Property news: Architect In The House
Improve rather than move, says TV architect George Clarke with the help of Architect In The House
TV architect George Clarke is offering homeowners in Brighton & Hove a unique opportunity to improve their home by signing up to Architect In The House 2013. The scheme, launching this month, matches homeowners with local RIBA architects, while raising money for housing charity Shelter.
New research has shown that nearly two-thirds of homeowners have lived in the same home for at least ten years*. With more of us staying put while our families grow or our work life changes, home improvements can be the best option in making sure our homes fit our changing needs. A consultation with an expert can help those with homes of any size to make the most of the space they have, whatever their budget.
Whether it’s creating an open-plan living space or designing an extension, Architect In The House helps homeowners to develop their ideas with an RIBA chartered architect while raising money for Shelter’s work with families who are in housing need.
Run by Shelter and the Royal Institute of British Architects, Architect In The House provides free, one hour design consultations with RIBA Chartered architects for a suggested donation to Shelter of £45. Homeowners across Brighton & Hove can register from today until 21 August 2013 at www.architectinthehouse.org.uk.
George Clarke, architect and Shelter ambassador, says: “With the current state of the housing market, we’re staying in our homes for longer, but life doesn’t stand still and simple changes to your home can make a big difference. Whatever the project, big or small, architects offer invaluable advice. Architect In The House can really help people unlock the potential in their current homes and create more space, from a simple internal change to developing an attic space or designing an extension.
“Signing up to Architect In The House is simple to do and is a great way to make the most of a local architect’s expert advice, while raising money for Shelter at the same time. As a Shelter ambassador I’ve seen first-hand how the money raised by this scheme helps people in desperate housing need.”
Now in its 17th year, Architect In The House has raised over £1.7 million for Shelter to help homeless and badly housed families. Homeowners this year will be matched with RIBA Chartered architects from within a few weeks of signing up and consultations can take place any time up to the end of November.
Campbell Robb, chief executive of Shelter, says: “A home is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a place where we build our lives. Through Architect in the House, homeowners can find the expert advice needed to help achieve their dream home, while at the same time helping those less fortunate.
“Every donation counts and we’re hoping this will be the biggest year to date for the scheme. All of the money raised through Architect In The House is vital in supporting Shelter to help families who are homeless or at risk of losing their home.”
Angela Brady, President of the RIBA, says: “An RIBA Chartered Architect will help you achieve your aspirations and vision, as well as add value to your project through good design and sound construction. An architect used though Architect In The House can unleash the potential of homes while helping those with more significant housing problems.”
