Categories: Resources
FAQ for New Students
FAQ for New Students Here are questions most commonly fielded by our First Year Experience (FYE) Coach, Alicia Guerra. We hope new students will find this helpful. Alicia is available to answer additional questions! What size monitor do I need? A 27" Monitor is ideal for viewing course content, Conceptboard, and Zoom Meetings. More information…
Graduate Online Studio Desk Crits
Graduate Online Studio Desk Crits In architecture school, a "desk crit" refers to the informal conversation between faculty and students (short for desk critiques). Desk crits are specifically for work-in-progress. Design education is not possible without trust between faculty and students because receiving feedback, or"critique," requires making oneself vulnerable. Developing a rapport between faculty and…
Advice for Graduate Students
Advice for Graduate Students First Day of Semester is Wednesday, 1/28/2026 Welcome (back) to the School of Architecture! For first day of class, please be sure to have your computer and course supplies ready. Check in to each of your classes on the Student Portal. If you have any questions, contact us at architecture@academyart.edu Studio…
AIASF Mentorship Program
AIASF Mentorship Program From AIASF: Join us for the kickoff of the 2026 AIASF Mentorship Program. Meet your cohort for the first time, connect with the other groups and get acquainted with the program! Please be sure to complete the matching form before noon on Monday January 26th, 2026. Your cohort will include: one seasoned…
Learning and Teaching Culture Policy
Learning and Teaching Culture Policy Our Learning and Teaching Culture Policy strives to create a positive environment at the School of Architecture. We hold design thinking to be both driver and catalyst to building a better world. Inherent in our policy is the assumption of respect for one and all - every community member…
Mental Health Resource
Mental Health Resource Free mental health services for students and their family members! This resource is provided through ComPsych’s GuidanceResources® platform. A few highlights of services available: FREE! FULLY CONFIDENTIAL! 3 Sessions; Per Person/Per Issue/Per Year Masters & PhD Level Trained Counselors 24/7 Multilingual Access Free 30-minute Legal and Financial Consultations Free Referrals for a…
Tech Support Available
Graduate Computer Specifications An investment in a good computer and a large monitor is recommended. Please refer to these documents before purchasing a new computer: Graduate Computer Specifications LINK TO PDF Undergraduate Computer Specifications A computer meeting minimum specifications, listed below, is required. A mouse, with a scroll wheel, is also required. Chromebooks, tablets, mobile…
Concept Board Tools
Concept Board Building a studio culture in a virtual class room requires additional effort, empathy, time, and most importantly, a "shared space." Concept Board is a virtual shared space that facilitates desk crits. The drawing and commenting tools in Concept Board, whether used alone asynchronously or synchronously during Zoom calls, approximate the in-person desk crit…
Calvin Malone, Brannan Shop Supervisor
Calvin Malone, Brannan Shop Supervisor Please join us in congratulating Calvin Malone on his promotion to Brannan Shop Supervisor for the Schools of Architecture, Interior Architecture, and Landscape Architecture! Calvin Malone has been supporting students realize their ideas into fabrications at the Academy of Art University since 2011. Calvin earned his BS in Industrial Design…
Amber Book ARE Test Prep for IPAL Students
Amber Book ARE Test Prep for IPAL Students School of Architecture provides 20 of our IPAL students with free access to Amber Book test prep material. Create a schedule for when you would like to start taking the architectural licensing exams. Contact the IPAL Advisor to request an Amber Book seat. The process to add…
Elective Course Recommendations
Elective Course Recommendations Develop expertise beyond your major to diversify your skill set and strengthen your portfolio. Please consult with academic advisors for the most up-to-date information on course offerings and pre-requisites. Landscape ArchitectureInterior Architecture and DesignArchitectureGraphic DesignAnimationIllustrationCommunicationAdvertisingInteraction and UI / UX DesignIndustrial DesignPhotographyFashionGame DevelopmentJewelry and Metal ArtsMotion Pictures and TelevisionLandscape Architecture LA 115 Natural…
Request for an Incomplete Extension
Request for an Incomplete Extension If there is an extenuating circumstance in the final weeks of the semester, students who have been receiving passing progress grades can request an Incomplete Extension. Requests must be submitted before the last day of the semester and, if applicable, can be submitted as early as module 13. The ARH…
Student and Academic Policies
Student and Academic Policies The university policies are explained in the Student and Academic Policies. This document can answer a lot of questions about registering for and dropping courses, attendance, grading policies, academic honesty, minimum GPA requirement, commencement, financial aid, etc. For the most up-to-date information, please go to this link and click on "Student…
