Print

Architect in the house

Catherine Deshayes

We've all had the ‘improve, don't move' line hammered home to us of late, and now it seems it could be an ideal time to make changes to your property as a new scheme is launched to provide professional consultations with RIBA Architects for a fraction of the usual price...

The Royal Association of British Architects (RIBA) and homelessness charity Shelter have teamed up to help property owners all over the UK.

Thousands of architects are getting involved with the annual scheme which allows homeowners to sign up for an hour's design consultation with a qualified RIBA Architect for a minimum £40 donation to Shelter.

This is a mere fraction of what homeowners would usually have to pay for such a consultation.

The ‘Architect in the House' scheme encourages people to make the most of the home they currently own whilst raising funds for charity. The hugely popular scheme has been running for 13 years and has helped thousands of families give their homes a new look whilst raising more than £800,000 for Shelter.

Architects can help owners to unlock the hidden potential in their homes and whether it's inspiration for an extension, new kitchen or just a better use of the space you have, a RIBA Architect can make a considerable difference to how you imagine your property could change for a relatively small contribution.

In order to arrange a consultation with one of the 15,000 Architects who are taking part in the scheme, visit www.architectinthehouse.org.uk to sign up. You will then be asked to submit your details on a form and an Architect will be matched with your requirements in early July.

You'll have to move fast though as spaces are filling up fast.

Picture by Steve Parker