tutorials, tips+tricks
Chelsea Weibust
Bad Habits to Avoid When Working in Revit

Did you just start using Revit, or have you been using it for a while? I’m willing to bet you’ve made some of these mistakes yourself at some point. These are some of the worst Revit mistakes I’ve seen in my years of teaching Revit and working with other designers. How many of these are you guilty of?

tips+tricks, archibabble
Chelsea Weibust
How to Avoid All-Nighters

I’ve written and spoken about how to survive all-nighters, but it’s best if we can avoid them in the first place, right?
All-nighters are very unhealthy for you, especially if you find yourself doing them all the time. Working for hours on end, especially overnight, can cause you to make mistakes in your work, can make you sick, and can be seriously dangerous if you’re working on models with knives and machinery without sleep. Here are my tips on how to avoid all-nighters.

tips+tricks, archibabble
Chelsea Weibust
15 Tips for Starting Your Own Design Business

Whether you’re looking to freelance, become a solopreneur, or start a small design business, these tips will help you start off your journey on the right foot. You may want to use this as a checklist or just a guide; either way, these are all tips…

tips+tricks
Chelsea Weibust
Invoicing the Smart Way

Spend more time making money, doing what you love to do, rather than wasting time doing accounting! Here I’ll show you just how easy it is to track your hours and bill your clients using professional looking invoices.

tips+tricks
Chelsea Weibust
Tips for Existing Conditions Surveys

These are my tips and tricks for doing existing conditions surveys so you can learn best practices for how to keep your drawings clean and organized and avoid forgetting to document important information.

how to architect

What's a Drafting Brush?

by Chelsea Weibust

Updated 12/05/2018

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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

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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 a Kneaded Eraser

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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

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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?

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!

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!

 

Studio Vlog 8 // Part 1

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I was able to live out a childhood dream where I was able to build a Lego model for my studio project! My studio project is based around sustainability and is constructed entirely out of wood. Here I bring you into my Sketchup model so you can see the massing of my building and see the logic behind some of the decisions I made. I also show you into the more technical drawings in AutoCAD, figuring out my panelized wall systems for the modular units.

 

How to Apply for Jobs and Internships in Architecture

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For most people, the reason you study architecture is so you can earn your degree and pursue a career in the field. There is A TON of competition out there with school's architecture programs growing every year. Help yourself stand out from the crowd and get that job! 

There are 4 essential, physical things you will need to apply for jobs and internships in architecture.

1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. Portfolio
4. Teaser portfolio (bonus)

Find out what they are and how to use them to your advantage!

 

Where to Buy Architecture Materials and Supplies

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When I was starting out in architecture I was clueless about where to buy supplies for school. Furthermore, I like to shop around when I'm buying things so I can explore my options, comparing price and quality. Here I give you 6 suggestions for doing architecture on a budget!

 
📐 Looking to get better at Revit? I have 11 bad habits you should avoid if you wanted to work more efficiently and have better quality control over your drawings. After years of collaborating with Architects, Engineers, and Designers, and tutoring