Architecture Student's Booklist

Whether you're heading to an Open Day, had your interview, got your place, or already started on a course, you will need to start thinking about the dreaded book list, and if you will actually spend any of your hard-earned cash purchasing any of them. My advice is if you have some pennies to spare, take advantage of this time and money to invest in the basic book list. I suggest the following books mainly for Interior Design/Architecture courses but you can adapt if you're studying another art and design course.

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Library

Universities and Colleges have fantastic Libraries, with Librarians who are not only friendly but can and will, assist you in finding out what it is you are after. There are loads of books, e-books, magazines and journals, online links, and tutorials, plus they often have a large selection of DVDs and videos from educational documentaries to inspirational movies. And, do not forget your local library too, they are perfect for local historical information, maps, old photos, etc. 

Books

If you are planning to study the interior, be it Interior Design or Interior Architecture and Design, I have listed some great books to help get you started and feed into your studies. The start of term is when students tend to have a little bit of money and therefore there is far more chance they will spend it on course supplies than any other student spending. With this in mind, I recommended the following four books:

1. Ching, F D K. Architectural Graphics, Van Nostrand & Reinhold

2. Littlefield, D. (2012) Metric Handbook: Planning & Design Data, London: Routledge

3. Ross, A., Hatreed, J. & Baden-Powell, C. (2011) Architects Pocket Book, London: Architectural Press

4. Architecture For Humanity. (2006) Design Like You Give A Damn, Thames & Hudson

5. Pile, J. (2013) A History of Interior Design, London: Laurence King

6. Plunkett, D. (2010) Construction and Detailing for Interior Design, Laurence King

7. Brown, R. (2012) Materials and Interior Design, Laurence King

8. McLeod V. (2012)Detail in Contemporary Residential Architecture, Laurence King [with CD of drawings] full series also available

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PDF downloads:

Metric Handbook | Architect's Pocket Book 

Most of the books listed above will be used by both Interior Design and Architecture students alike, and are often a good investment as they will stay with you from student life to the working world. 

Portfolio Requirements For Art and Design Subjects

Tips and advice from a former university senior lecturer on Art & Design student portfolios

It's interview time for many applicants and students at Universities and Art Colleges across the UK. This is a nerve-wracking time and many of you will be preparing your portfolios in the run-up to your interview - hoping to wow the course team and secure a place on your selected course.

I have met with, and interviewed, hundreds of students in the UK and internationally, all looking to be offered a place on their selected degree or MA. I know what should be in your portfolio and am about to share my 5 top tips from an interviewer’s perspective.

If you are preparing your portfolio or starting to think about it for the following academic year, here are my 5 top tips to help you get ready and build the perfect portfolio for application to University or Art school.

1. Show off your best work

Most creative Universities and art Colleges are looking for talented students who are inspired and ready to further their skills, it's that simple. The best way to show off your skills and interests is in the portfolio so fill it with your most creative, best work, and work that reflects you as an Artist/Designer.

Select 15-20 of the best pieces of work you have, you will likely only have time and need to show 10-15. Include mixed medium and a variety of topics if you are applying for a foundation course or first year (and don’t have course subject-specific examples of work, i.e interior design projects or images).

When selecting work, ask yourself:

• Who is the portfolio for and will you be there in person to talk through it?

• What have they asked to see, if they have?

• What are your strengths?

• What are your best projects/creations?

• How best can you visually communicate them?

• How best can you verbally communicate them?

The academic (teacher) looking at your portfolio will be looking to see what subject (topic) and medium (pen, punk, paint, etc) you have experience with, and how you have produced your work. They may ask you how long each piece took and why you created them so be ready with responses to these questions.

What to include:

• Drawings and sketches (show variety and narrative, include different techniques)

• A sketchbook or particular pages from a sketchbook (lay the book open and take a well-lit photo from above)

• Still life and observation drawings (unfinished work is fine, often more interesting)

• Paintings (watercolours, acrylic, oil, mixed medium - include your best work only)

• Ink and pencil drawings/pastel work

• Digital images (poster designs, branding projects)

• Photography

• 3D work, models, and sculptures (these will likely be too large to bring so take some very clear, well-lit photographs and try to show scale by photographing with a pen or pencil in the shot but not distracting)

2. Text, but to the point

If you wish to support your portfolio images with a short explanation, that’s fine but keep it short - less is more. Try not to distract from your work. Summarise the narrative (story) behind your work in one or two sentences - (title, medium, explanation of work)

3. Create a direction/focus

Focus the direction of your portfolio on the subject you are applying for (architecture, interior design, etc). Show key pieces that highlight your interest and knowledge/expertise so far:

• ARCHITECTURE - focus on buildings, materials, forms, models, perspectives, sketches, etc

• FASHION - figure drawing, model sketches, designs, samples of material, and so on

• GRAPHICS - branding, logos, typography, posters, photography, etc

4. A physical/electronic submission of a Portfolio

There are many different ways of submitting your portfolio, this will depend on whether you are attending the interview or not. Make sure to check how what is required of you.

