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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.