One Skill (+ item) Every Aspiring Architect Needs

What's the most important skill to cultivate if you’re interested in becoming an architect? Learning to sketch. Sketching is an important part of the design process and a daily sketching habit will teach you to see the world as it is, to divine why buildings look the way they do and to understand proportion and scale. Sketching is invaluable for communicating your ideas in meetings to clients, to your colleagues and to tradespeople in the field during construction. For most designers, the sketch is where ideas are born.
Digital tools have their place in the design process too, but they serve a different purpose. The analog sketchbook is a place to think and to move more slowly. It's in digital space that we transform the thoughts and ideas into the documents we'll use to construct our architecture and to make them real. There’s room for both in the design process and each informs the other.
To celebrate the release of the first run of BLANK sketchbooks, I’m opening mine up so you can see how I use it in practice. I hope it shows you that ideation and exploration doesn’t require perfect technique or polished renderings. In fact, the imperfect nature of an open-ended sketch leads to novel ideas and better design resolutions. Follow along as I develop a few less than perfect sketches, share my thought process, a few drawing conventions and personal musings about the importance of building a sketching habit.
Special thanks to Mike Schiano and his company Airship Notebooks for helping make the BLANK notebook a reality. This sketchbook was designed with creatives in mind. It has everything I look for in a quality sketchbook.
Specs:
+ A5 size (5.8” x 8.3”) - portable, but not too small.
+ Cover: 650g chip, debossed (front + back) Heavy stock protects your work.
+ 50 pgs [ 70# - 100g ] White-cream stock. Works for pen + pencil.
+ 5mm dot grid. Helps with layout + proportion.
+ Red elastic closure keeps things tidy in your bag + serves as a placeholder
+ Double ring spiral binding lays flat on the page and works for both right and left-handed sketchers.
Get yours here: thirtybyforty.com/blank
JOIN MY ONLINE COURSE:
Enjoy my teaching style? Enroll here: thirtybyforty.com/a-e-course
DIGITAL DRAWING TEMPLATES:
* AutoCAD: thirtybyforty.com/autocad-temp...
* REVIT: thirtybyforty.com/revit-template
ARCHITECT'S TOOLKIT:
* *NEW for 2020 ** Architect + Entrepreneur Startup Toolkit (includes lessons from the A+E Course): thirtybyforty.com/spl
ARCHITECTURE ESSENTIAL TOOLS:
* thirtybyforty.com/archi-gear
MODEL MAKING TOOLS + MATERIALS:
* thirtybyforty.com/blog/archit...
PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR:
* thirtybyforty.com/my-photo-gear
ALL MY GEAR (UPDATED LIST):
*thirtybyforty.com/kit
#sketching #architect #blanksketchbook

[@30by40]

Here's the link to the sketchbook: thirtybyforty.com/blank

[@charliebason8791]

Can I get it in the UK?

[@not_that_lena]

When you hit "buy now" it opens Amazon with random sketchbooks... I would really love to buy yours, but I can't figure out how :(

[@thehobbitable]

Same here... It would seem they are unavailable in Europe... Any alternatives?

[@30by40]

I would've loved to get this shipped out worldwide, but the costs for the first round were tough for me to absorb as an independent creator. Hoping that round two will make it across the pond.

[@nnannaotuh1834]

Ok. Looking forward to the second cycle.

[@seffseffseffseffseff1662]

I'm a 9th grader trying to pursue architecture, I'm glad I'm setting my goals early!

[@carlstanford7607]

My life’s dream was to be an architect. I started early sketching and drawing and was told I could never achieve it. They were wrong. Never give up and enjoy the process. Creating is joyful and architecture is magic. Good luck kid!

[@seffseffseffseffseff1662]

@@carlstanford7607 awesome story!! I'll push as hard as I can!

[@brokenreality6872]

I'm an arki student I suggest drawing what you love

[@Mycatlovesmetoo]

run when you can boi

[@justinhunt4767]

Great keep going

[@profHankin]

I will be sharing this with my design students. It is a constant battle to get them off the computer and into a sketchbook. This will help. Thank you.

[@30by40]

Fantastic, glad to help...! Where do you teach?

[@alphonsbretagne8468]

Don't you have sketching as compulsory subject? I had at college for CE - well, 25 years ago.

