Starting architecture school (and any other new course for that matter) can be stressful and intimidating, and none more so than not knowing what you’ll need to give yourself the best chance of doing well.
So here we provide a shopping list of the equipment and tools for architecture students that we feel is the most necessary for any young designer or in fact architect to own and have access to.
But please note that not all of this needs to be bought at once, it can be built up over time.
To summarize the Architects tool list:
The architecture tools that every student needs…
- 101 things I learned in architecture school
- A good set of drawing pens
- A good set drawing of pencils
- Modelling scalpel
- Architect student bag
- Scale ruler
- Steel ruler
- Cutting mat
- Tablet
- Drawings tube
- Metric handbook
- Tracing paper
- Ear Phones
- Yes is more
- Laptop
- Laptop sleeve
- Mouse
- Sketch book
- Note book
- Sketch book
- Tape measure
- Book of your favorite architect
- Drawing board
- UHU glue
- Architectural graphics
- Adjustable triangle
- Mechanical pencil
- Note taking pen
- Mitre Box Kit
- Tool Box
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Stop searching for CAD blocks!
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When we first started architecture school, we were given the classic book and equipment architecture tool kit list that had been recycled year upon year, with a lot of it just not being relevant.
It was a good list, but we barely used half of what was recommended, with a lot of the books still collecting dust even now.
Every architecture school is different, and will have specific reading lists for specific units and projects. What we provide here is an essentials list that can be applied to any school, which will hopefully guide and help you through your first year and the years to come…
The architecture tools and materials required for architecture students are…
- Apple 10.9-inch iPad
- Dell Inspiron 15 3511 Laptop
- Cricut TrueControl Knife Kit
- 101 Things I Learned in Architecture School
- Rotring Pen Set
- DAVID CHIPPERFIELD
- Drawing Tube
- Fjallraven, Kanken Classic Backpack
- Staedtler Drawing Pencils
- Architectural Graphics
- UHU ALL Purpose Adhesive 35ml
- Portable Drafting Board
- Stanley Tape Rule
- STAEDTLER Mars Plastic Eraser
- Black n' Red Notebook
- Moleskine Classic Notebook
- Large Self Healing PVC Cutting Mat
- Helix Tracing Roll
- Stainless Steel Ruler
- Architects' Data
- Apple AirPods with Charging Case
- BIG. Yes is More.
- Stanley Toolbox
- Miter Box & Ultra Thin Razor Saw Kit
- rOtring 600 Ballpoint Pen
- rOtring 800 Retractable Mechanical Pencil
- Adjustable Triangle
- Laptop Sleeve
- Architectural Scale Ruler Set
- Logitech M510 Wireless Computer Mouse
Tablets are a great addition to your studio equipment and life as a student in general. With them being small and light enough to carry just about anywhere, they are an excellent everyday tool for studio work, tutorials and lectures. In our opinion an iPad’s our favorite product, but there are many more to choose from. Dedicated drawing tablets are also an extremely useful tool and highly adaptable for a surprisingly large amount of architectural tasks.
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A blend of performance and budget ...powerful, efficient and well designed, much like the above XPS.
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A large part of Architecture school is model making, and in your first year it will be encouraged, if not made mandatory to produce everything by hand, and so a good, sharp scalpel is a fundamental tool to have.
It will also be one of the first of many model making tools you accumulate over the years, and if you buy a good quality one at the beginning, it will last you all the way though to when you’re qualified.
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This is a book that students of architecture will want to keep in the studio and in their bags. It is also a book they may want to keep out of view of their professors, for it expresses in clear and simple language things that tend to be murky and abstruse in the classroom...
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As first year architecture students one of the most essential items of equipment you will need, is a good set of pens that you can both draw and take notes with.
Architecture school almost always starts off with drawing and sketching, and so these will become your best friend.
…Even when you eventually start working digitally.
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We describe here how useful it can be to know everything (or as much as possible) about your favorite architect, and as a first year architecture student, even just one of their books can be an invaluable resource. If you don’t yet know, then start looking on Pinterest first and discover the type and style of architecture you like, and go from there. We recommend a couple here also.
