Featured Bookshop Publications April

To place an order, please contact bookshop manager Clodagh McKenna, on +353 (0)1 676 1703 or cmckenna@riai.ie, or visit us in store at 8 Merrion Square, Dublin.

The Henry Clay Frick Houses: Architecture, Interiors, Landscapes in the Golden Era

By Martha Frick & Wendell Garrett

€78.00

The Henry Clay Frick Houses: Architecture, Interiors, Landscapes in the Golden Era – This book by Martha Frick and Wendell Garrett offers an in-depth exploration of the opulent homes and estates of Henry Clay Frick, a key figure of America’s Gilded Age. It examines the architecture, interior design, and landscaped gardens of his residences, highlighting the artistry, craftsmanship, and aesthetic vision that defined the period. Through rich photography, detailed plans, and historical commentary, the book brings to life the grandeur, elegance, and cultural significance of these iconic properties. Beyond their physical beauty, it contextualizes the Frick houses within social, economic, and cultural history, offering readers insight into the lifestyles, tastes, and artistic influences of one of America’s most prominent industrial families.

Gazetteer of Irish Stained Glass: Revised New Edition 

By David Caron

€30.00

Gazetteer of Irish Stained Glass: Revised New Edition – This extensively updated and expanded edition is the definitive guide to Irish stained glass from 1900 to the present day. Edited by David Caron, it catalogues over 2,500 works across all counties in Ireland, providing detailed biographical notes on major artists, studios, and workshops that shaped the medium. The book is richly illustrated with vibrant new photography, allowing readers to fully appreciate the color, detail, and craftsmanship of each piece. It combines scholarly essays on historical context, stylistic development, and technical innovations with practical listings, making it both an essential reference for academics and a visually engaging guide for enthusiasts, collectors, and visitors. In addition to documenting well-known commissions, it highlights hidden gems and lesser-known works, revealing the diversity and depth of Ireland’s stained glass tradition. Through its comprehensive coverage, the book celebrates the enduring artistic significance of stained glass in Ireland, connecting historical masters with contemporary makers and illustrating the evolution of this art form over more than a century.

Château La Coste: Art and Architecture in Provence

By Robert Ivy & Alistair Hicks

€57.00

Château La Coste: Art and Architecture in Provence – This book by Robert Ivy and Alistair Hicks offers an in-depth exploration of Château La Coste, a unique destination where art, architecture, and landscape converge in the heart of Provence. It highlights the estate’s impressive collection of contemporary sculptures, installations, and architectural interventions set within its vineyards and natural surroundings. Through richly illustrated spreads, photographs, and detailed commentary, the book examines the dialogue between site, art, and design, showcasing the vision of leading architects and artists who contributed to the project. Beyond individual works, it considers the cultural and environmental context, revealing how Château La Coste integrates creativity, nature, and architecture to create an immersive and inspiring experience for visitors.

Site and Composition Design Strategies in Architecture and Urbanism

Edited by TC Cuadernos Editorial Team

€47.00

TC 169 Lacroix Chessex 2012–2025 – This publication offers an extensive and detailed survey of Lacroix Chessex’s architectural and design work over the thirteen-year period from 2012 to 2025. It presents a carefully curated selection of projects that illustrate the firm’s innovative approach to form, materials, and spatial organization, highlighting how their designs respond to context, functionality, and aesthetic ambition. Richly illustrated with photographs, plans, sketches, and diagrams, the book provides an in-depth look at both the creative processes and technical execution that underpin each project. Beyond individual works, it explores recurring themes in Lacroix Chessex’s practice, such as sustainability, cultural sensitivity, and integration with the surrounding environment, demonstrating how their architecture engages with social, urban, and environmental considerations. The book also situates the firm’s work within broader contemporary architectural discourse, reflecting on its influence on modern design and the evolving landscape of architectural practice. Designed for architects, students, and enthusiasts, this comprehensive volume celebrates the depth, diversity, and innovation of Lacroix Chessex’s contributions to contemporary architecture.

