Read practical tips, creative stories & resources for students, architects & designers - from career advice to hand drawing, sketching & studio life.
You might have noticed my content is moving a little more towards architecture, drawing, and, in general, entrepreneurship. Life is and should be, after all, about natural growth and constant evolution.
Read MoreBack when I was pregnant with Angus, and in preparation for maternity leave and life with two children, I took some time to plan how I wanted my business to work and grow as my family grew, and my focus understandably got challenged.
Read MoreLooking to earn extra income from your creative skills? Here are 10 side hustles for designers and architects, from teaching online to selling digital products, plus how to turn them into a sustainable business through coaching.
Read MoreSelf-employed or not, you are your most valuable asset. Your business, your ideas and your progress depend on your energy, focus and wellbeing – which is why learning to take care of yourself is not a luxury, it’s essential.
Read MoreWhat do self-employed women actually wear every day? From my days as an architect and lecturer to running a creative business from home, this is the comfortable uniform that helps me feel confident, capable and like myself.
Read MoreBack from Iceland, and what an amazing summer, I'm ready to get back into the studio and start working towards...Dare I say it, Christmas? This year, I'm stepping up my game, challenging my confidence, and getting my work out there at local craft fairs.
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
