An Architect’s Birthday Wishlist for 2019
With my birthday coming up, I thought it was fitting to start this blog post tradition. This will be the first of many "Birthday Present Ideas for Architects” post.
First off, I want to get something out of the way. I LOVE GADGETS! Since I was a little boy, my dad has supported me with my love for electronics. You name it; game consoles, cellphones, cameras, computers. I have always been a fan of new technology. But don’t you worry, this gift guide won’t be all electronics. I enjoy other things too.
1.) The BOSE QC 35 II
I have mentioned the benefits of using this wireless headphones in a previous blog post. I have the older version. The main difference is Google Assistant. I opted out of upgrading mine since I use an iPhone. If you have an iPhone get the series 1 if you can find a good deal. If not, the QC series 2 will make more sense.
I love having my QC 35 withing reach of my work station. You can get up to 20 hours of battery life in wireless mode and 40 hours when wired. I tend to use it when I’m in my “design mode” and also “drafting mode”.
I always bring it with me when I travel. The noise cancelling feature makes watching/listening on the plane a much better experience! I can’t promote this enough. I got 3 of my friends to buy it, and they thanked me for telling them about it.
I know all my anti-Apple friends are gonna give me a hard time because of this but I have to. I recommend getting the first generation if you can get a good deal on it. Apple didn’t really do very many upgrades on the second generation for me to recommend it. If you have the extra cash and if wireless charging is something that appeals to you, by all means, get the latest gen.
So what do I love about the Airpods? First, I use it a lot at work. Although we play some sweet tunes at work, there are times when I just feel like listening to my own music or podcast. It’s nice that I can wear it in one ear and listen to whatever I want and still look like I can be bothered. When a co-worker or my boss talks to me, it’s so easy to take it off and engage in the conversation and it doesn’t seem like I am shutting down the whole world. Second, I love that it’s so portable. I put it in my coat pocket and I can bring it anywhere. The seamless connection between my iPhone, iPad and Macbook makes the Airpods a no brainer.
Although the Airpods aren’t really sweatproof, I still use them when I workout. I’ve had mine for over a year and a half now and they are still working!
3.) Copic Markers
I have always enjoyed sketching with markers. I particularly enjoy this set because I like to incorporate greenery in my designs. This help my sketches pop. They also have other trios that any architect would love to have. I gave away my whole set of markers when I left for Singapore so now I’m slowly trying to build my marker set back.
If you have an architect person in your life, give them this, to help them step up their sketch game.
4.) Logitech MX Master 2s
Why do I need to give a mouse to an architect? Don’t they just always draw with pen and paper? WRONG! Architects draw with a mouse and keyboard! Us architects use our computers to draw. Since we spend a lot of time sitting in front of our computer, our tools should be reliable and comfortable.
I have tried so many mouses and I think the Logitech MX Master 2s is something architects should have. Not only does it look pretty but it has a built-in feature called “Flow” that allows you to drag and drop files from different computers. You have to install the mouse on all the devices you want to use it with and it should work as if you have an extended screen. You also have the capability to switch between any three devices i.e. computer, tablet, and phone. You can also pair it with a keyboard to fully experience the beauty of this technology. I recommend the Logitech K375s or if you really love the architect in your life, get the Logitech Craft.
Here’s a video of how it works:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFhNlYddNYQ
5.) Hydroflask 20oz.
Most architects love coffee. There are a ton of “I turn coffee into Architecture” mugs out there but I find that having a Hydroflask is a good solution for most of my (and most architects) needs. Aside from sitting in front of a desk architects do various things throughout the day such as site visits, trying to get a permit, meeting with a client or a consultant. Not only does it allow me to enjoy a my coffee at 11 am after my morning meeting, it also allows me to bring it along with me on my long drive to a job site! I would recommend getting the boot as well to show you really care. It will help prevent the occasional coffee spills on drawings.
Here are other potential gift items that architects will love.
Dewalt Laser Measure - this is such a nice tool to have especially on site visits.
LEGO Architecture Eiffel Tower - this one is one of my favorite LEGO Architecture to assemble.
SanDisk- 128GB of portable storage is key to have in times of needing to transfer big project files.
Architect - kinda cheesy, but everyone needs at least 1 “architect” mug.
Zengest Wirebound A5 Dot Grid- this is a good notebook to keep ideas, sketches and even meetings notes. This by far is the best bang for your buck. It is also left-handed friendly!
