Supporting Shelter and helping homeowners with our advice

Playle & Partners' architects are offering homeowners in and around Sidcup 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 homeless charity Shelter.

We are 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 in the Sidcup area 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 for your help 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.

'Everyone has a dream project for their home,' says Dominic Pryce who leads Playles' in-house architect team. '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.

For more information contact Dominic Pryce or visit