RIAI Simon Open Door returns for its 21st year, offering expert architectural advice while supporting homelessness prevention
The RIAI Simon Open Door is back for its 21st year, offering homeowners across Ireland a unique opportunity to receive expert advice from an RIAI Registered Architect, while supporting the vital work of Simon Communities of Ireland.
Since launching in 2004, this annual initiative has raised essential funds to support organisations working with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. In return for a €125 donation, homeowners can book a one-hour consultation with a Registered Architect to discuss home improvements, including building, renovating, retrofitting, or future-proofing their homes.
Registration is now open and consultations will take place from 7 to 13 April, with all proceeds going to the Simon Communities of Ireland.
Demand from the public for the campaign is particularly strong this year, with this in mind we are appealing to all Registered Architects to sign up here.
RIAI Simon Open Door 2025: LR Ber Grogan (Executive Director, Simon Communities of Ireland), Dermot Bannon MRIAI (Campaign Ambassador), and Kathryn Meghen (RIAI CEO) at a stunningly renovated and extended 19th-century mid-terrace home in Dublin city centre, designed by Foley + Crowley Architects. The project was delivered by contractor Caracon Limited, with engineering by SHD Consulting Engineers.
Kathryn Meghen, RIAI CEO, said,
“Making improvements to your home requires a significant investment and it’s important that homeowners get the best advice. The focus on upgrading and future proofing homes continues as people seek to make their homes more sustainable and more adaptable to their future needs. The RIAI Simon Open Door Campaign is an excellent way to explore options and contribute to an important cause.
“For 21 years, Registered Architects have generously donated their time and expertise, helping homeowners across Ireland while raising vital funds for Simon Communities of Ireland. The funds raised helped to renovate Simon Communities properties, ensuring that vulnerable individuals had a safe place to call home. We are incredibly proud to continue this partnership and encourage homeowners to take part, whether they are planning a new build, a retrofit, or simply seeking expert advice. By transforming your home, you can help change a life.”
The RIAI has raised close to €1.5 million for the Simon Communities of Ireland over the past 20 years through this campaign. This year, the RIAI Simon Open Door aims to raise €100,000 to support the vital services provided by the Simon Communities of Ireland. For example, in 2023, the campaign helped Galway Simon support 218 households, offering a range of services including Emergency Services (5,246 bed nights), Housing First tenancies (62 tenancies), Supported Housing (20 men), Community-Based Housing (49 households), and Youth Services (26 young adults). The community also played a key role in preventing homelessness, with over 90% of those assisted by the Prevention Teams avoiding the need for Emergency Accommodation. In 2024, the campaign raised over €98,000, making a significant impact on local Simon Communities across Ireland.
Ber Grogan, Executive Director, Simon Communities of Ireland, said,
“Ireland’s housing crisis continues to push record numbers of individuals and families into homelessness, with many trapped in emergency accommodation for far too long. At the Simon Communities of Ireland, we are committed to making the changes needed to support people experiencing homelessness, and providing the vital services needed to help people secure a home and rebuild their lives.
“The RIAI Simon Open Door campaign is a vital initiative, not only raising funds but also leveraging the expertise of Ireland’s architects to help create safe, sustainable homes. In Galway, the impact of this support is clear. Thanks to funds raised through RIAI Simon Open Door, Galway Simon was able to carry out essential renovations for older people experiencing homelessness, creating safer, more comfortable living spaces and ensuring staff had proper facilities to provide care. We are deeply grateful for RIAI’s continued partnership and the kindness of architects who give their time to make a difference.”
Since launching the campaign, over 20,000 architects across Ireland have gotten involved with this initiative, offering people expert guidance, creative solutions, and a practical roadmap to achieving their home improvement goals.
Dermot Bannon MRIAI, RIAI Spokesperson said,
“Consulting a Registered Architect can help homeowners bring their dream to life, whether it’s future-proofing their current home an extension or planning a new build. Over the years, we’ve seen participants gain invaluable insights from these consultations. Not only do they receive expert advice tailored to their needs, but they also get access to innovative design solutions for their home. Homeowners benefit from great design advice and have the satisfaction of knowing they are contributing to a meaningful cause that helps improve the lives of vulnerable individuals in our society.”
Registration is now open and people are encouraged to book a consultation with a RIAI Registered Architect in their local area by visiting www.riaisimonopendoor.ie