Welcome to BERD!

This is the Built Environment Resource Directory for the Metropolitan DC Area.

Repositories and cultural institutions in the national capital region hold manuscript and image collections that support research on architects, designers, artists, and planners whose works exist in, or have had an impact on, countless regions of the U.S. and the rest of the world.

Presently, there is no directory to these resources that is current and up-to-date. Furthermore, regional studies that identify individuals and organizations who create or collect records documenting Washington D.C.’s regional built environment are hindered by the lack of an up-to-date directory.

The purpose of this new directory is to satisfy the need for a specialized but in-depth mobile-based geo-referenced directory. In addition, we hope to connect important people and their stories through their participation in shaping the regional built environment thorughout history.