Friends of the Cancer Centre is delighted to be working alongside The Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA) and the Jill Todd Trust, through the ever popular ‘ask an architect’ initiative.

For a minimum donation of £50, you can enjoy an hour-long consultation with a chartered architect and discuss any aspect of your project, no matter the size or stage. And the best part? Due to sponsorship from Progressive Building Society and NIE Networks 100% of your donation goes to support our vital work.

Ciarán Fox, Director of the RSUA commented, “Since its inception eight years ago, the ‘ask an architect’ initiative has raised over £70,000 for local cancer research and clinical trials. With £14,000 added to the total last year alone, we are confident that we can build on that amount and make an even greater impact in 2023.”

This year there will be architects from every corner of Northern Ireland offering their expertise on a wide range of projects including, extensions, one-off houses, business premises, community projects, conservation architecture and interior design.  Practices will include established award-winners, sustainable design champions, restoration experts, and fresh innovative design teams, all with their own approach and philosophy.

Edel Creery, Head of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement, NIE Networks, commented, “NIE Networks is thrilled to join forces once again with RSUA and The Jill Todd Trust to bring ‘ask an architect’ to the public. We would like to express our gratitude to the generous architects who volunteer their time and expertise, as well as to the members of the public who participate in the initiative.”

If you’re in the process of planning a building project, regardless of its scale, ‘ask an architect’ can offer you invaluable support and guidance. Whether you’re looking to revamp your existing space, add an extension or home office, or even design a new home from scratch, you can connect with a chartered architect who can help you bring your ideas to life.

Darina Armstrong, Chief Executive, Progressive Building Society commented, “Progressive Building Society has helped people acquire their homes in communities across Northern Ireland for over a century. We are delighted to continue our support for the ask an architect scheme which brings together would-be clients with experienced chartered architects, whilst raising a fantastic amount of money for a great cause – local cancer research.”

‘Ask an architect’ is not limited to home appointments; it can benefit community and voluntary groups as well. For instance, groups looking to upgrade their facilities, or develop a new community facility can use ask an architect to scope out potential improvements and design solutions that meet their unique requirements. In addition, sports clubs can benefit from this initiative by using it to explore ways of improving their clubhouses and changing rooms to meet the needs of their members. Similarly, church groups can use ask an architect to obtain multiple opinions and explore ideas for redeveloping their church hall, ultimately creating a space that serves their community’s needs.

Ana Wilkinson, Chief Executive of Friends of the Cancer Centre, commented “We are grateful for the continued support of the public, RSUA, The Jill Todd Trust, NIE Networks, and Progressive Building Society in raising vital funds for local cancer research through ‘ask an architect’. We hope that this year’s initiative will once again provide valuable support and guidance for those planning building projects while making a real difference to families across Northern Ireland.”

‘Ask an architect’ has already benefitted over a thousand members of the public, perhaps in 2023, you too could benefit from the creativity and inspiration that this initiative provides, and it may just be the catalyst for something truly remarkable.

‘Ask an architect’ is open until the end of September 2023. Book your appointment now at www.askanarchitect-ni.com.