Must-Have Supplies for Architecture School: What You Really Need 

Download the Gear List PDF here: thirtybyforty.com/architecture-school-in-a-box

It’s incredible how just looking at all the tools we use as architects the desire to design and create goes through the roof!! Amaizing kit!

I would have like to see a total price for all these materials... its eye-opening just how expensive Architecture school is.

I've been down this rabbit hole and still love tools but I would say to younger architects: don't fall in love with your tools more than your product. It's a recipe for anxiety. Very much enjoyed the video! The tape measure tip was excellent, it is essential.

Another model making tool to consider, a pair of engineering blocks (or several). They are steel blocks that are *exactly* 1"x2"x3" and are super handy for quick reference measurements, weights to hold glue joints, and perfect right angles. My engineering blocks were definitely the thing that people borrowed FROM me the most.

Architecture Form, Space and Order is still one of my favorites. Ching could draw like no other. We went to architecture school at the same time, so this definitely brought back memories.

I think this list is great, and maybe if you're studying in America all of this is necessary. But I feel that depending on where you live and where you're going to study, this list could be a lot shorter. My essentials would be: Sketchbook and pens/markers/pencils (basically everything he mentioned in the video regarding pens and notebooks I'd agree with.) A metal ruler, cutting board and cutting knife. I also prefer the snap-off ones. Tracing paper and varying sizes of papers (A5-A3) A roll of tape and glue, the two types he mentioned are great. A camera, phone camera is fine though. Either a fairly good laptop, or a tablet/worse laptop and a better PC at home, although none of these were really necessary for me if I was willing to use the computer labs in the school. The reason I'm saying the list could be a lot shorter is because for me everything else could very easily be borrowed at the schools workshop or is already provided in the study rooms. This is speaking from a Swedish perspective though and what your school provides will vary depending on where you decide to study. Good luck :)

I remember in school during plant ID class, I would take cuttings from each plant. Put the cuttings into a plastic bag and write the info of the plant on each bag. Then I would put the bag in the mini fridge in the class so they could be preserved and we could study of off them. Hah good times.

Reminded me of the many similar tools I used 34 years ago. I built an enclosed cart on wheels for my supplies. I used the top as a place for my tools. When the day ended everything got locked inside. When the new semester started it rolled into the next studio. Thanks for reminding me of this.

Brings back great memories of architecture school 🔥 it's so normal having pretty much all these tools around now.

Thank you 😊 I rarely see advise on tools are best for architecture school.

Your videos bring a sense of organization and professionalism helpful not just to architects, but also to designers in general. By an illustrator and graphic designer, thank you for the great content.

Your videos bring a sense of organization and professionalism helpful

I had the same I idea for that camera and now you encouraged my to buy it. Thanks👍

Those updated shots of the Outpost project look nice!

Eric! Fun to remember back. I never left or entered the studio without my expandable drawing tube or for presentations, my zipped Prat portfolio. Loving your graphics and layout in your guide, nice work man.

Great video! I miss making models. I don’t think I’ve made one in practice since graduating 20+ years ago. In school, we made bass wood models at first, but then started using metal pieces, a small torch, and learned to solder them together.

What a great idea using the Yeti storage box. Wish I had that when I was in school! Great video Eric!

Haven't seen your guitars in the studio in a while but seeing the Jump In The Fire cassette is keeping it alive.

I have a chest on wheels that i bring with me every semester with similar things in it. One thing I do have in there that you didn't mention was a pack of bond paper/Cardstock. I keep it in there so that when and if I need to make a Shmodel (sketch model) I can quickly make/iterate it and continue with the design process.

Great summary, brings back memories. Yeti box is good to keep where you live, but too big to carry to studio everyday, and secure personal storage in studio is rare. Back in the day we used tackle box or small too box to carry small drawing and model building tools. I wouldn’t assume you can leave anything in studio. I think phone camera is fine for student use, wish we had them back then. Wait til you are a few years in before buying a high end camera, it’s one more thing you have to worry about keeping secure. Enjoy!

