Matching process to link homeowners with architects in their area opens and it is hoped will help drive home improvement projects across the country
Property owners across the UK are being invited to sign up for the 2012 Architect in the House initiative, devised by housing charity Shelter and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and sponsored by insulation specialist Rockwool.
The popular UK-wide scheme provides the public with hour-long consultations with RIBA Chartered Architects who donate their time for free, in exchange for a £40 suggested donation to Shelter.
The scheme is expected to help thousands of homeowners to plan home improvement projects and it is hoped will drive enquiries and projects for construction firms and builders across the country, as well as raising vital funds and profile for Shelter.
Homeowners can register until 11 July at www.architectinthehouse.org.uk and will be matched by the RIBA with a local architect in their area.
The 2012 initiative is being sponsored by insulation specialist Rockwool, which will also be providing all participating architects with a guide to the Green Deal with the aim of helping drive sustainable home improvements to reduce energy costs and the carbon footprint of homes being improved.
Rockwool Corporate Affairs Director Paul Bateman stated: “Architect in the House is a fantastic initiative, which helps raise funds for Shelter while also giving homeowners access to professional architectural advice to help them realise their vision for improving their homes.
“At a time when many people are choosing to improve their property rather than move, we hope Architect in the House will also provide a stimulus for the UK construction and property development sector.”
Now in its 16th year, Architect in the House has raised over £1.5 million for Shelter, including over £110,000 last year alone. Participants will be matched with RIBA Chartered architects from May and consultations can take place any time up to the end of November.
Campbell Robb, Chief Executive of Shelter, said: “At the heart of this scheme is the message that home is more than just a roof over your head – it’s having somewhere decent, safe and secure for you and your family. Sadly, 70,000 children in England have no home to call their own, and over a million live in housing that is overcrowded, damp or in disrepair.
“The money raised through this scheme enables Shelter to reach over a million people each year with housing advice and support, and to campaign for a future where no child’s life is blighted by bad housing.”
Angela Brady, President of the RIBA, said: “We can help homeowners unleash the potential of their homes while helping those with more significant housing problems. I have personally supported this scheme for a number of years and am looking forward to participating again this year.”
