Book a session with an architect and lend a helping hand to Simon
The fundraising venture in aid of Simon means the average Sean and Sile Citizen can get a full hour with an architect for €60.
And for that money, which goes straight to Simon and raised up to €45,000 last year, the layperson can have ideas teased out and rough plans drawn up. All they have to do is book a slot with their chosen architect at www.simonopendoor.ie.
“One hour with an RIAI architect will enable people to look at their home in a totally new way. Whether they need to adapt their space to accommodate new editions to the family, create space for teenagers or an elderly relative, or if they require a home office an architect will try to practically design their dreams and aspirations.
Patrick Burke, Director of Simon Communities of Ireland, said “Funds raised from Simon Open Door will help to provide good quality homes for people who have experienced homelessness. We are delighted to partner with RIAI architects for the third time and urge the public to avail of the expertise and creativity on offer.”
“We really hope that members of the public will utilise this great opportunity to meet with an architect and help Simon Communities at the same time. While one hour is short, members of the public could come away with planning advice, green tips for their home, or advice on how to rearrange rooms and a whole lot more,” said John Graby, Director of the RIAI.
1. Prepare as best as possible — Bring scale plans or photographs of your house or site, know which way is north.
2. Come with right frame of mind and be open-minded.
3. Tell the architect your aspirations, dreams, but know your approximate budget.
4. Think for the future — Try and imagine your needs for when you get older. This is called designing for ‘Lifetime Homes’.
5. Decide if you want strategic or particular advice.
Strategic advice would be how to develop a site, or rearrange rooms in your home and not just what goes in the extension. Particular advice could be on where the sink should go in the kitchen.
6. Understand your architect can give design and technicial advice. Planning application rules and procedures and compliance with building & fire regulations.
7. Realise that one hour is short and be realistic about what can be achieved.
8. Don’t be intimidated. Architects are a friendly bunch, and are passionate about their art — they want to share this.
9. Realise why most architects are doing ‘Simon’. It’s not to get a job or trick you into deciding something you don’t want. It’s to support ‘Simon Community, to promote architecture and the environment.
10. If you don’t understand keep asking and ask the architect to draw in 3D (sketch). Persist.
Ask your architect to use ordinary, understandable language.
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