Read practical tips, creative stories & resources for students, architects & designers - from career advice to hand drawing, sketching & studio life.
Architectural sketching is about learning to see, not drawing perfectly. This beginner’s guide covers tools, techniques, and simple steps to start sketching buildings by hand.
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 MoreThinking 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 MoreArchitecture 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 MoreI’ve launched a monthly newsletter. It’s a way to connect with you, and my community, and serve you with exciting things like posts, stories, motivational quotes, links, offers, and so much more. I want to share my downloads; wins, struggles and lessons learned. But imposter syndrome kicked in, and I started to overthink it so it had been living in drafts. But no more…
Read MoreDidn’t get the grades you hoped for? Clearing doesn’t mean the end of your architecture dreams. This post explains how to study architecture through UCAS Clearing in the UK, including direct entry options.
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.
Want more support? Explore my Free Resources and Courses.
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.
Follow on Instagram @SoniaNicolson
Press | Wholseale | Privacy Policy | T&C
Copyright © 2026 Sonia Nicolson
