The Architectural Design and Research Institute of Tongji University, founded in 1958, is one of the leading design groups in China with the most comprehensive range of disciplines available in the country, allowing it to develop many types of design project. It holds design certificates issued by the State Ministry of Construction for China in architecture, municipal engineering, bridge engineering, highway engineering, geotechnical investigation, geology, landscaping, environmental engineering, civil air defence and cultural relic protection. It also holds an Engineering Consulting Certificate issued by the State Planning Committee. The Design Institute has developed its strength in design, manpower and technology through its 50 years of experience. It employs 933 professionals including 112 State First Class Registered Architects and 146 State First Class Registered Structural Engineers. It has won nearly 200 prizes for its design work since 1986. Affiliated to a well known university, the Design Institute has a tradition in architectural education. It has cultivated a number of graduate students. In addition, the Design Institute has successfully collaborated with many well known design firms from the United States, Canada, Germany, France and Spain etc. Exchange of staff is also part of the collaboration. The Design Institute has been approved to the ISO9001 Quality Assurance Standard by Shanghai Audit Centre and RAB, the American ISO assessment organization. In 2001, the Design Institute signed an Engineering Design Insurance Contract with PICC, one of the leading insurance companies in China. This gives total cover of 100 million RMB per annum.