Draw like an Architect - Essential Tips

In this video I share my tips for improving your architectural drawing technique. I'll walk you through a detail sketch, a basic section sketch and then transition into a few of my CAD working drawings to illustrate how a simple toolset can produce a range of drawings.
Important concepts discussed:
- Lineweight (and the pens I use)
- Atmospheric perspective
- Drawing technique
- Corners
- Iteration
- Foreground, middle-ground, and background
- The 'squint' test
- Shade + shadow
- Entourage (www.mrcutout.com/ , skalgubbar.se/ , pimpmydrawing.com/ )
In the end, it’s not about copying my drawing style or anyone else’s. It’s about developing your own and the best way to do that is by seeking out the architectural drawings you like and try and duplicate their results. Study their commonalities, how do they differ from the way you draw? Some of my favorites are found in the Detail in Contemporary Residential architecture books or Detail magazines…all the German stuff.
// GEAR I USE //
DSLR CAMERA:
* Canon 70D: amzn.to/29klz7k
LENSES:
* Canon 24mm f2.8 Lens: amzn.to/29l7ac5
* Canon 40mm f2.8 Lens: amzn.to/29x2QcI
AUDIO:
* Rode VideoMic Pro (hotshoe mtd.): amzn.to/29qlNM3
* ATR-2100 USB (dynamic mic): amzn.to/2dFDaKp
ARCHITECTURE GEAR:
* Prismacolor Markers: thirtybyforty.com/markers
* Timelapse Camera: thirtybyforty.com/brinno
* AutoCAD LT: amzn.to/2dxjMDH
* SketchUp PRO: amzn.to/2cRcojz
* HP T120 Plotter: amzn.to/2dBGf1O
* Adobe CC Photography (Photoshop/Lightroom) Plan: amzn.to/2dhq5ap
STARTUP TOOLKIT:
* Architect + Entrepreneur Startup Toolkit: thirtybyforty.com/SPL
ALL MY GEAR (UPDATED LIST):
*thirtybyforty.com/kit
~-~~-~~~-~~-~
Please watch: "Making a Site Model - The Outpost Project"
• Making a Site Model - ...
~-~~-~~~-~~-~

[@30by40]

Digital drawing template here: thirtybyforty.com/autocad-template

[@17juvii]

How can I contact you to have a better understanding about being a articeture

[@davidhernandez9985]

Yeah, can I download the actual template?

[@GhadyKhalil]

sorry Eric but the item is not available in my country, my apologies i wanted to support you in a more direct way, i'll be always watching and liking your videos for now

[@davidhernandez9985]

@tfERGU05 Roger that just checking.

[@kingstonmateo6533]

i guess Im randomly asking but does anyone know of a method to log back into an Instagram account? I was stupid lost my password. I would appreciate any tricks you can give me.

[@dhatchbernier]

Even as a 51 year old architect who sketches incessantly, I always learn something new whenever I watch one of your videos. Thank you.

[@saddreams3449]

I (19) am just applying for architecture college these videos are a gold mine for me! :3

[@SamMcBride-ju1jo]

Hi i am 45 and starting architecture design is it possible?

[@user-qe4yp8se8d]

@@SamMcBride-ju1jo nothing is impossible.. believe yourself and find opportunities!!

[@CatarinaQuei]

I wish I had a professor explaining in such a clear and simple form as you!

[@30by40]

+Catarina Queiroz ...you do...! (you're sub'd right?)

[@poopingbuffalo2095]

Catarina Queiroz Architects aren't PHDs. Don't call them professors

[@CatarinaQuei]

Pooping Buffalo I have a few PhD Architecture professors. They went to college, got their master's and their doctorate. But most have up to a master's. It's not that hard to continue education here in Brazil. It's common.

