Graphic Anatomy – Atelier Bow Wow

Discovered during a Japan trip, this book is chock full of amazing technical drawings and details for real projects. The book itself is in Japanese, but you do not need to speak/read Japanese in order to understand the beautifully prepared sections and details. This is our highest recommendation for a student with an interest in details and technical drawings. This is a resource they will use well into practice. Bonus: They have a second edition in English & Japanese.

Modern Construction Handbook

This book will be quickly carried to every studio class. A good overview on how to actually build and detail buildings, a great reference that other students will borrow frequently.

Additionally check out the same authors: Modern Construction Envelopes

Materials for Design

A phenomenal, eye-opening book that showcases unique materials used in custom, innovative ways. This will be a go-to for every student trying to think outside the box for their next studio project.

Manual of Section

One of the first introduction books many students will buy on their own due to its low price and great graphics. This book can be used as everything from a good project resource and learning tool, to simply a coloring book. Check to make sure they haven’t already purchased this if you can.

Dieter Rams: The Complete Works

Perfect for a student who is getting more interest in product design and industrial design. This is a coffee table book that is a great overview of one of the greatest (if not greatest) product designers.

Great Escapes USA: The Hotel Book

A great resource for the interior, or architecture student wanting exposure to many different hotels. Interest in hospitality design or working on a hotel project, this would be a wonderful gift. This is more coffee table book with exposure to many different hotels/architects.

Case Study Houses

A large coffee table book highlighting a seriously unique and awesome program in the postwar boom. This book highlights each project with descriptions and imagery, at 440 pages will keep them reading for a while.

Stables: High Design for Horse and Home

A seriously niche market and funny we put it on this list, but this book goes into a world not many have exposure to: high end stables. Stables that put your houses to shame, this a fun book and reference for someone working on a similar student project or with an interest in horse stables/farms.

Francis D.K. Ching Books

(Obligatory Addition) Contrary to what you might hear, you don’t need to own one of these in order to graduate… but it is hard to ignore their prevalence and use throughout the studio and the value they can provide. There are many, so try to find out which one your student actually desires and needs (and doesn’t already own).

Carlo Scarpa: Architecture and Design

Expert of detail and concrete forms, he’s known as a master of architecture. Great overview book with many great photos on various famous projects of his like the Castelvecchio Museum in Verona.

Mies

As the description states, “This is the most readable, comprehensive, and beautiful book ever published on one of the twentieth century’s most influential architects”, and we agree. Part detailed resource, coffee table book, and everything in between.

Frank Lloyd Wright: The Houses

Possibly the most widely published author in the US, you’ll find book purchases of his in all different price ranges. Listed in the Architecture section, you’ll find a monograph which is an extensive and great resource covering his whole career (500+ pages!)

The Houses of Louis Kahn

Is your student a fan of Louis Kahn? They probably are familiar most with his Salk Institute and studying his other monumental projects, but probably not his homes. Help them out.

Walter Gropius: An Illustrated Biography

Gropius (besides having a great name) is the founder of the Bauhaus. This book features his life through letters, photos and alike. Not a monograph of his work, but rather a look into his life, as one of the most influential architects of the 20th century. 

Le Corbusier: The Complete Buildings

In 320 pages, you’ll cover 52 buildings that are still standing in this beautiful look into Corb’s work. Is the house ‘a machine for living’? Help your student figure it out.

Eero Saarinen: Buildings from the Balthazar Korab Archive

His buildings still look futuristic, despite many being over 70 years old. You may have even flown in/out of one of his terminals, still relevant today. A great look at an architect who has structural qualities that are hard to describe. If your student is finding an interest in sculptural forms and structure, this would be a great option.

Zaha Hadid Complete Works

Whether she should be included in this list is up for debate, but her works are awe inspiring for many. This book is a paired down monograph that goes over many of her most famous building designs, many of which are recognizable all over the world.

Ando Works 1975 to today

One of the masters of simplicity, Ando has a diverse collection of houses, theaters, museums, and more. This huge book (500 pages) is great for reference, coffee tables, and photo shoots.

Alex Vervoordt: Portrait of Interiors

Have a student interested in Interiors? Alex Vervoordt’s work is imbued with comfort and modern touches, despite identifying himself as more of an artist. Working all over the world, this book will open up your architect in training to beautiful interiors.

Studio Joy Works

Studio Rick Joy has work across the US. Possibly most famous for its Amangiri Resort and Spa, they have established themselves as a leader in modern architecture, albeit a small studio so not too many buildings.

Bernard Trainor: Ground Studio Landscapes

Award winning Californian Landscape studio, the book showcases beautiful landscapes and plans that are modern and natural. As a bonus the homes are typically beautiful backdrops to the landscapes.

Kengo Kuma: Complete Works

Japanese Architect with an amazing ability to construct spaces that are simple, yet complex. This book covers his entire works up until 2018 at the time of publishing.

