These 10 design and specification books will make you an expert and this is why...

WHAT THIS IS... With sections on different building-reliant species, general principles for design, ready-made products that be incorporated into designs, and legislation, policy and regulations, this book is an invaluable resource for all architects, ecologists and anyone involved in designing or briefing for biodiversity in buildings. BECOME EXPERT IN... How to incorporate provision for biodiversity within developments.

WHAT THIS IS... Through a series of case studies Kjell Anderson takes a software-agnostic approach to generating energy modelling calculations for complex urban buildings. BECOME EXPERT IN... How to reduce the energy use of all buildings.

WHAT THIS IS... A step-by-step guide to how design is factored into the RIBA Plan of Work and can be applied on various project types and sizes including an extension to a house, a new library and a large office building. BECOME EXPERT IN... Design through the project timeline.

WHAT THIS IS... The book focuses on a powerful question, "What can urbanism be?" by arguing that the most significant transformations occur by fundamentally rethinking concepts, practices, and outcomes. A rare integration of theory and practice that proposes essential ways of rethinking city-design-and-building processes, while drawing critical lessons from actual examples of such processes. BECOME EXPERT IN... Transformative urban initiatives.

WHAT THIS IS... In Specifications for Building Conservation, the National Trust draws on a range of case studies and specifications to provide a much needed guide to specification writing for building conservation. BECOME EXPERT IN... Specification writing for heritage and conservation.

WHAT THIS IS... Comprehensive, authoritative coverage of best practices for effective construction product representation. Includes complete guidance on how to prepare and use documents, how to choose the appropriate products for a given project, and what role to play in the construction process and in an Integrated Product Delivery (IPD) workflow. BECOME EXPERT IN... Construction product representation.

WHAT THIS IS... An accessible reference to guide you through the fundamental principles of designing high-rises. BECOME EXPERT IN... Key considerations when designing tall buildings including a particular site's geology, wind conditions, and seismicity to develop solutions that are constructible, economical and safe.

WHAT THIS IS... Efficient maintenance of a property requires a reliable assessment for defects or inadequacies and a systematic method for dealing with them. This book provides the information you'll need for both. BECOME EXPERT IN... Guidance on assessing, prioritising and righting defects and addressing energy efficiency concerns.

WHAT THIS IS... Condition surveys are becoming increasingly important and standardised in approach but are a high risk service with the potential for legal consequences if mistakes are made. Professionals therefore require clear, up-to-date advice on how to inspect and report accurately and this book provides a one-stop shop of uniquely practical, concise and accessible guidance written by one of the leading authorities in the field. BECOME EXPERT IN... Condition surveys.

WHAT THIS IS... An authoritative guide to planning, creating and living with tall buildings, thoroughly reworked to reflect the latest industry developments, drawing on the advice and knowledge of more than 20 highly respected industry specialists. BECOME EXPERT IN... Design, construction and use of tall buildings.