Riba

Shopping on line can be easy, simple and save you lots of money. It can also take a lot of your time, frustrate you, and result in unwanted purchases. Now the same can be said for regular high street shopping, but with the vast opportunity presented by the Internet it will pay you to spend a few minutes reading this and understanding how to better optimize your Riba shopping experience:

1. Compare - without doubt the biggest advantage that the Riba offers shoppers today is the ability to compare thousands of Riba at a time. This is a great thing, but not necessarily all the time! Too much can be daunting at times so take advantage of the great comparison sites and where possible let them do the hard work for you.

2. Research - if it has been said it will be on the internet. Ignorance is no longer a justifiable reason for buying the wrong thing. Take the time to research in detail everything that you could possible want to know about

3. Testimonials - don't know anybody that has bought a Riba? Wrong! If the Riba is good the internet will let you know. Use the Internet as a friend and get testimonials before you buy.

4. Questions - Got a question about Riba then search the Forums, FAQ's, Blogs etc. Don't be afraid to ask .....

5. Reputation - Never heard of the company selling Riba? Don't worry, no reason why you should know every company in the world, but you know someone that does! Use the internet to find out what people are saying about Riba and build up a picture of their reputation for sales, returns, customer service, delivery etc.

6. Returns - still worried that even after all of the above your Riba wont be what you want? Check out the returns policy. There is so much competition now that someone, somewhere is bound to offer the terms that you are comfortable with.

7. Feedback - happy with your Riba then let people know, after all you are depending on others people input in your buying decision, so why not give a little back.

8. Security - check for the yellow padlock on the Riba site before you buy, and the s after http:/ /i.e. https:// = a secure site

9. Contact - got a question about Riba, or want to leave a comment then check out the sites contact page. Reputable companies have them and respond.

10. Payment - ready to pay for your Riba, then use your credit card or PayPal! Be aware of companies that don't accept them, there may be genuine reasons but given the huge amount of choice you have when buying online there is no reason at all not to buy via credit card or PayPal.

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a professional body for architects in the United Kingdom.

Originally named the Institute of British Architects in London, it was formed in 1834 by several prominent architects, including Philip Hardwick, Thomas Allom, William Donthorne, Thomas Leverton Donaldson and John Buonarotti Papworth. It was awarded a Royal Charter in 1837, becoming the Royal Institute of British Architects in London, eventually dropping the reference to London in 1892.

The RIBA is a member organisation, with 30,000 members. Chartered Members are entitled to append the Post-nominal letters RIBA after their name; Student Members are not permitted to do so. A fellow of the institute may add FRIBA.

RIBA is based at 66 Portland Place, London — a 1930s Grade II* listed building designed by architect George Grey Wornum. The Institute also maintains a dozen regional offices around the United Kingdom. Parts of the London building are open to the public. It has a large architectural bookshop, a café, galleries for exhibitions and lecture theatres. Rooms are hired out for events.

Library The RIBA Library, otherwise known as the British Architectural Library, is one of the leading libraries in its field in the world. In addition to its holdings of books and journals it has very extensive collections of photographs, drawings and manuscripts, including many architectural drawings by leading British and international architects such as Andrea Palladio, Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Sir Christopher Wren. There are also portraits and architectural models.

Architecture for All The Institute has created a partnership with the Victoria & Albert Museum called Architecture for All to promote public understanding of architecture. In 2004 the two institutions created a new Architecture Gallery at the V&A. In addition RIBA's archives have moved to new facilities in the Henry Cole Wing at the V&A, which also houses study rooms where members of the public may view items from the RIBA and V&A architectural collections under the supervision of curatorial staff, and an education room.

RIBA also stages temporary public exhibitions at its building in Portland Place and elsewhere.

RIBA Awards RIBA runs many awards including the Stirling Prize for the best new building of the year, the Royal Gold Medal (first awarded in 1848), which honours a distinguished body of work, and the Stephen Lawrence Prize for projects with a construction budget of less than £500,000. The RIBA also awards several President's medals for student work.

RIBA in the News In July 2007, RIBA called for minimum space standards in newly built British houses after research was published suggesting that British houses were falling behind other European countries. "The average new home sold to people today is significantly smaller than that built in the 1920s... We're way behind the rest of Europe - even densely populated Holland has better proportioned houses than are being built in the country. So let's see minimum space standards for all new homes," said RIBA president Jack Pringle

Designation

ARIBA - Associate of the Royal Institute of British Architects (not now granted to new members)
FRIBA - Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects (now an honorary designation)
RIBA - Chartered member of the Royal Institute of British Architects