What is the Royal Institute of British Architects?
Q: What is the Royal Institute of British Architects?
A: The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a professional organisation for architects in the United Kingdom.
Q: When was the RIBA formed?
A: The RIBA was originally named the Institute of British Architects in London and formed in 1834.
Q: Who started the group?
A: The group was started by several important architects, including Philip Hardwick, Thomas Allom, William Donthorne, Thomas Leverton Donaldson, John Buonarotti Papworth and Thomas de Grey, 2nd Earl de Grey.
Q: When was the RIBA awarded a Royal Charter and what did it become?
A: The RIBA was awarded a Royal Charter in 1837, becoming the Royal Institute of British Architects in London, eventually dropping the reference to London in 1892.
Q: How many members does the RIBA have and who is allowed to call themselves chartered architects?
A: The RIBA is a member organisation, with 44,000 members. Chartered Members are allowed to call themselves chartered architects and to add the post-nominals RIBA after their name; Student Members are not permitted to do so.
Q: What is the RIBA building like and where is it located?
A: RIBA is based at 66 Portland Place, London—a 1930s Grade II* listed building designed by architect George Grey Wornum with sculptures by Edward Bainbridge Copnall and James Woodford.
Q: What can the public see at the RIBA building?
A: Parts of the London building are open to the public, including the exhibition galleries and Library. It has a large architectural bookshop, a café, restaurant and lecture theatres. Rooms are hired out for events.
