Professional Bodies

Architectural Association - The Architectural Association was established in 1847 as a forum for architectural debate and reform. Over 150 years later it remains a venue for architects' lectures and exhibitions in London, and runs one of the world's leading schools of architecture.

Architects Online - A web-based job and information service for architectural and design professionals. The service caters for the architectural profession, suppliers to and users of architectural and design services - in short, to anyone interested in architects and architecture.

Association of Town Centre Management - The ATCM is a non-governmental organisation (NGO), with hundreds of members representing towns and cities and public and private sector organisations, with links to central and local government and professional bodies across the UK, Europe and the world.

Building Research Establishment - The Building Research Establishment is the UK's leading centre for construction and fire expertise, providing consultancy, testing and information services to customers world-wide.

Chartered Institute of Building - With over 42,000 members the CIOB is the international voice of the building professional, representing an unequalled body of knowledge concerning the management of the total building process.

Chartered Institute of Housing - The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) is the professional body for people working in housing. Our purpose is to maximise the contribution that housing professionals make to the well being of communities.

Council for British Archaeology - The Council for British Archaeology works to promote the study and safeguarding of Britain's historic environment, to provide a forum for archaeological opinion, and to improve public interest in, and knowledge of, Britain's past.

Federation of Master Builders - With more than 15,000 member firms, the Federation of Master Builders is the largest trade association in the UK building industry.

House Builders Federation - The House Builders Federation (HBF) is the trade federation for private house builders in England and Wales.

Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology - The IMarEST is the largest global professional membership body for those in all sectors of the marine industry.

Institute of Civil Engineers - The Institution of Civil Engineers is an independent engineering institution. It was established in 1818, and today represents over 80,000 professionally qualified engineers worldwide and the civil engineering industry.

Institute of Logistics & Transport - The Institute of Logistics & Transport is a focus for professional excellence It promotes the development of the most relevant and effective techniques in logistics and transport, and of policies which respond to the challenges of a changing world.

Institution of Highways & Transportation - The Institution was founded in 1930 as the Institution of Highway Engineers.

Landscape Institute - The Landscape Institute is the Chartered Institute in the UK for Landscape Architects, incorporating designers, managers and scientists, concerned with enhancing and conserving the environment.

Local Authority Building Control - Local Authority Building Control (LABC) is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in building design and construction. It is based on a publicly accountable and independent service, ensuring that buildings comply with relevant legal requirements for health and safety.

Local Government Association - The association is celebrating five years of successful lobbying, innovation and communication in government in April 2002.

National House Building Council - Established over 60 years ago, the National House-Building Council is the independent regulator and standards setter for the new homes industry. It aims to help the house-building industry construct good quality new homes that meet the reasonable expectations of homebuyers.

New Engineering Contract - The New Engineering Contract (NEC) is a legal framework of project management procedures designed to handle all aspects of the management of engineering and construction projects.

Planning Aid: Getting professional support and help - The RTPI also operates a Planning Aid network through which volunteer planners provide free and independent advice to community groups and individuals unable to afford a consultant.

PlanningMatters - An online knowledge resource that will enable town planners to be more effective in their jobs and helping to meet their continuing professional development needs. It offers access to more than 100 specific spatial planning ‘knowledge-builders’ written and over 200 bite-sized 'skill-builders' relevant to planning.

Professionals 4 Free - Contains a host of information and advice to help voluntary and community organisations ('VCOs') assess whether they need professional help and if so, what type of help they need such as legal advice or management consultancy. The website also provides details of brokers of free professional help for VCOs to contact for further assistance and linking to providers of free services.

Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution - The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution is an independent standing body established in 1970 to advise the Queen, the Government, Parliament and the public on environmental issues.

Royal Institute of British Architects - the 35,000-strong institute is committed to serving the public interest through good design. Use their website to find a chartered architect suitable for your project, large or small, local to your area - fees and scope of service negotiable.

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors - With 110,000 members in 120 countries, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors is the professional body addressing all aspects of land, property, construction and the associated environmental issues.

Royal Town Planning Institute - The Royal Town Planning Institute is the membership organisation for professional town and country planners. Planning is concerned with the shaping and management of the environment. Planning is a key factor in the practice of sustainable development because it deals with the physical relationships between our economic, social and environmental objectives.