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Introduction
How generous of you to be searching for the right gift for your Architect! We, as Architects, asked other Architects for their best gifts they’d want this year. Broken down into two parts, one for the students, and one for the working professional. We hope this list gives you some great ideas!
>>[Jump to Architect/Graduate/Licensure Gifts]<<
Student Gifts
For the Student; Some Quick Notes
Your Architect in Training! Family member or friend, we applaud you for being understanding with this wild endeavor the student is undertaking. Do you miss talking to them yet?
Supplies Note:
For those looking for a student (or pre-student), we do not recommend getting any of the base ‘school supplies’. You may be tempted to purchase a cutting board, a scale (ruler), or one of the other items from the school’s provided ‘supplies list’. The main reason for this is many of these items come in different sizes, types, brands, and uses. One Exacto might be loved by one person, and hated by another. We knew people in school who refused to use Exactos of any kind and instead would only exclusively use Olfas (and vice versa). While others would exclusively use Exactos without grips. You furthermore, could find yourself making a harmless mistake, like buying an architectural scale, when they needed an engineering one.
Therefore, in our recommendation, the student knows exactly what they want and need, and can best determine those items. If you are keen on helping out with these items, get as specific of a list as you can from the student, or a gift card to their local art supplies store would be the best bet – If their art store is Blick, a Visa, Mastercard, etc works best.
What to Look Out For
The best gifts for students will tangentially help their studies, flame their architectural interest, or be of future help in their career down the road. Pay particular attention to what the student is interested in at the moment, such as which Architects they are drawn to or what they are studying. If you find them mentioning Mies Van Der Rohe for example, a book on him/his projects, or even a visit to a site of his buildings would be fabulous. Also pay mind to the next unit they will be entering if possible. For example, it is quite common for architectural studies to have a ‘concrete’ focus one semester, then a wood framed unit, etc. If they are entering the concrete unit, a concrete book would do wonders for their studies.
General Topic Books
Books books books! Possibly the best gift always, the best ones will be dog eared and referenced for years to come. As mentioned, the most fitting for a student will be related to an Architect or projects they are personally interested in at the moment, or a great reference for their current studies.
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).
Office/Architect Book Interests
It’d be best to find out what your loved student is specifically interested in. Mies? Gropius? Or maybe long span structures? Modern architecture? Whatever it is… try to find books on that subject, and if you need help, just reach out and we will be happy to recommend something more specific related to your desired topic.
Dead Masters
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.
Current and Living Practices
Below is a very truncated short list of some of our recent buys we are currently enjoying. These are all currently practicing/real offices, which can be helpful to see current architecture trends and ability and designers who are relevant today… and who knows, offices that maybe one day your student might work at.
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.
Pens, Markers, Drafting & Sketching:
Sketching is the lost art that all designers need to be good at. While they may go to the tablet one day, pen and paper is still king (especially starting out). Many designers have personal favorites, but below are the main brands many designers today love and highly recommend.
Sketchbooks / Moleskins:
We won’t link. You need to find their size/style and match it exactly (assuming they like theirs). Nothing worse than having 9×12 with top spiral and getting a side spiral that doesn’t work with your drawing style/use and current sketchbook archive.
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.
Drafting Templates
For the student who is currently in a hand-drafting program, you can never have too many layout or shape templates. Ones like these are a great addition with many different pieces of furniture at different scales and random shapes. Also useful later on while sketching before bringing your designs into the computer. Generally speaking, they probably have enough triangles and alike, just get more random templates.
Model Making / Site Visit Supplies:
They probably are spending a decent time in the model shop or visiting places and locations. You probably aren’t going to buy them a table saw (but if you do, we recommend the SawStop so you can make sure they keep their fingers), but these items are more specialty and upscale so they probably won’t have bought them themselves.
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.
Home, Accessories, and Living
Something for their dorm room, or a little piece to show their flair.
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 Set
Obligatory lego mention. Perhaps where many of us started to find our passion, Lego has fully embraced this.
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.
Magazine Subscriptions:
Most Architecture and Design magazine subscriptions over the years have slowly become more lifestyle focused, and seemed to stray away from the Architectural topics or relevance. These are useful and fun to browse, but in our opinion should be purchased when they can benefit another cause like Girl/Boy Scouts of America or your local teams magazine drives.
