14 Must-Have Design Tools for Architecture Studio • ELIZABETH AVERYANOVA (2024)

Here are the must-have design tools that you need as an architecture student. These were the essential items that I couldn’t live without in the architecture studio. If you are working on studio projects or sketching design ideas, I recommend keeping these design tools on hand.

I’ve narrowed down this list a lot over the years as I’ve studied abroad, lived in different countries, and traveled for design meetings (and couldn’t carry ALL of my supplies with me!).

You can find links to my favorite choices for each type of item. In addition to those below, I suggest that you test and discover your own favorite design tools, whether you work by hand or computer. You never know when you will find a new tool that transforms your design process.

When you can’t bring your entire collection of design and drawing supplies with you, then here’s a look at the top must-have design tools that can help fuel your productivity and creativity!

1. Drawing Pencils, Pens, & Markers

Let’s start with the most obvious item you need – something to draw with!

Most of us started drawing a long time before we decided to pursue an architectural career. A basic yellow No 2 HB Graphite pencil or a simple ballpoint pen was probably sufficient back then.

Now you need something more professional, something that inspires you to sit down and design. Below I will break it down into each category to give you inspiration about which tools to use and which supplies are ideal for architects.

Here’s what I currently use:

Pencils:

If you’ve only been using basic HB pencils, it’s time for an upgrade! A set of high-quality drawing pencils can be a joy to draw with.

When I was younger, my family gave me a few pencil sets with a full spectrum of graphite grades. As I grew more experienced in architecture, I realized that I don’t need all of the pencils in a set. So, I started buying individual pencils. However, the pencil sets are a great starting point.

Some of the best quality pencils you can get are theFaber-Castell 9000 Graphite Sketch pencils. The most common ones I use are: 2H, 4H, 7H, and 2B. The H stands for harder graphite, which makes lighter shades, breaks less, and stays sharp longer. The B stands for blackness, which creates darker shades, breaks easily, and needs resharpening more often. The spectrum ranges from 9H (the lightest, hardest) to HB (the midpoint) to 9B (the blackest, softest).

Pens:

Every creative person – especially those in architecture – should have a good pen to write with. But it doesn’t necessarily have to be a fancy, expensive one, although those are fun!

In architecture studio, we used the Micron Fine Line Set in different widths (specifically 005, 01, and 02) with fade proof archival ink. The Staedtler Pigment Liners are also a great alternative.

Currently I usethis Muji pen in several colors. I like the pen’s ultrathin line and smooth roll. It works great on just about every paper that I use, and I like taking notes in different colors.

My great aunt who is a professional artist swears by these pens: Rotring Isographtechnical pens. These are great for technical architectural illustrations. They come in different widths, and definitely are a more advanced option.

Markers:

I am still learning the possibilities with markers, but I have a big collection of Pitt Artist Pens.I enjoy using these for sketching architecture ideas, outlining site plans, and creating colorful mind-mapping notes.

Copic Sketch Markers are also among the best for drawing interior illustrations with markers.

2. Pencil Case

Once you’ve stocked up on quality drawing tools, you will need something to carry them in and keep them safe! You can find lots of stylish, portable supply cases that are designed for creative types.

Currently I carry around aMuji pen case with my daily essentials. It’s compact and easy to put in my purse or laptop bag. When I go to class, I like to bring various pens with me to illustrate notes or sketch ideas.

At home or in a more permanent workspace where portability isn’t necessary, you can organize your design tools into desk containers or larger storage drawers. You might consider stackable trays, a large supply box, a set of drawers, or a stylish rose goldrolling cart like this one.

3. Architect’s Scale Ruler

Although many students and architects work on the computer, you still need to use and reference paper drawings in architecture. Architecture design studio is no exception. You will need to print off drawings regularly for design reviews, desk crits, and group collaboration work. Thus, an architect’s scale rule helps you measure the actual dimensions of something from a printed measured drawing. It also helps when drafting ideas by hand.

For metric units, I use two metric-based scale rulers that I bought in Italy. They are made by Arda. One is for building scale (1:100 – 200 – 250 – 300 – 400 – 500) and the other is for urban design scale (1:500 – 1000 – 1250 – 1500 – 2000 – 2500).

