Jo Greenoak has worked within the architecture and design industry in operations and practice management for over two decades. She works closely with practice leaders and teams to improve structures, communication, and day-to-day ways of working, with a focus on making busy studios feel more manageable and supported.

Alongside her professional work, Jo has become increasingly focused on the people side of the industry, particularly the pressures faced by teams working in fast-paced creative environments. She is passionate about improving wellbeing at work, strengthening communication within studios, and helping leaders create healthier, more resilient cultures.

As an Ambassador for the Architects Benevolent Society, Jo brings a commitment to supporting individuals across the architectural community, especially at moments of challenge or uncertainty. She believes strongly in the importance of accessible support, open conversation, and ensuring that no one in the industry feels they have to navigate difficulties alone.

Her perspective is shaped by years of working closely with studios navigating change, growth, and operational pressure, giving her a clear understanding of both the demands of the profession and the importance of having the right support around you.

Elisa is an architect and urban designer with over 10 years of experience in the commercial, industrial, and lab sectors.  She is currently working at MLA Architects in Edinburgh. Originally from Italy, she completed her Architectural Studies between Italy and Paris and also holds a Master of Science in Urban Design from the University of Strathclyde.

Driven by a belief that the architectural profession is only as strong as the people within it, Elisa balances technical expertise with a deep commitment to social equity.
Her passion for design is matched by her advocacy for maternity /parents’ rights, employment protections, and mental health awareness across the industry.

Having navigated the personal and professional challenges of industry uncertainty, she understands the vulnerability that often accompanies a career in architecture.
These experiences have shaped her mission to champion social values and ensure that no colleague has to face hardship alone.

With previous experience as a Student Rep and as a volunteer, Elisa is honoured to serve as a point of reference for the Architects Benevolent Society, a bridge to support those in need.
She is committed to fostering a more resilient, compassionate professional community where every architectural professional feels valued, protected, and heard.

I grew up in rural Lincolnshire as the son of a carpenter and joiner, which meant building sites were part of life long before architecture school. During the 1990s I worked as a construction volunteer with Frontiers Foundation in Northern Ontario, Canada, helping Indigenous communities construct timber-framed homes, and later with APARE restoring historic churches and a castle in France and Belgium.

I studied architecture at Leeds Polytechnic and the Bartlett before working at Allford Hall Monaghan Morris. I later co-founded the architectural practice HUT, which I ran for ten years, before leaving amicably—I rank my exit as being one of my greatest achievements in architecture!

Today, I am an architect and architectural educator whose work explores the relationship between architectural education, professional practice and the realities of building construction. I have mentored many young architects through the difficult transition from academia to practice.

I have also taught at the University of Westminster for 15 years, developing the Site Diary module, requiring architecture students to repeatedly visit live construction sites. The project forms the basis of my research ‘Sites of Learning: Building Site Learning in Architectural Education’.

I am also slowly completing the retrofit of my own 1970s house in St Albans, a project that has won awards and may one day actually be finished!

Alberto is an architect and senior academic at Ravensbourne University London, where he leads the School of Architecture. He has an extensive experience in education, management and engagement with creative economies and the built environment.
Over a decade ago, he established the interdisciplinary office that he combines simultaneously with different academic challenges around teaching, learning and governance in Higher Education. He is an external examiner and visiting professor for different institutions in the UK
and EU. He is regularly invited to speak at national and international conferences and events as a keynote and panelist about interdisciplinary, organisations and social impact by design.

Alberto is a registered architect (ARB), a fellow in institutions such as HEA (Higher Education Academy) or RSA (Royal Society of Arts) and a member of The Architecture Club.

Architecture can be a challenging profession, and I know first-hand that sometimes it can take a toll on your mental health. That’s why the work of the Architect’s Benevolent Society is so important to help support those in the industry when the going gets tough.

I myself have been a beneficiary of the ABS, so know how valuable their support can be in getting you back on track. I am honoured to be one of their Ambassadors, and to have been responsible for the inaugral Speed Mentoring event in Glasgow, which I hope will be a regular fixture in the ABS calendar, helping support early career professionals.

