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Tag: Charity (Page 1 of 5)

Architecture That Gives Back – Simon Open Door 2026

We are delighted to share that 2026 marks our 17th consecutive year taking part in the RIAI Simon Open Door initiative.

Opening to the public on Monday, 9 March, this annual campaign offers a valuable opportunity to receive professional architectural advice while directly supporting people experiencing homelessness across Ireland.

RIAI Simon Open Door is a collaboration between the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland and the Simon Communities of Ireland. In return for a €125 donation, you can book a one-hour consultation with a Registered Architect. Every cent raised goes straight to the Simon Communities, who have been delivering essential services nationwide for nearly 50 years.

The consultation is open to anyone seeking guidance on a property or building project. You may be planning a home renovation, extension or energy upgrade. You might be purchasing a house and want professional insight before committing. Or you could be exploring works to a commercial premises, assessing the potential of a site, or considering how to improve the layout, compliance or performance of an existing building.

An early conversation with an Architect can bring clarity, highlight opportunities, flag potential constraints and outline practical next steps. Even a single hour can provide direction that saves time, money and uncertainty later on.

This year’s national fundraising target is €100,000. Each appointment contributes directly to supporting families, children and older people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

We are proud to support this initiative for the 17th year and to continue contributing to a campaign that benefits both those seeking professional advice and those in urgent need of housing and support.

Appointments tend to book quickly once the initiative goes live on 9 March. If you would like to take part, you can reserve your consultation at www.riaisimonopendoor.ie.

We look forward to welcoming you and being part of this important effort once again.

The RIAI Simon Open Door Initiative Returns to Combat Homelessness

We’re pleased to announce the return of the RIAI Simon Open Door initiative, marking our 15th year of participation, in the midst of its 20th year of existence. Scheduled to run from the 8th to the 14th of May 2023, this collaborative effort between the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI) and the Simon Communities of Ireland is a beacon of hope in our ongoing battle against homelessness and housing exclusion in Ireland.

The premise is both straightforward and impactful: through hour-long consultations with RIAI Registered Architects, we have the opportunity to significantly improve the lives of those experiencing homelessness. To access this expertise, we ask for a donation of €120, ensuring that every cent raised directly supports the Simon Communities of Ireland.

Simon Communities’ dedication to helping individuals find not just shelter, but also support and pathways to a better future, is truly commendable. The RIAI is proud to have partnered with them for two decades, contributing almost €1.4 million to their crucial work.

We invite you to join us in supporting the Simon Communities of Ireland and their vision of a society where no one is left without a home. By booking a consultation with a RIAI Registered Architect, you’re not just investing in your own project – you’re investing in the future of our community. Together, let’s build a better tomorrow.

To book your consultation and be a part of this vital initiative, visit RIAI Simon Open Door today.

Meet an Architect – Help the Homeless

RIAI Simon Open Door is a partnership between the Simon Communities of Ireland and the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI). 

The Simon Communities of Ireland work with people who experience homelessness and housing exclusion in Ireland.

We are delighted to announce our participation in this important campaign for the 10th year in a row.

The RIAI Simon Open Door initiative has been a permanent fixture in the calendar of the RIAI and it has been decided to maintain that as the Simon Communities are now dealing with the severe implications of COVID-19 to their services across the country.

COVID-19 poses very serious challenges to people who are homeless or living in homeless services, and Simon Communities need your support to ensure they provide the strongest possible service during this crisis.

The RIAI and the Simon Communities feel it is important that we continue the campaign, but in an online format in 2020.

Anyone hoping to build, renovate or extend their home/office/shop may be interested in this initiative. Isabel Barros Architects in Wexford will offer an hour long consultation in return for a donation of €95 to charity. This generous donation of time and expertise will help fund Simon’s work assisting people to move on from the crisis of homelessness, to independent living in quality accommodation. All of the money raised goes towards the work of the Simon Communities of Ireland

You can sign up for an appointment with Isabel Barros Architects between Tuesday 5 May 2020 and Friday 15 May 2020, just log in at www.simonopendoor.ie.

Read Testimonials about the Simon Open Door.

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