If you work in feet and inches, then you’ll want one like this. Staedtler or Alvin are two popular brands. They’re available in hard plastic and aluminum, but I personally don’t like the aluminum (metallic) ones. If you drop them, it makes a loud clang, and they are somewhat slippery to hold.

Helpful Tip #1! When you are shopping for scale rulers, don’t buy an engineer’s scale. (It will just be labeled “Engineer” scale usually.) You don’t need this – I literally never used it.

Helpful Tip #2: When you are drawing by hand, don’t use the scale ruler as a straightedge to draw straight lines! Here’s why. Sometimes the edges are not perfectly smooth. Also, you don’t want to get it dirty with pencil lead or ink smudges. Instead, if you want to draw straight lines, use an architect’s drafting triangle, a mayline drafting board, or a rolling parallel glider.

4. Rolling Parallel Glider

I didn’t discover this handy tool until after I finished my undergraduate studies, but I wish I had known about it sooner!

A rolling parallel glider is a great on-the-go, travel version of a large drafting board or T-square. Here’s the exact one I have. With a rolling mechanism, it allows me to draw neat, straight lines on any desk surface.

They make shorter T-squares (I have an 18″ one), but I think those are more awkward to carry while traveling, so I prefer to carry the parallel glider. It’s smaller and more convenient.

It’s great for every day use in architecture studio when you don’t have a permanent desk space. I use a parallel glider alongside other drafting tools for drawing by hand while in architecture studio.

5. Drafting Triangles

The essential ones that I carry are a fixed 45/90 triangle and an 8″ adjustable triangle.

Triangles come in all varieties of material and color. You can find clear plastic triangles, dark shaded ones, colored fluorescent ones, and even old wooden triangles, but my favorite are the simple clear ones.

For drawing straight lines in pencil, I prefer triangles without an inking edge, i.e. it just has a smooth, flat edge.

I primarily use these along with a drafting board or rolling parallel glider to draw if I’m hand-drafting or trying to create a series of guidelines. Sometimes I use triangles while drawing in a sketchbook.

6. Trace Paper

It’s easy to overlook this one, but it’s another must-have essential for architecture students.

You can use trace paper to sketch out numerous ideas and design options. Layer trace paper to work through ideas in plan, section, elevation, and 3D.By the end of a studio course, you’re guaranteed to have huge stacks of trace paper drawings and sketches.

Always have your own trace paper on hand in the studio. Visit a good art store to check out different types and lengths of trace paper. For example, a practical option is an18″ roll of trace paper.It comes in white and yellow tone (I prefer white). Alternatively, you can use a pad of flat trace paper sheets, which are useful if you don’t want your drawings to roll up.

7. Sketchbook or Drawing Paper

You can use just about any surface to create a drawing – from a napkin sketch to a post-in note to a digital app.

Usually in architecture studio, you will want to have a high-quality sketchbook. A sketchbook is one of the most valuable tools to keep by your side as you develop projects. It’s good for exploring quick ideas, making diagrams, brainstorming, and getting your design thoughts on paper.

It can be a mini, pocked-sized sketchbook or a classic Moleskin or a large-format drawing pad.Find one that is right for you.

If you’re studying or traveling in Italy, visit art stores and paper stores to find incredible sketchbooks that will inspire you with its own beauty and craftsmanship.

Don’t be intimidated by a fancy sketchbook; in other words, don’t be afraid to make bad sketches in it and therefore end up not using it. Actively use it and make sketches on a daily and weekly basis. You don’t have to show anybody your sketchbook, and you will get better over time! It’s one of the most important tools in your development as an architect.

If you don’t have a sketchbook with you, at least try to carry a couple sheets of loose, high-quality drawing paper. I recommend a pack of Fabriano brand paper, which is found in Italian art stores, office supply stores, supermarkets, or even tabacchi stores.

Ideally find drawing paper that has a smooth surface, is acid-free, and is 80lb to 120lb paper weight. This paper is suitable for drawing with pencil, pen, and markers. For sketching ideas with graphite or colored pencils, paper with a rougher surface is a great choice too.

8. Drawing Storage

If you plan on working at home or if your school doesn’t have a dedicated studio desk for each student (which is more commonly the case in European universities), then you will need something in which to carry your drawings to and from studio.

