List of necessary equipment I needed for in architecture school

I graduated Forsyth Technical CC for architecture technology and then transferred to a four-year university where I completed two more years for interior architecture and earned my bachelors. Here is a list of necessary equipment that has helped me in my design projects and I am sure you will have to get them at some point of your school career in architecture.

1. Drawing Board
There are various drawing board sizes ( they could be 24 inches by 36 inches or 32 inches by 48 inches long, and 24 inches by 36 inches wide). Personally, I chose the 32 inches by 48 because at school you will have your own desk (cubicle or it could be open) and have the space to put it. The boards are these big sizes for more than one reason. the main one is that these sizes accommodate easily the work drawing sheet sizes. Check out the board for warping or bending surface. I had to look closely for these and the third board was the right one for me. The material was made of white pine and it was light to transport ( unless you have a two seat car, that would be a little bit of struggle to transport) The board will have a ruler (parallel bar) where you can secure your drawing so it does not shift when you working on it plus you can put other items (triangles, highly suggest having one of these next to you at all times while drawing on the board).




2. The Architect's Scale
These scales are made of wood, plastic or you can find them made of other material. I have at least 3 made of plastic. They have different scale graduations (11 that I counted) which help a lot in accurate measurements. Accuracy is very important in preparing drawings in our profession. At the community college I was also required to have an engineer's scale.

3.Pencils,Pens,Markers
Make sure you get different pencil and pen sizes such as 0.25mm, 0.5mm or 0.9mm and more different one that you might need on specific projects (hand renderings especially). You will need different shades of markers. You can start with the primary (blue,red, yellow) and secondary colors ( orange, green, purple) (warm colors and/or cool colors will help a lot).

4.Eraser,Erasing Shield, Drafting Templates
You should avoid excessive erasing if you could in any way possible. However, we are all humans and make mistakes. The eraser that are found on top of the pencils worked for me, however, you can also choose to get an electric eraser if you need it. Erasing shield helps you to erase just the part where you made the mistake. Drafting templates help you draw clean lines (circle, square, rectangle and more) if you hold it firm against the drawing sheet.

5. Drawing tape, Dots
Tapes for drafting that you can get(and need) are in yard rolls or drawing dots. These help you secure your drawing into the board. It will help you in the long run. When you working on a project, you do not want your drawing to move because it will not be accurate drawing anymore. The drawing tape and dots can be easily taken off without leaving anything on the surface (sheets or board).

6. Drawing Paper ( Tracing Paper)
Most of the work I did before transferring my work in the digital design (CAD-computer aided design. work) was on tracing paper. I used tracing paper to do quick sketches, diagrams, overlays, preliminary sketches(schematic design).

There is many more equipment that you will get as the projects get closer and with experience and time you will know exactly what you need. As for now, the equipment above will get you started on your first project. Also, do not forget to get a good light (fixture) to position by your table where the board is placed. Lighting is an important part in architecture and you will need it while drafting. Let me know if you have any questions, I will gladly answer any questions that you might have.

What has been your experience in the architecture field relating the equipment that you used in your school and/or office?





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