Open your door to Simon

Ever dreamt of a qualified architect offering you one on one advice on your next home improvement? Well, thanks to a Simon Community initiative, now’s your chance.

For the 17th year running, the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) and Simon Community have teamed up to bring their Open Door campaign to homes around the country next month.

In return for a €95 donation, homeowners can receive an hour-long consultation with an RIAI-registered architect to discuss building, rebuilding or renovating their homes.

This year’s consultations will take place online and all funds raised will go directly to the Simon Communities to support their work in tackling homelessness.

Commenting on the campaign, Ciaran O’Connor, RIAI President, said the campaign offers the perfect opportunity for homeowners to get professional advice from a registered architect on how to achieve a more flexible home.

He said: “Over the last twelve months, we have spent more time than ever in our homes. From working to working out, our homes are being used in so many different ways. Registered architects are standing by in every county to donate their time and support the Simon Communities.”

The support received from the RIAI Simon Open Door campaign in 2020 enabled the Simon Communities to provide essential resources to respond to Covid-19.

Jennifer Kitson, National Partnerships Manager for Simon Communities said: “Homelessness, already a deeply traumatic and isolating experience, has only been heightened by the pandemic.

Shockingly, in the midst of this health crisis, the number of single homeless adults increased by seven per cent.”

Registered architect and RIAI Simon Open Door Ambassador Dermot Bannon, MRIAI, added: “Lockdown has taught us all the value of our homes but also highlighted the issues within them. We have all struggled with space and functionality over the last 12 months.”

Registration for the event is now open and people are encouraged to book a consultation with a RIAI-registered architect in their local area by visiting simonopendoor.ie.

RIAI-registered architects can pledge to donate an hour of their time by signing up at simonopendoor.ie/architects.

The RIAI Simon Open Door campaign runs from 4-14 May.