Start Here
Choose Your Path
Whether you’re an architecture student at the beginning of your journey or a female architect returning after a break, start where you are with a clear first step, no guessing and no overwhelm.
Learn the Basics of Architectural Drawing
For beginners who want to understand hand drawing, sketching, perspective, and visual thinking - without feeling overwhelmed.
→ Courses, ebooks, and free resources
Start with this freebie - Free Architects Lettering Workbook
Read this blog post - Floor Plan Course
Buy this ebook - People and Furniture in Plan View & How to Draw Perspectives
Apply for (and Get Into) Architecture School
For students preparing portfolios, applications, and interviews, with clear guidance on what universities actually look for.
→ Portfolio resources, mentoring, application support
Start with this freebie - Perspective Practice Sheets
Read this blog post - Portfolio Preparation Guide: How to Get Ready for Your Art or Design University Interview
Read this blog post - So You Want to Be an Architect: The Ultimate Guide for High School Students
Buy this course - Portfolio Confidence Review™
Architecture Students, Graduates & Creatives
For those already studying or practicing who want to build confidence, improve drawing skills, and reconnect with their creative practice.
→ Advanced tutorials, urban sketching, creative guidance
Start with this freebie - 10min Sketching Challenge to warm up
Read this blog post - You Are Your Most Valuable Asset
Sign up for - Creative Confidence Coaching
Not ready to join a course just yet?
Start with the free Perspective Sheets, and you’ll get my guidance by email
Meet your Mentor
Sonia Nicolson
I’m Sonia Nicolson - a British Chartered Architect and former university lecturer now teaching online from Iceland. Over the past 15+ years, I’ve worked as a British Chartered Architect, Academic Director at a leading design school in India, Senior Lecturer at a top UK Arts University, Academic Representative with the British Council, and External Examiner at several design schools.
My Approach to Teaching Architecture
I don’t teach drawing as a talent or a style. I teach it as a way of thinking. Everything I teach comes from architectural practice - understanding structure, proportion, and space - not decoration or perfection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this website for?
This site is for architecture students, applicants, and women in design who want to build confidence through hand drawing, understand architecture more clearly, and move forward without overwhelm and move forward without overwhelm, confusion, or second-guessing.
I’m a beginner. Where should I start?
Start with the basics of architectural drawing. Understanding scale, perspective, and how to think through drawing will make everything else easier.
I’m applying to architecture school. Can you help with portfolios?
Yes. I’ve taught and reviewed portfolios for thousands of students internationally, and I offer resources, guidance, and structured support for architecture applications.
I studied architecture before, but took a break. Is this for me?
Absolutely. Many women return to architecture after a break and want to reconnect with drawing, confidence, and creativity in a supportive, non-pressured way.
Do I need to be good at drawing already?
No. Drawing is a skill you learn through understanding and practice, not talent. Most people struggle because they were never taught the foundations properly.
What materials do I need to start urban sketching?
Start with some basic sketching supplies - a sketchbook and some fine-line pens (I love a good Pigma Micron 0.5 black ink pen because they’re waterproof and fadeproof so you can add watercolour after). Try a watercolour wash over the sky and ground, darken the windows and add a little shade or materiality to the building. Keep it light and subtle, less is more. Very little paint is required to add colour to your work. You can always use coloured pencils to add more life to your work.
What should I do after starting here?
Choose the path that fits your situation, then begin with a free resource or foundational course before moving into deeper learning.
I want to study Architecture but I don’t know if I have what it takes. Can you help?
Through my content, courses, portfolio reviews and mentoring, I provide guidance, inspiration, and practical advice to help you gain confidence, present yourself well, and prepare for success in architecture.
Do you have any advice for aspiring Women architects?
I aim to encourage more women to pursue architecture and design. I try to share my own experience as a female architect and educator to help others in their creative journeys. If you have any questions or want to discuss this, please reach out. I’d love to connect.
