The Year I Studied Architecture in Japan
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Studying architecture in Japan changed how I see design, discipline, and drawing. Here’s how that experience shaped my creative journey.
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Study Architecture: The Ultimate Guide for High School Students
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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.
Read MoreChoosing the Right Architectural Design Subject - Architect + former University Lecturer
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As 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 More7 Architecture Student Tips I Wish I’d Known Before University (2026)
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Thinking 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 MoreHow to Study Architecture Without Burning Out (From a Former Lecturer)
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Architecture school can feel relentless - long studio hours, constant deadlines, and the pressure to be creative all the time. This realistic guide shows how to study architecture effectively, manage your workload, build a strong portfolio, and avoid burnout, from a former architecture lecturer.
Read MoreFREE Mini Course #RockYourDegree
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It's almost a year since I left my role as Senior Lecturer back in the UK to move to Iceland. In that time I've achieved so many goals that were on my To-Do list but there was a 'Student Advice'. I wanted to form an output, a way of offering my answers to all those questions previously asked to me and pass on the same advice to other students. So I got typing and created my first email course.
Read MoreAbout Sonia Nicolson
Sonia 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. 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.
Start Here
New to my blog? Begin with these reader favourites on studying architecture, portfolios, and learning to draw.
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How to Draw One-Point Perspective: A Step-by-Step Guide for Architecture & Interior Design Students