10 Supplies Every Interior Design Student Needs
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The start of school is just around the corner! And although I recently graduated as an interior design major- I want to impart my wisdom on returning interior design students or anyone looking to use those back-to-school offers to stock up their studio supplies.
I’m Aidan Lammers, an emerging designer and recent college graduate. These are the staples I think every interior design student needs to be successful in studio courses and stay on top of their projects.
1. Notebooks + Sketchbooks
Now any notetaking device will do, many of my classmates take notes on their iPads or laptops. I have used Moleskine notebooks for years because they are perfect for students always in a rush. They are easy to throw into a bag before a commute to class. Lined notebooks are great for avid notetakers while blank sketchbooks are great for the visual learner sketching out a lecture. I, personally, found it easier to find specific notes and sketch concepts faster (and more affordably) with lined noted books or dotted notebooks like these:
2. Planners + To-Do Lists
The easiest way to keep track of deadlines is with a planner and a to-do list. A to-do list helps you to prioritize your tasks, while the planner helps you to find time to execute them. This simple daily planner from NotePro would work well for both. But take time to find one that meets your needs and reflects your personality.
3. Black Ink Pens
You can’t take notes just with a notebook! It is essential to get a set of ink pens to mark up your design drawings and sketch ideas. Having a variety of thicknesses will help make your detail drawings and handwriting more legible. A selection of black ink pens will do! My favorite pens by Pigma Micron that have lasted me several semesters at a time. Definitely worth the investment!
4. Pencils
Much like the ink pen, pencils are needed for less permanent drawings like initial sketching and hand drafting plans and architectural details. I suggest a set of mechanical pencils with 0.5 mm lead for drawings. But if you want to test out various weights, a set of varied leads like the one tagged would be a great starter kit.
5. Trace Paper Roll
Drawing up your architectural details and interior space plans takes several iterations. And before drafting it all on the computer, university courses often have you learn to draw them by hand. Having a roll of trace paper handy will help you put your ideas to paper- much faster! I always kept a 12” roll in my bag for initial conceptualizing or overlaying small corrections. A larger trace paper roll will be best for large scale space planning and drafting plans.
6. Colored Marking Pens
Now that you have the tools to draw your smart design solutions, you may need to mark them up for corrections or collaborate with your classmates. Keep a set of fine liner pens, I prefer mini ones that are easy to travel with. I have used this set of Stabilo fineliner pens for all my courses- their longevity is just what a college student needs.
7. Headphones
Every student needs to be able to block out noise or get in the flow of creativity while diving into projects. I have used a cheap pair I got in a pinch, but I have my sights set on these affordable noise cancelling Bluetooth headphones by Logitech. They even have a microphone for virtual meetings and audio recording.
8. Laptop
The further you go along in an interior design program a laptop with a high-processor is a must! With all the programs a student uses for drafting, 3-D modeling, and rendering it’s no wonder. I have had my ASUS laptop for the last 4 years without having any difficulties using software. It was an affordable option that continues to work well after graduation The trick is to purchase gaming laptops- they have the best processors for your programs.
9. USB Flash / Hard Drives
While, thankfully, I never experienced any computer crashes in the middle of my projects- IT DOES HAPPEN. Work gets lost or deleted if you are in the middle of modeling or rendering. If you aren’t backing up to a storage cloud on your computer- physical drives will do the trick. I purchased the Seagate Portable Hard Drive just in case. It has 2TB of storage to sync your files as you work.
10. Sturdy Backpack or Bag
Lastly you need a sturdy backpack or bag to lug all of these items to your classes. Whether you thrift one or invest in a new one, a padded pocket, or case will prevent any damages from occurring during your commute. Pick a backpack that is sturdy and functional just as much as aesthetic.
Happy designing, students! Pick up your essentials for a successful year of interior design studio!
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