[@poopingbuffalo2095]

Catarina Queiroz That's super interesting. I had no idea. I'm in the United States. From what I remember in college only one university in Hawaii offers a doctorate. I was actually calling my teacher in arch studio1 professor until he told me otherwise

[@CatarinaQuei]

Pooping Buffalo It is! The Federal University is free! Actually we pay high taxes. But the basics of a developed country should be good education, right? I hope we get there someday. And if you score high enough in your Master's or Doctor's application test you can receive a scholarship and get paid to study! I don't know if foreign students can too. My husband is studying for his doctor's on a full scholarship. He can focus more on the research if he doesn't have to worry so much about how to pay the bills. :)

[@JoelPazRicci]

I’m in my first year of architecture and my teachers aren’t really helpful, but thanks to your video i understand everything they told me better, thank you and i hope everything goes well for you

[@thecreativeworld899]

Actually I´m still at Highschool (in Germany) and its my dream to become an Architect. So I found your channel and I love it. I can learn so much for sketching and modelling. It makes me happy everytime doing architectual stuff and you helped me improving my skills. Thank you!

[@Skimo_]

I love the fact that most of your videos speak about general architecture concepts that helps students like me build my own criteria. Greetings from Mexico

[@30by40]

so glad to hear you're enjoying the videos...thanks for checking in...cheers...

[@irvdo1117]

My exact thought, I am in mexico myself

[@user-dl8yv4dl9u]

Greetings from Iraq

[@ashleyjohnknight5330]

I am a sixty year old architect and I am still learning and evolving in my profession and my understanding of architecture and life. Studying and working in architecture is a challenge but it is also an immense joy and satisfaction and I never regret it. Your videos are essential to understanding and improving one's approach to improving ones skills and building a mindframe of an architect. I know that each of us embarks on this fantastic voyage alone and it is essential to have access to lessons that teach us the realities and skills to progress and succeed in architecture. Your videos are elegant, professional, and demonstrate the high standards and satisfactions each of us must achieve.

[@santiagomatallana3053]

Great material Eric! I'm finishing now last year of Architecture School, your videos encourage me to never stop beleiving that being an architect with creative and outside-of-the-box vision is possible in real life!. I love your channel, love how you simply explain many aspects of something so complex as our profession. I'm devouring the material you produce and plan to continue doing it! Please don't stop! Greatings from Colombia. God bless and _Cheers_

[@DuStinesZ]

thanks now I have someone to look up to as a architecture student

[@30by40]

+Dustin Gadiano we're all in this sideways, no looking up!

[@zwpqmsodhebdiskwbfixuwjdjexi]

It's so much work!!

[@studiocaveat9524]

SAME. I start this fall, and this man has provided stellar information.

[@mariorobert7555]

I can't agree more!

[@davidhernandez9985]

It is a real road map to improve & be a better drawer.

[@NahiretQuintana]

Thank you. After almost 15 years without practising architecture, I practically have to start over and refresh my memory to get back in the business. Your channel is most useful, I'm glad I found it.

[@FirstArchitectureSchool]

Not only are you are very talented but you also possess a rare gift for imparting your knowledge. Thank you.

[@anthonyvalles8263]

I am a 20-year-old Architecture student and your channel has helped me a ton! I want to thank you for all of these helpful tips!

[@arnoldconsigo8662]

Legit real fan of yours my friend. you are such a great instructor, everytime i got home from school i always rush to your channel and study stuffs you share it does way more knowledgeable and cooler than at school. i hope you continue to spread your skills at this field. it really helps me a lot! Thank you! A big Cheers from Philippines!

[@lockingaiming]

As a second year architecture student, I find this video pretty interesting. I don't really find any professor in my university telling the students about this, just plain lessons. Thank you so much for the video

[@emailnasir8562]

This is one of the best videos of yours that I have watched and got informed simply and obviously.I am almost graduating but no body thought me these things, wish I knew these tips right from first year.Very grateful to associate my time with this channel. From West Africa(Nigerian) studying in East Africa (Uganda)

[@elleZip]

You are so inspiring. Even the tonality of your voice make me structure my thinking and learning process. I became more confident and calm. Thank you, Eric.

[@Gamalenon]

I'm amazed! No teacher so far had taken the trouble to explain such an essential topic in architectural drawing. Great video!

[@T_Trix]

I was thinking about doing architecture as a career and this really helped me thank you so much!!!

[@renzgabrielaldas5432]

Thank you for this video, I'm an 5th year Architecture student and this tips takes me back from the tracing paper up to the design processes. I love also, that how you draw those wavy lines and for me this is excellent.

