Information on Architects, Interior & Graphic Designers
Revised 7/15/08

Prepared by Stephen Rosenberger, Professor, and Mata Stevenson, Assistant Professor, Reference Department

Books  |  Periodicals & Newspaper Articles  |  Web Sites

For books containing biographical information and photographs of a designer's work, use the online catalog.

Searching Hints:

Try searching by typing the individual name of the designer in the title search or subject heading search. Pay attention to cross-references; they can help you search more precisely or can lead you to further information. You can expand your search by using broader terms that would include your topic. See below for some examples:

Consult the Library’s Subject Headings Used in Online Catalog for terms to use in the online catalog using a subject heading search. Subject Heading Guides include: Architecture, Art History: Movements & Styles, China, Glass, Pottery & Tableware, Decorative Arts & Collectibles and Interior Design. These guides are also available in print in the Reference Department, 4th floor.

Ask the Reference Librarians (4th floor) for help in choosing subject headings.

If you are unfamiliar with the designer or topic, consult a subject encyclopedia, dictionary, or comprehensive reference work for a general summary and overview. Encyclopedia articles are often illustrated, and articles are written and signed by scholars or experts in the field. Online encyclopedia articles contain links to other articles or relevant web sites. Some frequently used titles, all located in the Reference Room, 4th floor, include:

In addition, try biographical dictionaries, such as:

Online Databases
Recent topics may have no encyclopedia articles, or there may be no books available. For these topics or designers, look for articles in journals, magazines, and newspapers, using General OneFile or the following databases or indexes.  Some online indexes provide the full-text of articles, often with illustrations or photos.

Access to the online databases is through the Digital Library. You can use any of the General databases but the Art & Design databases will probably work better. Click on the Database link to get the search screen. In addition to the following online databases, consult Selected Databases in Research Guides for listing of recommended databases to use.

• Architectural Index  
• Art Full Text
• Art Index Retrospective 1929-1984
• ARTStor
• DAAI: Design & Applied Arts Index
• Gale Virtual Reference Library
• Oxford Art Online
• JSTOR
• MasterFILE Premier

Print & CD-ROM Indexes
Print & CD-ROM Indexes are located in the Reference Department, 4th floor:  [CD-ROM only in Library].  Most  provide citations, some with abstracts, to articles. Many of the periodicals and newspapers cited are located in Periodicals Services, 6th floor.

The following are sources of biographical information on designers:
 

Biography Index.  Bronx, NY: H. W. Wilson Co., [annual] Reference  Z5301.B5 Reference Table 5 See: "Architects," "Interior Designers," or "Designers" in the Index to Professions & Occupations or name of designer; citations only Current Biography. Bronx, NY: H. W. Wilson Co., [annual] Reference CT100.C8 Reference Table 5  See: Name of designer; full text Newsmakers. Detroit, Mich.: Gale Research, c1988- Reference  CT120.C663 Reference Table 5 See: Name of designer; full text

Frequently used sites for information on architects and interior designers:
Archinform -- http://archinform.net
Great Buildings Collection -- http://www.greatbuildings.com

To find information using lists of suggested web sites, use Architectural Research on the Internet in Research Guides.

Specific designer, company, and trade association web sites can be useful.  Consult the Internet Guide: Searching and Evaluating Internet Resources for tips.