I help creative women in design reconnect with their creativity, rebuild confidence through drawing, and design fulfilling careers that fit their lives.

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 Women Do the Same

I’m now a full-time entrepreneur, wife, and Mum to two bilingual kids - Mia Elisabet (2018) and Angus Óðinn (2021). I run a creative business that blends everything I love: drawing, design, teaching, and helping others build a life that works for them.

I believe in creativity as a superpower and in helping women come back to themselves through sketching, storytelling, and design.

“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 build a creative career that actually fits your life?

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