Architect's Studio Essentials - 10 objects + tools

Here's a peek inside a few of the personal effects and tools I use to run 30X40 each day. This is a sampling of my favorites, there are more of course, I'm interested to hear what makes your 'essentials' list.
Sources can be found here: thirtybyforty.com/architects-s...
As presented in the video, they are:
1) Muji A5 dot
2) Pentel's Sign Pen (black + gray)
3) Bienfang 12" x 50 yd trace
4) Froebel blocks
5) Alvin 12"x18" self-healing cutting mat
6) OLFA L-2 + 18MM blades (the L-2 has the rubber handle, which is nice...)
7) C-THRU cork backed, stainless steel ruler (6"/12"/18"/24" lengths)
8) Guitar Strings (D'Addario Extra Heavy - Drop C tuning is my favorite as the gauges are heavier)
9) Gaffer's / Painter's tape
10) Canon pancake lenses - 24MM + 40MM provide great variety. NOTE: these are not zoom lenses, these are fixed focal lengths - that's important! Future video to describe why...
What are your favorites?
ALL MY GEAR (UPDATED LIST):
*thirtybyforty.com/kit
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Please watch: "Making a Site Model - The Outpost Project"
• Making a Site Model - ...
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[@hypermetaphori]

I bought some Pentel sign pens after watching this and I have to say I've tripled the amount of hand sketches I do. They are a perfect tool. Inexpensive, unpretentious, and effective. Thanks for the recommendation.

[@30by40]

genius implements, right? glad you like them...now you'll need one or two in every room...for the rest of your life...

[@r.mercado9737]

A revisit some months later, I received much enjoyment on learning from you! Semper Fi

[@frankpeterolaco5815]

I watch ur videos everyday when traveling to school. I'm currently working on my thesls and ur videos helped a lot especially in my overnights.

[@elizabethaguilar4281]

Thanks for the quality you display in your videos.

[@nicolasfredette8564]

Great video man ! I like the black scheme you have going on.

[@XimSantander]

You inspire me to be a better architecture student. Thank you!

[@pash.d1]

Can you please do a video all about your job experiences and how you became an architect??

[@shubhamkarki8939]

Great video. You are the best.

[@philareilly]

This is excellent. I'd also love to hear about the software you use, and how and when they enter into the design workflow.

[@30by40]

Great idea...will do...cheers...

[@ramram8979]

Did this video ever happened?

[@30by40]

Yes, I made two: CAD Drawings + TEMPLATE tutorial: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqTFd4SIlNBlm7s And: Residential architects software workflow kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppPCqqBnnZyYe8k

[@r.mercado9737]

Not bad at all! I like your presentation. I am looking forward to more! Semper Fi

[@30by40]

Hi +Robert Mercado, glad to have you join us...lots of content to dig into here...

[@Anchuu_]

Great Video..!! Yes can you do a Video on the software you use for design.

[@uhmhaylees.2914]

I love your videos continue what your doing:)

[@30by40]

many thanks for watching and sharing...cheers...!

[@anilravindranathan]

30X40 Design Workshop

[@nirmalananjundappa7586]

excellent work!!!

[@30by40]

many thanks...

[@jamieleecupido]

Guitar strings! Genius.

[@ElrondBurrell]

Love the toolset overview, thanks Eric. Intrigued by the laser cutter you mentioned, any details of it in your other videos or blog posts?

[@30by40]

Thanks Elrond... you can see the laser cutter at work in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rn7VmWuti6Z3gtU (around the 1:28 mark) It's a 40W CO2 model made by FSL...a future video to show its capabilities would be fun...

[@stevewhite2791]

I work for a large commercial practice and these tools are used everyday alongside all the expensive hardware and software software packages. I'd add a good tape measure and a scale rule to the list also.

[@JoseMedina-lh2no]

my firiend great video !! i am a interior desing student and this is very practical ( in. designer and architect do the same ecept arquitech works with the structure )

[@wuamerurg3649]

Trace, nice 👍... I just use parchment cooking paper 😂. I’m 16 and hope to become an architect. Have to work with what I got!

[@danielthebassist2401]

U earned a subscriber because maybe I will gonna take architectural course after my highschool :)

[@30by40]

thanks for the sub...welcome!

[@ALIJOULHA]

ty for your time sir

[@30by40]

respect.