Would love to see a vid of you going through that wooden box!

This was a very helpful video, great work buddy! :D

The Yeti GoBox is a neat idea! As a student right now, its hard to balance what you really need to pack in your bag when you go to lecture or building models and try things out. With the box i can just fill it up and leave it at home when i dont need it (plus it‘s a great storage solution!). If i do need it i can just pack my laptop and notebook or print outs in there and get going. No more struggle to try an squeeze the last little volume out of my bag till it rips! Thanks for the idea, i will definitly look into buy one (or similar)!

Great guidelines...l will be sharing the podcast with my students. Thanks.

Ohh my..this brings so many memories. As always, great video with amazing production! I would add to the list a small usb flash drive, you´ll probably be printing new drawings very often and, unless you have a plotter to print yourself, a usb flash drive is the most convenient way to hand your files to the print shop. Also a decent desk lamp. I spent so many nights making models and hand drawings…and a good desk lamp is a must for me. Just make sure it diffuses the light enough to minimize shadows (I prefer the horizontal stick style lamps), that is led so it doesn’t produce much heat, and that is has a neutral color (not to warm or too cold). And don’t be scared to try different mediums..I felt in love with watercolors during my collage years and still use them to this day as kind of a hobby. Some people take photos on their trips, I do watercolor sketches haha

I have like half of those tools love those scissors they are so good even compared to fiskers.

YESS! Shout out to the Olfa knives, you'll never regret getting one seriously the best thing I've bought in uni!!

You are always my favourite, I’m a fan of you ❤🎉

Love the video - I appreciate how organized you are, as well as the thought you put into the details. I'm interested in the metal model boxes - do you have the manufacturer info and/or a source you can share?

I have a couple of those Yeti Loadout Go Boxes and they are just fantastic.

In my architecture classes we’ve seen some videos from this channel as a class

I'll have to check out that box! I've been using a roll of narrow PRO drafting tape in place of dots. I'd also add double sided tape. I'd add a refillable pen of decent quality for taking notes on paper. Something separate from your drawing pens, though you could use the same mechanical pencil. If you're a lefty like me something with smooth, quick drying ink. I like the Zebra Sarasa Dry and Sarasa Dry Vintage line. Basically better Pilot G2's, both in the ink/nib quality and housing. The uniball One F is my favorite inexpensive but high quality pen body, but I don't like the ink as much, and the housing doesn't fit the Sarasa Dry refills consistently without shaving or sanding them down, so its not an easy recc. The standard uniball One doesn't seem *as nice* but I haven't tried it yet, though it should have better compatibility because it lacks the metal nib sleeve of the One F that narrows the inside of the barrel slightly.

The legend is back!!

" A great tool should be one that should draw your attention and excite you to work with it! " - Steve Jobs on the design of a Mac.

Well, now I'm into 3D printing, but Arch-equipment does come in handy. It's been quite a few minutes since your clip video? I hope that you and your family are all cool & good also sir may have a Happy Merry Xmas🎅🏻, & the best of the holiday season❄,👍🏻.

U know I love your videos when I’m watching this as a 4th year, already wrapping up (inshallah) 😂

Love this.

I love the personalised Stanley tape measure! 😅

NT Cutter Heavy Duty Chemical Resistant Poly Grip Multi-Blade Cartridge Knife This is very similar to the blade you use, but with one cool trick up its sleeve. The knife can hold several blades at once, so when you get to the last "snap" of a blade, you just keep extending, it pops out, and when you retract all the way back, the knife automatically picks up the next blade and is ready to use. It's really awesome.

It was a very interesting video my friend, I hope you will always be successful 😍👍👍👍

I wish I knew this channel before I went to architecture school.

First aid kit and a pillow :)

One item I always have with me is a laser tape measure. Not sure it is too important for students though.

Oh... wow that's awesome... 😉

What an incredible resource. As requested, the link to the tech pouch is missing from the PDF. Thank you for the beautiful content.

