George Clarke calls on homeowners to release property potential
16 April 2012
Architect and TV presenter George Clarke is calling on homeowners in Scotland to release their property’s potential though the Architect in the House scheme which launches today [16 April 2012].
Architect in the House, run by the housing charity Shelter Scotland, the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) and the Royal Institute of British Architects, sees RIAS chartered architects across the UK volunteering their time to provide hour-long consultations to the public in return for a £40 suggested donation to Shelter Scotland.Now in its 16th year, the scheme has raised over £1.5 million for Shelter and Shelter Scotland, including over £110,000 last year alone.
Speaking ahead of the 2012 Architect in the House launch, George Clarke, who is also an ambassador for the housing and homelessness charity, says:
“The current state of the housing market means that more and more first-time buyers are investing in properties that need renovation. At the same time, those already on the property ladder are looking at ways to improve their home by adding extra bedrooms or creating more space.
“Whatever the project, architects can help to release your property’s potential by offering invaluable advice on everything from structural design to fixtures and fittings. Architect in the House is a great way to make the most of their expert advice while raising money for Shelter Scotland 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.”
Whether it’s building an extension, knocking through a wall or a complete renovation, the scheme offers homeowners the opportunity to discuss their ideas with an RIAS chartered architect while raising money to help Shelter Scotland work with homeless and badly housed families.
Previous research by Shelter Scotland shows that one in eight homeowners who have made structural changes to their home have done so because they couldn't afford to move. The charity says that instead of moving, homeowners spent on average £12,000 on three structural changes with the most popular being opening up walls. Around 60 per cent said that creating more space to improve their living environment was their main motivation.
RIAS Secretary Neil Baxter said: "The RIAS are delighted to be supporting the Architect in the House campaign again this year. We can help homeowners unleash the potential of their homes while helping those with more significant housing problems.”
Graeme Brown, Director of Shelter Scotland, 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.
“Architect in the House is an excellent and cost-effective opportunity for homeowners to arrange a no-obligation, consultation with an architect who will expertly advise them on how to achieve their home improvement goals.
"The money raised through Architect in the House is absolutely crucial to Shelter Scotland, enabling us to provide vital housing advice, support tens of thousands of people each year and to work towards a future where no-one's life is blighted by bad housing."
Architect in the House launches on Monday 16 April and registrations will close on 11th July. Participants who register via http://architectinthehouse.org.uk/ will be matched with RIAS chartered architects from May and consultations can take place any time up to the end of November. This year the scheme is sponsored by leading stone wool insulation firm Rockwool.
