Have you ever wanted to describe a building part or an architectural detail... but couldn't find the word? Take, for example, the house shown here. You might recognize it as the haunted house that inspired the Amityville Horror book and movie. But, what's the word for that interesting roof?

For answers, you need an architecture dictionary packed with photos. Here's a selection of free dictionaries you can visit online: Picture Dictionaries for Architecture and Design

_{Photo: The Amityville Horror House in Amityville, New York © Paul Hawthorne/Getty Images}

...AND landscape architects, urban planners, home designers, industrial designers, and pros in related fields. We're building our index of career profiles for design professions and the building trades. Please tell us about your work and achievements. We'd love to see photos of your projects and links to your Web sites. But most importantly, we look forward to your wisdom and advice. Tell about your career

More:

• Architecture Career Paths
• Architecture Acronymns
• The Real Life of an Architect

The 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Christchurch, New Zealand on February 22, 2011 flattened buildings and toppled the steeple of the city's neogothic cathedral. Christchurch lies on a fault line and also suffered severe earthquake damage in September 2010.

Vulnerable communities like Christchurch seem powerless against the forces of nature. What, if anything, can architects and engineers do to protect lives and preserve historic structures like the iconic Christchurch cathedral?

• Can Any Building Survive an Earthquake?
• Earthquake Engineering Facts & Resources
• Photos: Christchurch Cathedral

^{Photo: Collapsed buildings and debris along Manchester Street on February 22, 2011 in Christchurch, New Zealand. © Martin Hunter/Getty Images}

February 21 marks the day when the newly completed Washington Monument was officially dedicated in 1885. Architect Robert Mills had a very different vision for the tall white obelisk. He wanted an elaborate colonnade with statues of Revolutionary War Heroes. But money shortages whittled away at the project, creating the pencil-shaped structure we see today.

Inspired by ancient Egyptian architecture, the monument honors America's first president, George Washington, who was born on February 22, 1732.

^{Photo © Jackie Craven}