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These fantastic adjustable tubes enable you to carry your drawings without the paper getting torn and/or damaged, and as a first year architecture student you will have a lot of drawings!
So for a relatively low price, they can be a life saver.
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We have a list the bags we would currently recommend for architects here, and we think it goes without saying that you’ll need one on a day to day basis.
Students often find themselves having to carry large amounts of equipment, so please don’t think you won’t need one.
Try to choose one that will be both versatile and comfortable to carry on field trips and site visits.
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Much like the above pens, first year architecture is all about exploring different media and developing your drawing and sketching skills. These pencils provide the range of hardness and softness required for just about any sketching situation. The metal case they come in also helps to protect and keep them together.
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This book and any other of Francis Ching’s guides are brilliant in describing architectural techniques and methods.
This one in particular is perfect for first year students and even second and third years in describing architectural graphics and hand drawn techniques.
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UHU will be become your best friend throughout architecture school, we think it’s one of the best glues for model making, that can get you through just about any scenario. It’s best to buy more than one tube at a time if you can, to be the most cost efficient.
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Drawing boards aren’t essential, as there should be some in your college and university studios, but they can quickly get used up, especially when close to deadline. So having your own can be a life saver, even just an A3 one.
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If you can, always carry a tape measure with you in your bag, and when you’re unsure of how high or wide something should be, simply measure it. Even when you’re in say a hotel room, if something that feels too tight or too wide, measure it, and then you’ll start to get a feel for what dimensions work well and what don’t. This is a good way of building up general design knowledge.
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Invest in an eraser, especially as a first year student
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A note book will also be required to record information from lectures and tutorials, it’s nice to not mix this up with your sketch book. Your note book will also almost always be out and become more tired looking than your sketch book, so a hard wearing cover like these by Black n' Red are perfect.
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A good sketch book is obviously for sketching, but will also double up as an everyday journal of inspiration and observations. This and its contents, will prove to be very useful when bringing together your projects story and background.
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One that is often overlooked if you haven’t had much experience with making models is a cutting mat. This provides a stable non-slip surface to work on but more importantly protects the surface below. There is nothing worse than putting a fresh scalpel line across your desk, or even worse, a whole set across your studios glass meeting room table!
It hopefully goes without saying that a roll of tracing paper will be required. You are likely to need this on a daily basis when designing and sketching by hand. Its very useful to be able to overlay plans, sections and elevational compositions on top of each other.
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Steel rulers are a great tool for jobs requiring precise measurements, and are often different to scale rulers in that they just have the normal 1:1 mm, cm and inches measurements. We prominently use ours for model making, as if your rule is not made from metal, you will soon cut into it and ruin its clean drawing line …making it useless for both modelling and for drawing! …a good steel rule lasts forever
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This is a very useful design guide that is full of data on just about anything you can think of, from the width of a hospital parking bay to the size of a football pitch stand. It’s one of the most useful books you can own as a student and professional.
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A good set of earphones will be a lifesaver for when you need to zone out and focus on deadlines. Nothing says do not disturb, like a pair of earphones.
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This book by Bjarke Ingles (BIG) demonstrates how to present and break down your work in a way that can be easily understood. As an architect he is very good at bringing and creating architecture to and for the public. BIG not only inspires and demonstrates how...
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You going to need something to carry all these model making tools in, and so a small tool box will provide a safe and portable store. Enjoy!
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Not essential for a brand new student, but once you start making models these are really useful for cutting edges at an angle, which when done by freehand can be really hard to get right.
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Same goes for a pen. Notes often need to be taken quickly and fast, and so it needs to be reliable and quickly accessible. These Rotring pens last for years …so far 10 for us! (With re-fills of course)
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Mechanical pencils are good because they are hard wearing, last, and don’t require a sharpener.
So they can be left in your bag or model making tool box, knowing that when you need it, it will be there and ready.
