Gary Mees

Scotland | Architectural Technologist

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.

Oli Henshall

Wales | Architectural Technologist

How could you say ‘no’ to being an ambassador for this amazing Charity? I am in awe of the work and support the ABS can provide to our diverse and exciting wider architectural ‘family’. I want to spread the word, and help ABS make a difference.

I currently sit on the CIAT ‘Wales’ Committee, and enjoy my role as a Technical Associate for Powell Dobson Architects in Cardiff.

The construction industry is a truly inspiring, challenging and rewarding sector to work within. However, it can also be very stressful, life encompassing and lonely when things aren’t working out as planned. We train, mentor and develop our people to be the best ‘designers’ they can be, but have been guilty in the past of neglecting the ‘person’ behind the pencil. A great building is nothing, if the hearts and minds behind the bricks and mortar are the cost. It doesn’t have to be this way, and I believe the ABS can be the difference.

Read Oli’s Blog Posts

Rick McCluggage

Scotland | Architect

I have been an Ambassador of Architects Benevolent Society since 2018. This is a rewarding role and I use my time and contacts to spread the word of the work ABS does and the support available for people in our profession. It is great to give something back to the industry and be able to use my personal and professional experience to help others, deliver CPDs to other practices, fundraise and participate in workshops etc. I was honoured to represent ABS at the Queen’s Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in 2019 as a guest of our Patron His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester.

In professional life, I am an Architect with 20 years experience in private practice and I am an owner and Director of Smith Scott Mullan Associates in Edinburgh.

Read Rick’s Blog Posts

Karyn Williams

Wales | Architectural Technologist

Being involved with the Architects Benevolent Society was a given for me and had already helped some of those people around me. I am delighted to help by contributing my free time to support the ABS as an Ambassador and continue to promote the extensive range of support they offer whilst also raising awareness of mental health issues.

Their aspirations align perfectly with my keen focus on promoting a positive and supportive work culture. It was only when I talked to the great team at ABS did I fully understand how far this support extends and is available to so many within the design industry. Mental health is such an important aspect within our complex and often high pressured industry. I am happy and proud to be a part of it’s fantastic story and passionate about extending the reach of its benefits to the Wales region.

Read Karyn’s Blog Posts

Andy McLeish

Scotland | Architect

I had been aware of the Architects Benevolent Society but it was not until I suffered an accident in 2014 that the true value of what the ABS offer to the profession became apparent to me. They were of great moral and financial support to myself but more importantly to my family immediately following my accident and during my recovery. It is a privilege to now be an ambassador for this fabulous society and be able to share my experience from my families time of need and what the ABS can offer us all.

I am an Architect running my own small practice in Scotland. As an ambassador I want to both promote and support the ABS locally and nationally by raising awareness of the ABS, promoting and engaging with their activities and participating in fundraising initiatives. The ABS offer fabulous support to us all in the profession. They are there when we need them when we or our families fall on hard times, be that financial or be it physical or mental ailment. Alongside my fellow Ambassadors in Scotland, I look forward to many years as an ambassador as part of the ABS family.

 

Read Andy’s Blog Posts

Alina Holyst

Northern Ireland | Architect

I am honoured to join the Society as a Northern Ireland Ambassador. I have a deep understanding of difficulties that the architectural profession can face as I was one of the beneficiaries.

I faced a number of challenges during the recession. My struggle was compounded by a very unfortunate family events and long term illness. With continued help from the Society I finally resolved my issues.

Currently I am a RIBA Chartered Architect and Urban Planner. I am accomplished in working with international stakeholders and I lecture at the Queen’s University Belfast. I am a board member of a number of architectural organisations in Northern Ireland and work as a project architect on exciting schemes in County Down.

My involvement with the Society is not only reciprocal, it is a friendship.

Read Alina’s Blog Posts

Alexia Michael

London | Architect

Alexia Michael is an Architect at BarrGazetas. She studied at University of Westminster, and previously worked with Squire & Partners on prestigious new build masterplan projects, including the new mixed-use development ‘The Broadway’ in Victoria SW1, London. Since qualifying as an Architect in 2017, Alexia has taken several commercial projects along Regent Street from concept to completion. She is interested in architecture as an experience rather than a pure object of vision and has particular interest in commercial architecture and the re-manifestation of listed buildings. Her design ethos is driven by sustainability and end-user wellbeing. She is a passionate believer in Collaboration amongst trades, and strives to deliver creative and quality driven spaces while implementing refreshing ideas and technologies. She is also an Ambassador for the Architects Benevolent Society and a mentor for the University of Westminster mentoring students since 2017. Other than design, Alexia is passionate about travelling and shoes and has participated in workshops and short-courses at University of the Arts London to evolve her branding, 3D design and footwear design skills.

She says, “Times are changing and though our generation may be proven to be highly more productive than any other, this comes with a price to pay. It makes us prone to cognitive stress, sensory overload and emotional burn-out. Currently an architect at TateHindle and a Mentor at the University of Westminster providing guidance and advice to students within the industry, I joined ABS as an Ambassador to be the aide I would like to have when I needed it.

Mental health is not something that happens to other people, we all have mental health. It refers to the state of wellbeing and wellbeing is a currency for sharing; sharing trust, respect and communication. We have been trained within the architecture industry with the aim of creating places that would connect people. Yet, our academic and professional environments as architects are far detached from this. There is nothing more valuable in times of crisis than ‘face-to-face’ communication. I am excited to be part of this culture of change and collaboration and aspire to contribute to the work of ABS in all ways possible!”

Nigel Thorne

London | Landscape architect

To be an ambassador for any organisation means one has to believe in what they wish to achieve. The ABS has one of the most laudable ambitions for those of us within the built-environment professions – to help those of us who might be struggling in some way. Having been part of this professional world for many years, I have been through numerous difficult times in which I wish I had been aware of a benevolent organisation such as this. Now is my chance to help my fellow colleagues by promoting the aims and ambitions of the ABS to everyone who may wish to know more.

With many years experience of being a Samaritan, I understand that trials and tribulations come in all shapes and sizes; when these become too much for us we would all like to know there might be someone out there who might at least listen to us. By spreading the word on behalf of the ABS, I hope to be able to highlight the amazing things they have done to date and what they will be able to offer for the future.

Hannah Fothergill

London | Architect

ABS has been doing some amazing work for many years. I am very proud to be one of their Ambassadors and to help spread the word about the support and services they can offer to the architectural community and their families. The running of the ABS mental health support network in partnership with Anxiety UK is such a valuable resource and I will be championing it all the way.

I run my own private practice, and am also actively involved with teaching and mentoring in architecture schools. Helping to host the 2017 ABS chicken run afterparty at Bennetts Associates was enormous fun and worthwhile.

I am looking to dust my running shoes off in 2023 as a participant!

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