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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.