Read practical tips, creative stories & resources for students, architects & designers - from career advice to hand drawing, sketching & studio life.
There’s this idea that if you’re passionate enough, you’ll never fall out of love with architecture. That once you’ve chosen this path, you’ll follow it forever with certainty, with pride, with relentless motivation. But what happens when that passion fades? When the dream job isn’t what you imagined, when burnout creeps in, or when the industry doesn’t welcome you in the way you hoped?
Read MoreStruggling with perfectionism in your sketching practice? Learn how to let go of the pressure to make every drawing perfect so you can enjoy the process, grow your skills, and fall in love with drawing again. Especially helpful for beginner urban sketchers and creatives.
Read MoreThese drawing warm-up exercises are designed for architecture students, urban sketchers and interior designers. Loosen your hand, improve line confidence, and prepare for stronger sketches in just 5–10 minutes.
Read MoreArchitectural 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 MoreSonia Nicolson is a British Chartered Architect (ARB) and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), with 15+ years of international experience in architecture and design education. She has taught and mentored over 8,000 students worldwide and now helps architecture and interior design students build confidence in hand drawing, visual communication, and portfolio development.
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 & 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.
Join me behind the scenes - sketching Reykjavik, studio life, and creative tutorials. Follow on Instagram @SoniaNicolson
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