The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a professional body

Professional body

A professional association is usually a nonprofit organization seeking to further a particular profession, the interests of individuals engaged in that profession, and the public interest.The roles of these professional associations have been variously defined: "A group of people in a...

 for architects primarily in the United Kingdom

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...

, but also internationally.
Originally named the Institute of British Architects in London, it was formed in 1834 by several prominent architects, including Philip Hardwick

Philip Hardwick

Philip Hardwick was an eminent English architect, particularly associated with railway stations and warehouses in London and elsewhere...

, Thomas Allom

Thomas Allom

Thomas Allom was an English architect, artist, and topographical illustrator. He was a founding member of what became the Royal Institute of British Architects . He designed many buildings in London, including the Church of St Peter's and parts of the elegant Ladbroke Estate in Notting Hill...

, William Donthorne

William Donthorne

William John Donthorne was a notable English architect of the early 19th century and one of the founders of what became the Royal Institute of British Architects .Donthorn was born in Norfolk and was a pupil of Sir Jeffry Wyattville...

, Thomas Leverton Donaldson

Thomas Leverton Donaldson

Thomas Leverton Donaldson was an English architect.He was born in Bloomsbury Square, London, the eldest son of architect, James Donaldson...

, John Buonarotti Papworth

John Buonarotti Papworth

John Buonarotti Papworth was a prolific architect, artist and a founder member of the Royal Institute of British Architects....

, and Thomas de Grey, 2nd Earl de Grey.
It was awarded a Royal Charter

Royal Charter

A royal charter is a formal document issued by a monarch as letters patent, granting a right or power to an individual or a body corporate. They were, and are still, used to establish significant organizations such as cities or universities. Charters should be distinguished from warrants and...

 in 1837, becoming the Royal Institute of British Architects in London, eventually dropping the reference to London in 1892.