Stelle Lomont Rouhani: Architecture and Interiors

Based on Long Island in New York, SLRA specializes in high end homes for wealthy New Yorkers. Their architecture is clean and modern and done quite well. Their interiors leave something to be desired, but the architecture is fabulous.

Another great option is a Bates+Masi book who is arguably the leader in current modern architecture homes on the East Coast – albeit their interiors are also lacking as well.

Ashe Leandro: Architecture + Interiors

Interiors for the ultra wealthy and famous, their works evoke a high design based on simple shapes and comfortable living. Looking to make up for the lack of interiors in SLRA and B+M? (Or many other architecture projects)… Find it here.

Tom Kundig: [Working Title]

Showing love for our West Coast Architects, Olson Kundig has become leading US architecture firms. With widespread projects and offices in multiple cities, this project focuses on Tom Kundig’s work specifically.

Staedtler Pen Set (different widths)

Great for linework, sketching, details, and general drawing/sketching use.

Pentel Sign Pens

These are ordered by the dozen across firms in the US. Great for sketching layouts and general use. Get black at a minimum, and perhaps red and blue.

Sharpie Markers Set (ultra fine & fine tip)

Our personal favorite, using lighter colors you can layer on top and trace over, (without the use of Trace paper). Good bang for your buck too.

Oversized Clutch Mechanical Pencil

The larger size is more forgiving and encourages a loose hand in your sketching processing.

Lamy Safari Fountain Pen

Great for signing drawings, and writing. This fountain pen brings you back 100 years while using it. Lamy is known for good quality fountain pens that are smooth.

Copic Marker Sets

Great for landscapes, rendering, and similar – These Copic markers are a favorite among designers. This set will get them everything they need.

Digital Caliper Measuring Tool

Complete overkill, comes in handy at random times and other students will be wanting to borrow at random times.

Stanley Fatmax Tape Measure

Widely regarded as the best tape measure by construction workers, this tape will last them for decades if treated right, and give them instant site visit cred. Comes in different sizes, 25-50’ should be purchased. They probably have a tape measure, but it won’t be this nice.

Protip: write the name on the bottom of the tape.

Small Stanley (10’-0”) Tape Measure

They should always have a tape on them, and while they will bring the larger one to site visits, this smaller one is great for purses and bookbags to make sure they always have one handy. A pack of two allows them to lose one.

The Pin Prick Shop

They have great architecture themed pins and cufflinks (Section Cufflinks shown), guaranteed to get others asking, ‘where did you get that’? Yes, they ship to America.

Totes!

Everyone needs a good tote. Linking to RedBubble as they have a diverse and huge community of independent artists, but we’d recommend you get one from your local museum, or something personal to the student. You can even find these blank at craft stores and custom make your own for them.

Concrete Letters from Barbican

Spell out their name, or a funny word. These would be a welcomed paper weight for any dorm room desk.

Also be sure to check out the rest of the Barbican shop, they have some amazing posters, totes, and other goodies.

Lego Architecture Studio

This set is amazing because it’s purely white and clear objects. It allows the creator to break from traditional building typologies and norms, and think more abstractly. Some students have even used it to prototype studio projects and discover new forms. Will be cherished for years to come. This set is completely overkill and expensive — but amazing. 

Looking for a cheaper alternative? Try their specific sets, especially if you know a building/Architect they love.

Detail Magazine Subscription

In our opinion, the best magazine out there for a student with a passionate interest in how things are actually made or detailing… is Detail Magazine. They take projects and beautifully present the details. An Incredible resource, this magazine alone will be kept and cherished for years as a huge reference library. Note: Do not confuse this with “Details” magazine.

Detail: Manual of Multi-Storey Timber Construction

By the same ‘Detail’ group from the student magazine subscription, this book is a huge resource, with technical charts, examples, and great details and photos. They have multiple books in the series, including Interiors, Plastic and Membranes, Flat Roof, etc. So purchase the one that most connects with their current needs/work.

Construction: Manual (Birkhauser)

Birkhauser’s books, are a great mix mix of photos, details, and drawings. The Modern Construction Manual from the student section is a Birkhauser book as well.

Also check out, Glass Construction Manual and the Roof Construction Manual.

Architectural Graphic Standards

Possibly one of the few good things the AIA has actually produced (that is another story though), this book is chock full of every single resource the Architect needs — it’s 1,000 pages. Most Architects don’t buy this for themselves, borrowing the office’s copy, but many could use one.

Practical Geometry for Architects

Originally published in 1921 (100 years ago) — this book is in public domain, and we almost guarantee your Architect does not own it yet. Very old, but still incredibly relevant. Many hand drawn graphics and diagrams, such as how to construct an arch or read an old scale. A great book for the shelf.

Where Design Meets Life

A fantastic book about all things design, this book goes through fantastic design examples and how they have shaped and evolved with life. A fun, good read. We personally recommend this for all recent graduates.

