The scheme involves architects registering to offer free, hour-long, consultations to the public, in return for a small donation of £25 for the ABS. In 2014 the scheme raised over £2,000.

The ABS cares for architects, assistants, technologists and landscape architects and their dependants, providing practical and financial help to people of all ages who have experienced redundancy, illness, accident or bereavement.

When Bela and Olen Howden tragically lost their parents and youngest sibling in a car accident, the Architects Benevolent Society was there to help them rebuild their lives.

When Bela and Olen left hospital and their grandmother came to live with them, the ABS used donation income to give a significant financial gift to the family which immediately helped with living essentials (including school uniforms and meals). They also helped with the cost of house repairs and essential re-decoration.

Bela and her family have been given ongoing support too, with a monthly grant which helped to ensure that their grandmother was able to support the family, without having to worry about their financial situation.

Anyone who is considering making changes to their property can help by signing up to the scheme and take advantage of the opportunity to discuss ideas and get the advice you need to improve your home.

An Architect in the Hoose client from 2014 said: “My appointment with Marie-Louise at JAM was yesterday and it went very well. I was actually hesitating as I thought my ‘project’ was small and a bit vague, but I’d recommend it to anyone, especially with someone like Marie-Louise who is great - unstuffy, yet professional.”

Catherine Walsh, another of last year’s clients added: “After years of dithering over the possibility of building a house on our land the first decisive step was made within one hour of on architect from the ‘Architect in the Hoose Scheme’ visiting our home. An excellent charitable scheme that everyone benefits from.”

Registration is now open and will run until the end of September with consultations taking place until the end of November.

To take part please go to www.hoose.scot and download a registration form. Alternatively email Charlene Rankin crankin@rias.org.uk for more information.