12 Amazing Architecture and Design Blogs You Have To Read!
Start your day with a dose of inspiration from some of my favourite architecture and design blogs!
*Disclaimer: The Cozy Urbanite is currently NOT an affiliate with any organization. We do not make any commissions on purchases made through our links at this time. Should this change in the future, we will update all posts and privacy pages*
As a university student studying design, I spent A LOT of my time browsing through architecture blogs, and let me tell you, there’s no shortage of them!
These days, I spend less time reading blogs about architecture but can still appreciate the value they bring me when I do. I used to read them primarily for design inspiration and presentation formatting, but now I read them for career advice and to get to know my community (and the industry) better.
Pinterest vs. Blogs
Pinterest as Inspiration
If you’re looking for great design inspiration in your down time, Pinterest is a gem. I love Pinterest, and if someone tries to tell you that it’s not a good way to get inspired, don’t listen to them. It’s a GREAT resource when you’re just looking to spruce up your home, or, if you’re a student, looking to get some ideas on how to put together your panels for your final crit!
Interior designers LOVE using Pinterest and many successful firms have their own pages with millions of followers every month, so don’t try to tell me it’s not a good way for people to get some really good ideas.
Blogs as Inspiration
Now that we’ve established that Pinterest is a great place to start if you need to get the gears turning, let’s move on to architecture and design blogs. The main difference between the two is that Pinterest is obviously heavy on the graphics while blog posts are heavy on the information.
That being said, sometimes, Pinterest just doesn’t do the trick and you’ve gotta go make friends with the all-knowing Google to find what you’re looking for. Maybe you’re looking for urban architecture blogs, or sustainable architecture blogs; throw it into google and it’ll spit out TONS of articles related to what you’re interested in reading!
Want to come back to this list of 12 Amazing Architecture and Design Blogs? Pin it for later!
12 Of The Best Architecture and Design Blogs 2023
You’re probably here because you want to find something new to read. So let’s get right into it!
I’ve put together a list containing 12 of my favourite architecture blogs that range from design ideas to industry-specific advice, and even local Ottawa firms that have blogs on their websites. This list of both well-known and less-known blogs has something for everyone, and I hope you’ll go check them out!
- Arch Daily
- 30×40 Design Workshop
- Life of an Architect
- Archinect
- Archi Soup
- Architectural Digest
- Dezeen
- Houzz
- Young Architect
- Architects DCA (Local Firm)
- Kariouk Architects (Local Firm)
- blOAAg (Provincial Association)
Arch Daily
If you’ve ever research anything even remotely related to either architecture, interior design or similar, you’ve likely stumbled across at least ONE Arch Daily article. It’s packed with posts about everything and anything related to the construction and design industry.
If you’re just starting out as a student of architecture, or someone who wants to get into it, this is definitely a good place to start.
30×40 Design Workshop
30×40 is a blog that I really appreciate as someone who loves learning about the ins and outs of running a practice in this field. The person who runs the blog is Eric Reinholdt, a licensed architect in the US.
He also has a Youtube channel dedicated to all things architecture, and I would highly recommend you also go check it out by clicking right here.
Life of an Architect
If you’re looking to see into the life of an architect, this one is for you. Bob Borson is a licensed architect in Texas. His way of writing makes all his posts such an easy read and there are so many useful tips for those trying to navigate their careers in the field.
Not only is the blog extremely informative, but it’s also hilarious. I truly love the casual no bs approach that Bob has when he writes. It’s a welcoming writing style in a field that can often seem a bit academic.
Archinect
The best way for me to describe Archinect is that it’s like LinkedIn for architecture enthusiasts. It covers trending topics in the field via articles, but also has a section for employment where firms can post jobs to try and grow their studios. Not only that, but it has an extremely useful section listing off all the architecture schools with detailed descriptions about the school itself.
If you’re looking for a blog that encompasses the best of both worlds (general design posts and hyper specific industry articles), this one’s for you.
Archi Soup
Archi Soup is hands down one of my all-time favourites. It has SO MUCH useful information for architecture students, architectural interns, and licensed professionals it’s unreal.
Although they’re geared towards people in the profession, I would argue that A LOT of their articles are applicable to clients who have either hired an architect or are looking at hiring one in the future. Things like understanding architecture terms, or knowing what an architect does, or even understanding architectural services! These are critical pieces of information every client should know, and I love that they make it so readily available to people.
Architectural Digest
Architectural Digest is similar to Arch Daily. It covers a wide range of topics, including architecture, real estate, lifestyle, etc.
I would say it’s more magazine-esque than Arch Daily, which makes it suitable for your ever-day reader looking to see latest trends in design while looking for some inspiration.
Dezeen
Dezeen is arguably the most similar to Arch Daily with its primary focus being solely on all things architecture.
Like Arch Daily, it provides readers with posts on architecture, interior design, look books, opinion pieces, courses, etc. It has some great reads for people trying to get some design inpo or wanting to learn about the world.
Houzz
I’m gonna be honest, Houzz is seriously your one-stop-shop for everything home reno and design related. It not only boasts a HUGE section full of inspiration, but also allows homeowners to find local professionals in their area.
AND, yes AND, it has an extensive selection of shoppable and trending products to make the process of remodeling or furnishing even easier. Worth every click. Trust me.
Young Architect
Ok so Young Architect is very much for those in the profession. It’s a great resource for students and young interns in the field looking to get some career advice. Notably, they have a lot of articles about how to study licensing exams – which we all LOVE so much.
Young Architect also has a Podcast and a Youtube channel, both of which are absolutely worth checking out.
Architects DCA
Architects DCA is a local firm in Ottawa, ON and they have a pretty extensive blog article list. The president of the firm, Toon Dreessen, is a Carleton grad and was president of the OAA in 2015 and 2016.
Having sat in on a few lectures given by Toon, you can tell he likes being involved with the current goings-on of the profession. I can appreciate the fact that he speaks out about issues that are often found within the field and tries to provide insight on how we can all help to change them.
Kariouk Architects
Another firm local to Ottawa, Kariouk Architects also has a small blog on their website that’s absolutely worth the read. The principal, Paul Kariouk, is also a professor at Carleton University. Like Toon Dreessen, I’ve had the opportunity to have Paul Kariouk both as a lecturer, and a professor.
Although the number of articles isn’t extensive, they are, nonetheless, all very insightful for students and homeowners.
blOAAg
The OAA stands for Ontario Association of Architects and is the association that I’m currently in as an Intern Architect. Admittedly, I sometimes forget that they have a blog that is surprisingly really interesting. I say “surprisingly” because it’s not every day that a professional association goes above and beyond to feature articles that speak to more than just “how to become an architect”.
The blog is home to many articles by various authors such as licensed professionals, intern architects and even students. These posts range from daily sketches, to showcasing architecture in the province, and even Q&As with pros in the field. I’d highly recommend this one for young students looking to become architects within Ontario, or even those just looking to see what kind of talent exists within the province.
Why Read Architecture and Design Blogs?
It’s simple really. Knowledge!
As a student you want to learn about it, as a professional you want to keep up with it, and as someone part of the community, you want to get involved with it!
Architecture as a whole has the ability to bring people together. You can often find it in all facets of life, and the 12 Amazing Architecture and Design Blogs mentioned above are sure to give you a healthy dose of it each and every time.
xo
Looking to get some design inspiration? Check out my 10 Easy Tricks To Making Your Home Cozy!
