Hello!
My name is Ashley Madriz, and I am also an architecture student at the Design School (sixth year). I’m happy to meet you reading this small book. I decided to embark on this project because I thought, “What if incoming architecture students had a guide – specific to the Design School?” while sitting at my desk Excited by the idea, I began writing!
I would’ve loved to know everything I know now when I was a small freshman lamb. Everything is much of what I’ve found over the years, and I hope this may help you as a set of tools to create better projects and dive into your personal and creative ways from the start That’s all I am sharing: the tools and advice so that you can do great things! It is not much, or an ultimate guide to architecture (lots of other books for that), but I hope this is much more than what I might’ve started with.
Of course, there is A LOT more out there. The internet is filled with resources to become a better designer - so long you put yourself into practice and up to the challenge. Please continue to search for more. Please continue to dream!
Yours truly,
another architecture student
OH!
This bank of information comes with the knowledge and practice of a windows user I’ve tried to add my little share of mac users, but there are still valuable notes to consider!
Programs
START
LAPTOP
Mobile Apps
Storage Finances
Networking
Modelmaking
Studio Experience
FOLDER
There will be OH! (NOTE) across the book as pop-up comments I thought at the moment of writing that may help you along the way of reading this messy jungle of knowledge.
Many of my classmates struggled using a mac. apple laptop for studio but certainly achieved excellence in their projects through the years. However, here are simply a few specs I looked for in a laptop, meant to better prepare you for the intensity of design and rendering as you continue to develop your skills.
A. Surface Pro 5,7,9+ models or Slim Lenovo Pro 7 (recommendations)
OR - brands from ASUS, MSI, HP, Lenovo (cost vs. specs)
B. Processor Intel i7/i9 OR AMD Ryzen
C. 16GB RAM preferable or more
D. NVIDIA 1600 (lowest) 2070, 2080, 3050, or 3060 (best)
E. Camera accessible (1080p resolution or better)
F. HDMI port accessible (if not, that’s okay)
G. 256GB solid-state with 1TB (preferrable than 2TB)
These resources/links/programs could be added to a favorites folder on your internet browser for faster reference
Pathway
I’ve saved time and efficiency, knowing the command shortcuts to programs and computer activities (Ctrl+C) (Win+Shift+S)(Shift+Command+5).
Resources/Links
IMAGES
Architextures
Freepix
Unsplash
FreeiconsPNG
images courtesy of artists, limited if specific content but you can photoshop their images to your need/presentation/visuals
*consider time versus searching for another image or means
Pimpmydrawing
PEOPLE use dwg./ai. as a base, change their color, lineweight, add faces, or anything to contemplate your presentation visuals as a cohesive board
Skalgubbar
Nonscandinavia
Mr.Cutout
KNOWLEDGE
Dimensions.com
a site showing standard dimensions (ex: seat height – 17” min.)
Cadblock
blocks such as furniture, etc. (limited free sets)
Weatherspark
sites like these are good for site planning and starting research
PolicyMap
diverse data (demographics, income levels) to support your projects also consider county assessors pages or site-specific websites
CADmapper, SnazzyMaps, OpenStreetMaps
great tool for base drawings but ALWAYS consider the accuracy
iLOVEPDF
totally amazing resource page for converting pdfs and other formats
Visualizing Architecture
bank of information for rendering high quality content
RethinkingtheFuture, Archdaily
architectural case studies and inspiring feed
Grammarly, GoblinTools
architecture students should also observe good writing skills
Dafonts
1001fonts
Pairfonts
Google Fonts
Adobe Fonts FONTS
REVIT-SPECIFIC
Knoll, Minotti, Herman Miller, Steelcase, Haworth, Vitra, Hon, Teknion, Allsteel, Kimball, National Office Furniture, Benhardt Design, many more! RevitCity
RHINO-SPECIFIC
Food4Rhino
a site with downloadable plug-ins
Rhino Forum
bank of 3D model furniture to download rather than always sticking to generic models Revit (useful regardless) be mindful of number of imports/size or overload files!
great site to look up community questions and answers
Programs to Master + Information
Myapps
asu site to find many apps to download (cisco,autodesk,etc)
Revit
A very prominent 3D modeling program in the field (thus far)
Find the program on the Autodesk student Programs to download! Make sure to check computer specifications! It’s important Mac users may have to download a bootcamp or switch workspaces
Rhino
A leading 3D modeling program (flexible form-making+parametric)
Download program from their website, use your asu email
Download cisco app from asu myapps - login with asu + duo authorize Network keyword: sslvpn.asu.edu
Once Rhino is downloaded, Use Zoo Key instead of asu email Zoo Key: studentlicense.hida.asu.edu
Then, you can use Rhino as long as you are an asu student
Grasshopper: plug-in without download > type name in command bar
RhinoForum: community with questions/answers like yours
Archicad
Another leading 3D modeling program, diversified Same follows with a yearly student license once you verify email!
