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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@thomasackly3204]

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

[@30by40]

cheers my friend, glad to help!

[@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

[@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.

[@dhatchbernier]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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! ❤️

[@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

[@justsomepleb.8360]

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

[@GeorgeNicola]

The sound is always on point along with the music!

[@30by40]

cheers...thanks for noticing...!

[@mdsubelahmed7182]

nice

[@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.

[@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.

[@meeff1]

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

[@christa6298]

I love watching you sketch!

[@wstks-fmworldwide5390]

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

[@orishejuukuedojor2736]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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 ❤

[@pappinr]

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

[@tylanbear3225]

Thank you for the inspiration. Love your work Eric!

[@murk.mp4760]

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

[@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!

[@johnloydbasiledes9525]

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

[@samzeppelin]

that thirds trick was really cool, so simple

[@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...

[@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...

[@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.

[@wickeddreamer713]

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

[@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 👍

[@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.

[@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.

[@user-if7fc2mi5x]

Спасибо за видео, мужик! Вдохновляет.

[@alexey_pryadko]

Ага))

[@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.

[@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.

[@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)

[@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

[@arnoldherm1594]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@bambam76]

You are incredible! Thank you 🙏

[@marv.innovations802]

Love your channel man.Thank you!

[@astridlopez9379]

Thank you so much for the quality information!

[@sophiadoro6667]

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

[@CattoPotato4]

Thank you so much for this video ❤

[@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!

[@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!

[@n8studios414]

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

[@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

[@hanabishiwithwings]

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.

[@petestevens3970]

Great message for a vast audience. Thank you.

[@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

[@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

[@selfscience]

Beautiful. Thank you for making high quality videos.

[@abdelkareemkurdi9172]

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

[@abhijitsarde5383]

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

[@kummer45]

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

[@bobbywilliams9006]

I love this. Thank you

[@kightremin]

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

[@mustafamokhtar2454]

You are great, thanks for sharing your experience

[@thenicosystem8606]

this is amazing! I love watching this

[@Argail8137]

thats a good 10 minutes sketchbook commercial goddammit

[@ciolocaphoto]

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

[@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

[@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).

[@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 :)

[@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...

[@perri.mannix]

That style is awesome... love that video

[@wisdomcarlings1812]

I really should be practicing 🙌🏾📌

[@30by40]

(me too)

[@susanc2022]

Same

[@MikhaelAhava]

Same.

[@lanka8786]

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

[@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...

[@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.

[@greencagar1355]

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

[@imani828]

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

[@goesintite]

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

[@MrSilvretta]

Love it! Thanks!

[@torbenlillegraven6783]

Just such a great channel! Thanks!

[@atidmess8371]

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

[@tirthpatel5246]

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

[@ivatanklenon]

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

[@elizabethpopiel7187]

Just delightful!! I am sharing with my theatrical SCENIC DESIGN students. Thank you!!! :-)

[@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.

[@josej.1810]

So clean! Amazing work

[@josejoelsinosa7941]

love your medium and sketch

[@kosal-135]

Beautiful video, it’s feel like I was watching a movie.

[@pkhkp]

... or an ad.

[@estebanoyarcecontreras838]

i'm chilean. I love your channel. Congratulations.

[@UOWW-id4rw]

Your videos are so helpful and informative. Thank youuuuuuu