Start Here | Sonia Nicolson, Architect & Educator

Professional architecture portfolio feedback before you submit.

Your portfolio is often the first impression you make.

Whether you’re applying to architecture school, internships, university, or your first job, one weak project, confusing layout or missed opportunity could affect the outcome.

Before you press submit, get honest, professional feedback from someone who has spent more than 15 years teaching architecture students and reviewing portfolios.

As a Chartered Architect and former University Lecturer, I’ll review your portfolio with the same critical eye I used when guiding students through applications, design reviews and presentations.

My goal isn’t to change your work.

It’s to help you present your best work with confidence.

What’s Included

You’ll receive:

• A personalised video review of your portfolio

• Honest, constructive feedback on what’s working well

• Clear, prioritised improvements to strengthen your portfolio

• Practical advice you can apply immediately

• Delivery within 5 working days

Portfolios should be submitted as a single PDF so I can review them in the same format used by universities and employers.

Choose Your Review

Portfolio Confidence Review™ ($149)

Perfect if you want expert feedback before submitting your portfolio.

You’ll receive:

• Personalised video review

• Practical recommendations for improvement

• Clear next steps

• Delivery within 5 working days

Portfolio Confidence Review™ + Strategy Session ($249)

Ideal if you’d like to discuss the feedback together and leave with a clear action plan. Everything included in the Portfolio Confidence Review™, plus:

• 30-minute private Zoom session

• Opportunity to ask questions

• Personalised advice for your portfolio, applications or next steps

• Clear priorities for improving your work

Personalised guidance from a Chartered Architect and former University Lecturer to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Sometimes all it takes is one conversation with the right person.

Whether you’re struggling with a design project, preparing your portfolio, learning perspective, responding to tutor feedback, or simply feeling stuck, these private online sessions are designed to help you gain clarity, improve your work, and move forward with confidence.

With over 15 years of teaching and mentoring architecture and design students, I know how overwhelming creative education can feel. I’ve helped thousands of students develop their drawing skills, strengthen their design thinking, and build the confidence they need to succeed.

Now I’d love to help you do the same.

Is This Right for You?

These sessions are ideal if you are:

• Studying Architecture, Interior Design or a related creative course

• Building or improving your portfolio

• Preparing for university interviews or applications

• Working on a design project and feeling stuck

• Looking for professional feedback before a submission

• Returning to drawing after a break

• Wanting expert guidance from someone who’s taught architecture for over 15 years

What We’ll Work On

Every session is tailored to you.

Together we can cover topics such as:

• Design projects and studio work

• Portfolio reviews

• Perspective drawing

• Architectural sketching

• Presentation drawings

• Design thinking

• Tutor feedback and critiques

• Career advice

• Confidence and creative mindset

If you’re unsure whether your challenge is suitable, get in touch before booking.

What You’ll Leave With

After your session, you’ll have:

• Clear, practical next steps

• Honest and constructive feedback

• Personalised advice tailored to your goals

• Greater clarity and confidence

My aim isn’t to overwhelm you with more information. It’s to help you understand exactly what to do next.

How It Works

1. Book your session | Choose the mentoring option that best suits your needs.

2. Send your work | Before we meet, you’ll have the opportunity to send drawings, portfolios, sketches, presentations or questions you’d like us to discuss.

3. Meet online | We’ll spend focused one-to-one time working through your challenges, reviewing your work, and creating a clear plan.

4. Move forward with confidence | You’ll leave knowing exactly where to focus your time and energy.

Choose Your Support

Clarity Session

One 60-minute online tutorial ($250)

Perfect if you need focused feedback on a project, portfolio or specific challenge.

Momentum Mentorship

Three 60-minute sessions ($650)

Ideal for students working through a semester, portfolio or larger design project who want ongoing support and accountability.

Confidence Programme

Six 60-minute sessions ($1,200)

My most comprehensive mentoring option for students who want consistent guidance throughout their studies or a major project. We’ll build confidence, strengthen your design thinking, and help you produce work you’re genuinely proud of.

4-Week 1:1 Creative Coaching

For Women in Architecture & Design Who Want a Confident Next Chapter

This coaching is for creative women who feel ready to reconnect with themselves, regain momentum, and design a career or business that actually feels aligned - not just impressive on paper.

I am a Chartered Architect, former University Lecturer, and creative mentor, and I help women in architecture and design rebuild confidence, rediscover their creativity, and take the next step with clarity instead of hesitation.

What’s Included

✔️ 4 × 60-minute private Zoom sessions (one per week)

✔️ Personalised reflection tools and tailored creative/business strategies

✔️ Clear action steps after each call so you always know what to do next

✔️ Voxer or email support between sessions for accountability and feedback

Who This Is For

This is designed for women in architecture, design, or creative business who want to:

• Reignite creativity after burnout, motherhood, or a break

• Gain clarity on your next professional or business direction

• Build a body of work or portfolio with confidence and intention

• Show up with purpose and stop shrinking, second-guessing, or delaying

What You Will Leave With

• A confident, realistic plan for your next creative chapter

• Strategies that feel aligned - not forced, frantic, or performative

• Mindset shifts to quiet the inner critic and stop self-sabotaging

• A renewed connection to your creativity, voice, and purpose

• This coaching gives you clarity before you make your next decision - not after you’ve already committed and wondered if you made the wrong choice.

Investment

$1,295 / 4 weeks private coaching

Spots are limited, secure your place to begin your next chapter with clarity and support.

Refunds are not available once the service has begun.

Questions: hello@sonianicolson.com