The Best Computer for Architecture

The Best Computer for Architecture

Updated 01/01/2019

What is the best computer for architecture students? 

I have been getting A TON of questions about this! Typically, I advise people to review school requirements and do a little bit of research - I still stand by that philosophy for the most part. While I do think it's important to understand what your school requires you to have in terms of computer specifications, here I suggest a different path. Watch to find out!

 



Also see my computer specifications here to build your own custom computer!

 

RIP Zaha Hadid

This was a very sad day for me.

I talk a lot about the lack of women in architecture. That being said, Zaha Hadid was the most influential woman in the architecture industry for me. She was the one who inspired me to keep going and proved that it was possible for me, as a woman, to be able to be successful in architecture.

This video starts off with sorrow but ends with inspiration. I wanted to end on a high note. I think Zaha would have appreciated being remembered in a brighter light, being remembered for her strength, power, and ability to inspire and impact the lives of millions. 

I am so grateful for her courage and the risks taken by Zaha and the obstacles she overcame so that younger generations could be more accepted in the industry. I feel so lucky to have had her as a role model.

STRENGTH | POWER | INSPIRATION - ZAHA HADID

 

How to Survive the All-Nighter

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If you study architecture, all-nighters are basically inevitable. People define the all-nighter in different ways but essentially, you stay awake for an extended period of time without sleep so you can finish your work.

All-nighters usually happen more frequently in your earlier years of school because you haven't yet developed your routines and working habits. While I don't advise you to do all-nighters, I know that you will anyway, so here are my tips to help you do them more successfully!

 

I'm Back!

It's been a long summer.

I took a long break from all of social media and enjoyed life as a regular (non-architecture student) person! This is my first day of classes in my last semester at school and I couldn't be more excited to start the year off!

Good luck with school everyone, I'm happy to be back and can't wait to share more of my experiences with you!

 

Feeling Stressed, Tired, and Unmotivated

I'm feeling depleted.

I have so much on my plate; it's so overwhelming that I can't narrow in on any one thing. I'm falling into a trap where I can't get myself to start working because I have so much to do and now with my hesitation my workload is piling up even more!

My brain is in shutdown mode.

This reminds me of being overtired where you can be so tired yet you just can't fall asleep...

I really hope this passes soon.

 

Studio Vlog 8 // Part 2

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Currently, I am in the midst of the research part of thesis project. I finally have the concrete idea for the type of building I'm doing - a center for music and dance which will be located in a city near my hometown! Now I'm in the process building up my argument for the need for my building in the city and picking the actual site. Come along with me while I bring you through my process of narrowing down site options and update you on my to do's for the week!

 

Studio Vlog 8 // Part 1

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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

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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!

 

Where to Buy Architecture Materials and Supplies

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When I was starting out in architecture I was clueless about where to buy supplies for school. Furthermore, I like to shop around when I'm buying things so I can explore my options, comparing price and quality. Here I give you 6 suggestions for doing architecture on a budget!

 

6 Tips for Staying Focused in Studio

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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

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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

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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!

 

Why I Started My Architecture Channel

Why did I start this channel?

Honestly, I felt like there was a lack of accessible information about studying (and even practicing) architecture when I started architecture school, and I still don't feel like there are enough resources for prospective students. I make these videos in the hopes of providing some guidance for prospective students and to connect those already involved in the industry. Watch below to see more about why I started my YouTube channel!

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.

 

Sustainable Strategies - Louvers + Sun Shading Part 3

In Part 3 of the sustainable strategies - louvers and sun shading series, we talk about the 3 main types of louvers/sun shading devices. Here I also talk about many reasons why you would want to control the lighting in your building that you may not have considered. We look at existing examples of buildings that use these louver solutions to control the light in their buildings using low tech, well-thought-out design!

 

Sustainable Strategies - Louvers and Sun Shading Part 2

In this video we dig a little deeper into the sun diagram, identifying different effects that lighting can have on your building based on its orientation to the sun. Here we talk about the types of shading you should use based on the direction the sun is coming from.

 

Sustainable Strategies - Louvers + Sun Shading Part 1

Sun shading is a crucial aspect of architecture and design. This is the first video of a 4 part series teaching about the techniques for providing shading for your building!

As architects, we have a responsibility to design sustainable buildings. We need to design based on a building's location, orientation, climate, etc. Looking back to traditional, vernacular architecture, is one of the best ways to see low tech ways to accommodate for different conditions.

In this video we look at sun diagrams and talk about building orientation and sun direction. Watch to learn about shading your buildings!