The World Without Us

#1 Times Nonfiction book in 2007, with many other accolades, looks at how the built environment will wither if humans were to disappear.

The Devil in the White City

A must read for any fans of Chicago, Architecture, and true crime. This book briefly uses the 1893 world fair as a vehicle to discuss serial killer HH Holmes.

Beekeeping for Beginners

Nearly all Architects have a love for bees, maybe they will want to own some one day? Help them along the path.

They All Fall Down

The story about Richard Nickel who gave his life (literally) trying to save relics of Chicago architecture.

A Constructed View: The Architectural Photography of Julius Shulman

The most prolific and potentially best photographer, especially of California modern works, this book is a look into his work and life.

Architecture Without Architects

Your Architect probably doesn’t even want to be an Architect. Give them the pleasure (or displeasure) of reading a book that investigates this idea.

Brass Folding Ruler

Equally useful on the drafting desk and in the woodshop, this tool will last a lifetime.

From the same company, stainless steel set squares (Triangles)

Logitech MX Master Mouse

Their hands will be on this for sometimes 20+ hours a day. A good mouse is critical. This is one of the more highly rated available ones with programmable buttons for extra customization.

Custom Rubber Stamp – Their license

Not practical and wont realistically be used much at all, but a nice cast bronze stamp for a desktop is a great flex and reminder of the professions responsibilities.

Ceramic Coffee/Teapot Warmer

For those that are a lover of tradition and process. This ceramic pot sits nicely on a desk and can keep coffee mugs warm for hours on end. Pair with tea candles.

Laser Pointer Presentation Pen

A nice pen to use during presentations and client reviews.

Laser Tape Measure

Hopefully their office bought them one already, but if not, this is a useful tool for site visits and home renovation projects. Pair with a carrying case.

Coffee of the Month

Coffee is consumed at alarming rates in the design community. Help support this addiction through coffee of the month!

This is an amazon link which is easy to buy, but we’d recommend going with a local coffee subscription service instead.

London Undercover Umbrella

A quality umbrella that will add the touch of class expected of an Architect visiting the site. Help them get rid of that old one they slung around from college.

Nice Portfolio Bag from Atelier Yul

These bags are beautiful and simple, making the transition easily from special client presentation to daily use. Oversized ones can carry drawing sets easy and comfortable.

Stainless Steel Profile Gauge

They might already have the plastic version… Why not upgrade them to the fancy stainless steel version? (Plastic is also a great student gift)

Steel (aluminum) Toe Boots

Required on site, this would probably mean you travel to the local store with them and purchase for them, or a gift card.

We personally like Irish Setter (specifically Hopkins) as a good affordable option. Irish Setter is a Redwing Shoes Brand which also makes great options.

Go down the rabbit hole on reddit.com/r/boots for endless opinions.

Display Frame for License

Did you know some states require you to display your license at the place of work? Many Architects don’t… help them out with a nice custom wood frame like one of these from Etsy.

Note: Most licenses aren’t a full letter sized paper, but reduced such as 4” x 6.5” or similar. Find out the size before you buy.

Under Desk Foot Rest

A little foot rest like this can help make sitting at the desk a bit more comfortable. This one is highly rated and allows adjustments to different angles. There are others that plug in and are heated as well.

Standing Desk Add On

Use this little add on to turn any normal desk to a stand up one. Pair it with a standing pad fatigue mat for maximum comfort. Ideally you purchase a full on standing desk, but this is the most practical for most people.

Brass (or Steel) Business Card Case

Protect your cards, while also being noticed.

Brass Business Card Holder

High quality brass, this will hold your cards in style.

Stainless Steel Business Card Holder

Highly rated, and heavy weight. This polished holder is a clean and simple way to hold your business cards at the desk.

Saddleback Leather Co. Leather Goods

With a tagline of “They’ll fight over it when you’re dead” — you can’t go wrong. A nice overnight bag, daily use backpack, or passport holder… we can attest that the products are high quality and wont even begin to be properly broken-in till months later.

Frost River Canvas Products

For those that want a day bag, but don’t like the idea of full leather all over. Frost River products are extremely well made and will last for a very long time. They have a wide range of products to meet your daily or weekend needs.

Japanese Cedar Bat House 

Give those bats a home. We love this one in black.

Dulton Magnetic Kitchen Timer

Dulton products are well made, use high quality materials, and just look great (almost like vintage Braun in some respects). Check out their other items as well for great ideas.

Barebones Gardening Tools

For the forager or gardener, these tools and bags are equally useful in the garden and at the weekend farmers market

Combler Beer Glass Set

A clean looking glass set that you can find at some restaurants throughout cities. Upscale your beer a tiny bit.

Glencairn Whiskey Glasses

Recommended as the ideal scotch drinking glass, any scotch aficionado should have a set of these, and they look great on display.

Luigi Bormioli Drinking Glass Set

Pair with some of the alcohol from before and feel fancier than you should. Whiskey on the rocks, our favorite.