250 Things An Architect Should Know 

By Michael Sorkin

 €18.00

250 Things an Architect Should Know – This book by Michael Sorkin is an expansive and thought-provoking guide that distills decades of architectural insight into 250 concise lessons for designers, students, and enthusiasts. It covers a broad spectrum of topics, including design principles, urban planning, materiality, sustainability, social responsibility, and the interplay between architecture and culture. Each entry combines practical advice with critical reflection, often illustrated with real-world examples, sketches, and case studies that bring theoretical concepts to life. Beyond technical knowledge, the book emphasizes the role of creativity, observation, and ethical consideration in shaping the built environment, encouraging architects to think deeply about the impact of their work. By presenting architecture as both a craft and a societal practice, Sorkin offers readers a comprehensive framework for understanding, designing, and improving the spaces in which we live, work, and interact. This volume serves not only as a reference but also as an inspiration, fostering curiosity, innovation, and a thoughtful approach to the challenges and opportunities of contemporary architectural practice.

Circular Materials Innovation and Reuse in Design and Architecture

By Gestalten and Joe Gibbs

€42.00

Circular Materials: Innovation and Reuse in Design and Architecture – This book explores the principles and practices of circularity in architecture and design, focusing on how materials can be innovatively reused, recycled, and repurposed to reduce environmental impact. It highlights case studies and projects that demonstrate sustainable approaches, from adaptive reuse of buildings to experimental material applications in contemporary design. Through detailed analysis, illustrations, and technical insights, the book examines how designers and architects can integrate circular thinking into their processes, promoting longevity, resource efficiency, and ecological responsibility. By combining theory, practical strategies, and real-world examples, it provides a comprehensive guide for professionals, students, and enthusiasts seeking to create resilient, sustainable, and forward-thinking architectural and design solutions.

EIggy Peck's Big Project Book for Amazing Architects 

By Andrea Beaty & David Roberts

€13.00

Iggy Peck’s Big Project Book – Written by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Roberts, this book is an expansive celebration of creativity, imagination, and the joy of hands-on building. Designed for young readers, it encourages children to explore a wide variety of projects that spark curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Each project is presented with engaging illustrations, step-by-step instructions, and playful commentary that make learning about design, engineering, and construction both accessible and fun. Beyond the practical activities, the book emphasizes the value of experimentation, persistence, and thinking outside the box, inspiring children to approach challenges with confidence and inventiveness. By connecting playful creativity with real-world concepts in architecture and engineering, it nurtures a lifelong curiosity and a passion for making, showing that anyone, no matter their age, can bring ideas to life through imagination and effort.

The Building

By José Aragüez

€50.00

The Building – This book by José Aragüez offers an in-depth exploration of contemporary architecture, focusing on how design, context, and materiality come together to shape meaningful spaces. It presents a carefully curated selection of projects that illustrate innovative approaches to structure, spatial organization, and urban integration, highlighting both aesthetic and functional considerations. Through detailed analysis, photographs, plans, and sketches, the book reveals the creative processes, technical problem-solving, and conceptual thinking behind each work. Beyond individual buildings, it examines broader architectural themes, including sustainability, cultural influence, and the relationship between architecture and its environment. Designed for both professionals and enthusiasts, the book serves as a comprehensive resource that inspires creativity, fosters critical understanding, and celebrates the evolving possibilities of modern architectural practice.

Love Your Home: Secrets to a Successful Space

By Dermot Bannon

€26.00

Love Your Home: Secrets to a Successful Space – This book offers a comprehensive guide to creating interiors that are not only visually appealing but also functional, comfortable, and reflective of personal style. It explores core principles of design, including space planning, color theory, lighting, furniture arrangement, and material selection, providing readers with tools to make thoughtful and cohesive choices for every room. Richly illustrated with inspiring photographs, real-life examples, and expert tips, the book demonstrates how small changes and attention to detail can dramatically enhance the atmosphere and usability of a home. Beyond aesthetics, it emphasizes the importance of creating spaces that support lifestyle, wellbeing, and daily routines, offering practical strategies for optimizing storage, flow, and ambiance. With advice on blending contemporary trends with timeless design, the book serves as an invaluable resource for homeowners, interior designers, and anyone seeking to cultivate a home that is both stylish and deeply personal.

El Croquis 226: Office

By S.L. El Croquis

€86.00

El Croquis 226: Office – This edition of El Croquis focuses on the work of the architectural collective Office, presenting a comprehensive overview of their innovative and experimental approach to design. It highlights key projects that demonstrate the group’s exploration of spatial relationships, materiality, and the integration of architecture within its cultural and urban context. Richly illustrated with detailed photographs, plans, and sketches, the book provides readers with an in-depth understanding of Office’s design process and conceptual thinking. Beyond individual projects, it situates their work within contemporary architectural discourse, offering insight into how the collective challenges conventional practices and contributes to the evolution of modern architecture.