[@nadeemf3426]

Hey! Eric i love watching your videos keep it up. I am gonna start my architecture journey soon , would you please tell me the best drafting boards..to start .

[@MaZEEZaM]

I am about to look through your videos to see if you may have already done this. But what would be awesome if it was possible if you could show us or create a mock client scenario, from design phase to complete model showing us all the steps. I realise this would be a lot of work on your part but it would be really great if you could do this.

[@Eli6asf]

My studio class will start next week I am excited lol #MassArt2020

[@albertadomako3921]

Thanks for your video, it is very helpful. How long have you been a pro architect?

[@30by40]

licensed since 2001...

[@fabroc8]

Hey Eric! two questions here... First, would you consider doing a video showing models of your projects and talking about model making? And second, what do you do with all your models after they've accomplished their job? Because it's really not green to dump them all away, so I try to recycle them when I can. I had a profesor who hanged them on his office wall (when they were small enough of course) so I started doing the same with the ones that I really liked. Thanks for reading!

[@30by40]

Cheers...a model making video is in the production cue, I've had a number of requests for one. Stay tuned... RE: the models, small ones hang around on top of my bookshelves, others I simply have to photograph and then recycle (or schedule a cathartic model burn, which my kids enjoy). I love the look of a studio adorned with models on the walls, but I've never had the critical mass to properly achieve the aesthetic.

[@gaelhillyardcreative]

@@30by40 Well you won't if you keep burning them :)

[@hadeelghazwan4290]

Hey Eric, can i ask from where do you get the Muji A5 dot sketchbook ? can i find it in DC or i just have to order it from amazon ..

[@30by40]

I always pick up a bunch when I'm in NYC, but they're also available online: www.muji.us/store/stationery/note-books.html Cheers...

[@pauldow1648]

J C Amazon japan seller $17 each.

[@JamieACD]

where do you store you "essentials" ? For example your cutter, transparent paper and pens. Do you have a little bag or regal/shelf for it?

[@30by40]

I talk about this in the next video...stay tuned...

[@laurapiovan]

Love it. Subscribed. It wasn't very clear to me what you actually do with guitar strings. (I am a guitar and bass player myself, but never felt compelled to use the strings for a model)

[@30by40]

I use them for thin structural or non-structural elements: cross bracing, handrails, tie-rods, door pulls, columns, screens, etc....cheers...

[@MegaByron1970]

Guitar strings👌

[@shafaqataliify]

ماشاء اللہ

[@eng.rayan511]

i really Enjoy your videos thank you very much 🙏🏼

[@AlGangstaVlore]

1st of all I thank you for the content of the video. 2nd I've noticed in some of your videos that you use Autofocus or even Automatic settings in the camera. Well, I would recommend you to fix it in Manual or Aperture Priority Mode, so the focus will be stable and if you fix the ISO (or define a margin) the quality in the video will be way better and we wont see the the disturbance in the background. Hope it helps.

[@30by40]

it does, thanks for the feedback...always looking to improve the quality of things here on the channel...hoping you caught me in a learning phase...have you seen any of my recent vids? when i crank open the aperture, the autofocus hunts on a narrow focal plane...so to prevent this from happening (it really bothered me too!) or keep it to a minimum, i've since purchased studio lighting which allows me to close down the aperture and increase the focal plane. does that sound like the right approach?

[@AlGangstaVlore]

I do agree, and your latest videos are a lot better. Keep going!

[@bryanmilne]

what are the wires/guitar strings used for?

[@lestermatos2227]

are there any affordable froebel blocks because the set is extremely expensive, also in terms of scale what is their approximate 1/16"=1'?

[@30by40]

Try these: amzn.to/2rnqDBv Or these: amzn.to/2sGrX6j For rectangulars: amzn.to/2t9O8zi

[@nicolasfredette8564]

Lester Matos He said that they are versatile, so you can make a block equal to a kitchen cabinet or dishwasher, etc. or make it equal to an entire building ! :)

[@PinwheelHomes]

Eric, where do I find the video on documenting your work, that you mention when introducing the lenses? Why did only present the lenses, not alongside with the camera? At first I thought you may be using them to get better perspectives when looking through your models.

[@30by40]

Thanks for watching...I'll be shooting the video describing my camera equipment for an upcoming episode. I did mention the DSLR I use, but as I was recording with it I couldn't show it. Stay tuned...

