Pictured above: Justin Smith

For the third successive year, a firm of Derby architects will be volunteering its time and expertise to the nationwide 'Architect in the House' scheme, which has already raised more than £800,000 for the charity Shelter.

Justin Smith Architects, based within Friar Gate Studios on Ford Street in Derby, is supporting the Architect in the House scheme, which is organised by the Royal Institute of British Architects and Shelter, the national housing and homelessness charity.

The scheme encourages architects nationwide to provide homeowners with advice on design and architecture. In return, the homeowner make a donation of £40 or more to Shelter, a charity that helps families who are homeless or in poor accommodation to find permanent homes.

Architects, like Justin Smith can advise on a multitude of home improvement ideas - from design to planning and project management, effective energy saving ideas to environmentally friendly solutions.

Commenting on the scheme, Justin Smith, director at Justin Smith Architects, said:"I am delighted to be able support Architect in the House for the third consecutive year. The scheme is a fantastic way for architects to help a very deserving charity."

"I would encourage other architectural practices to support the scheme, which operates nationwide and volunteer their expert advice to homeowners, so that, in turn, Shelter can help families in housing need."

Registration for this year's Architect in the House scheme is still open, and consultations will take place between 4 July and 30 November.

Justin Smith Architects was formed in 2002 by and offers a broad range of professional services - from building design to project management, interior developments to feasibility studies, architects certificates, planning applications and building regulations.