Our people

Life can be tough; we can be faced with situations that make things seem impossible to get through. The support that ABS offer is incredible. Being able to reach out to a charity who can offer so much help both emotionally and financially can be a lifeline.

I was thrilled to hear that ABS also supports creative support staff within a practice, as being recognised as core part of the Architectural profession means allot to those who work within these supporting roles.

Having had periods in my life when I have suffered with my own mental health, I understand how important this charity is. I have witnessed first-hand the positive affect’s ABS has had on some of my colleagues. I am thrilled to be able to help the charity in whatever way I can.

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.

I became involved with the ABS to help spread the message of their good work, my own personal experience of battling sudden extreme ill health, where I was forced to take time off studying/working for several years, helps me to empathise with others facing similar hardship.

I had heard about the ABS some years ago, but assumed it was only for fully qualified architects; it was only later did I realise it was open to students and other professionals as well and that there could have been some financial and mental health support available to me.

Through articles, guest blogs, social media and running events, I hope to reduce the stigma of mental illness in the industry and avoid others struggling.

I am an Architect, the Vice-President of the Birmingham Architectural Association, Shaw Trust’s Power 100 2020 & 2021 top most influential Disabled people in the UK, shortlisted for the National Diversity award’s Disability Role Model and a passionate advocate for Inclusive Design/Accessible Housing.

My work and research focuses on providing decent accommodations across the Built Environment for those with a spectrum of disabilities and mental health issues. I sit on Habinteg’s advisory board (an accessible housing association), a Design Council Expert, lobby government to improve the Building Regulations and help educated students and professionals on their social responsibility.

Dr Ana Souto is the Director of Doctoral Programmes and a Senior Lecturer in Architecture at the School of Architecture, Design and Built Environment. Ana plays a key role in the development and leadership of the research modules on undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Architecture. She also supervises PhD and Professional Doctorate candidates in the areas of Architecture, Identity, Heritage and Memory. Ana’s research interest lies in architecture as a cultural manifestation of national identity. Her current research explores the connections between identity, memory and heritage, sense of belonging and ownership of the built environment, using a participatory methodology

ABS is a fantastic organisation, which I am delighted to be a part of. I first learned of the organisation during my master’s education and, now as a qualified architect, I am excited to dedicate time to spreading the word, helping run events and supporting their ongoing work.

Throughout my education and career, I have remained passionate about promoting inclusivity and diversity within the architectural industry, and I aim to support and encourage accessibility within the field. I believe financial support, outreach activities and social events are great tools to help towards achieving this.

I believe it is essential for all individuals to receive support for mental health and well-being. I am delighted that ABS is taking practical measures to provide this support within the architectural profession.

I am honoured to be a part of ABS’ work to support and bolster the profession to provide services for those who would benefit from some support.

I am an Associate Architect working for an international practice in Hampshire and I also lecture part-time in Professional Practice for the University of Portsmouth.

Being an Ambassador for the Architect’s Benevolent Society and raising awareness for them is an invaluable alliance that helps support my colleagues in practice and my students at the university, as well as others within the wider architectural industry.

I first got involved with ABS when both my colleagues in practice and my students were affected in their personal lives and the work place, with mental health or other issues, and I felt like I could do more to assist.  I have of course felt the pressures of the business, and life, and this only allows me to relate better to those I want to help.  I have a passion for mentoring and believe that education and awareness is the principle way to break stigma.

It is important to know that ABS is not limited to mental health and their assistance and knowledge goes much further.  Their work with Anxiety UK however proves an incredible resource. I am very excited to see collaboration and change.

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.

I am a Chartered Architectural Technologist and a Senior Lecturer in Architectural Technology at Ulster University. It is an honour to be an ambassador for the Architects Benevolent Society (ABS), with my support stemming from what I see as a responsibility, in my role as an academic, to promote the message to the next generation that it is OK not to feel OK and to reach out for help if and when it is needed. This not only relates to mental wellbeing, but in all aspects of life. We are all human and from time to time need support, advice and encouragement. I see my role as not only promoting the great work of ABS, but being that person that individuals can reach out to if they are in need of help.

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.

It’s an absolute pleasure and honour to be asked to be an ABS Ambassador.

As a Chartered Architectural Technologist working in the built environment for over four decades and being blessed with full employment over that period I would like to help those who for various reasons have not been so fortunate.