[@christianfekete]

30X40 Design Workshop

[@titalachatte3926]

Amazing video sir ! i am wondering if you can tell me how to be quick in draw or work ; i am soooo slow even with instruments and tools ! when the teacher gives us an exercice; i've never finished it at time !!! and so that i lose the challenge and make me sooo dump of my self ! wwhat should i do plz sir.???

[@user-tl5om1ow2b]

Where can I buy these Froebel blocks? Can't seem to find them (from the UK)

[@TroyOlmos]

I thought the Muji notebook was my secret...lol

[@saii221]

secret? good luck with gatekeeping

[@WS-gw5ms]

I'd never have guessed anyone works on paper anymore.

[@timlee5146]

Regarding item 7, I highly recommend an AlumiCutter (www.alumicolor.com/product/alumicutters.htm). The raised edge is especially helpful when you're using a larger Olfa blade. As someone who's cut their finger pretty bad using the C-THRU at first, I found that the AlumiCutter does a significantly better job protecting your fingers.

[@30by40]

Fantastic...thanks for the suggestion... First-year architecture student injury confession: my trusty OLFA took a bite out of my left index finger on a late night. Five stitches later, I learned that keeping a sharp blade and tilting it slightly out of vertical kept it on track. AlumiCutter offers more protection indeed. Cheers...

[@edwingard977]

Hi where do you by your sketchbooks? I like it

[@eric-reinholdt]

thirtybyforty.com/blank (currently sold out, but more coming soon)...if you sign up for my email list that's where I release them first.

[@redapple1683]

Hi, is the tracing paper and an ordinary baking paper the same thing? Thank you

[@30by40]

it's not...baking paper doesn't take ink very well (imo)...a roll of trace is pretty inexpensive: thirtybyforty.com/trace

[@user-kw1pu2ct4h]

Just get used guitar strings from a guitarist for free, they change their strings quite often.

[@MariaRawecka]

When I am older I want to be a architect

[@30by40]

cheers... +2006 Maria Rawecka ...you're on your way then...!

[@saii221]

what about drafting board, T-square, and triangles, are they not important?

[@MsBridgesSocial]

Here's a question on software. I'm finally ready to buy a new AutoCAD program, and lo and behold it's a subscription! Clearly this is their attempt to circumvent the court ruling allowing 3rd party resale of their product. How comfortable are you with this and would you hesitate buying a program off eBay or amazon?

[@MsBridgesSocial]

Well, I gave in and bought AutoCAD directly from Autodesk. I'm not happy about being forced to buy from them because of their conditions. I would much preferred buying an old perpetual license software program off Amazon or Ebay. Technology companies are very good at forming monopolies and after the court case with 3rd party sellers Autodesk lost, I don't trust their policies in the future. But it is the industry standard, so here we are. I'm glad I have my own software for a change. At least it was on sale this time around. :)

[@laurenceharding2963]

I was wondering, you inspire me, from my perspective are you a one man Architect, because I am a professional Artist, I am a painter. What side jobs, do you do other than Architecture, for me it's janitorial housekeeping. Laurence.

[@dejangegic]

Architecture actually pays quiete well

[@apoorvav1761]

which laptop works the best for Architecture among them Dell XPS 17 or Acer predator Helios 300 Plz tell me I’m confused

[@joerey5465]

What is the sketch paper called and where do I buy it?

[@carlburdick232]

What year is this? Where is the case of redbull and the Gaming PC?

[@vinuthaachart5042]

Which things wants to architecture??

[@tr4y4n94]

What is the point of model making when you have a 3D virtual one? The way I see it is a lot of work that doesn't pay up.

[@sajjadkareem6690]

helpful but advanced

[@tr4y4n94]

What is the point of phisical model making when you have a 3D virtual one? The way I see it is a lot of work that doesn't pay up.

[@30by40]

at least for me...model making is equivalent to sketching, it helps in the ideation process. but, I get that it's not for everyone. I make the case for it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iammiqeIm6igbtE

[@thehash5552]

Very nice. But the objects on the table are out of focus

[@pierdolio]

This ended up sounding like a MAC commercial.

[@mykael82]

You wouldn't happen to have any good recommendations on a drafting table

[@tr4y4n94]

What is the point of model making when you have a 3D virtual one? The way I see it is a lot of work that doesn't pay up.