[@paulofelipe8060]

I've never seen such a well-crafted architecture channel! From the quality of the video and the content to the description, everything is amazing! Hugs from Brazil.

[@30by40]

appreciate it my friend!

[@alanajean3568]

I've been watching your videos, and I've just gone for a drive into a new estate and my eyes are constantly looking at the architecture of buildings now! It's so fun to have a new perspective, I thank you for that!

[@sakif7]

I’m an engineer and i really appreciate the craft and styles of an architect. Thanks for these videos!

[@jquinlan94]

I've always wanted to be an architect and I will start studying architecture this fall. Thanks for sharing your ideas in such great, informative videos!

[@30by40]

cheers +Jonathan Quinlan...welcome...I count architecture school among one of my life's greatest experiences...enjoy!

[@dearestbrotherchroma]

Hey Jon, how did it go?

[@Vainglory100]

How is it going?

[@mynameisyoshikagekira.im3342]

I will start next year fall too. It's been four years. How is it going for you?

[@iichloxo]

@@mynameisyoshikagekira.im3342 let me know how you get on. I’m going into my last year of high school and wanna study architecture in university

[@gaerlan1946]

Graduated 1966 in Architecture and it is refreshing to see your videos doing it the "old fashioned way", ....Freehand Sketches. I have always considered this the most basic tool every Architecture student has to learn and not to be too dependent on computers. Though I use Autocad, I still resort back to sketches like you do whenever meeting clients. Thank you for these very essential tips.

[@CalvinR7]

I was just itching for a new video. A thumbs up for being right on time!

[@30by40]

thanks +Calvin Rogers...glad I could swoop in...only back on the grid for a few days before heading out of the country, wanted to squeeze this one in...

[@gyusbrainrot7444]

In my first week in architecture and our professor tasked us for a major plate and i have no complete knowledge on how to sketch a plan so glad i found this video

[@opingo93]

Thank you for the tips! Really great points for suggesting how to develop a signature graphic communication style. Keep up the great work!

[@Bardregan]

As an architecture student, I must say that I'm thrilled to have found your channel!

[@zackolechnowicz4920]

I know I'm late but this video is is the cliff notes version of my 1st and 2nd year of classes at a private university. This channel is doing incredible things.

[@edderbarrera2815]

I recently discovered your channel and your books. These kind of books I`ve been searching for a few time. I own my own design practice in my place, Acapulco, Mex. and I`ve been searching for a useful information about how to manage an architecture studio. From now and then, I am a loyal fan of your channel and your videos and I am going to buy your physical books, Eric. Congratulations for all that useful stuff you create for us and go for it. Greetings from México.

[@snowflakeb]

Fantastic video, exactly what I was looking for long time!! Many thanks, can’t wait to watch more of your stuff. Thanks for sharing, there is hope for more beautiful drawings with help of people like you. Kate

[@FernandoPizzani]

Hi Eric, I've been watching your videos for quite some time; I found them so inspiring that I am now coursing my second year of Architecture school. Your videos are not just great lessons in architecture. They are also great lessons in storytelling, film making and presentation! Thank you for your generosity and dedication in sharing your knowledge and insight into so many interesting topics

[@rullsliloan8657]

You are very detail when you explained and gave us some ideas, and what most i needed is how to operate my hand, arm to move and work with the tools making lines or circles...for this i can more improve my drawings skills...thank you so much, Have a good one

[@corycross2277]

Good Video. Even though I haven't done any real sketching for years it was great to watch you do it. These tips are timeless.

[@pablarquitetura1074]

Amazing video, thank you for showing in a easy way some os struggles of our profession. I'm from Brazil, and always looking for your videos.

[@haledragon1]

Just the drawings are really amazing, I like all the instructions and tips and stuff. great video!

[@BojanGjokevski]

Great topic and video! In 12 minute you displayed more info and skills about technical drawings than some of my professors in a semester :) Please keep it producing and share with us the good work that you are doing. Thank you !

[@30by40]

|m|

[@Robertohanas]

Have to say, I really enjoy your videos! Thank you for taking the time to make them. Have a lovely day!