CIAT celebrates architecture in an inclusive manner, much like the work of ABS, and therefore I am fortunate be asked to take on this appointment to promote the work of ABS throughout the UK. As the Institutes President for 2017, I have the opportunity to deliver the message to all the Regions of our institute and will endeavour to work with our fellow professional bodies to raise awareness and funds for ABS, I am looking forward to the challenge.

I became involved with the ABS after an initial struggle with my mental health at university, and after graduation at work. When a colleague pointed me in the direction of the ABS, I reached out for some support and was able to receive therapy sessions which have been invaluable in helping me understand myself better and develop mechanisms to allow me to progress in my career which I am so grateful for.

Following this, whenever I can, I have tried to talk about ABS at work and with friends whenever I can, as a way of giving back and raising awareness of the charity and the amazing support on offer.

Hi I’m James and I’m a dad, husband, dog-owner and architect. I am the director at a small, award-winning architectural practice that focusses on domestic, small commercial and community projects across North Somerset & the South West. As well as designing lovely places to live, work & play, I also engage with academic institutions at all levels; ranging from STEM/STEAM workshops at primary schools, careers advice and work experience at secondary school & academies, right up to university level where I help and mentor undergrad and masters students.

I have been involved in the architecture industry in some capacity for the best part of 20 years, and throughout both the long-haul of education and then working from micro to global scales, I have witnessed an epidemic of poor mental health. This results in people really suffering with stress, anxiety and depression, which as an industry of highly-skilled, professional problem solvers, always puzzled me as to why this continued to go unaddressed.

In seeking out answers I discovered the ABS, and having witnessed the incredible support they offer to our industry, I endeavoured to be involved in the sharing of the invaluable resources they can provide to both our profession and student cohorts. Being a proud ambassador empowers me to share awareness of the support available, learn and continue to champion the changing attitudes towards mental health, and I’m looking forward to stimulating positive, open conversations with students, academics and professionals, as well as enjoying some social fundraising at every opportunity!

Jamie is an architect working for Howells in London. He completed his master’s degree at the Scott Sutherland School of Architectural and Built Environment and passed his Part 3 qualification in 2023 from the University of Westminster. He was first made aware of the work ABS does through the annual Chicken Run and the opportunities that can be created by the charity.

As an ambassador, he can offer advice and support to the future generation of upcoming architects from his recent experience of the academic process, which can be a challenging and demanding time for students.

I am a RIBA chartered architect. I graduated from Newcastle University in 2017, during my time there I was awarded a travel scholarship to undertake research on civic architecture in North America. I have worked on various mixed-use and residential schemes, including delivering large-scale, aged-living residential developments in the UK and abroad. I strive to create architecture with a social conscience, and I feel I share a similar ethos to that of ABS.

I am an individual who wants to grow and develop within the profession and has the insight to instil positive change in the industry, for our people. I want to use my position as an ABS ambassador and use it to contribute to society positively.

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.

Katie Fisher is the founder of CARD (Collaboration, Agency, Research, Design) Projects, a practice which celebrates collaborative design and empowering agency in the built environment. Named a 2024 RIBA Rising Star for her work promoting inclusion in the industry, she is also a former co-chair of the Architecture Foundation Young Trustees. Katie currently sits on the RIBA National Council, where she is part of the Education Committee and the co-chair of the Finding and Accessing Architecture Expert Advisory Group. She also teaches Architecture at Ravensbourne University where she is currently organising and leading an affordable summer school to empower more students to have access to live design and build opportunities. As a passionate advocate for mental health, work place wellbeing and equity across the built environment, Katie has volunteered with the Architects Benevolent Society since 2021 as an ambassador, since 2023 she has sat on the Engagement and Development Committee and in 2025 joined the charities board of trustees.

Katie is a founding member of the Professional Architect Mentors (PAM), a collective of early-career architects dedicated to bridging education and practice. Katie is passionate about mentoring and has mentored across various programmes supporting young creatives and underrepresented talent including the Design Museum’s Ardagh Young Creatives, Built By Us, Open City Accelerate and the Social Mobility Foundation.

Kavita is an Architect at Corstorphine and Wright Architects and her passion for architecture derives from her love of craft, detailing and creating. She has an avid interest in social responsibility, sustainability and working with young adults and children and architecture. She leads the CSR team at C&W and is an active RIBA Architect’s Ambassador delivering architectural workshop’s for children in schools as well as being involved in architectural and design related family days.

