Homeowners‘ FAQs
Registration is now closed.
This page is for homeowners who have registered to take part in Architect in the House in 2010. The common questions listed here should tell you everything you need to know.
If you still have questions, please email the team at architectinthehouse@shelter.org.uk.
Your consultation
How do I arrange my consultation?
You should have received an email from the Architect in the House team with your architect’s contact details. Please contact them as soon as possible to arrange your consultation, which can take place any time before 30 November 2010. We also provide the architect with your contact details, so they may be the first to get in touch.
What can I expect from my consultation?
The consultation is an opportunity for you and your architect to discuss your plans for your home or suggest new ideas for the room or space you want to modify. It should last about an hour.
What can I expect from my architect?
As well as giving design advice, architects can also advise on:
- ways to maximise space,
- the efficient use of light,
- the feasibility and limitations of projects,
- planning regulations.
What happens after the consultation?
If you would like to continue discussing your project with your architect after the consultation, please feel free to work together going forward on a commission basis. This should be discussed and arranged between you.
I can no longer take part in Architect in the House 2010. What do I need to do?
Please let us know as soon as possible at architectinthehouse@shelter.org.uk. If you have already made contact with your architect about a consultation, please let them know you are withdrawing from the scheme.
Donating after the consultation
How much should I donate?
Once your consultation is over, your architect will ask you make a minimum £40 donation to Shelter. But the amount you donate is up to you!
How do I donate?
- Donate online using our secure payment page. If you do this before your consultation, please print out the confirmation email you’ll receive and show this to your architect after the consultation. Or
- Donate by cheque, made payable to ‘Shelter’, and complete the donation form which your architect will provide. They will then return your donation to Shelter.
However you choose to donate, please select the Gift Aid option so Shelter can claim back the tax on your donation to increase its value by almost a third, at no extra cost to you!
If you can’t donate in either of these two ways, please email the team at architectinthehouse@shelter.org.uk to discuss alternatives.
Where does my money go?
Your donation will go towards Shelter’s work with families in housing need. Here are some examples of how your donation can help:
- £40 could pay for a helpline adviser to give emergency housing advice to a family fleeing domestic violence.
- £50 helps pay for a Shelter caseworker to attend court to prevent a family being unlawfully evicted.
- £75 means Shelter can pay for ongoing support and practical help for a homeless family settling into a new home.
What else do I get?
When you sign up to this year’s scheme you can get great discounts on architecture, design and construction titles to help inspire and inform your ideas from the RIBA bookshop! Get 10% discount
Any other questions?
Detailed information can be found on the ‘What is Architect in the House?’ and ‘How does the scheme work?’ web pages.
You can also find out more about Shelterand the RIBA
If your question has not been answered here, please contact the Architect in the House team at architectinthehouse@shelter.org.uk.