THE RIAI RAISED €38,000 for Simon last year with its Open Door day, in which hundreds of architects give their time for free. They hope to exceed that on their fourth open day on April 12th.

"Given recent changes in the housing market, people are looking at options other than moving to meet the changing needs of their families," says Seán O'Laoire, president of the RIAI. "Whether it's the open-plan kitchen you always dreamed of or an additional family room, a home office or even that large bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe, an RIAI architect brings vision and imagination to projects of all shapes and sizes."

"While most of us in Ireland are fortunate to have a home," says Patrick Burke, director of the Simon Communities of Ireland, "there are around 5,500 people in Ireland who do not. Simon Open Door is a great way for the Irish public to appreciate the homes they have and to simultaneously help those throughout the country who do not. We are delighted to partner with the RIAI for the fourth time and want to thank all of the architects who are opening their doors and public who will walk through them."

The Simon Open Door day is on Saturday, April 12th. An hour's consultation with an RIAI (Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland) architect costs €75 and all of the money goes to homeless agency Simon Communities of Ireland. Hundreds of RIAI members are taking part. Book a slot on www.simonopendoor.ie.