Modern Kent Architecture Firm jhd Architects Offers Kent and Sussex Homeowners Advice on Home Designs and House …

Sevenoaks and Benenden Kent (UK) modern architecture firm jhd Architects have participated for another year in 'Architect in the House', a scheme run by the UK housing and homelessness charity Shelter and the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Sevenoaks, Kent (PRWEB) November 29, 2012

Now in its 14th year, the 'Architect in the House' scheme matches homeowners with a local RIBA chartered architect who gives up an hour of their time for a design consultation. The scheme is only open to RIBA chartered members and practices.

Since signing up to the scheme, Jon and Tim have been giving homeowners within a 30-mile radius of Sevenoaks and Benenden the chance to receive an hour-long consultation on any home or design related query, whether its advice about creating space for a growing family, gaining planning permission or just to find out the best way to allow more light into their home. In return for their help, homeowners have been donating a minimum of 40 to support Shelters 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.

Says director Timothy Ball: "Rather than moving, many people are considering extending their existing home either up, out or even down. Using an architect maximises the potential for available space and the resale value of the property. Basement extensions are particularly interesting as they can significantly increase the overall floor space in Conservation Areas and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty where planning restrictions are especially tight. All the basements we design introduce natural light in various ways and some connect with the outdoors. Sloping sites offer the greatest potential.

Says Jon Hughes: "Everyone has a dream project for their home. Architect in the House is a great first step towards making that dream a reality, while supporting Shelters work. Its also a way of putting a toe in the water if working with an architect is something you havent done before. It doesnt matter if your home is old or new we really can make a difference and want homeowners to get involved."

The Council of Mortgage Lenders has predicted that 45,000 homes in the UK will be repossessed in 2012. With hundreds of thousands of families awaiting social housing, and a chronic lack of affordable homes to rent, Shelters services for people in need will be stretched to the limit in the months ahead.

Homeowners interested in signing up for the 2013 scheme should contact the RIBA. For further information on jhd Architects' services contact susanball(at)jhdarchitects(dot)co(dot)uk.

Tim Ball and Jon Hughes are chartered members of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Their architecture firm, jhd Architects, is a RIBA Chartered practice based in Sevenoaks and Benenden, Kent, which specialises in contemporary new houses, extensions, listed building projects, swimming pools and outdoor living spaces and health and leisure schemes for private clients in Kent and Sussex. Examples of their unique designs can be found in their portfolio of architectural projects. 'Architect in the House' is just one of several ways the practice has supported the community in recent years. It has also raised money for Hospice in the Weald, and arranged visits and given talks on design and architecture to MidKent College design and carpentry students.

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