One of the biggest issues I see in projects is duplicate information. This is something I always try to avoid whenever I can. This might mean duplicate information within a single Revit file across multiple sheets, or duplicate information between different programs. One of the best ways to avoid this issue is to link files into your projects rather than manually typing in the information into multiple places so any changes only have to be made once and will update across all of your files.
Free Time Tracking and Invoicing for Freelancers
If you’re looking for a free customizable method for tracking your time and invoicing your clients then look no further! This is the system I created and used when I first began freelancing which was a huge step up from using my notebook. If you hate doing math, I’ll show you the formulas you need to make sure your hours and amounts due are calculated correctly. Best of all you can fully customize your invoices to get them to look however you envisioned!
Must Have Tools for Existing Conditions Surveys
5 Resources Every Architect and Architectural Designer Needs at their Desk
There's so much more to being a great designer than drawing pretty pictures and building models.
Pretty pictures have to be accompanied by well designed spaces that not only comply with the code but also remain functional. The way to become a great designer is to gain as much experience as you can and know the right material to use as a guide. Having the right resources at your disposal is such an important element in your success as a designer, along with working under a seasoned and skilled professional.
How to Write a Great Cover Letter for Architecture
This is my 7 step process to writing a concise, professional, personalized cover letter that will help you land that job. This process applies to any industry, whether you're applying for a job or internship in architecture, graphic design, journalism, or anything else, this method should work for you.
7 Tips for How to Pass the Architect Registration Exams (ARE's) on a Budget
So... you want to pass the ARE's?
Of course you do! And guess what, you probably don't have to spend $100's to do it.
There are so many paid resources out there, but there are so many more free resources you can take advantage of. So before you go spend hundreds on online ARE courses, books, or other paid content, here are my wallet friendly tips for passing the AREs.
22 of My Favorite Revit Keyboard Shortcuts
Using shortcuts is critical to having a working quickly and efficiently in Revit. I’ll never forget watching my partner on a project using the ribbon to draw all of his elements on our model. Tasks that I could complete in seconds would take him minutes which is time that adds up quickly. I want you to make the most of your time so you can begin working faster and smarter in Revit, so here are 22 of my most used Revit keyboard shortcuts.
What's a Drafting Brush?
by Chelsea Weibust
Updated 12/05/2018
Who doesn't need a tool to wipe the crumbs off their desk?
When I first started hand drafting I always used my hand to wipe away eraser bits and pencil shavings. I would get so frustrated when the heat from my hand would attract the graphite on the page and spread it all across my drawings! I thought, there has to be a better way!
Soon I came across this tool called a drafting brush. It would glide gently across my drawings, cleaning away all the eraser bits, excess graphite, and heck, even the crumbs scattered across my drawings from eating at my desk! A drafting brush is such a simple tool but an essential one to keep your drawings clean and crisp.
The drafting brush I use: Westcott/C-Thru*
What's an Eraser Shield
by Chelsea Weibust
Updated 12/05/18
Have you ever tried to erase a part of your drawing and end up erasing too much or smudging it with your hand?
I've had that happen so many times!
Then I discovered the eraser shield which changed my life. It's literally a stainless steel shield with voided forms that guide your eraser as you erase. It's amazing! Watch below to see how it works.
Eraser shield I use: Westcott/C-Thru
What's an Eraser Pen
Who knew you didn't have to take an Xacto to your erasers to erase with precision!?
Having the right tool for the job is key for productivity. Improvising can work well at times but I've found that improvising can take up valuable time and can lead to unsatisfactory results.
When I was in my earlier years in school I used to use an Xacto or Olfa knife to sharpen my erasers when there was a small area that needed to be fixed or erased. Once I found the eraser pen though, it saved me tons of time and I could see a noticeable difference in the quality of my erasing which is important on final drawings! Watch below to see the eraser pen in action.
Eraser pen I use: Staedtler*
What's a Kneaded Eraser
Who knew there were so many different types of erasers!?
It's vital to know the purpose of different tools and how to use them in different way so you can be more productive. Using the right tool can be the difference between having a great project and potentially having to start a rendering over.
Watch to see what a kneaded eraser is and how to use it.
Kneaded eraser I use: Prismacolor*
What's a Lead Pointer
If you haven't seen last weeks post/video about lead holders, go check that out first!
This week we're talking all about lead pointers - what they are and how to use them. Check out the video to see more!
Here is the lead pointer I use: Alvin Rotary*
What Are My Custom Computer Specifications?
A few years ago I had a friend build a custom computer for me, built to suit my needs. I was so frustrated with the performance and lifespan of the prebuilt computers I’d had before of all prices, brands, mac, pc, you name it. The prebuilt computers just couldn’t perform the way I needed them to so I decided to go the route of custom built computers. Since announcing this transition to the interwebs, I’ve been asked so many times what specification I have for my computer, so here they are!
What's a Lead Holder?
When I was first starting out in architecture I knew close to nothing about what supplies I needed, how to use them, or where to get them. I want to save you the trouble and stress of not knowing these things. This is the first video of a new series called "What's This Thing?" where I will introduce different architecture studio supplies, and terminology and explain what they are and how to use them. In this video we look at a lead holder and lead refills.
Here are the lead holders I use: Kohinoor* and Prismacolor Turquoise*
Here are the lead refills that I use: Prismacolor Turquoise*
Paring Down for Tiny Living
As you may or not know, I'm in the process of designing a tiny house on wheels that I'll be building for myself! I have a bunch of design iterations (which I will eventually be sharing with you) and am now refining one of my designs.
To make things even more real, I am paring down all of my belongings so that I can live more simply in my tiny house, clutter free! Watch to see the transformation and see the amount of things I hoarded in a tiny bedroom!
Woodshop Tour!
Sitting at a desk for endless hours in a day can be really draining and I often find myself yearning for a chance to be more creative and more hands on. Another secret project that I've been working on is revealed here!
Top Secret News for My 1,000 Subscribers!!!
Wow.
Is this real!?
Are there really 1,000 of you that watch my videos!? This is so cool!! Thanks everyone for watching and subscribing and commenting!
I know I've kept you in the dark for a while as I have been really busy with work and have had a lot of secret projects going on. ONE of my secret projects is revealed here, watch to find out!!!
New Channel Direction
I noticed myself starting to make more videos geared toward my personal life outside of architecture. I realize that some of you are only interested in my architecture videos and less interested in my daily life, and some of you are the opposite! I want to be able to give all of you what you want, and cater to both of my audiences, so I'm announcing the start of a new vlogging channel called Chels and Cheese! Watch to see more updates!
The Best Computer for Architecture
The Best Computer for Architecture
Updated 01/01/2019
What is the best computer for architecture students?
I have been getting A TON of questions about this! Typically, I advise people to review school requirements and do a little bit of research - I still stand by that philosophy for the most part. While I do think it's important to understand what your school requires you to have in terms of computer specifications, here I suggest a different path. Watch to find out!
Also see my computer specifications here to build your own custom computer!
Road Trip with Parcheesi!
This video took A LOT of editing! That's why you're seeing Easter weekend a few weeks after it happened. (whoops!) We had sooooooo much fun - I absolutely love going up to New Hampshire and exploring the wilderness! We went on hikes, filmed a collaborative video and had some family bonding time!
This was such a fun mini vacation, I'm glad I got to bring you along with me!