[@RealityNonSequitur]

@@alphonsbretagne8468 thats how it was when I was in school. Everyone wanted to produce these sci-arc style renderings....essentially just centerfolds. I took analogue rendering and a lot of hands on classes with drawings and sketches. The projects were far more interesting compared to the digital classes. They had a story and lets just face the fact....nothing beats a good hand rendered illustration. They are a little magical. Theres room for your own interpretation. Digital is so dogmatic and people actually complain about paint colors on the wall....

[@PeteCollingsArchitect]

I taught (architectural) design and would allow students to log in only after 20 minutes of hand sketching.

[@JK-xz1lt]

My problem is all my students who draw all the time only want to draw Manga.

[@jacobtipton3625]

Just recently found your channel. I had always wanted to become an architect ever since high school. However, I couldn't get accepted to any schools right away. I ended up taking a detour and joined the Air Force for 6 years. Once I got out, I found your channel and it relit that spark. So I ended up applying to school again recently, and finally got accepted. So thank you. Keep doing what you're doing!

[@georgeharvey9084]

There’s pros and cons to every work but watching your videos makes me forget about the cons and gets me excited to learn. I’m only a sophomore in college who recently found an interest in architecture, and watching your videos is very inspiring!

[@nicolas-patiencebasabose7995]

Thank you friend. Even when you want to sell a product you worked so hard on, you still do it in the most informative and polite manner. You are a gifted instructor (sharer) and businessman. I will definitely get a few of them because they are this good, and so are you. Can't wait for when you announce that FAIA nomination, you contribute a lot to the field, so selflessly.

[@30by40]

Kind words my friend...many thanks!

[@mdsubelahmed7182]

top

[@arikatect9237]

I've had the pleasure of interning in some of the top architecture offices in the country, one thing they all have in common is someone is always sketching through ideas to quickly solve problems. Morphosis in LA is one of the best digital firms on the planet, their projects still start with a sketch on a piece of trace paper. Sketching is a tool and a skill. Like anything else, practice makes you better, more confident and faster at solving problems. Thanks for the awesome content.

[@alexandra6864]

Thank you so much for making these videos. So great to have such a knowledgeable source on KZbin for architecture. As an aspiring architect I am truly appreciative for your tips😊 I have always admired the time period of architecture in which my grandfather practiced where everything was done by hand in the mid century. I love going through his archive; my inspiration.

[@dhatchbernier]

It’s nice hearing about/from people who love to sketch as much as I do.

[@flemaster12]

My grandfather is an architect and your drawings remind me of his. He’s probably the best artist I know. It’s really cool to see that other people, like my grandfather, draw their buildings before they digitally create it. It’s a dying skill in the industry that is extremely important.

[@renejohndierkx3415]

I fully agree with your grand father. I mainly sketch from concept to details before I even come near a laptop

[@AqeelNaseer]

Sketching is an art coming straight from your head, and yes improving skills may shine your piece of art... my believe is creation of sketch actually realizes how beautiful mind you’re carrying 🤓

[@Fazzino_Tattoo]

craftmanship and hand work must never be forgotten, even grand masters like Norman Foster still use pen and paper every single day

[@BoxofCarrots]

I'm almost done my degree in architecture, before I go into my masters, and these are a few things that I didn't realize would be so important in architecture school or that other students didn't realize would be important: - digital design skills (organizing digital layouts for printing, photoshop experience, editing, etc) - woodshop experience (handling tools, using wood, which glues to use, how to cut and measure, etc) - artistic experience (as discussed here) - photography skills (not super important, but very useful in terms of knowing how to lay out scenes and compose pictures) - general tech smarts (you'll be learning multiple different softwares at a time) - construction smarts (if you've worked as a contractor, builder, or know how a building is made for whatever reason, that's *extremely* important and useful) - the ability to talk, make connections, and generally be a self-manager (architecture is all about convincing people that your project is the best out of all the other proposals or convincing others of your idea and sometimes, it's convincing the tax payers that it'll be beneficial) If you're in highschool, you should for sure take a digital design course if you have it, an art course, woodshop, geometry (ratios, slopes, areas, perimeters, scales, etc), and business courses are also super useful if you're hoping to start your own company. In regards to math, most of the programs that we use does all the equations for you, so don't feel scared of going into architecture if you're an artist and bad at math (like me). It's good to have an understanding but trust me, it's 90% business, design, and tech (unless you go into the engineering side of architecture, then it's a lot more math)

[@saatvikadinesh461]

You Eric, are the best thing I found on KZbin !! And your voice sounds just perfect to be listening to. Much more love to you from India ! You are an inspiration.

