Aled Rees is an Associate Director with over 15 years’ experience successfully developing and leading a range of project from domestic, commercial, social housing and healthcare, becoming a Chartered Architectural Technologist in 2016. He is currently the resident Chair of the Wales Region for CIAT and undertakes mentoring of future applicants and undertakes Professional Interviews as part of the Chartered application process. He also visits universities speaking to students about being in practice. He is looking forward to providing his support for ABS and moving them forward in the future.

How could you say ‘no’ to being an ambassador for this amazing Charity? I am in awe of the work and support the ABS can provide to our diverse and exciting wider architectural ‘family’. I want to spread the word, and help ABS make a difference.

I currently sit on the CIAT ‘Wales’ Committee, and enjoy my role as a Technical Associate for Powell Dobson Architects in Cardiff.

The construction industry is a truly inspiring, challenging and rewarding sector to work within. However, it can also be very stressful, life encompassing and lonely when things aren’t working out as planned. We train, mentor and develop our people to be the best ‘designers’ they can be, but have been guilty in the past of neglecting the ‘person’ behind the pencil. A great building is nothing, if the hearts and minds behind the bricks and mortar are the cost. It doesn’t have to be this way, and I believe the ABS can be the difference.

Being involved with the Architects Benevolent Society was a given for me and had already helped some of those people around me. I am delighted to help by contributing my free time to support the ABS as an Ambassador and continue to promote the extensive range of support they offer whilst also raising awareness of mental health issues.

Their aspirations align perfectly with my keen focus on promoting a positive and supportive work culture. It was only when I talked to the great team at ABS did I fully understand how far this support extends and is available to so many within the design industry. Mental health is such an important aspect within our complex and often high pressured industry. I am happy and proud to be a part of it’s fantastic story and passionate about extending the reach of its benefits to the Wales region.