About Architects:

The American Institute of Architects
Thereis a lot of information about architecture and architecture firms on the AIA website: www.aia.org

They offer a brochure entitled "you and your architect" that addresses the role of architects in the building process. You can download a pdf file of the document here or order a printed copy from the AIA.

Another informative publication is "primer on project delivery" that discusses different project delivery methods for design and construction including traditional design-bid-build and design-build. You can download a pdf file of the document here, on the AIA website, or order a printed copy from the AIA.

AIA Chicago
222 Merchandise Mart #1049
Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: 312-670-7770
Fax: 312-670-2422

The National Council of Architecture Registration Boards
If you're wondering how a person becomes an architect, who can call herself an architect, and how you can get information about different state's (and even other countries') registration requirements, the NCARB website is a good resource. http://ncarb.org/

The Illinois Department of Professional Regulation
There's a handy website where you can immediately check the professional registration status of an idividual or company in Illinois. https://www.ildpr.com/licenselookup/default.asp