You can do an existing conditions survey simply with a pen, paper, and measuring tape, but it would take hours longer and leave you with much less documentation than if you were to use these recommended tools.
What's a Lead Holder?
When I was first starting out in architecture I knew close to nothing about what supplies I needed, how to use them, or where to get them. I want to save you the trouble and stress of not knowing these things. This is the first video of a new series called "What's This Thing?" where I will introduce different architecture studio supplies, and terminology and explain what they are and how to use them. In this video we look at a lead holder and lead refills.
Here are the lead holders I use: Kohinoor* and Prismacolor Turquoise*
Here are the lead refills that I use: Prismacolor Turquoise*
Studio Vlog 8 // Part 1
I was able to live out a childhood dream where I was able to build a Lego model for my studio project! My studio project is based around sustainability and is constructed entirely out of wood. Here I bring you into my Sketchup model so you can see the massing of my building and see the logic behind some of the decisions I made. I also show you into the more technical drawings in AutoCAD, figuring out my panelized wall systems for the modular units.
How to Apply for Jobs and Internships in Architecture
For most people, the reason you study architecture is so you can earn your degree and pursue a career in the field. There is A TON of competition out there with school's architecture programs growing every year. Help yourself stand out from the crowd and get that job!
There are 4 essential, physical things you will need to apply for jobs and internships in architecture.
1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. Portfolio
4. Teaser portfolio (bonus)
Find out what they are and how to use them to your advantage!
6 Tips for Staying Focused in Studio
The architecture design studio is a magical place with tons of people and it holds with it an energy that's hard to explain. The studio is a great space to get inspiration; however, it can be a terrible place to actually get work done! There are so many noises and people around and just about every distraction you can imagine. That being said, there are actions you can take to get yourself in the "getting work done" mindset - here are 6 tips I use daily to get myself focused in studio!
1. Noise cancelling headphones
2. Organize your desk
3. Turn off phone wifi +/ data
4. Take a break
5. Stay hydrated + well-fed
6. Make prioritized to do list(s)
Studio Vlog 7
Since I'm taking a timber studio, we took a field trip to different wood manufacturing factories to see exactly how the wood that we build with is cut, glued, transported, and everything in between! This was one of my favorite field trips yet, come along with me for the ride!
Studio Vlog 6
Ever wonder what a day in the life of an architecture student looks like? Look no further! Here I went around for a day filming everything from organizing a critique list for studio desk crits with some friends, to driving around town, to showing some of the projects I've been working on! Hope you like it!
Sustainable Strategies - Louvers and Sun Shading Part 4
One of the most expensive building costs is the mechanical system used for heating and cooling the building. This applies to the cost of the system itself along with the cost of running and maintaining it. One way to lessen these costs is by using smart design and incorporating low tech louver systems to help regulate the amount of heat gain in the summer and take advantage of the sun in the winter. Here, in part 4 of the series you'll learn about different ways to achieve these results.
Studio Vlog 5
This is by far one of my most exciting vlogs yet! Here I show you how to make a laser cutting file using AutoCAD for making topography for site models, show the building of the site model, and exhibit an actual design charrette between students! A design charrette is where designers will work to develop a solution to solve a design problem and present their projects to critics who will then give them feedback on their designs. I was really excited to be able to film all of this for you guys, this is definitely one you don't want to miss!
How to Relieve Studio Stress
In the high demand culture we live in, it can be easy to overwhelm ourselves and become stressed. In my earlier years I found it very difficult to cope with these feelings and eventually decided I needed to find ways to manage my stress, quick! Watch below for my tips on relieving your studio stresses.
Tea (or coffee) time
Cook or bake (cause let's be honest, we all love to eat)
Jam session - play an instrument
Exercise
Take a shower - you probably smell! ;)
Studio Vlog 4
Tune in for a short video to get project updates on my timber (micro/macro) studio!
Studio Vlog 3
Hear about my first review of the semester in my 5th year and about my thesis project! I uncovered so many interesting and revolutionary programs while doing research for my thesis, I'm so glad I recorded my experiences in the moment so you and I can look back to this in the future!
Studio Vlog 2
How often do you get a true glimpse into the life of an architecture student? Come along with me in my studio where I'm laser cutting, breaking models, bending wood, and slicing paper!
Studio Vlog 1
This here is my first ever vlog! (For you wonderful humans who are oblivious to the internet, that means a "video blog"). Watch below to follow my day where I show you around my work, my design studio, and a few of my projects!
How to Survive the Architecture Studio
There's no denying that studying architecture is hard. Sometimes it may feel impossible to get everything done in time. While getting work done is important, you should always make a point to take care of yourself first. Watch below for my tips to help you survive studio!
