RIBA

This is the site of the Royal Institute of British Architects and it contains more than a quarter of a million pages of information on architecture, architects and the association itself. Although it is essentially aimed at the professionals, the site is clear and approachable to the interested lay person, with links to over 800 sites. Use the menu down the left-hand side of the page to navigate between sections.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Find an Architect will help you find the right person for your project, no matter how small. Click on 103 Things Architects Do for a dazzlingly comprehensive survey of the services they provide. And be prepared, it's a whole lot more than creating pretty designs and writing in funky capital letters.

RIBA Directory of Practices should be your first stop if you are planning a building project. Click on UK Directory, and then use the drop-down menu to select your county. You can further refine your search by entering your town, the type of job, and the proposed budget. When you click on a particular architect, a detailed description of their practice will appear in a pop-up window. Small Work & Domestic Projects gives a good introduction to what to expect if you've never used an architect before.

OTHER FEATURES

The RIBA Bookshop gives access to an extensive range of architecture and design books, including frequently updated special offers, available from their shops or via a secure server online.