Great Gifts for Architects and Designers
Architects and designers are an unusual breed, and they are very particular about the tools they use. I’ve struggled for years trying to come up with gifts for my architect husband. Clearly, its time to ask the professionals what they want to see in their wrapped gifts. Here are some of the top choices and links to where you can buy them.
Architects love their Sketchbooks and Notebooks
These notebooks are easy to carry around and the elastic will keep the pages from getting torn. This hardcover is $15.75. They also come in fun colors.
Some like the pristine white page. This Daycraft Signature Architecture Sketchbook with blank pages and leather-like cover, at 5.8″ x 4.25″ is easy to carry for moments of inspiration. $11.10
This spiral bound sketch can bring out the artist in all of us. U.S. Art Supply 11″ x 14″ Premium Spiral Bound Sketch Pad, Pad of 100-Sheets, 60 Pound (Pack of 2 Pads) $14.96
Architects like their Writing Tools
Add a package of felt tip pens and your architect will be set to sketch on the go.
Black on white may be preferred by some while others want their sketches to be full of color. This Prismcolor set comes with 24 different color pencils. The soft core make them ideal for shading and blending. Under $10.00
Architects and designers may do much of their work on the computer these days, but there is still a lot of “old school” sketching. Scales and triangular scales are always appreciated. At $10, this set makes a great stocking stuffer for your designer.
Don’t forget the rulers. This set includes an engineering ruler with the architectural ruler. $12
Architects like to read (and look at pictures)
This may not come as a surprise to you – Architects love pictures. Many are voracious readers, but they still like seeing pictures in their books. There have been many books left at the store because there weren’t enough visuals. Just a thought.
The Future of Architecture in 100 Buildings (Ted Books) by Marc Kushner and the companion TED Talk
Mr. Kushner is a practising architect at HWKN as well as runs the website, Architizer, that “hosts the world’s largest data base of architecture” and so much more.
The Architect Says: Quotes, Quips, and Words of Wisdom written by Laura S. Dushkes, is full of quotes from over 100 well-known architects. The short reads are great. The only draw back with this book is that there are no pictures. Its still going on our list. $12.52
Architects Like to Travel
Drawings Essentials Keep N’ Carry Set
Includes 12 color pencils, 1 white eraser, 1 sharpener, 1 drawing pad and 1 zippered carrying case. $7.95