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 decided to join Architect’s Benevolent Society as through my architectural education, I have seen myself and my peers struggle. Helping others to overcome their issues and simply open up has ignited a passion in me to reach out. I needed to channel this energy, and ABS has been an excellent organisation to be amongst like-minded individuals.

Currently undertaking my Part 2 at The London School Of Architecture, I cannot wait to build upon my professional network to spread the much needed positive energy of ABS. I am passionate in specifically how we can tackle the pressures of architectural education in the way students are expected to learn and perform.

I hope to help build a new generation of architects with a sustainably healthy mindset.

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.

Max Mackay qualified as an ARB qualified architect in 2021 working at Bennett’s Associates, where he working on a number of key projects such as the Facebook offices in Kings cross and Timber Square in Southwark – Central London’s first genuine carbon zero workspace. Max is passionate about all areas of design and has been running his own graphic design company, OMAK Design, for 5 years.

Recently, Max took a step away from a full-time architecture role to pursue a creative direction role at a startup called Purdy and Figg, a sustainable homecare brand based in Shoreditch.

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.

In an industry that experiences more issues with mental health than the norm, ABS’s work is vital – which is why I had to get involved! I personally suffer from anxiety, and I know how lonely, tiring and difficult that can be, so it’s really important to me to spread awareness of the charity, in particular their amazing links with Anxiety UK.

I am currently working as an Architect at Stanton Williams, where I am part of their Equality Diversity and Inclusion Group as well as a Young Trustee at the Architecture Foundation where we support emerging and less-heard voices in the industry. As an ABS ambassador am really keen to use my platform to continue this work and to support the charity in raising awareness.

I was always brought up with the saying “it’s not what happens it’s how you deal with it”. This doesn’t mean you have to deal with it alone, it’s okay to ask for help, and the ABS is always there to support you. In an industry that often celebrates individualism it’s important to remember – you are not alone. We all work in teams; everyone has their own team – be it your family, friends, or at work. We solve problems together and with the ABS on your team we can overcome any difficulties you are facing.