HOMEOWNERS have an opportunity to get expert advice on how to turn their home improvement dreams into a reality while raising funds for housing and homelessness charity Shelter.

Award-winning architect Carl Holloway, who has offices in Malvern and Birmingham, is taking part in Architect in the House – a scheme he has supported for the past eight years and is a joint fund-raising initiative from the Royal Institute of British Architects and Shelter that is now celebrating its 15th year.

The scheme gives homeowners the chance to receive an hour-long consultation from an RIBA architect on any home or design-related query, whether it is creating space for a growing family, adding an extension or simply finding the best ways to allow more light into people’s homes.

In return, homeowners can make a suggested donation of £40 to support Shelter’s work with homeless and badly housed families.

Since its launch, Architect in the House has raised more than £1.1 million for the charity. This year the scheme is being sponsored by TV channel Home.

Mr Holloway, the founding director of Holloway Foo Architects, said: “Everyone has a dream project for their home.

“With the housing market uncertain and mortgages still hard to secure, building on the home you already own often makes more sense than trading up.

“Architect in the House can help people start to make it happen while at the same time raising money for a good cause.

“Whether you’ve been considering an improvement to your home but haven’t looked into it or have simply never thought of using an architect this is the scheme for you.

“It’s a great opportunity to show people the benefits of consulting an architect.”

Homeowners wishing to take part can register at architectinthehouse.org.uk until Sunday, July 3.

Participants will be matched with architects in early July and consultations can take place any time up to the end of November.