Sustainability Workshops
Sustainability Workshops B Arch students in ARH 450 Studio 8 and ARH 410 Studio 7 can attend the Sustainability Technical Advisor Workshops live or view recordings afterwards. Later in the semester, each student / team is required to meet live with the Technical Advisor, Liz, to document feedback received as evidence of applying energy analysis…
DESIGN UNLIMITED STUDENT COMPETITION
Competition Details: Topic: The project envisions a Gastronomy and cultural center near the established St. Ambrogio Market and revitalizing Piazza Annigoni through a redesign. Entry Fee: No registration fees. Timeline: Registration Deadline: August 31, 2024 Submission Deadline: September 1, 2024 Results Announcement: September 16, 2024 Prizes: 1st Prize: $1500 + Certificate 2nd Prize: $350 + Certificate 3rd…
Final Evaluation for Graduating B. Arch and BA Students
Final Evaluation for Graduating B. Arch and BA Students At the conclusion of the undergraduate program, all students receive individualized guidance through an assessment event called the Final Evaluation. The culminating studio project is typically reviewed for the assessment. For B. Arch students, this will be the ARH 498 or ARH 550 project. For BA…
Undergraduate Midpoint Check-In
Undergraduate Midpoint Check-In The purpose of the Midpoint Check-In is for us to get to know you as you conclude your sophomore design studio. We invite you to tell us about yourself, reflect on your progress, share your ambitions, and seek support. Your department directors and faculty members will review your work and offer guidance…
Model Making – Part 1 – Making Models at Home
Dear Students, Since many of you are online and working from home, we wanted to publish this small guide for making sophisticated models with simple means. In terms of working from home there are many model building techniques which are very suitable when you have no access to a professional shop facility. 01. The first…
Informal Group Chat for Undergraduate Students
Informal Group Chat for Undergraduate Students Connect with the larger student body of our undergraduate architecture program through our informal Slack group chat! Get to know upperclassmen, lower classmen and even some faculty through this channel! Who's still up working alongside you? To join, click this link: Invite people to ARH Undergrad Students …
Best Laptops for Architects 2023
Dear Students, Architizer published a 2023 update to their list of best laptops, that we are sharing here: 13 Top Laptops for Architects and Designers (NEW for 2023) Architizer just published a good 2022 update about potential laptops for architects. There is also a section with budget laptops to consider: 15 Top Laptops for…
3D Furniture
3D Furniture: A great way to enhance your final renderings and add detail to your final 3D model is the use of 3D furniture. When doing so, you don't want to use any furniture from googles 3D warehouse or other free websites, but good high-quality furniture from brands that produce furniture for use in…
Accessibility Resources
Accessibility Resources Facilitates equal access throughout the university, both online and on-campus, for students with disabilities and health conditions. Accessibility Resources PDF Accessibility Resources ensures equal access and opportunities for students with disabilities. As a student with a disability, you may be used to receiving accommodations and having IEPs or 504 Plans in high school. These…
Academy Resource Center
Academy Resource Center The Academy Resource Center (ARC) is open to all students, and supports student success with: ARC Workshops & Tutoring, English for Art Purposes (EAP) language support, Accessibility Services, and Online Student Support. For up-to-date information how the ARC could be of help, please click on the link below. https://www.academyart.edu/arc-handout Help offered…
Remote Laser Cutting & 3D Printing
Remote Laser Cutting & 3D Printing We are excited to announce that remote laser cutting and 3D printing is available! Submit your digital files via email to the fabrication shops at 1849 Washington and pick up in person OR pay for shipping to have the pieces mailed to you. Shipping is available within the…
Concept Board Tools for Faculty
For our faculty, we are sharing the institutional knowledge gathered since 2017 on making the most out of Concept Board. For a video tutorial please see this Zoom recording of a tutorial session by Karen on 2020-09-11 Concept Board Templates Concept Board Templates are useful to quickly set up the virtual room…
UNDERGRADUATE Course Archive InDesign Template
Undergraduate Course Archives Notes to Faculty: Please distribute the InDesign template file in the beginning of the semester. The file should first be modified to list the assignments specific to your course. The undergraduate template files are different from the graduate version. If you are teaching in both grad and undergrad department, please be…
Graduate Journal/Archive Tutorials
Dear Students, please find InDesign tutorial videos under this LINK for creating your archive. Please note that this will require your LMS log-in.
