RIBA HQ - 66 Portland Place

The design and construction was a rich collaboration between architects, engineers, craftspeople and construction workers. Key individuals in the construction included architect George Grey Wornum, whose signature monocle can be seen in decorative motifs within the building. His wife, artist and interior designer Miriam Wornum, was responsible for the building's colour scheme. Sculptors and artists who created key features throughout included Edward Bainbridge Copnall and James Woodford.

The current building required the demolition of the existing Georgian and Victorian terraces at 64-66 Portland Place and 14-20 Weymouth Street before construction of his building could commence in 1933. The building's structure is steel frame encased in concrete. The floors are reinforced concrete and hollow tiles. Different materials were used for the walls depending on location. Elevations on Portland Place and Weymouth Street are faced with Portland Stone, considered to resist air pollution.

The main façade of the building forms an austere and symmetrical rectangle made of Portland stone, dominated by the giant central window through which the second floor crosses. The large size and number of windows allow light in through all four sides of the building. The symmetry of the main façade is broken by the three bays on the left. The two figures on the pylons (columns) either side of the entrance are by James Woodford and show man and woman as the creative forces of architecture.

The upper sculptures on the façade of the building and side of Weymouth St were by Edward Bainbridge Copnall. The central figure photographed being sculpted represents Architectural Aspiration. On the Weymouth St elevation are the Artisan, the Painter and the Architect (represented as Sir Christopher Wren), the Sculptor (with hammer and chisel), and the Mechanic.

The glass panels on the doors to the terrace on the fourth floor are a set of six engraved and sandblasted panels by Raymond McGrath. They depict six 'great periods of architecture': Greek, Roman, Chinese, Gothic, Florentine and Modern.

At the crown of the building, on the 4th floor, is the Council Chamber, where members of the RIBA Council meet to govern the Institute. In 2003 permission was sought from English Heritage to refurbish the room. The original English 'swirl' walnut panelling and walnut desks were preserved, as were the two doors at either end made from Australian walnut, English 'curl' walnut and Canadian maple. The large ceremonial chair on the elevated platform is for the president of RIBA, designed by Wornum.