Detail Magazine
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.
Architect Gifts
Gifts for the Architect/Licensure/Graduate
Architects are picky, know what they like, and are generally poor. This means we are specific and very particular; but typically can’t afford anything we genuinely desire or specify for others. This probably means we are one of the hardest groups of people in the world to buy for. We find products we like and many times use them for photo shoots, recommend them to clients, specify them for projects, but rarely get them for ourselves.
Upscale Items
In our experience, most of the best gifts are ones for our desk/office space (we all have one), or upgrades to current items we already have (and love). Think of things you might have purchased for yourself as a student, but higher end… for example, instead of a plastic drafting triangle, maybe you upscale and get them stainless steel set squares.
Regardless, it’s always best to include a gift receipt, and be careful with embroidered or non-returnable items… what would be worse than getting brown leather when you really wanted black?… the horror.
Books
Many of the books listed above would also be great gifts for an Architect, especially the books with technical details. So make sure to review the list above.
Architecture Books
These are more expensive and thoroughly detailed resources for practicing architects.
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.
Monographs
These books are all higher end, cost more (typically $150+) and would be a cherished gift on a bookshelf or coffee table. These are normally too high end to justify purchase for reference and use as an Architect, but are a beautiful collectors item and left out for all to enjoy.
Tangential Design Books
This secondary group is somewhat related to design, but are meant more as leisure and enjoyable reads.
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.
Desktop & Work Related:
Most Architects already have what they need. And hopefully, offices are willing to pony up for the required tools to help someone do their job -but- most offices are cheap. So begrudgingly we list out some of our favorite equipment, tools, and desktop trinkets.
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)
Striking Art Prints from Minty Sainsbury
Minty is an artist living and working in London. She makes highly detailed and intricate architectural pencil drawings. These prints would look beautiful on any home or office wall, especially if you know a favorite building that matches up to one she has completed. Our favorites are the ones framed in outlined silhouettes (as shown here). Ships to US available.
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. These coffees probably aren’t great.
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.
Business / Passport Card Holders & Luggage:
Especially for the new architects, who might be going out to bars, business events, or perhaps traveling for work, these can be incredibly valuable items that make the event just a bit smoother, or travel just a bit nicer.
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.
General Companies to look at:
Luggage especially, that is built to last, will be used well into professional life. Look for products that are made with great materials and ‘buy it for life’ quality.
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.
Architect Gifts from Left Field
Proceed at your own risk…
House & Home:
Many architects have a connection and appreciation with nature through hobbies like farming, building, or alike. Think of these when considering a gift, some of our favorites below.
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.
Experience Gifts (non-Arch related):
Hard to really describe or list here, but many of us just want a good experience or time with ones we love. Many times our holidays are the only time we take a break to relax and properly detach from work. So take us to the local bar, a diner, a hike in the woods, bowling, a movie, etc.
Soap and Hygiene (Basically Socks)
Give it a chance… As an Architect, you are exposed to the best of the best, and specify it for others, but rarely get to buy these items for yourself. In the beauty and personal care department, these are what we personally use and love day to day -great smelling and functional- these items look at home in any professional photo shoot. Great for stocking stuffers or for those looking for an extra gift, akin to “socks”… but more useful.
Alcohol & Tobacco:
Does your Architect drink? (probably). Find a nice bottle of something in their preferred liquor of choice. For us, we are whiskey drinkers and cigar smokers. After all, the cigar makes us feel like Mies. Purchase at your local liquor store, no links provided.
Our Weekly Favorites
Several of our favorites we can recommend that won’t break the bank:
- Bulleit Rye (Or bourbon)
- Michter’s (Any)
- High West Double Rye
- Templeton Rye
Special Occasion:
For a very special occasion, such as licensure completion or just to flex some cash, we’d recommend a higher end whiskey/scotch as these. Protip: For some bottles (blue label), you may be able to engrave a special message.
- Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon
- Johnnie Walker Blue Label
- Hibiki Japanese Whiskey
- Lagavulin 16 Year
Cigars
- Flor de las Antillas Maduro
- We have been going to this cigar for awhile now and love it.
- If your Architect likes Cigars, consider a humidor for their home office.
We hope this list has helped you. If you find errors, or would like to suggest additions to the list, please reach out via our contact page. Happy Gifting!