Work in studio
Good time management
Eat well and often (and stay hydrated)
Sleep every night
Save and back up your work frequently
Always use sharp knives when model making
Take some YOU time every day
Have fun!
Architecture Studio Supplies
I bet you're wondering what supplies you'll need for your architecture studio. Schools don't always tell you exactly what supplies you need (often until the day you need them) and you'll find yourself scrambling at the last minute to finish your assignments. Watch the video below to see the essential supplies you'll need get by and thrive in studio!
These are some of the supplies I use:
I like to use a smaller sketchbook that I can carry around with me. Usually I'll use a 5x8 sketchbook with gridded pages.
For architectural scales, I prefer to have a metal scale over plastic since they won't damage as easily. I also suggest getting both a full size scale and a smaller travel size scale that you can carry around with you.
A parallel ruler is a straight edge that slides vertically on your drafting table to help you draw straight lines while drafting.
You'll want a couple of different sizes of rolls of trace for when your drafting and sketching.
An Olfa knife is a more heavy duty knife used to cut thicker materials like chipboard and plexy while making models.
Replacement Olfa Knife Blades*
One of the most dangerous things people do when making models is use dull blades while cutting materials. Also make sure to have lots of replacement blades while building models.
An X-acto knife is a light duty knife used to cut thinner materials like paper but like with olfa knives, make sure to always use a sharp blade.
In addition to being a ruler, this straight edge has a raised edge to protect your fingers when cutting with a blade along the ruler. It also has a non slip grip on the bottom so it won't slide around.
Hot glue guns are what you'll be using on study models or in places on final models that you wont see.
It's always a good idea to have a backup of glue refills for your guns.
Easy cutters a perfect for cutting things like balsa wood and wooden dowels. There are angle markers to help make cuts at different angles.
These are my favorite pens because they dry quickly and don't require any pressure to write. I use these for sketching and drafting.
Prismacolor markers are my favorite markers to do hand renderings with. These markers are great because they're double sided with a broad side for when you want broad strokes and a point side for when you need to be more accurate.
This is my favorite toolbox because it's compact, lightweight, and has lots of compartments to organize all my tools.
It's always a good idea to have a screwdriver with different heads for things like assembling your parallel ruler.
Especially when first starting out, it's useful to get a set of pencils with varying hardnesses for drafting by hand. This way you can experiment with different pencils and see which work best for you. Helpful tip: HB = #2 = medium hardness.
Lead holders are basically mechanical pencils that have refillable lead. I recommend having at least 3 different colored lead holders with different types of lead so you can easily switch between them while drafting.
A lead pointer is what you'll use to sharpen your lead. Use the two smaller holes on either side of the white pad to control the length of the tip. Place the tip in the larger hole and spin the top around until sharpened, then dip the tip into the white felt pad to wipe off the dust.
I like to use kneaded erasers to control lineweights and when working with charcoal. You usually want to dab on a surface to pickup the graphite or charcoal so as to not smudge the work. To clean the eraser you stretch and knead it and can rip off smaller pieces when working with smaller areas then morph it all back together again.
Gum erasers work well for erasing colored pencils and graphite without leaving smudges.
Plastic erasers are used for general purposes. These are my favorite erasers because they'll erase just about everything and don't smudge.
Eraser pens/sticks are useful when erasing small areas like when lines are close together.
It's always a good idea to have eraser refills.
For areas where you don't have much wiggle room for erasing it can be really useful to have an electric eraser to do the erasing work for you without the fear of ruining the rest of your drawing with erasing strokes.
Electric erasers are small and you go through them pretty quick so I suggest having backups on hand.
Eraser shield are thin metal sheets with different sized and shaped holes that's placed over your drawing to protect the areas around what you're erasing.
Cutting Mat* (one large one small can be helpful!)
Cutting mats double as both a working surface for assembling models and a safe cutting surface that won't damage your desk. Look for "self healing" mats that will mend and hide the cut marks on the mat. I suggest having a large and a small mat.
All purpose glue is a great basic glue for building models, just make sure whatever glue you use that it dries clear.
An adjustable triangle is great because it can be adjusted to any angle.
In addition to an adjustable triangle, I'd suggest having fixed triangles too so you can quickly switch between them and work more quickly. I'd recommend 30-60-90 and 45-45-90 angled triangles.
Drafting dots are round shaped pieces of light adhesive tape that wont tear your drawings.
Drafting tape is an alternative to using drafting dots. It's a light adhesive tape that wont tear your drawings.
A drafting brush is a soft bristled brush that you can use to brush debris off your drawings without smudging them.
A Vyco drawing mat covers your desk to provide a smooth surface for drafting or sketching.
An architectural desk lamp can be mounted to any table without taking up any desk space.
A portable drafting board is great if you want to be able to draft anywhere.