Video Tutorials for Manual Drawing
Video Tutorials for Manual Drawing There are video tutorials available on the School of Architecture Resources on Brightspace for enrolled students. Please self-enroll at this link to access the videos: https://online.academyart.edu/d2l/le/discovery/view/course/13450 Click the button that says "Self Enroll," then navigate to this link. You will see a collection of video tutorials listed below. Manual…
Video Tutorials for Model Making
Video Tutorials for Model Making There are video tutorials available on the School of Architecture Resources on Brightspace for enrolled students. Please self-enroll at this link to access the videos: https://online.academyart.edu/d2l/le/discovery/view/course/13450 Click the button that says "Self Enroll," then navigate to this link. You will see a collection of video tutorials and PDF downloads listed…
Model Making – Part 2 – Material and Tool Resources
Dear Students, Here are some model making material resources for you, places where you can order needed materials online, tool suppliers, 3D print services, and laser cutting services. Some of these resources might be overseas, so careful planning might be required on your part so you have all the necessary materials for the classes you…
Model Making – Part 3 – Foam Core Tutorial Videos
Dear Students, for Foam Core model building techniques, please see these two videos. Foam core is a great material for building larger, more spatial models. The tutorials are made by a product designer but the the techniques are universal and can be easily applied to architecture. Please also regard our other model building resource blog…
Software Demos
Software Demos Videos Autocad Axonometric Projection, Part 1 Axonometric Projection, Part 2 AutoCAD Refresher, Part 1 AutoCAD Refresher, Part 2 AutoCAD Refresher, Part 3 Creating an Image Layer From Cad to Presentation, Part 1 From Cad to Presentation, Part 2 Creating an Image Layer Shadow Projection and Rendering, Part 1 Shadow Projection and…
Online Library Resources
We wanted to let everyone know that there are online library resources available that ARH students will find helpful. The full range of resources are described on the AAU library website at this link: https://libguides.academyart.edu/architecture/periodicals-ejournals The availability of the periodical DETAIL should be highlighted. Detail is an excellent source of high quality articles and…
Online Research Database JSTOR
JSTOR is a research database that offers full text scholarly journals covering a wide range of arts, architecture, music, humanities, sciences, and social sciences. 1. Go to the AAU Library site: http://library.academyart.edu/ 2. Go to the "Online Articles & Databases" link, then select JSTOR. There are many other good options in this menu,…
Resources on Race and Architecture
Below, there is an extensive list of Resources for reading and viewing on race and architecture, compiled by Mario Gooden, with Mabel O. Wilson and the Architectural League of New York staff - published by the Architectural League of New York. We would like to share this here. Please find a link to the original source…
Cut-out People
Here are sources for good cutout people: • mrcutout.com • skalgubbrasil.tumblr.com • nonscandinavia.com • escalalatina.com • architizer.com/blog/2d-people/ • freecutout.com • pimpmydrawing.com • arch-vizz.com • ronenbekerman.wetransfer.com • xoio-air.de • xoio-air.de II • black-img.com • clipped.io • cutoutmix.com • jugaadrender.in • immediateentourage.com • pngimg.com • artcutout.studioalternativi.co.il • viz-people.com • cutoutpeople.com
Visualization Resources
Dear Students! Below is a list of architectural rendering blogs featuring tutorials. While we teach architecture and not necessarily visualization, it is imperative that any architect has to learn the ability to communicate her or his designs well. A great ability in representation will enhance your chance of landing a dream job or get your…
CAD-Blocks Furniture, People and more …
Website To Offer Free Resources The Website dimensions.com (formerly Dimensions.Guide) is nice enough to offer CAD Blocks/Entourage as a free download, the drawings are of exceptional quality making this a great resource. "Dimensions.com is a comprehensive reference database of dimensioned drawings documenting the standard measurements and sizes of the everyday objects and spaces that make…
San Francisco
San Francisco and the Bay Area List of Significant Buildings in San Francisco: - University Art Museum Berkeley / Mario J. Ciampi (now closed) http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/University_Art_Museum.html (CLOSED - NOW SLATED FOR DEMOLITION) - Transamerica Pyramid / William L. Pereira & Associates http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/Transamerica_Pyramid.html - Saint Mary's Cathedral / Pier Luigi Nervi http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/St_Marys_Cathedral_SF.html - Marin…
Bookshops & Libraries
Bookshops & Libraries Library: AAU Library https://library.academyart.edu Bookstores: William Stout Architectural Books https://stoutbooks.com SFMOMA Museum Store https://museumstore.sfmoma.org Dog Eared Books http://www.dogearedbooks.com Mission: Comics & Art http://www.missioncomicsandart.com Adobe Books & Arts Cooperative http://www.adobebooks.com 871 Fine Arts http://www.artbook.com/871store.html
Model Supplies
Model Supplies Model Shops in SF: ARCH Art Supplies http://www.archsupplies.com Blick Art Materials https://www.dickblick.com/stores/california/sanfranciscomarketst/ FLAX art & design https://flaxart.com Art Primo San Francisco http://www.artprimosf.com International / Online: Modulor Berlin - Large Online Model Supply Shop worldwide deliveries: https://www.modulor.de/en/ Shapeways - Online 3D printing store worldwide deliveries: https://www.shapeways.com Ponoko - Online Laser Cutting Service: https://www.ponoko.com Please…
Lecture Videos
Lecture Videos Our international lecture series brings a diverse mix of highly distinguished guests and interesting young practices to our school to engage with faculty and students and to talk about their work. Recent speakers include: Frank Barkow (Barkow Leibinger - Berlin) /Michael Bell (Bell Seong Architecture - New York) / Peter Busby (Perkins…