[@ChantelFrancina]

Long time watcher and subscriber here!! Thank you for all of your inspiration! I am a fashion designer that has expanded my business into architectural rendering and design, so seeing an architect advocate hand drawn rendering is encouraging!

[@celticpridedrums]

So glad to see this. As an urban planner and draftsman, I have been sketching all my life--now retired at 70 I am so disappointed to see students in school who sit at their computers and have no sketching skills at all--on site they could not sketch an idea or a solution to an issue if it meant the success or failure of a project. You must sketch people; its at the heart of your profession. Thanks for this.

[@thomasackly3204]

Thank you for inspiring me to follow my passion Eric, means the world!

[@30by40]

cheers my friend, glad to help!

[@j.jarvis7460]

That was so awesome how you included the price and the product location in one clip. Thankyou. Answered two questions in a second

[@meeff1]

Tener la capacidad de enfrentarte a un cliente, escucharlo, comprenderlo y mostrarle en dibujos sus palabras es Mágico!

[@Masi_14]

I was 1st year college and I watched a lot of videos on this channel. Now I am in my last semester thanks a lot! ❤️

[@leonardelungat9049]

Love how you do it, you have been so inspirational to me thank you so much.

[@southhillfarm2795]

Sketching ideas transcends many professions. As a tradesman, we were trained in drafting and it is one of the most important aspects of my trade. learning how to shade a drawing is a skill I have never acquired and is such a great addition to share information to whomever looks at a drawing. This is a great video.

[@giuseppenativo2123]

Oh, i liked this simple but so "educative" video. It's so true, with your pencil you carve the paper, slowly, thinking just at the problem you are trying to solve. Drawing is a true form of 'awarness', when you are deep into it.

[@draztiqmeshaz6226]

I absolutely LOVE that pencil as well. You might also like the Zebra DelGuard. The strain-relief mechanism makes for a huge variety of line weights, if sketching is your thing. For me, it makes those fine little pt5 leads strong enough for marking my woodworking projects, which is pretty huge.

[@wstks-fmworldwide5390]

Your videos, commentary, and observations are fascinating to this non-architect. I never tire of watching/listening.

[@justsomepleb.8360]

Thank you so much for this video! I fit into that category and defiantly needed to hear that! Keep them coming 👍👍

[@jefferysaddoris]

Just discovered your channel and I dig everything about it and am hoping to deep dive the back catalog a bit more. I really liked the podcast with Trent Bell, both the content and the way you put it together against the b-roll. Good stuff.

[@GeorgeNicola]

The sound is always on point along with the music!

[@30by40]

cheers...thanks for noticing...!

[@mdsubelahmed7182]

nice

[@satrickptar6265]

I’m an engineering student and I’m practicing freehand architectural drawings. It really helps for alleviating stress because freehand doesn’t require you to be perfect. It’s very therapeutic.

[@elle9086]

I'll be starting architecture school next week and your channel has inspired me a lot, thank you so much! I hope to be like you one day!

[@coldrawing4115]

Thank you for putting so much passion into your work (movies included). Inspiring attention to the smallest details. Yes. I was looking for that. You also gave me a great idea with gray paper! :-) Keep it up!

[@Brickman.cinema]

I’m a freshman who’s currently undeclared and is trying to get into my university’s architecture program next year. I sketch stuff almost every day that I find interesting. I’ve always really enjoyed sketching imagery objects and iconic architectural buildings. This video was super inspiring, thankyou.

