ESSENTIAL Supplies for Architecture Students

Written By Elisabeth Kieffer

A Guide to MUST-HAVE supplies for architecture students.

From drafting tools to model-making materials & tips on where to find them.

The ESSENTIAL Stores

Blick

Amazon

Michaels

The ESSENTIAL Supplies:

A Good Laptop

Find a laptop that works for you! It’s an investment, so pick carefully! I often get asked about why I chose a MacBook Pro. I started with an Acer laptop, because it was inexpensive and was all I could afford at the time. But after a year of using it, it was slow, the graphics card was terrible, & I wasn’t able to use softwares I needed. I switched over to a MacBook Pro my second year of architecture school & it made my life so much easier, it’s worth investing!

  • My recommendations:

    • Macbook Pro ($$$)

    • Lenovo ($$)

    • Dell ($)

    • Alienware ($$$)

  • Look for something that’s:

    • Fast

    • Operates softwares you need

    • Reliable

Sketchbook

You’ll sketch A LOT in class, so find something that’s comfortable to you!

  • My recommendations:

    • Moleskin

    • Beechmore

    • Strathmore

  • Look for something that’s:

    • A handheld size

    • Vellum paper

Good Pens

Good pens are essential for good sketches

  • My recommendations:

    • Pigma Micron

    • Copic Multiliner

    • Staedtler Pigment Liner

  • Look for something that’s:

    • Easily controllable

    • Has a fine stroke

Drafting Pencils & a Good Eraser

When I was first sketching & drafting in school, a good pencil & eraser changed the game.

  • My recommendations:

    • Staedtler

    • Prismacolor

    • Bruynzeel

  • Look for something that’s:

    • Not a mechanical pencil

Trace Paper

Trace paper will be your best friend for design iterations & ideas!

  • My recommendations:

    • Bienfang

    • Blick Art

  • Look for something that’s:

    • Comes in a roll

    • Comes in different sizes

Drafting Dots & Push Pins

Drafting dots prevent your drawing from moving. Push pins are necessary for pin ups.

  • My recommendations:

    • Alvin

    • Koh-I-Noor

    • Mr.Pen

T-Square & Triangle

  • When it comes to drawing & model making, these are necessary!

  • My recommendations:

    • Ludwig

    • Staedtler

Architecture Scale

Understanding different scales is crucial! You’ll use this your entire career!

  • My recommendations:

    • Staedtler

  • Look for:

    • Architecture Scale NOT an engineering scale

A Good X-Acto knife / Box Cutter & Cutting Mat

Sharp tools are the key for clean models. A mat is for safety & a clean work space.

  • My recommendations:

    • X-Acto

    • Utility Knife by Artistloft

  • My Tip:

    • X-acto Kinfe’s are very precise tools. I personally prefer using a box cutter. Find what works for you!

Glue

In Architecture school, you will make A LOT of models. Glue is the component that keeps it all together-literally. Find a good glue!

  • My recommendations:

    • Tacky Glue (Models)

    • Krazy Glue (Models)

    • Gorilla Epoxy (Models)

    • 3M Spray Adhesive (Presentation Boards)

  • Avoid:

    • Hot Glue

Elisabeth Kieffer
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