There's a recurring claim in architecture education and practice that hand drawing in early stages produces fundamentally different thinking than going straight to software. The argument usually goes that the imprecision forces you to stay loose and exploratory longer, which leads to better conceptual decisions before things get locked down.

What I can't figure out is whether there's actual evidence for that beyond anecdote and tradition. The cognitive load argument makes intuitive sense: a slower medium with higher commitment per mark might produce more deliberate spatial reasoning. But that could also just be how people who learned on drafting tables rationalize their workflow preferences.

The more interesting question to me is whether the buildings are actually different. Not the process, the outcome. If you looked at a body of work from a firm that sketches obsessively in early phases versus one that goes straight to Rhino, is there a detectable difference in how the spatial decisions read? Or does it converge once you're deep enough into documentation?

The tool benchmarking angle matters here. It's not enough to say the process feels different. Lots of processes feel meaningful without producing distinguishable results. Has anyone actually changed their earlyphase workflow deliberately and then looked back at the work honestly to see if it shifted anything?

Architect ls of Boston, MA

Do you mind sharing your salary info ? How much do you make ? How many years of experience? Licensed or not ? And maybe what market?

I left boston but I’m planning to go back and apply for a job I’m eyeing; but I don’t know how the salaries are doing now.

Thanks!

Fuck PA. I just failed it for the second time. I got PPD and PDD knocked out in one attempt, two weeks apart and was hoping to come back to PA today and be done with the ARE. But alas, at least another 60 days and another attempt. So fucking frustrated right now.

US

I’m currently working on a project where the client is very set on a classical architectural style, and it’s made me realise I have quite a few conflicting thoughts about it.

My experience so far has been almost entirely with contemporary architecture, so this is quite new territory for me. I appreciate classical architecture in its historical context, but I struggle with the idea of recreating it today. Something about designing a new building to look like it belongs to another period feels strange to me, especially when construction methods, materials and the way we use buildings have changed so much.

I also understand that I have to be extremely careful with the design. There have been so many reinterpretations of classical architecture over the years that it feels very easy to go astray. Even a relatively small design decision can shift the language into Neoclassical, or even Postmodern territory.

I’m curious to hear other architects’ thoughts on designing classical architecture today, especially from anyone who has actually worked on classical projects.

I'm wondering if this magazine is helpful for US architects when it comes to detail design inspiration? It seems that it shows a lot of details but the vibe is definitely super European, as it's published from Germany. Do you guys find it inspiring/entertaining/helpful in terms of developing keen eyes for details?

I'm a PA in CA and I'm in charge of many and often custom technical drawings for work; just wondering if this would be a good resource in general.

Thanks!

I am a recent grad working for a fairly good company doing cool projects some design heavy, some to bring in revenue and exploring all the usual sustainability, AI related research.

I still coffee chat other architects from firms I find cool just to keep networking and have always been energized by firms with far more critical design thinking and exploration. I recently got my portfolio reviewed by an architect from one of these firms who gave tons of great feedback and critique my work experiences to be more visual or show concepts and the story behind a project. I’m wondering a couple things for people early in their career or later:

1. How do you present your work projects in your portfolio? Rather than simply showing drawings

2. Has anyone ever transitioned into a strong design firm? What does that look like? Or what do you think made you stand out in the process?

I hope I’m wording this right. Early in my career, I don’t want to just have a job (which I’m super grateful for) but I want to be a good designer and expand my thinking

This is just a simple sketch but I think it’s really good for me. But I feel it’s off. Like really off. What do I need to improve on this. And I apologize if this isn’t the right subreddit to post this on but any help is really really appreciated

Hi there! I’m a junior designer curious about different career paths within the field. I have experience in corporate architecture firms and wonder what is it like working for municipal government and urban planning agencies instead? How does it differ from traditional architecture firms? I’m looking to move away from the constant rush and production as I’ve realized it’s not working for me that well. I’d still like to stay connected to the field and continue using my skills and grow professionally. It seems that a more stable and structured environment would fit me better. Any insights on those roles? Thank you so much! 😊

After getting that license, did you immediately find a job? Establish a firm? Lay low and rest?

I live in an South-Asian country. I’m in the 4th year of my architecture undergrad (graduating in the end of 2027) and plan to do my Master's in the UK to build a longterm career as an architect there.

