What Architects Can Learn from the Artemis II Mission
/I opened my sketchbook to draw a rocket, but what I found was a reminder of what architecture really is, teamwork, clarity, and building something bigger than yourself.
Read MoreRead practical tips, creative stories & resources for students, architects & designers - from career advice to hand drawing, sketching & studio life.
I opened my sketchbook to draw a rocket, but what I found was a reminder of what architecture really is, teamwork, clarity, and building something bigger than yourself.
Read MoreA behind-the-scenes look at my journey as a Senior Lecturer in Interior Architecture in the UK, from teaching and course development to international recruitment, research, and helping students build portfolios that stand out.
Read MoreBest pens for architectural lettering and line weight, plus simple tips to improve your drawings and make them look clean, clear, and professional.
Read MoreLearn how to draw a floor plan by hand step by step. A beginner-friendly guide for architecture and interior design students to create clear, professional layouts for studio and portfolio work.
Read MorePreparing an architecture portfolio for university? After reviewing hundreds of student portfolios as a former lecturer, I’m sharing the most common mistakes I see every year, and what strong portfolios do differently, so you can apply with confidence and clarity.
Read MoreMany architecture students believe they’re bad at drawing, when in reality they were never properly taught. This post shares a clear framework for improving architectural drawing skills by focusing on foundations, perspective, and intentional practice.
Read MoreSonia Nicolson is a British Chartered Architect (ARB) and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), with 15+ years of international experience in Architecture, Interior Architecture & Design, and design education. As a Senior Lecturer, she has taught and mentored over 8,000 students worldwide and now helps aspiring architecture and interior design students develop confidence in hand drawing, visual communication, and portfolio preparation.
Through her courses, ebooks, and mentoring, Sonia specialises in making complex design skills clear, practical, and accessible - especially for students preparing for college, university, applications, or a career in the built environment.
Start your journey on the Start Here page.
New to my blog? Begin with these reader favourites on studying architecture, portfolios, and learning to draw.
Want more support? Explore my Free Resources and Courses.
Architect & former University Lecturer turned Entrepreneur. I help female Entrepreneurs successfully Design & Build their Creative Businesses in Interior Design, Architecture & Urban Sketching.
Architect & Creative Educator helping you design and build your career and creative business in Interior Design, Architecture and Urban Sketching.
ARB - British Chartered Architect
FHEA - Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
Senior Lecturer, Arts University Bournemouth (UK)
Academic Representative, British Council (Design Education)
Academic Director, Raffles Design Institute (India)
Teaching architecture through hand drawing, sketching, and architectural thinking, and creating original artwork and commissions from the same practice.
Follow on Instagram @SoniaNicolson
Press | Wholseale | Privacy Policy | T&C
Copyright © 2026 Sonia Nicolson