Ask An Architect is a unique annual event which gives you something back for your charitable donation.
Architects across all of Northern Ireland offer their services free of charge giving advice to those considering a building or renovation project – all for a charitable donation of £75 to Simon Community Northern Ireland.
About the Jill Todd trust
The Jill Todd Trust was established in 2011 by local architect, Barrie Todd and his wife Trish in commemoration of their late daughter Jill, who at the age of 23 tragically had her very active, talented and personable life taken by cancer.
One of the main accredited objectives of the Trust is to raise funds to assist medical research to find a cure for cancer.
Ask An Architect was devised by Trish and Barrie as an effective means of raising funds to support cancer research in Northern Ireland.
The Jill Todd Trust is registered with the Northern Ireland Charity Commission no: NIC 102553.
Simon Community is Northern Ireland’s leading homeless charity, established in 1971.
Simon Community's mission is simple, to end homelessness for those in need. Operating throughout Northern Ireland, the charity provides preventative services, temporary accommodation and specialised support services that address the unique challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness and creates pathways out of homelessness. Its aim is to not only provide immediate assistance but also long-term solutions that end the cycle of homelessness.
We had just moved into a new house that had been extended and needed some clarity on how best to use the house as a whole and also in some specific spaces. Although we didn’t plan on doing any immediate work we did need to think about the long term vision and where best to spend our money and energy going forwards. We engaged Micah, who was brilliant. He came to our house and spent just over an hour with us. He gave us a topline plan, some very rough figures of what we could expect to pay and some lovely ideas we would never have thought of ourselves. We could see the value an architect could bring to even the smallest areas. The consultation is brilliant for anybody in our situation and it also helps make the process of employing an architect seem a bit less daunting. I keep telling everyone about the scheme.
R. Young
After meeting Chris Allen for my appointment made through ask an architect, I instantly felt that he would be someone I would like to work with on my new house. I was so happy talking to Chris because he listened to me. We are now ready to submit our full planning permission for a new house which I love.
P. Harkin
We had recently moved into a period home which needed a lot of attention. We had a 5 year goal of an extension and thought we’d get some clarity on how to get there. Aisling listened to our requirements and in her feedback she noted that we hadn’t said that we needed more space, rather that we wanted to use the space we had in a more connected way. This was crucial. The session was really practical as we asked questions about costs, financing, timelines. A few months on and a lot of dust later, we’ve been able to make some pretty incredible changes to our house based on Aisling’s ideas, featuring a neat little kitchen hatch and reconfigurations of doors and glazing. This allows us the connection through our family spaces with views from front to back. Meanwhile, a huge roof window on the top floor gives us access to the best views of the city!
The Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA) is the professional body for architects in Northern Ireland. As a charity, RSUA’s goal is to deliver public benefit by promoting architecture that enhances life in the region. All architects involved in ‘Ask an Architect’ are chartered members of RSUA and RIBA. Chartered architects have successfully completed at least seven years of training and assessment and are duty bound to operate at the highest professional standards.
100% of all funds raised by Ask An Architect go towards supporting Simon Community, Northern Ireland’s leading homeless charity, established in 1971.
Simon Community's mission is simple, to end homelessness for those in need. Operating throughout Northern Ireland, the charity provides preventative services, temporary accommodation and specialised support services that address the unique challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness and creates pathways out of homelessness. Its aim is to not only provide immediate assistance but also long-term solutions that end the cycle of homelessness.
Ask An Architect is organised by Royal Society of Ulster Architects and sponsored by NIE Networks and Progressive Building Society.
