Read practical tips, creative stories & resources for students, architects & designers - from career advice to hand drawing, sketching & studio life.
There’s this idea that if you’re passionate enough, you’ll never fall out of love with architecture. That once you’ve chosen this path, you’ll follow it forever with certainty, with pride, with relentless motivation. But what happens when that passion fades? When the dream job isn’t what you imagined, when burnout creeps in, or when the industry doesn’t welcome you in the way you hoped?
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 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 MoreSince moving to Iceland 4 years ago now, I have worked for myself. Working for myself is an easy phrase to type or say but the action of making it happen and being successful, as in profitable, is a different story.
Read MoreGetting a job interview can be exciting but also pretty nerve-wracking. I just found out that I didn't get the job I had interviewed for here in Reykjavik so I wanted to write out some points to help anyone else who is going through the stress of job searching, applications, and the interview process.
Read MoreThinking about studying architecture? This article explores ten compelling reasons to pursue a career in architecture, from creative freedom and global opportunities to shaping the spaces where people live and thrive. Written by an experienced architect and interior designer, it’s a must-read for aspiring students.
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.
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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.
Join me behind the scenes - sketching Reykjavik, studio life, and creative tutorials. Follow on Instagram @SoniaNicolson
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