Best Architecture Reference Books

This article includes affiliate links and Archtoolbox earns from qualifying purchases.  More info.

Our goal, at Archtoolbox, is to provide all of the hard-to-find technical information that architects spend countless time looking up. We compile this information in an easily accessible website to make your life easier and save precious time that can be used to design.

Unfortunately, there is no substitute for an exhaustive reference book that covers very specific topics. Architects use these regularly, so archtoolbox.com offers you our recommended reference library.  These are Archtoolbox's best architecture reference books — the books you want on your office or personal bookshelf.

Photo of the Best Architecture Reference Books

Amazon hosts our library and they will handle all transactions, shipping, etc. If you have a problem with your order, please contact Amazon directly. As an Amazon Associate, Archtoolbox earns a commission from qualifying purchases on this page; however, if you are not comfortable with that, feel free to head over to Amazon without using our affiliate links.

Construction Reference

Cover of Building Construction Illustrated

Building Construction Illustrated

by Francis D.K. Ching

Archtoolbox review | Amazon reviews

Cover of Architect's Data

Architects' Data

by Ernst Neufert

Archtoolbox review | Amazon reviews

Architectural Graphic Standards

Architectural Graphic Standards

by Charles Ramsey, Harold Sleeper, and The American Institute of Architects

Archtoolbox review | Amazon reviews

Cover of Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and Methods

Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and Methods

by Edward Allen

Archtoolbox review | Amazon reviews

Cover of Heating, Cooling, Lighting

Heating, Cooling, Lighting: Sustainable Design Methods for Architects

by Norbert Lechner

Archtoolbox review | Amazon reviews

Practice

Cover of How Firms Succeed

How Firms Succeed: A Field Guide to Design Management

by James P. Cramer and Scott Simpson

Archtoolbox review | Amazon reviews

Cover of The Architect's Handbook of Professional Practice

The Architect's Handbook of Professional Practice

by The American Institute of Architects

Archtoolbox review | Amazon reviews

History

Cover of A History of Western Architecture

A History of Western Architecture

by David Watkin

Archtoolbox review | Amazon reviews

Cover of Modern Architecture Since 1900

Modern Architecture Since 1900

by William J.R. Curtis

Archtoolbox review | Amazon reviews

Theory

Cover of Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things

Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things

by William McDonough and Michael Braungart

Amazon reviews

Cover of Architecture Theory Since 1968

Architecture Theory Since 1968

by K. Michael Hays

Amazon reviews

Urban Design

Cover of The Death and Life of Great American Cities

The Death and Life of Great American Cities

by Jane Jacobs

Archtoolbox review | Amazon reviews

Cover of Time Saver Standards for Urban Design

Time Saver Standards for Urban Design

by Donald Watson, Alan Plattus, and Robert Shibley

Amazon reviews

Monographs, Journals, Tours

Cover of AIA City Guides

AIA City Guides

by Various Authors

Archtoolbox review | Search on Amazon

Cover of El Croquis Monographs

El Croquis Monographs

Search on Amazon

Writing

Cover of The Architect's Guide to Writing

The Architect's Guide to Writing for Design and Construction Professionals

by Bill Schmalz

Archtoolbox review | Amazon reviews

Stories and Narratives

Cover of Brunelleschi's Dome

Brunelleschi's Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture

by Ross King

Amazon reviews

Cover of Down Detour Road: An Architect in Search of Practice

Down Detour Road: An Architect in Search of Practice

by Eric Cesal

Amazon reviews

Cover of Observations for Young Architects

Observations for Young Architects

by Cesar Pelli

Amazon reviews

Article Updated: January 16, 2022

Help make Archtoolbox better for everyone. If you found an error or out of date information in this article (even if it is just a minor typo), please let us know.

Subscribe to the Archtoolbox Newsletter

Receive a curated email with industry news focusing on practice, leadership, technology, and career growth.

* indicates required