If you will be attending an interview then we suggest making life a little easier and carrying a small A3 portfolio in a protective folder (we know many of your pieces may be larger but A3 is your friend). A3 is a good size to carry around and present on a desk or table. It’s easy to store, cheaper to print if replicating and way more user-friendly when moving around.

If you live abroad, or will not be attending an interview, you will be asked to submit your portfolio electronically. You can email a PDF, use Dropbox or we recommend using the website wetransfer.com - it will transfer a large file without compromising the size and lets you know when it’s been delivered, and opened. 

It’s also a good idea to start creating an online portfolio so look into Behance or create your own site on a platform like Squarespace 

5. The interview

Since your grades likely got you an interview, the academic interviewing you will use your portfolio to base their decision on. No pressure.

Obviously, your grades, previous experience, internships, awards, etc are an important part of the application process but the portfolio is key - it can even raise your chances of an offer sometimes.

In the interview, you will be asked to present your portfolio. Go through it slowly and calmly, explaining the following:

• What each piece is and what the story behind it/brief was

• If it was a school piece or independent work

• What inspired/motivated you

• Why you used the medium (paint, ink, clay)

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Yes, it’s a nerve-racking experience,

Yes, you’ll likely have to do it a few times.

Yes, you’ll get used to it.

Be proud of your work.

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Final note: Remember, the school you’re applying to has given you an interview because they want to meet you and see your work, so show it off. Try to enjoy the experience. Ask them questions too. This is the next 3+ years of your life and you want to make sure you’re on the right track, at the right school, and learning from the right people.

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Good luck for your Art & Design portfolio and application

Interior Architecture: Recommended Magazines and Journals

Working as an academic, I wrote courses, project briefs, helped lead tutorial groups, and supported final year students in their dissertation and final major projects. In order to do this, I had to be up to date on the current trends, technologies, building projects, and research. I spent a lot of time online and in the library reading up and watching documentaries, skimming journals, and following competitions. 

As a student, this is also important and is a good habit to get into. Over the next few posts, I will be giving you a list of my go-to books, magazines, and journals for you to find, buy and subscribe to. Today we start gently with my best picks for Interior Architecture Magazines and Journals. 

Magazines & Journals

Stay current with design news and get into the right frame of mind at the beginning of a project. There are loads of journals out there, plus it's always interesting to pick up an international one when you're traveling too. I recommend starting with Frame, Wallpaper, ELLE Décor (and looking into possibly taking up a subscription). 

Online Journals & Websites

Aside from this, you can always have a look online at dezeen.com, inhabitat.com, and bdonline.com and there are loads of blogs to follow too. 

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Which Design journals do you read?

Creating Traditional Prints From 3D Printed Blocks

We ran a workshop recently which got the participants using a mixture of 2D and 3D, traditional skills, and new technologies. We asked them to create a 2D pattern in 3D computer software; we used Rhino with Grasshopper and played with the planes to create a variety of depth and structure to our patterns. Once exported, we set these up as files to 3D print using our Ultimakers and printed out our blocks. These blocks, created using new technology, we’re now tested in the print room where we used 17th Century printing presses to create 2D prints - as seen below. 

An interesting look at different processes, skills, and technologies - and one which will hopefully inspire the students to use the print-room and 3D printers to create something a little more unique. 

India: The British Council Architecture Mission

So I am still jet-lagged - it definitely gets worse with age - that aside, let me tell you a little bit about my recent trip to India. I returned a week ago from a three-week trip traveling in north India with the British Council for my University to promote the study of Architecture. We visited different schools of architecture and gave talks on our areas of research and interest, then met with faculty for discussions on possible virtual studios, student/faculty exchanges, and how we can collaborate better and work together.

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I started in Delhi at Pearl Academy where I have visited before and we have some exciting projects planned with them, and an exhibition in the making. I had a little time to myself here to revisit some of my favorite landmarks in New Delhi such as Humayun's Tomb (previously visited (here) for a little restoration update and some sketching, Khan Market for a little shopping and eating, and Connaught Place for, well more food but, a little wandering and to soak up the general street activities and atmosphere. 

The next stop was Mumbai where I met with the British Council for their 'Architecture Mission' and three other academics from other British Universities. We were there to represent the Architecture / Engineering / Interiors subject areas within our Universities and speak on these subjects at nine schools in Mumbai and Pune. We visited four schools in Mumbai before heading onto Pune where we visited three. 

Mumbai is the busiest city I have ever been to and feels the biggest, possibly just because it's so densely populated and built. The schools we visited were in the center but took an hour or so to get from one to the next. Some of these schools were very theory-heavy with very old-fashioned marble-clad lecture rooms which felt daunting though a little reminiscent of a swimming pool too, some were very modern with green-lecture-theatres integrated into the landscape and orientated to consider sunlight, heat, and ventilation. It was difficult to judge the level of student work as most students keep their own work and no record is kept. Some schools were very open to discussions and excited about collaboration and research, one school stood out with student work displayed throughout corridors showing cladding systems, cultural installations, interactive models, and much more. 

