About Sonia Nicolson | Architect, Educator & Creative Mentor

I help first-year architecture students build confidence in hand drawing and design, so they can stand out, impress their tutors, and enjoy their studies without the overwhelm.

But my journey here wasn’t a straight line...

From Self-Doubt to Scholarship

I didn’t grow up dreaming of being an architect. I struggled through school and found my way into design by studying Interior Spatial Design at college. Determined to prove myself, I earned a place at university and later received a scholarship for Academic Excellence, completing my postgraduate studies in Japan under renowned architect Shinichi Ogawa.

After graduating, I returned to the UK, became a registered Architect with the ARB, and entered the profession just as the 2008 recession hit. 

The Leap That Changed Everything

At 29, I took a leap, moving to India to help establish a new campus for a Singaporean design school. As Senior Lecturer, later promoted to Academic Director, I taught Interior & Architectural Design, and fell in love with education and entrepreneurship. That’s when I started my first blog, Layoutlines.

Returning to the UK, I became Head of 1st Year Interior Architecture at a leading Arts University, guiding students through residential, commercial, and cultural design projects. I also worked with the university’s recruitment team and as an academic representative for the British Council, speaking in India, Thailand, and Nepal.

Burnout, Breakdowns & Brave Decisions

Despite the success, I was exhausted. Endless marking, admin, and international travel left me drained. Then, during a weekend home in Edinburgh for a hen party, I met a Viking named Ingimar. A million FaceTime calls later, I followed my heart and moved to Iceland.

Sketching My Way Back to Myself

I left academia behind and picked up a sketchbook. I began drawing the charming, corrugated-iron homes of Reykjavik and sharing them on Instagram under the hashtag #ReykjavikSketcher. People began asking to buy my prints, so I opened an online shop and started taking commissions.

At the same time, I launched an online course to help students build architecture and art school portfolios. This soon grew into a full resource library of tutorials, downloads, and creative tools.

Now I help students do the same

I’m a full-time entrepreneur, wife, and Mum to two bilingual kids, Mia (2018) and Angus (2021). I run a creative business that blends everything I love: drawing, design, teaching, and mentoring the next generation of architects.

I believe creativity is a superpower and that even in the age of AI, hand drawing and design skills are what set students apart. Through sketching, storytelling, and design, I help you build the confidence to thrive in architecture school and beyond.

“Sonia’s story made me feel like I wasn’t too late to start again. She helped me reconnect with my creativity after years of burnout, and for the first time in ages, I feel confident in my design work again.” - 1:1 Coaching Client, Interior Designer

My Qualifications

Professional Memberships & Licenses

Architects Registration Board (ARB) - Registered Architect (since 2009)

Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) - 2015

Academic Member, Society of British & International Design (SBID) - 2014

Academic Qualifications

Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture - 2007 (Final year in Japan, 2008)

BA (Hons) Architecture - 2004

Advanced Diploma in Interior Spatial Design - 2002

Professional Development & Certifications

Complete Life Coaching Certification Masterclass - 2025 (in progress)

Certified in “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” - 2023

Ready to start architecture school with confidence (and impress your tutors from day one)?

Explore my courses & coaching or get in touch, I’d love to support you.