[@liladoesfanfics4817]

Woah I was just fooling around by looking for art tips and stuff but this... This was surprisingly well put! Kudos my friend.

[@iapple50]

I really like that you try to reply to every single comment on all of your videos. Thank you, I have learned so much from them! You are an inspiration.

[@30by40]

cheers my friend...i'm so appreciative of the kind words and support of viewers...this channel wouldn't be what it is today with you...replying is a small thank you! cheers...

[@waspKGTX280]

I'm just practising some listening for the B2 english! I LOVE your content, is really awesome and peacefull. Keep the good work. Cheers

[@user-qg5bl2kt7u]

This is wonderful I wish I had drawing lessons as good as this one in college Thanks for sharing!

[@MrJimbo1410]

From a non-architect/design point of view, I really enjoyed this video. The drawings were great and it was interesting to take a 'behind the scenes look' at how they are created. Thanks!

[@30by40]

you're quite welcome...great hearing from you...thanks for watching...!

[@RenegadeRussell]

Two things: Interesting use of red text. Normally I reserve red text for when I'm red lining a drawing, but admittedly I find the red text pleasing to the eye. I may adjust a drawing to see how it turns out. Second point. While I now use Chief Architect for my drawings, I used LT for years and still have it on my computer because I just love controlling my drawings to that point. I could have dumped LT, but the control freak in me keeps it around for special projects. CA is so automated it sometimes takes the fun out of the whole creative process, rather than add to it. Good video serious. Keep up the great work.

[@illtrax]

Great tips! Gave me some more confidence in my drawings. Love your style!

[@ochalambana1983]

You explained it in such great details, I really can't wait to get the items needed to start drawing😍😍😍😍. I've always been interested in drawing houses and interested in making my own floor plans,but I never take any architecture class at all so I didn't know how to draw properly, everything looks the same, because I only use 1 pensil/ pen with the same intensity when pulling it( drawing) so everything looks 2D only😥😥. Now that I've watched your video,it gives me a much better understanding on how to create 3 D design by differentiating the intensity of the pencil used. Thank you so much for sharing this video,I really appreciate what you've done,you have no idea how much this means to me 😇😇😇

[@michelletan2943]

thanks for your tips in sharing. really enjoy watching and learning the tips. Really appreciate your time for showing.

[@noraskye007]

Learning architecture is a confusing and frustrating process, clearcut information like this is just the breather that gives you hope to continue

[@akashshaw1961]

This is something else....what clarity of thaughts man...awesome..BTW this comment of mine is coming from your interior design video. Kindly make a video on setting priorities while designing and developing clarity and critical thinking. This is so so helpful...can't thank you more... This is such a noble thing that you are doing. God bless you

[@aleamasemann3912]

Hey, i study architecture in Germany and : ,, all the german stuff „ really made me laugh! You‘ve just shown me what it’s really about lines and all the „smallest“ things we use to transfer sth in this passion. Thanks for reminding me of that, i almost forgot to have that in mind when i work on a Design.

[@crevometamedia]

By far my favourite KZbin channel.

[@epoch_ae2128]

I am 13 and i love architecture and you CHANNEL brings me closer if i want to do this as a full time job and what is neccesary

[@ryszardnowak485]

Real architecture have only let say 5-10% of it. You should really try to get real experience in architectural office before make decision about your future, if you want to draw consider maybe graphic design study... regards and good luck

[@mizzturbotizza4418]

Epoch_AE 21 same

[@carjimfdz]

Thank you for this video!!! Really drives me to remember how to desing after Academy.

