Learn the process, methods, and materials architects and designers use to create initial designs for structures by following along with me to design your own tiny house step-by-step.

Do you love the tiny house movement and have ideas of one you wish you could see built? Have you ever wondered how architects create buildings from scratch, or what it would be like to design your own home? This class is for you!

Taught by a trained architectural designer, this step-by-step course will walk you through the architectural design process from site selection, iterative design and sketching, to creating a preliminary model and floor plan for a unique tiny house design. The project will also include an inspiration collage or “mood board” and basic site maps to help you find a compelling design concept to guide your work.

No prior architectural knowledge is necessary, but some familiarity with design would be helpful and access to a computer and basic drawing supplies is required (see “Materials” below). The class would be a great way for adults or teens to learn about architecture to assess future or alternate career paths, to more knowledgeably design their own home in conjunction with an architect, or just for a fun and crafty project on a rainy Sunday. The majority of the work will be done by hand, to reflect the teaching methodology of introductory architecture courses and eliminate the need for specialized programs. You will have the freedom to be creative and have fun with your design concept, without getting too caught up in detailed methodology, but will gain a basic understanding of the steps and considerations that architects must take to begin designing a structure.

Materials:

-Trace paper, thin copy/maker paper, or regular paper and a window

-Bristol board 11” x 14” smooth surface 100lb (preferred) or heavy card stock

-Graph paper (recommended)

-Xacto knife or scissors

-Tape: any combination of clear scotch tape, double-sided tape, masking/artist’s tape, or glue dots

-Cutting mat or thick corrugated cardboard, old plastic cutting board, or other protective surface

-Assortment of pencils and pens; hand-drafting uses an aptly-named “drafting pencil” with separate lead in a range of weights, from 6H to 6B, and Micron pens in various sizes are also popular. However, thin ballpoint pens and thicker marker pens or Sharpies will work also.

-Assorted colored drawing supplies, such as colored pencils, markers, pastels, or even crayons

-Computer with internet access. Photoshop can be a convenient way to complete some of the assignments, especially as an alternative to working by hand for those that are most comfortable designing digitally, but is definitely not required. I used Keynote to create my collage in this course, so that program or PowerPoint are convenient as well, but again this lesson can be completed by hand.

Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel for more architectural design tips and projects, and post any questions you may have now or along the way in the Discussion board. I read the questions and comments and will definitely respond to help you out!

Cheers!

SU Binbin

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