Kavita also currently sits on the Board of the Birmingham Architectural Association and is the social media manager. Having been involved with the BAA since the revival, Kavita is excited to launch a ‘Diversity and Inclusion’ ground and will lead whilst continuing her involvement with Women in Architecture and BCO. Formerly, Kavita has sat on Student Councils for her universities and acted as a Student and Course representative for Architecture as well as co-founding the Northumbria Architecture Society.

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.

The architectural industry focuses on addressing and solving issues involving design and the built environment. But the needs and challenges that communities face should be taken more seriously. ABS certainly achieves a positive impact by supporting the community in this aspect, and I look up to that. It is inspiring to see ABS addressing issues that affect not only the architectural community but all communities, specifically with financial and mental health care. The support provided through the architectural lens strongly resonated with me.

I have always had an interest in the built environment and the impact it has on communities. Throughout my journey in education, my interest in design within the built environment flourished as I worked on my academic projects to address community needs. As a graduate seeking the next stage in my architectural career, joining ABS will allow me to contribute to positive change by having a platform through ABS to spread awareness and offer my time to support in any way I can.

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.

ABS kindly sponsored my masters dissertation in 2018, titled ‘Mental Wellbeing and the Architecture Student’. This piece of research was done in collaboration with the RIBA, and interrogated some of the key causes behind mental distress amongst architecture students, and suggested future steps towards addressing these problems.

I am now working as an Architect and am proud to be an ambassador for the ABS, alongside my involvement in the Architects’ Mental Wellbeing Forum. The work all the inspiring people at ABS are doing is invaluable for everyone in the profession. I strongly believe that we can make a difference, and I would like to empower people to challenge conventional viewpoints surrounding unhealthy cultures and consider their own mental health as a priority within their studies or careers, not as a secondary consideration. We have been seeing a lot of positive progress and this must continue if we are to become a healthy profession.

I am an architect living and working in Glasgow, Scotland. I served as the President of the Glasgow Institute of Architects between 2014 – 2016 and it was during discussions at a GIA Awards Dinner that a decision was made to increase the ABS fundraising effort from Scotland. A challenge was set down and after months of planning and training I coaxed a team of 11 architects into cycling the 550 miles between the RIAS, Edinburgh and the RIBA, London in just four days.

The highlight of the trip was the warm welcome we received from the ABS team as we pedalled into Portland Place on a sunny September evening. Since completing the RIAS – RIBA challenge I have also ran the 2016 Edinburgh marathon with a team of architects from across Scotland. I hoped that through participating in and completing these fundraising challenges I have raised the profile of the ABS in Scotland. I have the utmost respect for the staff who work tirelessly to support our fellow professionals and I am now very proud to be part of the team in my role as Ambassador.

The architectural world can be extremely demanding on our mental and physical wellbeing, and although as architects we can use our expertise to create heathier environments to live, work and play, sometimes we hit stumbling blocks that fall outside of our control. For those in need, it is important they are able to get the help they require to put them back on track.

It is a privilege to be able to support the Architects Benevolent Society in doing just this, and in my role as an Ambassador, to be able to share the message of the work of the charity to raise awareness of the positive impact it has on the profession and the support it offers to those in need.

I am a chartered architect and have worked for Hopkins Architects since 2012, where I have particular expertise in the education sector. I am passionate about mentoring young architects, to share knowledge and experiences and to provide the professional and emotional support they need to develop.

I am delighted and honoured to be part of Architect’s Benevolent Society as an Ambassador. I first learnt about the role from a colleague in practice and was deeply impressed by the great work that the Society does for the profession. I hope to contribute to this work with fundraising and through raising awareness of the importance of mental health and wellbeing.

I grew up in Spain and made the move to the UK in my late teens to study architecture. I lived in Canterbury, Glasgow and finally settled in London where I now work as an Architect. My training was a truly enjoyable time of my life, but it did not come without many challenges. I experienced my own struggles with mental health and found it difficult to speak up and get help.

The guidance and kindness I received from my friends and family during this time was invaluable in gaining access to therapy and learning useful coping mechanisms for day-to-day life. I am passionate about helping others in the same way I was helped when I needed it the most. Through my training as a Mental Health First Aider, I endeavour to help those around me whenever possible.