Pune is a city I had not visited before so I was interested to see what it had to offer. It felt a lot more laid back, on a different pace, however, due to our hectic schedule we were restricted to seeing the inside of a hotel room, the view of general Indian city streets, the inside of another classroom, and back to the hotel. Two of the schools here were female-only and had a huge amount of students studying architecture which really inspired me. I gave a lecture here in a room filled to the brim with studious young designers asking me questions and eagerly listening to me. I passed one of my business card and was soon swarmed by them all wanting to contact me about their projects. 

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A jam-packed schedule meant that everything quickly blurred into one and days became a little repetitive but the students made the visit, with good discussions and examples of work. On leaving Pune (yup, in an auto-rickshaw, case and all) I took the opportunity to visit Sangam for a night, one of the four Girl Guiding centres in the world. It was the perfect stop in my journey to reflect on my travels, the people I met and the exciting projects ahead. I have been to Pax Lodge in London as a Guide (many years ago) but I know of many other guiding friends who have visited Sangam and so this meant a lot to me. The centre is so peaceful and welcoming, the girls volunteering there are all so friendly and really make feel at home. Some have been there for months, some have just arrived. They volunteer at local schools, community projects and they learn Hindi, yoga, cooking, and much more. The centre has a large campground at the back where local Indian guides and brownies come to camp and they have a jamboree coming up soon. The perfect end to a busy trip.

My Message To Students and Graduates

Why do we do it?

Life as a design student can be super stressful, heck, any course is stressful. Deadlines and tests, reports and presentations, retakes, computers crashing, family and friends calling when you don't really have time to chat, and then the endless having no money, so why do we do it?? 

Well, because (in my opinion) it's an investment in our future; career, skills, personal development/discovery, confidence, character building, and usually it's fun too. Whatever degree you do, in whatever University, city, country, you will probably have a similar experience to another student on a similar course. You might even do the same projects/assignments, software, hear the same anecdotes in a lecture, but your personal journey as a student will vary and it's often when you look back at your years of study that you realize this. 

My Education

I studied Architecture, the whole 7 years. I, as many others did, moved away from home to study in a different city, meet new friends and push my own boundaries, and I'm glad I did. I spent my degree between socializing and studying, building good friendships - who are now great networks within the industry - and graduated very happy and proud of my 2:1. I went on to gain a year’s work experience within a large office, using my year’s salary to purchase a flight and had an amazing three months in Asia and Australia before returning home to do my masters. 

I did my Degree at a technical University and then my Post Graduate studies at a much more creative school of art. I was lucky enough to be awarded a scholarship and completed my Master’s in Japan, where I learned a whole lot more about myself and my abilities than I believe I would have if I had stayed in the UK. I think travel does this to you, it makes you push yourself and find yourself, especially in a country where you can't speak or even read a sign at first...

Upon arriving home, I was once again faced with that big question - what's next, and somehow walked into a good job within an Architecture office. I told myself it'll do for now and a few years later, having now qualified as an Architect, I was packing up my desk and moving on, and off to India!!

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It’s a journey

My point is that life is odd and interesting, it's a journey in itself - but you really can't plan it. When I was a student I worked hard, worried about my degree result, and thought that once I had a degree then I'd be sorted and I'd work as an Architect for the next 20-30years, but it's just not that straightforward.

The twists and turns

I thought I'd eventually work at a University, teaching architecture and design, but I imagined I'd be retired. Never did I dream I'd be doing it now, in my 30s, having achieved what I have been where I have, doing what I have, and still loving it as much as I do. 

Work experience

A lot of my students are either out on their first work placement or in the last few weeks of their final year’s major project, and worrying about their next step. Their path might be straightforward and for others maybe not but you just have to go with it, and make the most of it. 

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Top 10 Tips for students and graduates:

1. (try) don't worry, enjoy your time at University because it will probably only happen once

2. Take it all in, the little things; the laughs, the lectures, the hangovers, the study trips, the good grade...

3. Make your work you, be proud of it and show yourself throw it, don't do what you think your lecturer wants

4. If in doubt, "fake it 'til you make it" - a phrase we said a lot but often it's while you're faking it that you learn to be it

5. Be open-minded and stay open-minded, don't let what it might look like on your CV hold you back

6. Think outside the box and live outside the box - travel - get a map, a passport, some vaccinations, and go on an adventure, or five!!

7. Get a good camera and really record your journey(s)

8. Stay as inspired as you can, read lots, speak to others and listen, and inspire others by sharing

9. Trust in your path, whichever one you chose, it will just work out and you will be fine.

10. It's all an experience, be unique and be proud of your achievements - if you want better than 'fine' then you gotta make it happen.

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I hope this helps you, whether you are a student, graduate, or alumni. Be proud of what you have done and given, do more, and inspire others - and if you know someone studying right now then why not send them a note or parcel or just some positive thoughts.