10 Essential Books for Young Architects in 2020
As an architecture student I loved collecting beautiful books about architecture and architects. Unfortunately, most of those books ended up collecting dust on the bookshelf (after collecting dust on the coffee table for a few months prior.) At the same time, I craved knowledge about construction and the business side of architecture. It wasn’t until I started purchasing books on these topics that I started devouring every page of my purchases.
Below is a list of books that I own, have read cover to cover, refer to frequently, and recommend to every young architect who wishes to understand more about their industry.
Don’t get me wrong, I still buy beautiful books full of inspiring architecture, and I’m getting better at reading them, but these 10 books are the meaty knowledge gap fillers that you have been craving.
Note: most links to these books are affiliate links – that means if you buy them, we receive a little thank you commission at no extra cost to you. It helps us do what we do!
1. Building Your Own Home by George Wilkie (available here)
"This complete guide to building your own home covers every step of the process ... Both George Wilkie and Stuart Arden are architects and academics."
Why I recommend:
A well rounded Australian residential construction resource - a great staple for architecture students.
Includes clear diagrams and details.
A best selling and generally respected source of information.
2. Why Architects Matter: Evidencing and Communicating the Value of Architects by Flora Samuel (available here)
“Why Architects Matter examines the key role of research-led, ethical architects in promoting wellbeing, sustainability and innovation. It argues that the profession needs to be clear about what it knows and the value of what it knows if it is to work successfully with others.”
Why I recommend:
Helps architects categorise the types of practice around them and identify the value they provide.
Provides robust research-based assessments of current problems that are exacerbating the marginalisation of architects in the built environment industry.
Suggests strategies for evidencing and communicating the value of architects to the public.
3. Metric Handbook: Planning and Design Data by Taylor and Francis Ltd (available here)
"The Metric Handbook is the major handbook of planning and design data for architects and architecture students. Covering basic design data for all the major building types it is the ideal starting point for any project. For each building type, the book gives the basic design requirements and all the principal dimensional data, and succinct guidance on how to use the information and what regulations the designer needs to be aware of."
Why I recommend:
Metric sizes for spaces in relation to people and vehicles.
Sizing and layout advice for various facilities/rooms.
Covers a wide range of building types/use - handy for building realistic briefs for University projects.
4. Architect + Entrepreneur by Eric Reinholdt (available here)
“Part narrative, part business book; Architect + Entrepreneur is filled with contemporary, relevant, fresh tips and advice, from a seasoned professional architect building a new business. The guide advocates novel strategies and tools that merge entrepreneurship with the practice of architecture and interior design.“
Why I recommend:
A straightforward introduction to ‘the business of architecture’.
Covers key areas of starting and managing a business, specifically for architects.
Dispels the ‘starving artist’ attitude that is bred at University.
5. Architect + Entrepreneur Volume 2 by Eric Reinholdt (available here)
“Should the practice of architecture be constrained to one set model: a singular creative process between architect and client? Practice is evolving; the current tired models serve only a select few – wealthy individuals, big corporations, and big government.”
Why I recommend:
An excellent introduction to alternate forms of income for architects.
Simple introductory instructions for building alternate forms of income.
Lessons on valuing architectural services and product.
6. The Little Book of Colour by Karen Haller (available here)
“Colour is all around us and every day we make important decisions based on the colours in our lives. In this book, leading Colour Psychologist Karen Haller explains how to understand and use the inherent power of colour to positively transform how you feel, think, and behave.”
Why I recommend:
A concise but thorough introduction to colour psychology.
Instructive advice on using different colours around the home or office for different purposes.
Tools for finding the right colour palette to use with a client.
7. Encyclopedia of Detail in Contemporary Residential Architecture by Laurence King (available here)
“This is a comprehensive sourcebook, containing newly commissioned scale drawings of every type of architectural detail taken from 100 of the best contemporary houses. Over 700 detailed drawings of walls, floors, ceilings, doors, windows, and staircases feature keys explaining construction techniques and materials used. Each drawing is cross-referenced to other details from the same building.”
Why I recommend:
An excellent source of more complex architectural detailing for the detail thirsty student or graduate. I would recommend understanding basic detailing before purchasing this book.
Details are cross-referenced, enabling the reader to browse by project, or by detail type.
Uses work by respected architects to ensure high-quality examples.
Note: Other books in this series cover details in timber, glass, and concrete architecture, and can also be found through the link above.
8. Your Home Manual by the Australian Government (available here)
"Your Home is your guide to building, buying or renovating a home. It shows how to create a comfortable home with low impact on the environment – economical to run, healthier to live in and adaptable to your changing needs."
Why I recommend:
A thorough starting point for general information about designing and building environmentally sustainable homes.
Includes case studies for various locations.
An Australian Government resource.
9. The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It by Michael E. Gerber (available here)
“An instant classic, this revised and updated edition of the phenomenal bestseller dispels the myths about starting your own business. Small business consultant and author Michael E. Gerber, with sharp insight gained from years of experience, points out how common assumptions, expectations, and even technical expertise can get in the way of running a successful business.”
Why we recommend:
An award-winning essential piece of reading for anyone considering starting their own practice.
Paints a picture of the stages of every business, from start-up to well established, and the common hurdles faced at each stage.
Helps entrepreneurs approach a new venture with the correct mind-set and vision for their business, and how they can work ON their business, rather than IN it.
10. 101 Things I Didn’t Learn in Architecture School: And wish I knew before my first job by Sarah Lebner (available here)
“Your first architecture job can involve a very steep learning curve. This book helps students and graduates of architecture kick-start their career and shave months off their professional development.”
I wrote this book to help young architects:
Understand construction basics so you can avoid embarrassing situations and quickly understand instructions.
Grasp an overview of the industry and business of architecture so that you don’t feel kept in the dark
Gain personal tips and helpful resources for an enjoyable and successful work life.
COVID-19 BONUS RECOMMENDATION!
11. Remote by Jason Fried (available here)
“Does working from home--or anywhere else but the office--make sense? In Remote, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, the founders of Basecamp, bring new insight to the hotly debated argument. While providing a complete overview of remote work's challenges, Jason and David persuasively argue that, often, the advantages of working "off-site" far outweigh the drawbacks.”
Why we recommend:
Many of us have been thrown into remote working rather unexpectedly during COVID-19. This book is an obvious choice for those wanting to make remote working a successful way of life for their team or as an individual.
The book dispels many myths around working remotely.
Solutions and tactics are offered to make remote working more successful.
Do you have any other books that you would add to the list? Please send your suggestions through to sarah@myfirstarchitecturejob.com
If you’ve found this article useful, please join us! The first step is getting our monthly newsletter here.
