MAIN Art & Culture Architecture Architects

Anytime you plan to build, you need an architect.

From designing and building the tallest skyscrapers — to adding a room to you home — architects are the brains behind a successful project.

These professionals are involved with every aspect from planning and design to administration and management of construction.

The traditional image of an architect bent over a drafting table working on a blueprint is only partly accurate. According to the American Institute of Architects, one third (34%) of all the work done by architects in the USA really involves rehabilitation and renovation projects.

But no matter what the project entails, it usually begins at the the drafting table from which rises the working models. From there, architects may be seen donning hard hats with the rest of the construction crew, answering questions or making sure that the plans are being followed exactly the way they were drawn.

Some of the other tasks that fall to the architect include providing plans and documents in compliance with local laws, checking to make sure the utilities are hooked up and adequate, time and expense budgeting, and making sure the finished product meets all safety and regulatory requirements. Increasingly, that also means that architects are responsible for ensuring that building materials and products are environmentally sustainable, as well. A good architect can also recommend reliable contractors and skilled trades people to bring a building project to life.

From the pyramids of Ancient Egypt and the Coliseum in Rome, to the temples of Greece, and the great Cathedrals of the Middle Ages in Europe... all were designed by architects with vision and expert skills.

Around the Web, you'll find the men and women practicing this profession - together with the firms and organizations to which they belong - in this guide to locating architects and related resources worldwide...

AIA Architect Finder - Search for top U.S. architectural firms by zip code or building type, at the online home of The American Institute of Architects.

RIBA Directory of Members - Searchable database of over 28,000 architects in the Royal Institute of British Architects membership.

Architects Online - Almost 900 architects from around the world in a searchable directory, together with news, book reviews, forum, and an international competitions listing.

Arcspace - Excellent, sleek and eye-popping online guide to contemporary architects and their work in galleries and exhibits, photo essays, feature stories, plus a separate image library, book reviews and related links.

The Architects' Council of Europe - Comprehensive directory for architects with emphasis on European training and laws. Links to databases for the public to search for member architects.

Architects USA - Drill down the clickable maps by U.S. state, region and city to browse links and contact details for over 20,000 architectural firms nationwide.

Building Trades Directory - U.S. directory of architects, landscape architects, engineers and contractors browseable by state.

also see -> General Resources | Architects | Architectural History

Architectural Styles | Architect Training | Urban Planning

Architectural Awards | Publications

also see in Business -> Building Construction