[@vonluigiespartero8117]

I'm approaching my 3rd year of studying architecture.. I've started taking interest when my ex convinced me to take up architecture, and ever since, I've always been coming back to this channel whenever I need inspiration.. It's been quite an experience, too. Many naysayers and doubters, but currently I'm at the top of my class, and recommended for Vice President of our Architecture Students Organization next school year.. This channel is one of the best ones I go to whenever I'm stuck on a project, or need some inspiration. Thank you so much for these type of content and God bless you for sharing all of these with us ❤

[@samzeppelin]

that thirds trick was really cool, so simple

[@pappinr]

I just bought the sketchbooks and the pencil. Can't wait till they arrive. Thanks for continuing to produce amazing products and videos!

[@murk.mp4760]

I'm a design student of a different trade, and I find these videos so inspiring!

[@ghostk3]

Creativity is when you can do much with little. I really appreciate the effort you did using just a pencil and paper. good stuff 👍

[@orishejuukuedojor2736]

Thanks for the spark. Like a breath of fresh air...

[@johnloydbasiledes9525]

thanks for the hints you provided and the great inspiration, for you I do not limit myself to architecture.

[@eriangelino7800]

I am not an architect but I admire architects who work hard to make our surroundings beautiful. I bet you inspire many young people who would consider architecture as a profession. Keep doing the excellent work.

[@christa6298]

I love watching you sketch!

[@richardvaliente6873]

I think this is the best channel of architecture guide, comparison with my hemisphere, I'm south América, and here there is a lot of Architect teaching about the matter, but no one is so pinpoint like you. Sorry about my english is not too well, I'm learning it by you with your videos too. Thanks for All these kind of videos. Help a lot.

[@arnoldherm1594]

I’m studying constructional architecture, and find it very fascinating how different the fields are, yet not different at all

[@threeriversforge1997]

Gotta say, this was fantastic. As a blacksmith, I teach people to learn as much from my mistakes as my successes. And the #1 mistake I've made in my career at the anvil.... not learning how to sketch. Seriously. After more than 20 years in front of the forge, I can say with certainty that not sketching has cost me more jobs, more opportunities, and more ideas than anything else. Even if you don't deal with clients, being able to draw out an idea, to walk through the process on paper before you first swing the hammer, can save you a ton of frustration... never mind all the time and fuel wasted. Right now, I'm trying to get better at sketching, but it's an uphill battle because the old habits are deeply engrained.

[@francescleoduran3412]

I really love your work. This thing that you do is really inspiring. As a struggling architect (and I have been wanting to step out of the profession), this reminds me why I didn't give up and pursued it in the first place. I am slowly inching my way back into architecture and creating more and practicing my skills again and your channel, ever since I stumbled upon it few years back, have always been very helpful to me. Thank you! Hope you continue to make great contents. And if ever you read this, may I ask if there's anything in particular you listen to when you're working (music, podcasts, etc.)? I'm not sure you've mentioned it before. I haven't been very updated with your channel lately :)

[@stellanutella2212]

I’m in year seven and have been wanting to be an architect, my dream is to make the family living the house express themselves through the building and bring their vision to life with a little help from me! Thank you for your videos they are so good and helpful

[@brandonsaunders7515]

Amazing content ...just when I was feeling low and discouraged.. I will push on and make it

[@30by40]

as they say, "when you're going through hell...keep going!" keep making things, that's the key...

[@tylanbear3225]

Thank you for the inspiration. Love your work Eric!

[@wickeddreamer7497]

your videos are one of the things that have driven me to pursue architecture

[@christophschmidt5012]

Awesome help... your sketches look amazing! I will sketch everyday now! This vid is such a inspiration. Thanks

[@momadfaruque1676]

I am always waiting for a new content from you sir! Amazing. I am a Mozambican architect student and you've inspired me a lot. Thanks a lot

[@keyzsawake353]

As a design student, I personally use a uni 0.2 Fineline pen, I find it has the perfect balance between the feeling of a pencil but the strength of a pan. Also, it forces me to think more before I put down any line on the paper.

[@rsantiago7]

Thank you for sharing such beautiful videos with so much insight. As a graphic designer, these videos are completely captivating and intriguing... and inspiring!

[@Morden_Harker]

"Just allows me to think and process. People always say that it's way more efficient to work in the digital environment and that may be true, but that doesn't always yield the best results. There is this kinda feedback that happens from the page to the brain that I've found hard to replicate in the digital space." EXACTLY. Lots of people nowadays don't seem to get that. Subscribing.

