For architects
Registration for Architect in the House 2011 has closed. Architects who have already registered: here’s everything you need to know about what happens next.
Please make sure you also check your Architect instructions, which are part of your free resource pack.
Client matching
How does the matching process work?
We match you with clients according to the number of consultations you offered and the practice location details you provided when you registered. We will try to match you as closely as possible with clients in your area.
What if I’m approached directly by clients wanting to arrange a consultation?
That’s fine. If you are approached by a client who hasn’t registered with the scheme, you can meet them and ask them to donate directly to Shelter.
If the client has already registered with the scheme then they will be matched with an architect in their local area. Unfortunately we can’t accommodate requests for specific architects during the matching process.
I have been informed of my client matches but they haven’t made contact
We do ask clients to contact their architect. But if you don’t hear from your client, feel free to contact them instead to arrange the appointment.
Sometimes clients’ circumstances change and they no longer want to participate in the scheme — we do ask people to let us know when this happens but it’s not something we can guarantee.
Why haven’t I been matched with more clients?
Every year Shelter and RIBA undertake a massive PR and marketing campaign to recruit homeowners, but we can never guarantee how effective this will be.
The scheme is very popular with architects and in some areas there are often not enough clients to go around. Please be assured that we make every effort to allocate clients to architects as fairly as possible.
Client consultations
My circumstances have changed and I will not be able to take part this year
If you find you are unable to take part after you’ve registered please let us know as soon as possible at architectinthehouse@shelter.org.uk so we can allocate your place to someone else.
How do I arrange a consultation with a client?
We ask the client to contact you to arrange the appointment, but feel free to contact them first if you prefer. (You should have received an email from the Architect in the House team in July with your client’s contact details).
How long should a consultation last?
The consultation should last about an hour and the client will know this in advance. They will also be aware that you are giving up your time for free.
What happens during the consultation?
Clients are told what a typical consultation could entail and are given examples of what their architect may advise on, including
- existing ideas
- new design options
- energy-saving
- light and space ideas
- planning and building management.
We also advise clients that it is unlikely that you will be able to provide a complete solution to their project in just one hour and that after the consultation, you can decide if you want to work together on a commission basis.
What happens after the consultation?
At the end of your initial consultation, the client may want to continue discussions with you about their project. Please feel free to arrange further appointments with the client outside of the Architect in the House scheme.
Architect in the House matches architects and homeowners, according to the location each indicates on registering for the scheme, for a one hour consultation. Any continuation of discussions after your initial consultation fall outside of the Architect in the House scheme and take place at the architect and homeowner’s discretion.
Donations
How much should the client donate?
The client will know that the suggested donation to Shelter is £40. But it is up to them whether they donate and how much they give.
How does the client donate?
- Donate online using our secure payment page, or
- Give you a cheque made payable to 'Shelter' after their consultation. Please ensure you take the accompanying donation form from your architect pack to all your consultations so the client can donate in this way.
If the client doesn’t want to donate in either of those ways, but would like to make a donation to Shelter, please ask them to contact the Architect in the House team who will be able to make alternative donation arrangements with the client.
What do I do with donations given to me at consultations?
Please post the cheque and completed form for each donation to the address in your Architect instructions.
(Please note that there are two donation forms — one for Scotland and one for England. The address will vary according to whether you are based in Scotland or England).
How will I know if my client has already donated online?
If clients choose to donate online, they are asked to print out their confirmation email.
They should then show you this printout at the consultation.
If the client can’t show you the printout and you would like confirmation of their donation, please email architectinthehouse@shelter.org.uk.
Promoting the scheme
How can I promote the scheme in my area?
We have provided lots of free resources to help you promote Architect in the House at work and in your local community. All of these are free to download.
If you have a promotional idea you would like to discuss, please contact the Architect in the House team at architectinthehouse@shelter.org.uk.
I can’t download the pack — how can I get a copy?
If you are having problems downloading your Architect Pack or any other resources, please email architectinthehouse@shelter.org.uk.
Any other questions?
If your question has not been answered here, please contact the Architect in the House team at architectinthehouse@shelter.org.uk.
