Blog | Tips, Stories & Resources for Design Students

Read practical tips, creative stories & resources for students, architects & designers - from career advice to hand drawing, sketching & studio life.

October 14, 2025

So You Want to Be an Architect: The Ultimate Guide for High School Students

October 14, 2025/ Sonia Nicolson

Thinking about studying architecture? Here’s everything I wish I’d known as a student - from subjects and skills to books, documentaries, and portfolio tips.

March 13, 2024

Mastering One-Point Perspective: Essential Guide for Interior Design and Architecture Students

March 13, 2024/ Sonia Nicolson

Mastering One-Point Perspective: Essential Guide for Interior Design and Architecture Students

June 04, 2021

How to Improve Your Online Presence (and Be Found for the Right Reasons)

June 04, 2021/ Sonia Nicolson

Your online presence is your new first impression. In this updated 2025 guide, learn how to audit, refresh, and protect what people find when they Google you, and make it work for your creative career or business.

June 08, 2016

The Complete Guide to Studying Architecture at University

June 08, 2016/ Sonia Nicolson

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.

April 16, 2016

Architecture Students: Stationery, Software & Smart Prep for Your First Year

April 16, 2016/ Sonia Nicolson

Starting architecture school soon? Here’s everything you actually need - from the best stationery and software to budgeting tips and student must-haves, written by an architect and former lecturer.

February 08, 2016

Portfolio Preparation Guide: How to Get Ready for Your Art or Design University Interview

February 08, 2016/ Sonia Nicolson

Preparing for your art or design university interview? This comprehensive guide, written by a former university lecturer, walks you through how to create a standout portfolio, what to include, how to present it, and what to expect on the day so you can walk in feeling confident and ready to impress.

The Year I Studied Architecture in Japan

Falling Out of Love with Architecture (And Finding My Way Back)

How to Overcome Perfectionism and Start Drawing Freely

How to Warm Up Before You Start Drawing: Simple Exercises to Boost Your Creative Confidence

Choosing the Right Architectural Design Subject

Learn How to Write Just Like an Architect

Mastering Two-Point Perspective: A Comprehensive Guide for Interior Design and Architecture Students

Finding Home and Creativity in Reykjavik, Iceland

How Teaching in India Changed My Career (and My Life)

Lessons From the 2008 Recession for Creative Entrepreneurs

About Sonia Nicolson

Sonia Nicolson is a British Chartered Architect (ARB) and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). As an Architect and Creative Educator based in Iceland, she helps students and designers build confidence in hand drawing, design, and portfolio skills.

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Sonia Nicolson

Architect & former University Lecturer turned Entrepreneur. I help female Entrepreneurs successfully Design & Build their Creative Businesses in Interior Design, Architecture & Urban Sketching.