Nikolina is an Architectural Assistant at Eric Parry Architects, currently completing her Part 3 Qualification at the University of Westminster. She holds an Master’s degree with Distinction from the Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, where in 2021 she was awarded the Ambrose Poynter Prize for Outstanding Architectural Thesis.

Nikolina is deeply passionate about celebrating diversity and multiculturalism in the architectural profession. She strongly believes that sharing knowledge within academia and practice is fundamental to establishing sustainable and empowering environment, supporting young architects in the pursuit of their professional aspirations. Hence, in the past year, Nikolina has become a mentor on the Building Future Programme at Blueprint for All.

In her role as an ABS Ambassador, Nikolina is enthusiastic about continuing to engage with students and young architects, transitioning from academia to practice. As a graduate during the pandemic, she values the importance of a strong community and healthy personal habits for maintaining one’s mental wellness. With her engagement in ABS, Nikolina will continue to raise awareness about mental health in the architectural field, broadening ABS’s outreach and impact.

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 first gained knowledge of the Architects Benevolent Society when, during my masters, they hosted an event at the Sheffield School of Architecture. In collaboration with the RIBA, ABS sought to raise awareness of mental wellbeing among architecture students and practitioners, and presented the services they could offer those experiencing hardship. Subsequently I used their services to deal with my own mental health needs, and was incredibly impressed with the support ABS staff offered, and the pace with which I was able to access appropriate mental health provision. I believe the intensity of the profession often leads to the neglect of the mental health of its practitioners. Without the work of ABS I know many within the profession would be suffering.

As an Ambassador I have used my role to promote the work of the charity, including hosting a virtual event for Sheffield School of Architecture students (with support from the University’s mental health services). I have also fundraised for the organisation.

ABS is a fantastic charity, providing essential support to architectural practitioners and their families, and I am excited to continue to work in partnership with the organisation.

Read Rosa’s blog posts

ABS is a wonderful organisation that I am thrilled to be able to support. I started my journey in the Built Environment in 2012 at Northumbria University reading Architectural Technology. I now work as a senior Architectural Technologist at FaulknerBrowns Architects with a specialism in Sport and Leisure. I really enjoy working on public sector projects and seeing the impact buildings have on local communities and how they contribute to both physical and mental health of individuals. This is something I am keen to help develop through my role at ABS.

As well as my role as a Technologist I also sit on the FaulknerBrowns CSR and Well-being groups. Having a deeper understanding of what ABS offers has helped me in these roles. I am also a CIAT Northern Region Committee member and look forward to bringing both groups together and promoting the amazing work of ABS in the Northern Region.

I am a London based Architect & Founder of STUDIO ARKAY.

I am also a part-time Architectural Design Tutor, at Loughborough University. Since 2018, I’ve been an invited member of the RIBA ‘Education Development Group’ focusing on assessments of grants & recognition – such as the AHR Scholarship & Annie Spink Award.

I came across the ABS in 2016 & stayed in touch with some of its members ever since. I wanted to support the society in any way I could & being an ambassador gives me the opportunity to do just that! I’m honoured to represent such an amazing organization, particularly in the after effects of the recent pandemic – where the importance of physical & mental wellbeing is somewhat better recognized.

Small contributions may have a huge impact on other people’s lives – we’re here to support individuals within our industry, through a collective effort.

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”

After completing my Masters at The University of Edinburgh, I began my Part 3 studies at The University of Nottingham. Whilst completing my Part 3, I also qualified as a yoga instructor. I am now an Architect working in Nottingham and also teach yoga classes to colleagues and students at the University of Nottingham. Architecture is a demanding course; on top of that I struggled with anxiety during my Undergraduate studies and had to deal with the shock and grief of losing a parent during my Masters. At the time I was unable to get support from my university and I wish I had known about ABS as I may have got the immediate help I needed. As an ABS ambassador I hope to help spread the word on the work ABS does and the support they offer, so that others in similar situations to what I had been in are aware they can always be supported during difficult times.