I've never seen a black Alumicutter. I use the regular, aluminum toned ones and now covet the black one to get for my personal stash of tools. Note to the class - if you get an X-Acto knife, use the regular blades with an Alumicutter straight edge. The hardened blades work, but will shave the aluminum if you aren't careful. A straight edge isn't much use if it ain't straight anymore.

Modelling tweezers are also a good addition

could you make a video on advice for starting your own architecture firm? how to navigate and prepare, finding clients, what it was like for you? thanks!!

Do you use a Paperlike or some sort of screen protector for your iPad?

I'm wondering which tech pouch 8:30 do you use. Loved the video!!

How do you feel about those 3d print pens as a modeling tool?

Very cool video. Just curious how much the tool box, fully kitted out weighs? When I was in design school, I had quite the walk from the parking lot and hated carrying a ton of stuff with me.

And which is more cost effective for school when doing models? Wood or foam?

whered did you get those model shop trays?

Where do you find these metal model shop trays?

i can't find the reference for those lovely metal boxs/trays ? someone know ?

Im interested to study landscape architecture. Do you work with them? If yes, could you do a video about it?

Hi, Do you know best online shops to buy materials for model making that are shipping to Croatian in Europe

Architecture has been my dream since I was in seventh grade , and now as I finished high school with marks that enable me to study it , my family rejected this decision so hard (except for my oldest brother and mom ❤️) , my other family members point of view is the income it has compared to what you have to study for it is not worth it , of course my dad wants me to be a doctor or a dentist . As much as it breaks my heart I will be majoring in IT instead of architecture 😕 I found no one encouraging me to study architecture everyone’s telling me there aren’t is that jobs available , even if I found one I would work day and night for a low pay 💔 I am literally heartbroken from reality , as I’m seeing my dream vanishing …

Just get a wide toolbox instead of spending the money on the yeti box. Then just get a mesh thing and Velcro tape it or hot glue it to the top

Two things I want to know more about: that heavy metal thing at 7:27 and the wooden x-shaped stand at 8:36.

Im a 29 yr old and am really interested in architecture but cannot afford to go to school (or at least cant afford to not work while i go to school i should say). I have experience in electrical and home remodeling. Is there a career path i could take where i would be creating and working with plans and designs where i would not have to go to architecture school? Ive heard about BIM and just being a drafter but ive also heard that those are dying jobs.. thanks in advance!

"30X40 Design Workshop was founded, Eric Reinholdt," Is there a word missing? :-)

Are the tweezers in the list?

Thank you in advance Eric! I have a dream to create something that challenges the status quo here in my country and also want to contribute something for my firm. . I would love to communicate with you more Eric, how can i access you please?!

👏

Hi eric, what was the book shown at 1:54?

I'll fill in for the laptops. My two trains of thought and it really depends on when you want to start rendering. Use the laptop you have or a cheap model from 3 years ago. This should be able to run your 3d modeling softwares + post production softwares. Once you start doing large renderings (I started my 3/4th year), buy a PC. You can just outright buy an expensive gaming laptop your first year and be ok until you graduate but I don't recommend it. It''s too much weight and never as good as a PC. Laptops are meant to be portable. If you can't move around with it then just buy a desktop PC.

👍👍👍😍😍😍

What are the implications of AI for architecture students and professionals?

That Metallica tape though!

I have also concluded a box is great for carring stuff. But not any box it must be dust and moist r3sistant. So ip65 or higher. Specially in very humid places this will stop cardboard and paper from getting moist and will help prevent rust on utesils. Ipad is not that great. Samsung has catched up with apple in terms of hardware so a samsung S9 ultra is ideal. Large screr for showcase and can even be used as a tablet in second monitor mode. 14 inch display rules.

A therapist 🙃

Id add a pillow and sleeping bag... jk but also seriously 😳

I could do all of this with an iPad and an iPhone but it’s nowhere near as cool

Your videos are being stolen to a Chinese APP “xiao hong shu”.