Sketching

11.30.2011 | By: Anne Mitchell

After graduating from graduate school last summer, I decided to move to the nation’s capitol. This move was not just to find a job and begin my career as a young architect, but also to continue my architectural education by submerging myself in an iconic city.

This city provides many opportunities to learn about design and architecture. When I am downtown and I emerge from the metro into the national mall, it still takes my breath.   Being able to sit and sketch a mix of old and new architecturally symbolic buildings has become an important learning tool for me. Putting pen to paper helps to really get to know and understand these landmarks and the city they form.

Sketching the environment in which you live can educate in a way that nothing else can.  It is important as a designer to continually evolve our education.  I have learned the value of doing this in a city like DC.