Hi, I’m Sonia Nicolson
Architect, Educator, Mentor & Reykjavik Sketcher
Today, I help architecture students and creative women build confidence through drawing, design thinking, and mentorship.
But there was a time when I wasn’t sure I belonged in architecture at all. I struggled in school, questioned whether I was good enough, and took a less traditional path into design. Yet those experiences shaped the way I teach today because confidence doesn’t come from being naturally talented - it comes from learning, practising, and having someone believe in you along the way.
What I Believe
Creativity is a skill, not a gift
Confidence is built through practice
Hand drawing remains one of the most powerful tools a designer can develop
Your path doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s
It’s never too late to start again
If you are:
An architecture or interior design student who wants to feel confident from day one
A woman in design returning after a break or burnout
Someone who wants to rebuild creative confidence through drawing and design
Why I Teach Architecture the Way I Do
I wasn’t the student who breezed through school. I struggled academically and found my way into design by studying Interior Spatial Design at college. That experience shaped how I teach.
How I Found Architecture (Even After Struggling in School)
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 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.
Building a Design School in India & Falling in Love With Teaching
At 29, I moved to India to help establish a new campus for a Singaporean design school. As Senior Lecturer, later promoted to Academic Director, I taught Interior and Architectural Design and discovered my love for teaching and mentoring.
Returning to the UK, I became Head of First Year Interior Architecture & Design at a leading arts university, guiding students through residential, commercial, and cultural design projects. I also worked with the British Council as an academic representative, speaking internationally about design education.
Chartered Architect - Former Head of First Year Interior Architecture - British Council Academic Speaker - FHEA Fellow
Burnout, Relocation & Starting Again in Iceland
Despite the success, I was exhausted. Endless marking, admin, and travel left me drained. Then life took an unexpected turn - I met my Icelandic partner, Ingimar, and moved to Iceland.
Starting again gave me space to reconnect with drawing.
Reykjavik Sketcher - from Side Project to Business
I began sketching Reykjavík’s buildings and sharing them online under the hashtag #ReykjavikSketcher. People started asking to buy my work, which led to commissions, prints, and an online shop.
At the same time, I created online courses to help students prepare portfolios and build confidence through drawing. What began as a side project grew into a full creative and educational business.
What started as a creative outlet during a difficult transition became proof that it's possible to build a career around the things you genuinely love.
Today, This Is How I Help You
Courses that teach the drawing and design skills schools expect but rarely teach
1:1 mentoring for students who want clarity, guidance, and honest feedback
Free and paid resources to help you sketch, present, and build creative confidence
Why This Matters to Me
I’m now a full-time entrepreneur, wife, and mum to two bilingual children. I believe creativity is a superpower - and that even in the age of AI, hand drawing and design thinking are what set students apart.
Through sketching, storytelling, and architectural thinking, I help you build the confidence to thrive in architecture school and beyond.
Ready to start architecture school with confidence, clarity, and creative momentum?
Explore the courses and resources, or reach out - I’d love to support you.
“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
Key Credentials
Chartered Architect
Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
Former Head of First Year Interior Architecture & Design
Former Academic Director, International Design School
British Council Academic Speaker
15+ Years Teaching & Mentoring
8,000+ Students Taught Worldwide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your background in architecture and education?
I’m a British Chartered Architect and former university lecturer with over 15 years’ experience in professional practice and teaching architecture and design internationally.
Why do you focus on hand drawing and sketching?
Hand drawing is a foundational thinking skill in architecture. It builds clarity, confidence, and understanding in a way software alone cannot, especially for students and early-stage designers.
Who do you mainly work with?
I work with architecture students, applicants, and women in design who want to strengthen their skills, confidence, and creative practice.
Do you still practice architecture?
Occasionally, but my work now focuses on education, mentoring, and creative practice, drawing on my professional and academic background.
Are your resources suitable internationally?
Yes. Architecture drawing principles and portfolio standards are internationally recognised and applicable across universities and design schools.
How can I contact you regarding working together?
Feel free to contact me through DM @sonianicolson or email me. I’m open to collaborations that align with my work in architecture, drawing, and education, particularly with values-aligned individuals and brands.
Do you take on interns or assistants?
At the moment, I’m not taking on interns or assistants. You’re welcome to email me and I can keep your details on file if opportunities open up in the future.
