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.

With an education in Interior Design and Applied Philosophy, I have joined the architecture sector in 2022, after having previously worked in the arts and high-end design sector. I was lucky to find in MAP Architecture a community of compassionate, socially and environmentally focused architects, whose ethos ranges across three interconnected principles: People, Environment and Conservation. People are at the core of everything we do – we implement a company-wide wellbeing benefits scheme, run quarterly wellbeing workshops, have a robust female health support strategy, and try to ensure that all our projects have a positive impact on the people affected by them.

A large variety of issues can and should be tackled within the architectural community: mental health, diversity and inclusion, accessibility, female health. I feel that ABS is an amazing place to start!

Marina is an architect working for Hayhurst and Co in London. After completing her Bsc[hons] and M[arch] Architectural studies at Strathclyde University in Glasgow, she moved to London where she passed her Part 3 qualification in 2023 at the University of Westminster. Marina has also volunteered in Access Aspiration programme and is gradually exploring different means to contribute in processes that address principles of place-making and social engagement.

Following personal challenges during both her academic and professional journey, she is motivated to raise mental health awareness, offer support to individuals that may be facing similar or different challenges. The Architect’s Benevolent Society offers support and promotes collective values that are integral to the wellbeing and prosperity of the Architectural community. Being an Ambassador for the Architect’s Benevolent Society offers an invaluable opportunity to contribute to the multitude of causes the Society supports, raise collective awareness and empathy within the profession.

Joshua is an architect working at Eric Parry Architects, after recently completing his Part 3 Qualification at the University of Westminster. He completed his Master’s degree at the Mackintosh School of Architecture, The Glasgow School of Art whilst also spending a semester in Iceland.

Joshua is passionate about engaging with the community and supporting people to achieve their goals, which also see him as a mentor on the Building Future Programme at Blueprint for All, supporting students in architecture in their studies. Furthermore, his passion for engaging with the community has led to him becoming a Local Authority School Governor, in Southwest London helping a school navigate through a masterplan redevelopment. Joshua is also a Community Leader for the charity ONE Campaign which aims to eradicate preventable diseases and extreme poverty by 2030.

He first became aware of ABS’s work through the annual Chicken Run in London, in which he learnt about the remarkable work that ABS do throughout the architecture profession, which has led him to be more engaged with ABS and promote its message throughout the field. As an ABS Ambassador, he aims to promote and support the architectural community particularly fostering and supporting future generations of architects going through their studies and helping broaden the impact of ABS, helping it reach more of the profession and supporting its members.

I represent the Architectural community as a Practice Manager, working for an award-winning, London based architecture studio.

Prior to this, I was the Finance & HR Director for a unique London hospitality offering and have over 10 years’ experience of working with creative businesses. I am also an alumni mentor for fledgling graduates of Nottingham Trent University, providing one on one support as they enter the creative industries.

Through this work I am aware of the pressures placed on individuals as they complete their studies and within the workplace. And having experienced these pressures first hand in recent years, I know how important it is to have access to the right support at the right time.

I am incredibly passionate and excited about the work that ABS does, in particularly its partnerships with Anxiety UK and other organisations, to promote the health, wellbeing and good working practices for those in the industry. And by working in a support role for the profession, I look forward to advocating and supporting fundraising for the charity, not only through my colleagues but our extended network.