Books & Resources
for Architecture Students & Creative Sketchers
A curated collection of the exact tools, downloads and learning resources I use and teach with. Designed to help you study smarter, draw with confidence, and build a portfolio you are proud of.
Free Resources To Get You Started
Created for architecture and interior design students, and for women returning to creative work after a break
Use these to practise fundamentals, build portfolio pieces, and gain momentum before investing in bigger programs.
Use them, share them, and tag @sonianicolson - I love seeing your progress.
Paid resources
Learn From Home
Join 6,500+ students and creatives already learning with us. These courses and ebooks teach the foundational drawing and design skills expected in architecture and interior design - without overwhelm, guesswork or gatekeeping.
How to Draw Floor Plans by Hand - Online Course
Urban Sketching School - Coming soon
Tools I Recommend for Sketching & Studio Work
My studio-tested, dependable tools for architectural hand drawing:
Fine-liners & technical pens for linework
Grey markers for shadows & depth
Sketchbooks for studio and travel
Essential tools (scale rule, knife, tracing paper, etc.)
Books Worth Reading As A Student Or Creative
A short list of books that shaped how I think, teach, and design - ideal for building a strong creative foundation and design mindset.
Magazines & Journals for Interior Architecture Students
Reading design magazines and journals helps you think like a designer beyond the studio. You’ll see how ideas become built projects, learn the language of critique, and understand what makes design meaningful.
Architecture & Interiors
Frame – contemporary interiors and spatial design innovation
Wallpaper – global design, architecture, and art trends
Architectural Review – essays and critical writing on the built environment
Design & Culture
ELLE Décor – interiors, materials, and trend insights
ICON – design, technology, and cultural commentary
Disegno – in-depth analysis of contemporary design issues
Online Journals & Websites
dezeen.com – leading architecture and design news
archdaily.com – global projects and competitions
inhabitat.com – sustainable design and innovation
design-milk.com – modern furniture and interiors
bdonline.com – architecture and construction updates
Pro Tip: Save inspiring projects and articles in a digital archive or Pinterest board to reference for your portfolio or future design briefs.
Start Anywhere, But Start
Whether you begin with a free worksheet, a new pen, or a course, the important thing is consistent, confident practice. Everything here is designed to make that easier.
Good luck and keep drawing.
