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.

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.

I graduated with BSc (Hons) in Architecture in 2010, then went on to study an MRes and PhD in Architecture. My research interested are in the role of green spaces in built – particularly urban – environments in benefiting mental, physical and social well-being.

I recently took up a post with the Scottish Government as a Principal Research Officer in Health and Social Care and look forward to seeing how my new role gives me fresh insight to my role as ABS Ambassador.

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.

Asim Hanif is an Architectural Assistant at Jacobs Engineering UK. He studied at both undergraduate and postgraduate level at the Manchester School of Architecture, and has previously worked at Canadian firm IBI Group on specialist healthcare masterplans, comprising of community services, hospitals and medical research facilities. He takes particular interests in exploring methods to create resilient, technologically-advanced urban environments and has promoted the use of AI and biomimetics throughout his work in academia and practice.

He says, “Without a doubt, the rewarding part of practicing in the field of Architecture is to see the impact our work is having on real communities, but this shouldn’t mean that we stop looking out for our own community. In most cases, it isn’t easy to spot (or accept) the signs that you or someone around you may be struggling, and needs to get support. There are many personal and professional factors within the realm of Architecture which can affect employment, physical/mental wellbeing and financial stability. By supporting the work of the ABS, I hope to advocate for healthier home and working environments, and raise awareness that it’s common to get help. The ABS has a number of excellent partnerships that are readily available to support the Architecture community in various ways – we just need to reach out to them!”

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.

Hello, my name is Úna (pronounced “oo-na”) and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am a Part II architectural assistant with 51 architecture, specialising in historical research, and sustainable design including lifecycle carbon assessment. My research interests include biodiverse landscape architecture, and low-impact building technologies. I trained at the University of Brighton and The Bartlett School of Architecture. I love gardening and swimming in the sea in Brighton where I live.