What's a Lead Pointer

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If you haven't seen last weeks post/video about lead holders, go check that out first!

This week we're talking all about lead pointers - what they are and how to use them. Check out the video to see more!

 

Here is the lead pointer I use: Alvin Rotary*


What Are My Custom Computer Specifications?

What Are My Custom Computer Specifications?

A few years ago I had a friend build a custom computer for me, built to suit my needs. I was so frustrated with the performance and lifespan of the prebuilt computers I’d had before of all prices, brands, mac, pc, you name it. The prebuilt computers just couldn’t perform the way I needed them to so I decided to go the route of custom built computers. Since announcing this transition to the interwebs, I’ve been asked so many times what specification I have for my computer, so here they are!

What's a Lead Holder?

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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


Paring Down for Tiny Living

As you may or not know, I'm in the process of designing a tiny house on wheels that I'll be building for myself! I have a bunch of design iterations (which I will eventually be sharing with you) and am now refining one of my designs.

To make things even more real, I am paring down all of my belongings so that I can live more simply in my tiny house, clutter free! Watch to see the transformation and see the amount of things I hoarded in a tiny bedroom!

 

Top Secret News for My 1,000 Subscribers!!!

Wow.

Is this real!?

Are there really 1,000 of you that watch my videos!? This is so cool!! Thanks everyone for watching and subscribing and commenting!

I know I've kept you in the dark for a while as I have been really busy with work and have had a lot of secret projects going on. ONE of my secret projects is revealed here, watch to find out!!!

 

New Channel Direction

I noticed myself starting to make more videos geared toward my personal life outside of architecture. I realize that some of you are only interested in my architecture videos and less interested in my daily life, and some of you are the opposite! I want to be able to give all of you what you want, and cater to both of my audiences, so I'm announcing the start of a new vlogging channel called Chels and Cheese! Watch to see more updates!

 

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!

 

Road Trip with Parcheesi!

This video took A LOT of editing! That's why you're seeing Easter weekend a few weeks after it happened. (whoops!) We had sooooooo much fun - I absolutely love going up to New Hampshire and exploring the wilderness! We went on hikes, filmed a collaborative video and had some family bonding time!

This was such a fun mini vacation, I'm glad I got to bring you along with me!

 

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!

 

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)