[@kummer45]

For me drawing is literally Grasshopper 3D but with your hands. You program lines to be materials. It's simply fascinating.

[@tomaspavelka4623]

Very very inspiring video, your sketch line is so loose and yet so graphic, it really has a lot of texture and tranquility in it...! Bravo! And video editing of yours (!) LIKE A BOSS !!! The narrative is now calm and very comforting, just a few youtubers can do that! Thanx a lot! Looking forward to see and hear from you soon! Tomas

[@brunob8827]

Great video! I can recommend rotring 600 pencil, I use it and it’s really best, and I like to pair it with 4b leads, for butter smooth writing. And I agree no computer can replace feeling of pencil and paper...

[@kightremin]

This is classic, I would frame hand drawing as they are photos.

[@petestevens3970]

Great message for a vast audience. Thank you.

[@knhamlet]

Came to see the complex but yet still simple drawings but stayed when he said he was a Architect and was blown away because I want to be one as well

[@felixtorres2482]

Impressive video as always, Eric. I've been a long time viewer, ever since 2015, I believe. I've always been interested in being an architect, it just seems very fun. Next year, I'll hopefully be starting a drafting technical program in my highschool for 11th and 12th grade and I just cant wait. I've taken some looks inside the studio and it all just looks so peaceful and immersive. I want to thank you for just progressing my love for this trade more and more every day. Best wishes to you and your family, -a fellow viewer.

[@30by40]

Glad you're enjoying the vids...makes all the effort worthwhile! Keep making things...

[@stefatootie]

I didn't get the chance to have a mentor when I graduated architecture school up until I passed our board exam bcos I worked in a company full of engineers. I feel like I'm a blind architect. But thanks to you, at least I got to see and learn things from someone who's experienced in my chosen field. Don't get me wrong, I am grateful that I can learn things on my own, but having a mentor who can guide you is really something else.

[@n8studios414]

This is so inspiring and contrasts what so many people have told me!

[@drbelli]

learning to draw is more than learning to see, thats 33.333.% of it, is loving it, training and the rest is the motor skills(how to put in paper what you see, how you think and compose mentally, and the hand motions can achieve that mental goal).

[@fingatipps6779]

great video content! I think the tactile feel of paper and pencil while thinking & creating is the root of the feedback loop that’s mentioned...

[@lanka8786]

nothing beats sketching on an actual paper ... old fashioned is the best

[@ivatanklenon]

I feel like I want to sketch again. I miss those days in college life of architecture. Manual drafting

[@calumc7259]

I’m nearing the end of my non architectural career! Long story short ...dreamt of being an architect at 14 but my working class background made education difficult - I got into a profession just not the one I dreamt of - but hey ho I’m happy enough and financially ok 👌 . I’ve always sketched and it’s been my sanctuary away from figures and contracts. Watching you sketch is fantastic and helps me to try and develop my sketching. I often take pictures of buildings and draw either sections of that building or the whole structure and its environment. Good luck all you students of architecture- have fun and a fantastic career.

[@dragunbwoi]

dragunbwoi as an artist, i really appreciate this video, thank you. i hope pencil & paper drawings will always continue to be a trait no matter how much technology advances

[@abhijitsarde5383]

Thoughts you expressed along the video are as good as your drawing. Thank you so much! 👍🏻

[@Argail8137]

thats a good 10 minutes sketchbook commercial goddammit

[@ciolocaphoto]

And don`t forget that its "ultra portable" :-)

[@sophiadoro6667]

As an artist that has never had an interest in architecture, I find this video cool

[@gijsjacobs166]

these video's are amazing!! there is a lot of these architectural sketch videos on youtube but these are by far the most usefull

[@haoyue4972]

It's funny that my professor recommended this video to us not knowing that I have been following you for months already, I feel so validated haha, thanks for your help!

[@bambam76]

You are incredible! Thank you 🙏

[@astridlopez9379]

Thank you so much for the quality information!

[@sharmeenalam91]

I so badly needed to watch something like this. Something that motivates without making it sound so damn exhausting. I miss sketching everyday and I don't know why I didn't prioritize it between work.

[@abdelkareemkurdi9172]

Terrific, great and inspiring insight. Keep up the great work!

