DESIGN ARSENAL

These are a variety of items that we have found useful in our architectural practice and getting better and better in our craft.  You never stop exploring and you never stop learning.  Creativity along with Curiosity is key.

Please note that some of the items below are affiliate links.  Should you decide to purchase items, there are absolutely no additional costs passed on to you.

Sometimes I just need a planner I can write, highlight, and doodle in. The one I currently have my eye on is this 2023 A5 Pre-Filled Paperback Planner by Etsy merchant CherishbyDesignShop. The simple, minimalist style is very appealing AND it has bullet journal detailing. This may be my new love.  

Scribbles That Matter used to be my planner go-to, but over the past few years, they’ve changed features to the point that the planner is no longer functional to my personal needs. As of now, they have an insert option that could possibly work, so if you’re interested in a look-see, check it out HERE.  You never know, it could be just perfect for you.

In addition to sketching in my planner, I do like to use the Procreate App for sketching. I have also been playing around with the Morpholio Trace App for iPad to sketch out concepts and ideas. The iPad that I use is the Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch, WiFi, 256GB) with the Apple Pencil, 2nd Gen (it’s awesome!), and a Matte Screen Protector. The matte screen protector makes it feel like you are sketching on real paper thereby making the sketching process feel more familiar. Select the images below to check it out for yourself.

House Beautiful is another magazine that can provide eye candy in regard to design inspo. This focuses on residential design with an eye on the interiors, but being the generalist, multi-hyphenate architect that I am, I don’t mind that at all.
Select the image below to check it out for yourself.

I am a reader and there are a few books that I have accumulated in order to become a better architect. I wanted to share those books with you, just in case you are curious about how to architect.
As usual, select the image below to check it out for yourself.

The Architect’s Handbook for Professional Practice by the American Institute of Architects. (warning: this is a massive amount of information, but super good to know… especially if you are studying for your Architecture Exams)

One of the most important lessons taught in school is how to work through your design process (as in how do you work over and over and over again without losing your mind or throwing your hands up in frustration and giving up). The following book is a must-read to do exactly that:

Iterate: Ten Lessons in Design and Failure by John Sharpe and Colleen Macklin

Some thought-provoking books that I have come across that made me really think about what it means to be an architect now and in the future are as follows:

What Kind of Architect Are You? by Udo Greinacher.

Architects After Architecture: Alternative Pathways for Practice by Harriet Harriss.