Autodesk
You can find a yearly student license free on their website as long as you are a student. Sign up with your asu email and follow through the verification!
Autocad
A good program to learn for linework, fundamental for construction documents Easily open dwg in Ai (Adobe Illustrator)
Adobe XD + Powerpoint + G.Slides + Canva Programs to compile your presentation/story
Find YouTube videos to learn specifics when working on projects, saving time to learn the program at large, but always learn programs or software in its totality and uses
Balkan Architect
Kyle Sinko
Adobe Creative Cloud
A shortcut app to download all adobe programs and fonts and updates
AdobeIllustrator,Photoshop,InDesign,PremierPro,etc.
RENDERING
Lumion
Free student license, download and verify student admission
Enscape
student discounted license - beautiful graphics but consider cost
Twinmotion
Twinmotion is a great rendering program, but the rendering quality differs from Lumion or Enscape (depends on your visuals expectations)
Free - no longer need to pass student verification. Download Epic Games Launcher first.
Sketchup
The older version, Google 7, is available freely.
Sketchup Pro has more tools, but no free educational licensing available yet - only lower pricing for students
V-Ray
Rendering plugin for Sketchup Pro
Cisco
Portal to access asu network, found in MyApps ASU
Sefaira
A plugin for revit to calculate design analysis of models such as temperature or sustainability measures
The results appear online web, so log in with revit account Make sure to look over principles for model for best results
ClimateConsultant
program for analysis and data charts/graphs of an area, useful to understand site
With rendering/3D programs, always check and consider your laptop or computer capacity and specs! Some are rather heavyloaded programs
I’ve found the most successful way to interpret climate data or additional to your project’s story is to design the information simple, personal, and visually readable
SKETCHING
Procreate
An app for iPad and purchase per device - it is a great digital sketching tool, plus custom brushes can be found online (i.e. FrankenStudio)
Sketchbook
free digital sketching app - limited
Mobile Apps
MESSAGING
GroupMe
Slack Discord
ARCHI
SunSurveyor Lite
VLC Media Player
Splitwise
great for managing/splitting expenses with teammates
Otter up to 30 min free transcriptions
MyAXP
Issuu digital publishing platform
you can find asu publishing ^ Canva
Graphic design platform
WORKSPACE PLATFORMS
YellowDig
Miro Board
You may already be familiar with these or just a heads up as platforms used in studio and classes
ARCHI INSPO
Archdaily
Dezeen
ArchPaper
(The Architect’s Newspaper)
Architectural Digest AD
Architizer
Domus
World-Architects
TIME
ChickFocus
Flora or Forest
Pomodoro Timers
ASU
Canvas Student
ASU App
LiveSafe
Starship - Food Delivery
ASU Carts
ParkMobile
STUDENT
Amazon
Spotify
Uber/Ubereats
Half price memberships
Storage + Sending Files
WhattsApp
A typical mobile messaging app, but you can send documents and more!
A neat trick as well to send files from laptop to phone and vice versa.
Also great for group chats to send cad files, pdfs, or docs
WeTransfer
A site to send big files through email (up to 2GB free)
Google Drive/Dropbox
The ultimate bank for folders, sharing, storage, and uploads
Finances
Fafsa
The famous application: filled out every year.
ASU automatically calculates grants or any financial aid before the start of classes but always double check your finances tab
ASU Scholarship Portal
Be on the lookout for scholarships specifically from design school and apply!
SCHOLARSHIPS
Fastweb
Unigo
SmartOwl
SallieMae
Bold.org
EnFamilia Radio
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Smithgroup JEDI Scholarship
Scholist app (instagram or web)
Arizona Community Foundation
NOMAarizona scholarships (must be a member)
Look for scholarships specific to workplaces (either your parents or yours)! There may be higher chance of earning the scholarship due to smaller pool of applicants! OH!
Networking
A list of the possible clubs/organizations aligned with architecture you may join or good to know!
NOMA
You can ask for a sponsor who may help with your fee! Contact them through their website or person in charge of memberships (of the time)
NOMAS
Student-led organization with NOMAarizona
ASU Discipline
The architectural journal for the design school led by students
Follow them on Instagram too: they post a theme for each journal, ask for entries (essays or projects) to showcase – or professors send an email for entries through the semester
AIA
American Institute of Architects. They host annual events and being a member is primemembership is optional, great resource for connecting with other architects and more!
AIAS
Student-led organization with AIA on campus
A business/employment social platform to connect other classmates, professors, professionals, and keep in contact with anyone you meet (connections)
Modelmaking + Shops
Model making is integral to the architectural experience. Here are some places where materials are offered, but continue to administer your budget, time, transport, and research to find what works best for you!
Be mindful that others will also be buying supplies during midterms or finals
Blick Store
Arizona Art Supply
Jerry’s Artarama
ASU Print Lab (Design North Building)
Chain (Walmart, Michaels, Amazon)
I’ve found that some supplies can be easily found and cheaper at chain supply stores if thought out well OH!