[@CattoPotato4]

Thank you so much for this video ❤

[@atidmess8371]

Nice video thank you👍. I can feel your soul through your line work and style, You are beautiful❤.

[@selfscience]

Beautiful. Thank you for making high quality videos.

[@katya-suleymanova]

your wave lines reminds me my academic drawing teacher. He was 90 years old, very old, he carried a pencil heavily, lines he drew were very wavy but he always drew right

[@wisdomcarlings1812]

I really should be practicing 🙌🏾📌

[@30by40]

(me too)

[@susanc2022]

Same

[@MikhaelAhava]

Same.

[@imani828]

That 3/4 sketch technique just changed my whole life. 🤯

[@greencagar1355]

Thank you sheikh Architect. Very informative and helpful. You keep your cool and stay organic!

[@sprescav]

I like the 0.5mm mechpencil to all purpose drawing, some times I use the 2mm but that's for very large scale drawings, I enjoy your videos and your drawing style, thanks for sharing

[@heroldmuashekele9024]

I had technical drawing(which is learning the basics of architecture in terms of drawings lines and layout etc ) so I understand what u getting at 😮👌

[@user-if7fc2mi5x]

Спасибо за видео, мужик! Вдохновляет.

[@alexey_pryadko]

Ага))

[@ezekieldguzman1350]

I like to share my experience in this: I draw a lot when I was young and I am good at it until I graduated a technician coarse and started to work in the industry for a decade. So I left the manual drawing for a long time and when I went back to college to finish my degree. I find my self struggling in manual drawing, instead of practicing drawing I started practicing my lettering. I noticed my drawing improve a lot faster than I expected. maybe because the lettering is more robust in the eye to hand coordination and has more strict discipline compare to freestyling manual drawing. Also in drawing, you have to have an idea of what to draw., unlike lettering you can just copy a text, manuscript, or in my case songs and poems. And its also easier to see your progress because you are doing the same shapes over and over.

[@scarlet8078]

I'm environment designer/ vis dev artist in film so a different field but I will share with u an exercise that helped me. When I first started I made many small lines instead of straight smooth dynamic lines & my director forced me to give him whole PAPER PAGES full of circles, squares and long straight lines each day. Then he added parallel lines/ hatching & concentric circles. I hated the guy until I'd been doing it for about a month and randomly looked back at a prior drawing & saw how much my lines had improved. I rec all new artists try this bc it helps physical control & also helps u to visualize the shape on the page, which like u pointed out, is a big part of it

[@andresortiz664]

Just picked up a pair for $20 it’s just the right price, looking forward to using them in my studio

[@StyleViewStudio]

There is no substitute for the hand skill and the motor- brain connection. This hand drawing allows the creator to internalize the concept. Digital drawing is not the same. cannot even cone close. Beginning professionals - whether architects, landscape architects, engineers , industrial designers or sculptors - cannot skip this skill. If they do - their work will always be deficient in some quality . I am fluent in many digital tools and software - I have learned that the most important step in the inception of an idea is the first hand drawing or draft. Great educational video!

[@pigeonmanof180]

Granite rocks, lowbush blueberry and black spruce sounds like where I live in Maine! And your design example would fit perfectly there. Perfect, eloquent elaboration of the creative process and rich in good advice. I am saving this. Thank you. Loved everything about it, except for the sales pitch at the end. Easy to forgive though.

[@alexandra6864]

I would love to see a video on tips of what to add into an architecture school portfolio for students coming straight from high school with no previous studies in architecture.

[@marv.innovations802]

Love your channel man.Thank you!

[@goesintite]

I ordered a set of the sketch books. They look perfect for what I need.

[@mustafamokhtar2454]

You are great, thanks for sharing your experience

[@perri.mannix]

That style is awesome... love that video

[@baruchba7503]

Hi Eric, I've enjoyed many of your videos. This particular video (the cross bracing of pillars and posts) spurred some questions about retaining walls, rock bolts, seismic considerations--some of the lesser known technical issues of architecture. I'd really like to see a video on this type of information. My favorite tech tool is the Tombrow Mono Zero 2.3 mm round eraser.

[@tirthpatel5246]

Thank you sir for inspiring me so much.From now I will sketch everyday.

[@bobbywilliams9006]

I love this. Thank you