Friday, May 14th, 2010
Hastings based architecture practice, John McCart Architect is offering the town’s homeowners a fantastic opportunity to get some expert advice, and take the first step towards making their home improvement dreams a reality, while raising funds for housing and homelessness charity Shelter.
John McCart, based in the Creative Media Centre on Robertson Street is taking part in Architect in the House, a fundraising initiative between the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and Shelter that’s now in its 14th year.
The scheme gives people across Hastings the chance to receive an hour-long consultation on any home or design related query, whether it’s advice about creating space for a growing family, or just to find out the best way to allow more light into their home. It doesn’t have to be Grand Designs! In return, homeowners are asked to donate a minimum of £40 to support Shelter’s work with people in housing need.
Since its launch, the scheme has raised more than £1 million for Shelter, including £105,000 last year alone.
John McCart said: ‘The core approach of our practice is to consider how best to creatively add value to any given project and we typically find that our discussions with residential clients benefit from the synergy between our approach and our clients energy and enthusiasm.
‘Everyone has a dream project for their home. Architect in the House is a great first step towards making that dream a reality, while supporting Shelter’s work. Whether you’ve been considering an improvement to your home but haven’t looked into it, or have simply never thought of using an architect, this is the scheme for you.
‘It’s a great opportunity to show people the benefits of consulting an architect, and that our work isn’t just about attention-grabbing public buildings. It doesn’t matter if your home is big or small – we want you to get involved.’
The Council of Mortgage Lenders has predicted that 53,000 homes in the UK will be repossessed in 2010. With 1.8 million families awaiting social housing, and a chronic lack of affordable homes to rent, Shelter’s services for people in need will be stretched to the limit in the months ahead.
Shelter’s Chief Executive Campbell Robb explains why the scheme is so important: ‘Every day, Shelter sees the devastating impact of bad housing on people’s lives. More than a million children in England are living in overcrowded accommodation, so our help is needed now more than ever.
‘Architect in the House is a fantastic opportunity for homeowners to give their space a fresh new look while supporting Shelter’s vital work to ensure no child’s future is blighted by bad housing.’
Homeowners interested in finding out how an architect can help revamp their home, and architects interested in taking part, can register at www.architectinthehouse.org.uk from 19 April to 4 July 2010.