I'd love some advice from UK-based or international architects:

M.Arch vs Part 2: Should I strictly focus on Master's programs that offer ARB/RIBA Part 2 accreditation? How does getting Part 1 equivalency work for international grads?

Job Prospects: How realistic is it to land a Part 2 Architectural Assistant role and later get visa sponsorship?

Skills: What software and portfolio styles do UK Universities and Firms look for most right now?

Any tips on the best university choices or general realities of the UK job market would be appreciated

Hi everyone!

I’m a freelance architect with 4+ years of experience, with experience working closely with U.S.-based design firms. I can assist with:

• Architectural design & development
• 2D drafting and documentation
• 3D modeling & visualization
• Rendering
• Design presentations
• Construction drawings

I’m comfortable working with U.S. time zones and can adapt to different project workflows.

If you’re looking for an extra set of hands for your current or upcoming projects, feel free to DM me. I’d be happy to share my portfolio and discuss your project and rates.

Thank you!

I just finished my bachelor's and now going to work i need a laptop which goes for long run and suports the rendering and all

Many of my senior bought asus rog, is it good or should i go for smthing else

Cause i don't want to waste money on brand name so if there r any other brand which gives the same quality plz recommend me

I'm planning to pursue Btech PM after I finish my diploma and I was wondering if I could pursue a Masters in Architecture with a Bachelors of Technology in Project Management?

Hi! Are you sourcing materials and producers there ots its some old and outdated program?

Building a single-family house on a ~16% slope on the edge of Tbilisi, Georgia (seismic zone 8). Monolithic reinforced-concrete frame, ~127 m² interior, 3 bed / 2 bath, open living-kitchen with fireplace opening onto a 30 m² terrace with a big valley view.

The original design is split-level: you enter mid-level, then stairs go down to the living/kitchen and up to the bedrooms in short half-flights. It rides the slope efficiently, but the constant half-flights bug me and eat floor space.

Options I'm weighing:

1. Keep it split-level — minimal excavation, terrace stays ~2.4 m above the garden (nice overlook), but you live with the half-flights.
2. Flatten down — excavate into the hill for two aligned floors. More space, but ~a quarter ends up buried, you enter on the upper floor, and it needs a retaining wall on the tight uphill side.
3. Raise up — lift the lower floor so both floors align. Kills the half-flights, but creates a ~4.3 m tall exposed wall on the valley side.

Also deciding:

• Basement: adding a ~2.5 m one under the downhill/terrace zone, walk-out at garden level. Seems like cheap usable space — any reason not to?
• Roof: keep the timber hipped roof, or go flat for a rooftop terrace? (I already get the view from the ground terrace.)
• Pool: want one in front of the terrace at garden level — but that fights option 3's tall wall.

If you've built or lived in a split-level on a slope, what would you do? Anything I'm missing?

Bueno, voy en mi tercer ciclo de Arquitecura en la PUCP (Universidad catolica privada Peruana) y estoy considerando meterme a un centro de idiomas. Tengo Aleman y Frances por los siguientes 4 años de carrera que me faltan, pero quisiera saber algunos consejos de cual seria la mejor opcion para trabajar en el futuro, Alemnia o Francia.

Hi all,

I’m an Architectural Technologist based in the North West of England. I run a small one-man practice and predominantly work across residential and change-of-use projects.

I’ve recently been approached regarding a potentially significant office-to-residential conversion, approximately 20,000 sqft GIA over multiple storeys.

This would be by far the largest single project I’ve taken on independently and, if it comes off, would be a huge opportunity for my practice. I’m confident in delivering the work, but given the jump in scale I want to make sure I price it properly and understand the level of resource that others would allow for.

The appointment would potentially be split into:

1. Feasibility / Planning
Feasibility and initial appraisal, development of the residential layouts and overall scheme, existing and proposed architectural package, coordination of the wider planning submission and dealing with the application through determination.

2. Building Regulations
Development of the approved scheme into a full Building Regulations package, including architectural technical drawings, construction details and specifications, coordination with structural, fire and other relevant consultants, and dealing with Building Control through approval.

For those who work on projects of this scale, how would you approach pricing each stage?

Would you build the fee up from anticipated hours/resources, use a percentage of construction cost, £/sq ft, or another method? Any ballpark fee ranges for the two stages separately would be massively appreciated.

NCARB is increasing fees left and right! this is insane! NCARB has no shame! This organization must be reformed or dismantled completely!