Read practical tips, creative stories & resources for students, architects & designers - from career advice to hand drawing, sketching & studio life.
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.
Read MoreA curated reading list for architecture and design students, from must-have textbooks and inspiring design classics to new releases for your creative journey.
Read MoreAfter years of constant movement and academic pressure, Iceland gave me the space to breathe again. Sketching Reykjavik helped me find home, reconnect with creativity, and redefine what balance means as both an architect and a mum.
Read MorePreparing for an architecture or design university interview? This comprehensive portfolio preparation guide, written by a former university lecturer, shows you exactly what to include, how to present your work, and what interviewers are really looking for, so you can walk in feeling confident and prepared.
Read MoreA practical and uplifting guide for students and creatives. Learn how to boost your creativity, manage overwhelm, and rebuild your confidence with simple daily rituals.
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.
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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 & former University Lecturer helping Interior & Architecture students succeed.
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)
Helping Interior & Architecture students succeed.
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