[@bro.mthunzi2508]

I like how your drawings are clean and honest both sketch and CAD

[@marakaira3192]

You know I just started some of your videos today, Im still a high school student from spain, I want to be an Chef, Flight attendant, Painter or a fashion designer yet I have no inspirations. Neither my mom's a chef, she cannot be my inspiration. My dad told me if I still cant decide,I should choose Architectural. Actually, Architectural never crossed my mind,but my father. I saw your first video your short film,and hell yes! That one inspired me, When I was at my first year in highschool I developed that Im good at drawing and creating it. Im bad at maths,but since Im that person who struggles a lot but still to choose to do it,im that kind of a person AHHAHA. My mom told me that painting can be my side job. I thought that it is so impossible and than I saw u doing editing, and then ur main work on the afternoon,now u r one of my inspiration. Thank you so muchhh! Im just a new subscriber EHEHEHEHHE THANK YOU SO MUCH💗💜💙🧡💛💛❤💕💖💘💝💞💟❣💌 Im not a nerdy,but since I think I need that, AHHAHAH I will 😂

[@AslansAngel1]

This may sound absolutely ridiculous, but when I was in architecture school, I could not "think" on canary yellow trace. It was required at our school at Drexel University. I would design on white trace, and then present my drawings on canary. The teachers never knew I did this. I had SUCH a mind block looking at yellow, but with white, my ideas would just flow. Back when I was in school, the internet didn't even exist. There is SUCH a wealth of information out there. I'm teaching middle schoolers Intro to Architectural now, and your videos are inspiring. Keep them up!

[@valongoazul]

Thank you so much for your great content! It really has helped me deciding whether I want to be an architect or not. Still, I'm afraid it will be way too difficult and I'll end up giving up on the course. Anyways, keep up with the great work!

[@architectio]

This video will be an all time classic for architects in the future. 💪🏼

[@microbroadcast]

Very helpful, & easy to follow video, with good production values. Good to see actual examples too, esp. residential/studio or work spaces etc. I've just subscribed!

[@30by40]

thanks for the sub +microbroadcast much appreciated!

[@CGwerx]

One of my favorites so far. Thanks Eric.

[@30by40]

+1, thx!

[@razanabz7167]

This was very helpful even as an interior. Thank you

[@sydneyahudson]

You are getting me through My finals in grad school! Thank you so much for these videos!

[@uta_utatte]

Thank you so much, I am an architecture student and this helped me a looooot!!

[@martinkariuki08]

Best architecture KZbin channel. No doubt.

[@microbroadcast]

Amazingly good teaching. Well produced videos, like all the linked info. etc. Fantastic to have 40k subscribers! Well done!

[@30by40]

cheers, 40K has taken some serious effort...!

[@raginplayer2665]

Im in high school and planning to take a basic blueprint reading class at my community college, after the pandemic thanks for the help

[@default587]

So useful channel, been looking for something like this for years, finally found it, thank you

[@30by40]

welcome...glad to have you here!

[@androandro7179]

I am a doctor but i have some crush on architecture lol, i even have a bunch of architecture books :p I love the ideas you explain in your videos！ ：）

[@30by40]

much appreciated...cheers...

[@The123kiki100]

Hakuna Matata I am about to study medicine too but I also love architecture since I was a child and I can't decide... Great videos!

[@mang51]

I'm a medical student 😂

[@sudhaunnava2916]

I'm a dentist and changing to architecture ... Lol :D

[@veetour]

I used to be a robber, but then fell in love with the floor plans and designs of the rich mansions I robbed. Now I study architecture.

[@alicecheung4978]

Very useful to me.I'm a beginner of interior design student,thank you so much of your videos and i learn so much more than my school lesson.

[@30by40]

i won't tell if you don't... ;)

[@marinaduarteb]

Hi! I'm pleaseant to see your videos. You're very inspiring. Your way of designing is helping me restore my passion for architecture.

[@Sickspin]

Great video. Its nice to see you using both analogue and digital drawing in your workflow. Layout produces some very nice, clean legible documents. Keep posting!

[@30by40]

kind words, many thanks...!

[@bee1104]

Im in middle school and im trying to decide on a career, architecture is one of them and this helped me a lot with planning for projects.

[@joshuat3157]

thank you for the advice, i am gonna start my architecture journey soon, this vid is so helpful

[@yx.c1325]

This video is amazingly helpful thanks for your effort!!

[@moto8572]

Hi, I only just recently started watching your videos and you've helped me so much. I have been torn between civil engineering and architecture and watching your videos have eased the process of my decision even though I have just been accepted for civil engineering at a university, it looks like I would be changing my major but to change to architecture I would need a portfolio which I do not have ! To add to that my drawing skills aren't polished, I know it may seem like I have no interest in architecture I really do, its always been a latent passion of mine so I would like to know your opinion or any advice you can give me, also on how to better my drawing.

