ABS News

All of us here at The Architects Benevolent Society would like to wish you a Happy New Year and we hope it will not be quite so gloomy for the architectural profession as it currently seems.

An interesting evening was enjoyed by over 70 people on 3rd November 2008 at the offices of Make. Ken Shuttleworth spoke about architecture in the current downturn and about Make’s view that working to minimise environmental impact and optimise energy efficiency is an exciting challenge.

The Property Benevolent Funds (PBF) alliance exhibited at the British Council of Shopping Centres (BCSC) Annual Showcase, held at Arena and Convention Centre in Liverpool in November.

Bradshaw Gass & Hope: the story of an architectural practice - the first one hundred years 1862-1962 by Jane and Timothy Lingard tells the story of the first 100 years of a remarkable firm. The book sheds light on many beautiful drawings, relationships with clients and the communities they served through their design of public buildings

Watch a video of Chris talking about how the ABS helped him when he broke his back. He tells his story here to encourage you to support the ABS.

The ABS purchased a pedestrian sat-nav “trekker” system for former architect David Wright to help him get around more easily. Watch David's story in an extract from our Changing Lives DVD

Rob has a degenerative muscle disease. The ABS helped him to purchase specialist mobility equipment so that he could get around and continue to practice as an architect.

The ABS has helped Maureen to make her home more energy efficient by replacing an old boiler and fitting double glazing. Thanks to the ABS, her gas bill has been reduced, and she can use her hard earned pension more effectively.

Mrs Williams outlines the support she and her husband, a self employed architect, received when he went bankrupt. The ABS cannot rescue a practice in trouble, but we can help you deal with the aftermath.

When Gordon's health deteriorated, his small practice got into trouble. He was struggling to earn a living wage and couldn't afford to replace his broken-down boiler. The ABS helped with an interest free loan to pay for a replacement.