Books, tools & 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.

 
 

Your go-to library for architecture students and creative women in design

eBooks, templates, and courses designed to build your skills with confidence.

Tools I Recommend for Sketching & Studio Work

My studio-tested, dependable tools for architectural hand drawing:

  • Grip pencil with leads & a technical drawing pencil

  • Fine-liners & technical pens for linework

  • Grey, blue, brown, yellow Copic markers for shadows & depth

  • Different sketchbooks for studio and travel

  • Watercolour paints, scrap paper, brushes, white pen

  • Essential tools (scale ruler, scalpel, measuring tape, metal ruler, cutting board, different glues, 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

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.