[@shaiq_shah]

I am an artist and now i am using architectural techniques in my drawings. Thanks to you

[@willykitheka7618]

Hey Eric! Thanks for sharing such useful information! I have subscribed, liked and clicked the notification button. I will be looking out for more from you! Cheers!

[@r.mercado9737]

I really like this presentation! Great teaching!

[@jawadalishah2075]

Just the right video I was searching for. Many thanks for the quality of work and amount of information you are feeding us. Thanks from a student of yours from Pakistan :)

[@30by40]

you're up late then +jawad ali shah...! ...architecture does that to you... cheers and thanks for checking in...

[@jawadalishah2075]

Hhahahaha you are so right.

[@stevecooper3010]

Great work you do a great job I am a builder in West Australia just found your channel it's great presentation you must be in demand as an architect

[@teddynyakado8007]

I like your explanations and you impressed me with the sketches!!

[@sg-te9pu]

Very helpful! Seemed like a professor was teaching me, clear and informative.

[@DuaneEseo-ul1bg]

Thanks for sharing your technique very simple and easy to understand.

[@luisastetecanal3599]

Muy, INTERESANTE el video....me recordaste mis tiempos jóvenes de mi profesión aquí en el Perú-Cusco. Yo, dibujo a Mano alzada como se dice... me gusta bastante este tipo de DISEÑOS al estilo CLÁSICO !!!!... Excelente, excelente.... Yo, particularmente opino que un arquitecto de verdad, debe dibujar como lo hace el presentador (arquitecto) de este video.

[@ASMRFlowerGirl]

This is just beautiful ! Thank you so much !

[@jonathansantos2271]

Thanks for making such videos. I took a drafting class before... I am getting more into myself. What interesting thing that relate of. Thanks

[@jamesmason2206]

Another great video Eric. Always an interesting watch!

[@30by40]

cheers +James Mason...many thanks...

[@helenawrenne8802]

all your videos are so so helpful! I am 16 and interested in architecture so I have started working on my university portfolio application! made my first concept designs for a garden house in my sketchbook! thank you so much!

[@30by40]

welcome to the channel...lots of vids to binge here...

[@plegan]

Great quality drawings, really nice work. I like the red annotation I'm going to try that.

[@30by40]

kind words +Paul Legan...thanks...

[@tygerbyrn]

Subbed. Very useful. I look forward to more videos. I’m an engineer and this helps me with sketching out my ideas, etc.

[@arq.albertocarvajal8457]

Great work, so clean. Thanks for share

[@jingobutters6]

im 17 and i wanna be an architect later. Im trying to start early so it would be easier when i study it. Your videos has helped me alot! Also it made me enjoy drawing

[@noah8479]

Thanks for making a video including lineweight. I heard it somewhere before but was confused what it meant.

[@vonsassy]

Third year interior design student here. This was so helpful. Thanks!

[@crystalyeow2911]

Thank you so much for teaching, I will learn it.

[@LazyArquitecto]

Awesome Video! You and your videos encouraged me to create a channel, do what I love, and help people save their best gift, THEIR TIME. Thank you!

[@SketchMonster1]

i need to start architecture

[@ramonnunez1066]

so, did you?

[@mrvelic8523]

If its because of drawing, dont, its so much more than drawing, maths,physics, geodesy and so much more, half of the time thats harder than drawing itself so make your choice wisely and when you are ready make the decision

[@h...........................]

yeah maaann

[@Rafael-dh4ko]

Did you start?

[@Sfisfito]

@@mrvelic8523 I'm studying architecture and I'm in my second year and I can totally agree👍👍

[@camerahammerwoody9196]

You got me thinking . . . I had always believed that there was only one correct way to do architectural drawings, now, it seems, emphasise the main points and create a hierarchy of less important and then dimensional line weight. Thank you

[@charlpretorius8105]

Watched this for the 3rd time today. A go to video and channel for info and inspiration!

[@yuchunwang5645]

professional video. Really helpful! thanks a lot❤️