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This is an invaluable tool for drawing board work, when getting the right and straight angle are incredibly important. We also used ours for model making
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With all the moving around you’ll be doing, you will need to protect your laptop. So at least buy a sleeve for it, and protect it from your other architecture tools and equipment that may be knocking around your bag.
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Professional Measuring Kit for Drafting, Construction - Imperial and Metric Conversion Table Included - Laser-Etched Markings, Anodized Aluminum
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Enjoy Same Click Feel with 90% Less Click Noise, 2 Year Battery Life, Ergonomic Right-Hand Shape for Computers and Laptops, USB Unifying Receiver, Black
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archisoup.
Construction detailing is difficult!
But it doesn’t have to be! – learn from and use a standard library of parts to correctly create and formulate construction drawings that work.
FAQ’s about architecture equipment for student
What equipment does an architect use?
An architect typically uses a variety of equipment, including:
- Computer: Architects use computers for design and drafting work, as well as for research, communication, and project management.
- Design software: Architects use specialized software, such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Revit, for creating 2D and 3D drawings, modeling, and visualizing designs.
- Drafting tools: Traditional drafting tools like drafting tables, T-squares, triangles, and scales, are still used by some architects for hand-drawn designs.
- Measuring tools: Architects use measuring tools such as laser measures, tape measures, and rulers to take accurate measurements of spaces.
- 3D printers: 3D printers can be used to create physical models of designs, which can help clients and stakeholders better visualize the final product.
- Cameras: Architects use cameras to capture images of sites, buildings, and other important visual information.
- Projectors and screens: Projectors and screens can be used to display designs to clients and teams in a larger format.
- Safety gear: Depending on the project, architects may need to wear safety gear such as hard hats, gloves, and safety glasses to protect themselves.
- Mobile devices: Architects use mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets to access designs, communicate with clients and contractors, and manage projects on-the-go.
What do I need for architecture?
To pursue a career in architecture, you typically need the following:
- Education: Most architectural firms require a professional degree in architecture, such as a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) or a Master of Architecture (M.Arch). These degrees typically take 5-7 years to complete.
- Licensure: After completing your education, you’ll need to pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) and obtain a license from the state where you plan to work. The specific requirements for licensure vary by state.
- Skills: To succeed as an architect, you need to have strong visual and spatial awareness, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, creativity, and the ability to communicate effectively with clients, engineers, and contractors.
- Experience: Many architecture firms require candidates to have some practical experience working in the field. This can be gained through internships, entry-level positions, or through involvement in student design competitions.
- Software proficiency: Architects use a variety of software tools, including CAD software, 3D modeling software, and graphic design software. You should be proficient in these tools to create and communicate designs effectively.
- Portfolio: A strong portfolio of your work is essential to showcase your design skills and experience to potential employers or clients.
- Networking: Networking with other professionals in the industry, attending industry events and staying current with industry trends can also help you establish your career in architecture.
What materials do architects use for drawing?
Architects use a variety of materials for drawing, both traditional and digital. The choice of materials often depends on personal preference, the type of project, and the stage of the design process. Here are some of the most common materials that architects use for drawing:
- Pencils: Architects use pencils for sketching, drafting, and rendering. Different pencil grades are used to achieve various line weights and shading effects.
- Pens: Technical pens and fineliners are used for precise line work and drafting.
- Markers: Architects use markers to add color and shading to their designs. Alcohol-based markers are preferred because they blend well and provide a smooth finish.
- Charcoal: Architects use charcoal for sketching and rendering, especially for creating dramatic and expressive designs.
- Watercolors: Architects use watercolors to add color to their designs, often for presentation purposes.
- Colored pencils: Colored pencils are used for adding detail and texture to drawings.
- Digital drawing tablets: Architects use digital drawing tablets with software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator for creating digital designs.
- 3D modeling software: Architects use 3D modeling software such as SketchUp, Rhino, and Revit for creating complex 3D models of their designs.
- Projectors: Architects use projectors to display their designs on a larger scale during presentations and client meetings.
The choice of materials may vary depending on the architect’s personal style and the needs of the project.
