Read practical tips, creative stories & resources for students, architects & designers - from career advice to hand drawing, sketching & studio life.
Starting architecture school is exciting, overwhelming and probably unlike anything you’ve done before. As an architect and former university lecturer, here’s what I want every new architecture student to know before their first day - from studio culture and tutorials to drawing, time management, making friends and getting the most from your course.
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 MoreThinking about studying architecture? Here’s everything I wish I’d known as a student - from subjects and skills to books, documentaries, and portfolio tips.
Read MoreAs someone who began their career studying interior design and went on to work as an architect and university lecturer, I’ve seen the built environment from multiple angles. Whether interior design, interior architectural design, architecture, or architectural technology - all offer unique opportunities, but choosing the right path depends on your interests, skills, and long-term career goals.
Read MoreThinking about studying architecture or about to start university? These seven architecture student tips will help you build your design skills, develop your portfolio, and approach studio with confidence.
Read MoreSonia Nicolson is a Chartered Architect and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, with 15+ years of international experience in Architecture, Interior Architecture & Design, and design education. She has taught and mentored over 8,000 students worldwide.
Today, Sonia helps future and current architecture, interior architecture and interior design students bridge the gap between school, university and the beginning of their creative careers - from preparing for architecture school and building strong portfolios to developing drawing and design skills, navigating studio projects and preparing for what comes next.
Through her free resources, courses, ebooks, portfolio reviews, tutorials and 1:1 mentoring, Sonia makes architecture and design education clear, practical and accessible - especially for students who feel like everyone else already knows what they're doing.
Start wherever you are in your journey on the Start Here page.
Thinking about studying architecture or design, preparing for your first year, building your portfolio or already navigating architecture school? Start with these popular guides.
Starting architecture school is exciting, overwhelming and probably unlike anything you’ve done before. As an architect and former university lecturer, here’s what I want every new architecture student to know before their first day - from studio culture and tutorials to drawing, time management, making friends and getting the most from your course.
A comprehensive guide for future architecture and design students. Learn how to choose the right course, prepare your portfolio, fund your studies, and thrive at university.
Preparing for an architecture or design university interview? This comprehensive portfolio preparation guide, written by a former university lecturer, shows you exactly what to include, how to present your work, and what interviewers are really looking for, so you can walk in feeling confident and prepared.
Architect & former University Lecturer turned Entrepreneur. I help female Entrepreneurs successfully Design & Build their Creative Businesses in Interior Design, Architecture & Urban Sketching.
Architect & former University Lecturer helping students start and succeed in architecture school.
Chartered Architect
Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
Senior Lecturer, Arts University Bournemouth (UK)
Academic Representative, British Council (Design Education)
Academic Director, Raffles Design Institute (India)
A personalised, one-of-a-kind gift for home lovers, weddings, anniversaries, and milestone memories.
Each sketch is hand-drawn in ink by Architect & Illustrator Sonia Nicolson (The Reykjavik Sketcher), on premium art paper and signed. No AI, no filters, a real architectural drawing created by hand.
These commissions have been gifted for Christmas, housewarmings, engagements, graduation, first homes and travel memories, a thoughtful keepsake that lasts.
A6 black & white line drawing (105 × 148 mm / 4.1 × 5.8in) $150
A5 black & white line drawing (148 × 210 mm / 5.8 × 8.3in) $200
A4 black & white line drawing (210 × 297 mm / 8.3 × 11.7in) $300
Place your order and choose your size
Contact us with your photo and any notes
I hand-draw your sketch within 7–10 business days
Your signed original is shipped, ready to frame
Medium: Pen & ink on premium art paper
Use: Personal use only (commercial licensing available on request)
These sketches are hand-drawn by a Chartered Architect, signed, and shipped worldwide - a meaningful piece of art created with precision and care.
A timeless architectural illustration drawn by hand (not AI) by Chartered Architect & Illustrator Sonia Nicolson. Delivered as a high-resolution A3 JPEG that you can print as many times as you like for personal use.
This digital option is perfect for Christmas gifting when shipping time is too tight for physical delivery.
A3 black & white line drawing (297 × 420 mm / 11.7 × 16.5in) $400
A3 rendered colour illustration (297 × 420 mm / 11.7 × 16.5in) $550
Place your order and choose black & white or colour
Contact us with your photo and any notes
I hand-draw your illustration digitally with architectural accuracy
You receive a high-resolution A3 JPEG by email within 7–10 business days
Digital file only, no physical print shipped
Final file supplied at A3 size (297 × 420 mm / 11.7 × 16.5 in)
Personal use only, commercial licensing available on request
Hand-drawn by a Chartered Architect with hundreds of commissions delivered worldwide - a meaningful, professional gift that feels personal and permanent.
Helping future and current architecture, interior architecture and interior design students bridge the gap between school, university and the beginning of their creative careers.
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How to Draw One-Point Perspective: A Step-by-Step Guide for Architecture & Interior Design Students.