Stephen is the Founder of the Architecture Social and a Council Member of the Royal Institute of British Architects. He worked in the Architecture industry at EPR Architects for three years after completing a degree and diploma in Architecture at the University of Westminster and Manchester School of Architecture. In 2014, Stephen left practising Architecture to pursue a career in recruitment where he worked alongside industry-leading Architecture Practices such as AHMM, Allies and Morrison, Benoy, Sheppard Robson and Skidmore Owings and Merrill to find creative designers for their teams. In 2021, Stephen joined Ackroyd Lowrie, an ambitious Architecture Practice as their Head of Talent. He was responsible for internal recruitment and retaining existing staff, alongside building up his own business known as the Architecture Social. The Architecture Social is an online platform packed with content, resources and tools to help creatives find new jobs, stand out from the crowd and take their career in Architecture to the next level. The combination of working directly in the Architecture Industry as a designer and hiring manager, as well as a consultant in the Recruitment Industry, means that the Architecture Social has a fresh spin on an old formula by breaking down traditional barriers between companies and creatives, providing a supportive environment to develop professional skills, find new jobs and socialise.

Currently, he is an elected member of the RIBA Council, an ambassador for ABS, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a professional member of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation and the Association Of Professional Staffing Companies. Previously a Visiting Critic and Teaching Assistant of Manchester School of Architecture, professional mentor for postgraduate students of Architecture at the University of Westminster, and a guest lecturer for students of LMJU.

He says, “Architects come from all walks of life and have overcome obstacles along the way. It is a very hard journey along the path of Architecture. Working in architecture has its ups and downs.  We all love the industry for different reasons, however whether it is external events or problems within practice sometimes it can feel like the odds are against you and leave you feeling an anxious. Sometimes we all need a little help or would like the support of someone else who is familiar with the industry, even if it is just someone to talk to. That’s what I love about the ABS and how they help the industry.”

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.

I am delighted to be part of the wider architectural profession by supporting ABS as an ambassador. The charity is phenomenal and its an honour to be part of this growing family, it goes to show your never alone.

As a Senior Chartered Architectural Technologist and Building Engineer, working for a Chartered RIBA practice in Kent, I am very much aware of the pressures that come with our industry and of course the additional challenges of daily life. Having experienced stress and anxiety during my career resulting in time off from work, I am acutely aware of the support this charity provides and how there is no shame in seeking help and support. Following my own mental health experience, I made a conscious decision to speak up and where I can help others. This resulted in me becoming a certified mental health first aider and joining the CIAT Equality and Diversity Taskforce. I am determined to contribute positively to promoting safe and supportive communities for all our industry professionals.

Hi! My name is Veronica, I am studying to become a chartered Architect. I am a Linguist, I’ve studied languages, obtaining a language degree and fine arts in Rome, Italy and can speak fluently 5 languages: Arabic, English, Italian, Spanish and French.
Before, getting into Salford, I’ve worked extremely hard to achieve D*D*D* (Triple Star Distinctions) at College here in the UK. I came to the UK to pursue my education in architecture and progress in academia. My family comes from a low socio-economic background, we are Egyptian/Italians; and my people represent the minority back home.

I’ve brought my knowledge and awareness of different cultural traditions and cultural history and variety of different cultural cuisines, being mixed Egyptian/Italian and my languages set of skills which has helped me communicate with variety of different people of different society here in the student union.
I’ve also brought my knowledge and love of music, photography, philosophy, fine arts and martial arts to the event. (love for cultures)
I’ve engaged in different competitions and hackathons to enrich my concept development and IT Skills.

Currently, I am a Student Ambassador and Volunteer Ambassador at the University of Salford, I am also the Vice-Chair of SSSA (Salford student Society of Architects). As a confident, patient and friendly individual, I work with students as a mentor for my undergrad students who I mentor on a weekly base. I’ve been providing good advice and guide my mentees into better qualification results if they need clarity or help in achieving their goals.

I’ve also volunteered with children; supervising on different trips and arranging play days.
Fostering a love of learning at an early stage can help students overcome learning barriers that they face. I have a real passion for providing students with the opportunities they need in order to flourish academically and personally. Being the eldest of three, I have grown a desire to enable students to reach their potential at the pace that they are comfortable with, whilst also providing them a safe space to aim higher.

I have been a confidant and a safety net support to many of my students over the years; mentoring them has been the most rewarding experience in my life.

Within the community, I’ve been a regular volunteer with homeless kitchens in Stockport and Oldham. I am a volunteer to Manchester Pride and a committee member, I have been helping the local community with gardening. I am also a volunteer with an organisation called W.E.L Safe to help young people with Mental Health needs and different addictions.

As an Ambassador for ABS, I want to support others finding their voice. I want to support the community to speak up and I want to support them by listening and by providing creative individuals with a space they feel secure, safe to be their authentic selves and be transparent.