There are a few options for storing and transporting your drawings: a portfolio case, a telescoping drawing tube, or a durable plastic folder.When you’re in a rush to get to studio, the last thing you want is to bend, damage, or tear your drawings!

A portfolio case has a hard surface to keep your work from bending. I use one which is about 18″ by 24″. It fits A3-size drawings, and is usually big enough. You don’t need to purchase something bigger unless you work with bigger drawings.

When you do need to carry larger drawings (A2 or A1), it is easier to roll the drawings and carry them in a drawing tube (unless they’re large watercolor sheets). If you plan to travel with your drawings, a smaller portfolio case or a tube is easier to take on flights.

9. Reference Book(s)

For architects and designers, books are one of the best resources for inspiration. You can never have enough books.

Before starting a new project in design studio, I always head to the library to do research and find a few interesting books related to the project. Then during studio, I use the books as a reference or in discussion with the professor or other curious classmates. It might be an architectural monograph, a history book, a technical handbook, or a book about a specific building typology.

Make sure to explore the resources that are available to you in the university library, and ask your librarian for recommendations too!

10. Computer

I believe it’s essential to learn to draw by hand first before you learn how to draw by computer to design. However, the computer can be a powerful design tool if used correctly.

The old debate of Mac vs PC is mostly irrelevant nowadays, as all the major design software packages can run happily on both platforms. Ultimately you can choose based on your personal preference and budget.

I love the elegance and simplicity of Apple and use my MacBook for most things.

However, for more technical BIM programs, I’m comfortable operating in Windows for those programs.

A tricky question is how to effectively use a computer during architecture studio and not waste time?

My advice is to turn off social media, close down unnecessary programs, and have clear goals for what you are working on during studio. Example goals: finish a schematic floor plan layout for your project, work on photoshopping your urban site plan, or gather historical precedent research for inspiration.

Recommended Reading:

• 30 Tips for Architecture Students

11. Computer Mouse

This is a necessity if you are working in architectural or design software. While I can manage to use the Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, and Indesign) on my MacBook using only the trackpad without a mouse (thanks to knowing useful keyboard shortcuts), it’s much more efficient to use a mouse if you’re doing proper CAD, 3D, or BIM work.

You can get a wired or wireless mouse. Either way, find one with a center scroll wheel and comfortable shape.

12. Laptop Bag

I spent all five undergraduate years carrying around my all-white MacBook without a case, simply tossing it in my bag alongside my notebooks and textbooks. What was I thinking?? Why didn’t I carry it in a case to protect it?

Nowadays I always use a protective case for my laptop. Luckily you can find many stylish, practical options these days. This all-in-one laptop organizer in pink or light gray by MochiThings is on my wish list, although my current one is similar, featuring multiple compartments for various items. Here are some of my other top choices.

13. Headphones

I have included headphones on this list of must-have design tools because it’s something I always carry. Sometimes I like to design or write with music in the background and other times I need total silence in order to focus. However, I recommend not wearing headphones while you are in class, even during studio!

If you are listening to music or watching videos, then you will not hear your professor reviewing and discussing other students’ projects. This conversation is usually informative, educational, and relevant to your own project as well. You should actively listen in, and don’t try to tune it out with music.

Outside of studio class, listen all you want. Also, if you’re studying in a busy university space, listening to music can help you focus better and get into a working mode.

14. Flash Drive

Last but not least, this one is a must-have for any student!

You want to be prepared when a professor shares an important reference file or powerpoint presentation during class.

In architecture, you often need to share large CAD source files. A flash drive is also handy when you need to print drawings or scan a reference book. You should always carry one with you.

I don’t recommend ultra-tiny flash drives because they are too easy to forget or lose. You can find a simple, practical looking ones, or you can find cute, unique flash drives that show off your style; chose one that is 32GB or larger.

A Final Note!

These are the most essential, must-have design tools you should buy and learn to use as an architecture student. If you have any questions for me, just get in touch via my contact page!

However, there will be many more tools you will need in your architectural studies and throughout your career beyond that.

If you’re looking for a complete, exhaustive list of every design tool you need for architecture, stayed tuned for my future post!