful home improvement venture, ensuring your project is well designed and thought through. Only an architect can give you the big picture, offering insights into the latest trends in property design and advising on everything from finding builders to choosing fixtures and fittings.
“Architect in the House is a unique opportunity to take advantage of this expertise while raising money for Shelter. I’d urge anyone who is looking to make more of their property to register with the scheme.”
David Dunbar, President of RIAS, said: “We all have grand designs for our homes, but architects can turn ideas into action by offering professional advice whatever the nature or scale of the project.
“Thanks to the architects who so generously give up their time for this scheme, Architect in the House has helped over 50,000 homeowners across the UK maximise their property’s potential. It is a great way for the profession to give something back to those in desperate housing need.”
Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, the housing and homelessness charity, said: “Every day Shelter Scotland sees the devastating impact of bad housing on people’s lives. With 43,000 children in Scotland living in overcrowded accommodation, our help is needed now more than ever. (3)
“Architect in the House is a fantastic opportunity for homeowners to give their home a fresh new look for 2010 while supporting our vital work to ensure no child’s future is blighted by bad housing.”
Notes to editors
- For further press information on Architect in the House please contact: Nicola Baxter in the Shelter Scotland press office on 0844 515 2442 (connects to out of hours) or Sharon McCord in the RIAS press office on 0131 229 7545.
- Consultations with a local architect are subject to availability in your area.
- Statistics from Scottish House Condition Survey Data 2008 (2009). Living in confined conditions has a devastating effect on family life, especially children’s safety, health and education. Help Shelter to end bad housing by signing up to Architect in the House at
- Images of George Clarke are available on request.
MEDIA RELEASE posted by Shelter Scotland. You too can post media releases (aka press releases) on allmediascotland.com. For more information, email here.
Contact: Nicola Baxter
Phone: 0844 515 2442
Website: http://www.shelter.org.uk
