SHELTER launches its annual Architect in the House fundraiser this week which gives homeowners an hour-long consultation with a RIBA architect in return for a £40 donation to the charity.
It’s been going 16 years now and while it does seem to have lost some of its marketing impetus and profile it remains a clever initiative.
Homeowners can get some inspiration from a professional eye, the architect may pick up a project and Shelter gets money to help provide accommodation for the homeless. Winners all round.
A rota of architects would volunteer, homeowners looking for advice and inspiration would book an appointment and make a donation to Shelter.
It’s such a good idea that architect Mark Percival, of Manchester based architecturem, and current vice president of the Manchester Society of Architects would like to establish it in the city on a permanent basis.
Over the years he has been a regular volunteer for Architect in the House and believes it works on every level.
He said: “I would like to organise regular Saturday morning drop-in sessions in the RIBA Hub on Portland Street. A rota of architects would volunteer, homeowners looking for advice and inspiration would book an appointment and make a donation to Shelter.
“I think it would be extremely useful. People often do not appreciate what an architect can do for them and giving them access for a set donation makes it much more accessible.
“At events like Grand Designs they have areas dedicated to Ask and Expert and there are always long queues. People want and need advice but are scared of formally employing a professional. This gives them informal access – and helps Shelter at the same time.”
He has suggested the Solo Practitioner Group, currently led by Lisa Raynes, may want to lead it and wants architects who specialise in domestic work to volunteer.
He said: “I want to also speak to Shelter to see what work it is doing in Manchester and if there is a way we can link with a specific project so people can see where their money is going.
“Architect in the House used to have surgeries in Heals and Habitat and lots of people came along with drawings and photos and it had a high profile.
“Now the idea is that both architects and homeowners register on the site, they are matched up and the architect goes out to the actual property to offer expert advice on how it can be improved.
“I want to raise the profile again in Manchester and I am keen to find out the professions’ reaction to a permanent drop-in surgery and whether homeowners would be interested.”
You can e-mail Mark your thoughts at mark@architecturem.co.uk or make a comment below.
You can register for Architect in the House from now until July 11th at www.architectinthehouse.org
Meanwhile Lisa, newly installed as chair of SPG, has announced that the group will be taking part in the first Love Architecture Festival which is happening June 15-24.
This is a RIBA initiative with a programme of discussions, events, training and exhibitions across England and Wales and Lisa is organising an insider’s Guide to Success for Architects, a 3 hour workshop covering essential web search, social media and networking skills on June 19th. The session costs £15 SPG members and £25 non members.
For more info or to book a place contact.
For more general info about the festival go to www.architecture.com.