I am a conservation accredited architect and founding director of Hamilton Hay Van Jonker. In forming my new practice, I hope to bring the ABS ethos of wellbeing and support to the heart of our ethos and continue to raise awareness of the charity’s profile in Scotland.

Sam is an architect and illustrator who currently works at Chetwoods Architects. Sam’s work primarily focuses on conceptual design, community engagement and promoting EDI within the workplace.

Sam is proudly queer and neurodivergent, and is incredibly passionate about promoting trans rights, as well as encouraging healthy working environments for people within the neurodivergent rainbow.

As a proud union member, Sam loves being a mentor for recent graduates and has built great connections with Built By Us and the Architects Benevolent Society, as well as being a Young Trustee for the Architecture Foundation.

Sam became an ambassador for the ABS after contributing to and joining numerous events. “It’s been such a difficult profession to work in, especially over the last 15 years, with what feels like an endless number of recessions, Brexit, the pandemic. People coming into the profession need to feel secure and welcome within their practice, but there are these constant hurdles that can easily overwhelm us. Having an ally like the ABS makes it feel a little bit more manageable”

As an architectural and urban designer who has personally experienced the challenges of unemployment and financial hardship, I deeply appreciate the support and assistance provided by the Architects Benevolent Society (ABS) during a difficult period in my career. The organisation’s unwavering commitment to the well-being of architectural workers and their families resonates strongly with me, and I am eager to give back to the community that has supported me.

I am passionate about using my professional expertise, personal resilience, and empathy to make a positive impact on the lives of others in the architectural field. As an ABS Ambassador, I aim to raise awareness about the vital services offered by the organisation, encourage individuals to seek help when needed, and foster a supportive and inclusive environment within the profession. By dedicating my time and skills to this cause, I hope to ensure that no architectural worker faces adversity alone.

I’m an experienced Architectural Assistant currently working at Designsplus Architects. I am honoured to be an  Architects Benevolent Society (ABS) ambassador. This charity is crucial to the architectural profession, and I am dedicated to raising awareness about the invaluable services and support it provides to those in need.

My role at Designsplus Architects involves transforming existing and historic structures with minimal environmental impact, reflecting our commitment to sustainable refurbishment. This job has shown me firsthand how meaningful work and a supportive environment can positively impact mental health. Promoting good mental health practices as preventative measures is essential, which is why I admire ABS’s partnerships with Anxiety UK and Shelter to offer help before crises.

I plan to pursue my Part 2 studies in 2024 and am committed to promoting ABS’s services to students and professionals alike. As a member of the RIBA Buckinghamshire Branch, I aim to extend ABS’s reach within my growing professional network.

In early 2024, I became a Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider®). Learning about the long waiting times for NHS mental health services motivated me to advocate for professional conversations about mental health and encourage seeking alternative support during these periods. ABS provides extensive, individually tailored services to architects, students, and their families, which are commendable.

As an ABS Ambassador, I aim to engage with students and professionals, raise awareness of available support, and promote positive mental health and well-being.

I discovered the Architects Benevolent Society through another Ambassador which emphasises the importance of the Ambassador programme in raising awareness across the industry. I approached ABS for their support and services for my own mental health. I felt extremely fortunate to have access to their services and conscious that this is not always the case beyond our industry. ABS can profoundly improve people’s situations if those that are experiencing challenging times. I am determined to help fundraise for ABS and extend their outreach by promoting their wonderful work and services to as many people as I can.

The pressures in the architectural profession have the potential to sideline mental health across a range of workplaces, and an even greater reduction in visibility for those in smaller workplaces. As a qualified architect in a small startup practice I am passionate that all workplaces across the UK should have the same awareness and access to services across the board.

ABS offers a vital range of services to those in our industry and those associated with them. I am keen to do my best to help raise awareness of their invaluable services and encourage people to be open and transparent in seeking out support.