DESIGN SCHOOL SHOPS
Print and Computer Lab
Located Design North, pricing for printing is charged to asu account and computers are open and equipped with some modeling programs (not all)
The Prototype/Modeling Shop
Shop open to upper-division students for woodworking, metal and plastic fabrication (materials not exactly provided)
Located Design North below (basement or Red Square)
Must go through the intro demonstration and earn a lab card
There are spare materials at the shop, best to buy your own
Upon faculty request - special projects can reserve specific hours during the semester
Laser Cutting Lab
Many details to go over, but for now, be well informed and well prepared before heading to a lab to cut your project
Have your files well prepared – usually cad dwg.
Be mindful of the size of the laser cutter machine and plan your shopping of materials accordingly as well as drawing sizes
Consider the amount of detail versus time allotted to print/cut
ONE
The design school laser cutting lab with appointment - reserve online OR TWO
Engineering laser cutting lab is also available - open to walk-ins HOWEVER
Be mindful and kind to the engineering students who are first priority to use their own lab and occupancy
Studio Experience
This may be relevant to the big picture of studio, but I hope some words of encouragement and pieces of advice may help along the way - the true experience of a studio at asu is your own!
Enjoy the time spent with your classmates, ask for feedback, chat, buy pizza or make guacamole and chips. Be mindful of tasks and time, but I’ve seen too many rushed to enjoy the moments
Tell a story. In all presentations that you prepare for (midterms or finals) or just a casual meeting with your professor; plan out the story to your project – this helps you with creative goal and administer where you spend your time
Line weights are important Some have to stand out, but some are meant for the details
Familiarize yourself with the events/workshops hosted by the design school
Data Visualization became an important skill for me: most readers don’t want to read long paragraphs about the project. Draw it! Data Visualization is a great skill to master –especially for digital presentations
Stay motivated! Find inspiration from Pinterest, Instagram Architecture Pages, Magazines! There is nothing new under the sun, but seeing others work strings up new ideas
Be open to feedback. Ask feedback from peers. They are your closest and nicest critics before the final pin up – and it adds to the experience of a studio community
Post all your progress on Miro Board! Every detail/sketch/progress count to archive, look back, articulate the final design and why, and show your professor your design process
Show off you design process - it can be part of your presentation too
Start internships if given the opportunity! Reach out to local firms - email them, then call them! I started internships as early as freshman year. Know you are under-qualified, but you are building yourself into the career. Know your strengths, work your weakness, and power through!
End of Semester
Finals Pin-up
Annual Design School Exhibition Event (per year to discuss)
Catalog Compilation (per professor/year) (semester summed up)
NCARB Compilation (project to reduced file size per prof/year)
Opportunity to build, add, and revise your architectural portfolio / resume
Pathway
This is a route to a future as an architect but there are many opportunities to pursue beyond the official title of an architect as well as other routes. This is the one route I am familiar with, so please explore all life decisions to your situation and heart’s calling.
Bachelor of Science in Design (BSD)
a. Unaccredited program by NCARB (see below)
b. View major map on asu website and follow closely with counselor
c. Four-year program (asu)
Master of Architecture (MArch)
a. Accredited program by NCARB
b. Two-year program if followed with bachelor’s in architecture
c Three-year program if followed with another bachelor’s degree
Arizona State Board of Technical Education
a. The board which administers exams and licensure for architecture
b. AZ requires either an accredited degree OR 5 years of work experience before allowed to take the ARE Exams
NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards)
a. A non-profit organization in sync with licensure pathway for architects
b. In charge of AXP Program (former IDP)
c. Administers ARE Exams
AXP Program
a. A program to record experience in the field (AXP Guidelines to these hours and category)
b. An account - $100 a year
c. In perspective, all hours must be authorized by a licensed architect/professional
d. Must have an account (doesn’t need to be active) to log in and accept/approve such hours done
e Hours by category
f. AXP Guidelines online
ARE Exams
a. After accredited degree and 3 years of work experience, you are eligible to take the ARE Exams
b. Must have an active NCARB account + jurisdiction requirements settled
c. There are 6 exams (divisions)
d. Each exam costs about $250 each
e. Recent ruling is there is no time limit between each exam you take (rollingclock) (rev Feb2023)
G. Always check in with NCARB Licensing and Jurisdiction Requirements
Common Route: BSD, March, Work Experience, ARE Exams, Licensure
SUM UP | ARIZONA
If you decide to pursue a Master’s of Architecture with ASU
Check with Board of Registration to qualify for licensure after years of work experience and AXP documentation
If you decide to pursue work experience after a Bachelor’s degree of Architecture,
Double check with Board of Registration to qualify for licensure after years of work experience and AXP documentation (see below)
NO NAAB-Accredited Degree (NO Master’s in Arch)
5 years of experience to qualify for licensure OR No Higher Education
8 years of experience to qualify
Board Requirements
Meet education and work experience requirements (to your pathway)
Complete AXP Hours/Portfolio
Complete ARE Exams
Apply to the Board for Licensing