We depend on architects as they are the ones creating our living spaces. So, do you want to show your gratitude properly?
Now we know that architects spend a lot of time designing and exploring various architectural style options. They generally have excellent taste, and you may be wondering what can be a great gift idea for them.
Giving an architect money or choosing a random book will not be an interesting option. They would instead love something that is more in tune with their work and passion. There are works of famous architects or midcentury modern masterpiece styles that they may like.
You can give them Lego construction sets based on Frank Lloyd Wright’s works or books on contemporary design to name a few options. We have discussed such cool gifts in the section below to help you find the top gifts for architects.
Read on to know more!
50 Best Gifts For Architects
1. Pair Of Blueprint Cufflinks
Imagine walking into a party place in town with cufflinks that show off your profession in a cool and classy way! Yes, you can make that happen with the help of these blueprint cufflinks. While it makes for a fantastic gift for others, it can also be gifted to oneself. The cufflinks look like tiny blueprints with a silver base, and they are sure to stand out in a crowd.
Plus, it can become a conversation starter, for that matter. No wonder one might meet a fellow architect who immediately recognizes the pattern and smiles back!
2. LEGO Architecture Studio
Let that inner architect in your loved one design houses and properties with the LEGO architecture studio. With 1,210 white and transparent LEGO bricks, a 272-page guidebook, and sorting trays, this is a set that is sure to impress. One can create unlimited structures and design model buildings.
Moreover, the guidebook has inputs from leading architects and is edited by the famous Christopher Turner. It can be used for inspiration and ideas that can then be brought to life with the brick pieces.
3. Concrete Desk Set
Concrete is one of the key materials that architects work with, and there is a way to bring it to their table. A concrete desk set is a very thoughtful gift idea that can be given to professional architects to keep in their workspace. It is made by London-based designer Magnus Pettersen who wanted to give it a very minimalist look.
Furthermore, you will find a tray, tape dispenser, and a pen holder – all made of solid concrete. You will love the modern look along with the light gray ivory color.
4. Architect Mug
Do you want to tickle the funny bone of an architecture enthusiast? Then this quirky mug can be the perfect gift for your architect friend. We know that the word ‘architect’ can be difficult to spell, and the mug conveys the message in a funny way.
5. Frank Gehry Master Class
For a budding architect who wants to learn about designs and modern architecture, this will be a very thoughtful gift. Frank Gehry is known to be one of the top architects of the world, and he has his own masterclasses online. The classes include 17 tutorials, which can be accessed anytime post-enrollment.
Also, you can get a class workbook that can be downloaded and stored for personal use. While everybody might be looking at physical gifts, this can be an ideal present to learn about architectural concepts.
6. Leica Laser Distance Measure
Every architecture student and professional will need to measure physical areas for creating smaller models of the same before starting the actual work. The Leica Laser Distance Measure will be a wonderful gift for such people as it will play an integral role in creating an architectural design.
The best part about this laser measurement tool is that you can use the Bluetooth feature to transfer the measurement details to any other software. It can store the details of ten measurements, serving as an instrumental piece, especially for landscape architects.
7. The Story of Buildings: From the Pyramids to the Sydney Opera House and Beyond
We all live in some form of building, and our entire life revolves around these structures. You reside in them, go to school, and end up working in them too. But have you ever thought about how these buildings came into existence?
This book will be a great gift for those who are studying architecture or looking to understand how buildings were built. From the pyramids made by Egyptians to the dramatic Pompidou Center, you will find details about the most remarkable structures in history.
8. The Architect Says: Quotes, Quips, And Words Of Wisdom
One of the best gifts for architects is The Architect Says, wherein you can learn a lot about architecture and how top designers think. There are a lot of quotations from hundreds of opinionated minds to help you know more about the different architectural concepts.
You can read the views of a contemporary architect on one page and then of someone from the 18th century on the next. The thought processes are diverse, making it the perfect gift for your architect friends.
9. Architectural Coffee Mug
Is your friend very interested in architectural history and design? Then this blueprint mug can be a fun and thoughtful gift for that person. There are blueprints of famous structures like the Pantheon and Notre Dame Cathedral, which you can see printed on all sides of the mug.
10. Baseball Stadium Blueprints
Only an architect will realize the importance of framed blueprints and you can give them just that.
Do you remember the baseball stadiums where you would go to watch tournaments held on the weekends? An architecture enthusiast will see beyond the game and will generally be more interested in the blueprint of the structure.
This blueprint is printed on archival paper, which is museum-grade, and has a BonanzaWood frame that is acid-free and made in Portland, Oregon. Any architecture enthusiast will love to hang it in their room or office space.
11. FlashForge 3D Printer Creator Pro
One of the demands of mad architects is to be able to bring their ideas to life. The best way to get this done is with the help of FlashForge 3D Printer Creator Pro. This will help you make a scaled-down model of the design that you have in mind. Plus, it can be kept on the architect’s desk because of its compact size.
If you give it to architects, they are going to enjoy creating new structures and you will have given them a scope to dream bigger.
12. Living Composter
One can get their creative juices flowing but that may require them to keep drinking multiple cups of coffee. The person might end up filling their desk space with empty coffee and tea bags. And of course, a cluttered space can hinder creativity, and that is where a living composter comes in.
It is scientifically designed to ensure that you can remove grains, tea bags, and peels of vegetables from the house without having to use the dustbin. Just put it inside the composter for the worms to feed on them.
Hence, if you are looking for a fantastic gift idea for your architect friend who lives on multiple cups of tea, then this can be a great option. The person can throw in the tea bag after every use in the composter for the worms.
13. Frank Lloyd Wright Double Sided Puzzle
If you want your friend to explore their creativity, this puzzle by Frank Lloyd Wright will be a great choice. It comes with a blueprint of the Fallingwater and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and you can enjoy a double-sided masterpiece.
Moreover, there are 500 puzzle pieces to put together, making it an exciting and challenging game for architecture students.
14. Professor Puzzle Notre Dame
How about indulging your family member or friend in creating one of the most famous buildings of all time? Yes, we are talking about the Notre Dame Cathedral, and unlike your 2D puzzles, this has a lot more to offer. Architecture students or structural architects will love this set, where you get to reconstruct the entire structure piece by piece.
Your loved one is surely going to be elated to be able to step into the shoes of great architects.
15. NYC Skyline Chess
If an architect enthusiast has a thing for buildings in New York, then this chessboard is a great gift option. Every piece represents a building, and when you place all the pieces, it looks like the iconic skyline of New York. We found this to be a perfect gift idea for architects and dreamers who love chess.
16. The Hand Of The Architect
If you are in search of a future architect’s handbook that could help in the concept development process, then this is going to be a great option. It contains 378 artworks by 110 architects who are very well-known in this sphere. One can learn about iconic design projects and creativity from the theoretical knowledge that this read imparts.
As architects, a lot of people have left reviews about this book where they have praised the drawing and the techniques used in it.
17. Contractor Pen
Architects need tools to work well, and a contractor pen can be very helpful. It is a multi-tool that can be used anywhere. You can write in places with extreme temperatures. The heat and the cold will not affect it at all. Plus, it can be used on aluminum, wood, galvanized steel, and even underwater.
The pen even comes with a magnetic strip and a ruler that can be used to work. If you know of a practicing architect or those practicing architectural design, then this will be a great gift for them.
18. The Future Of Architecture In 100 Buildings
Have you ever wondered what this planet would look like in another 50 years? The building design and style may change, and modern architecture may completely give way to newer styles. That is where this book comes in, where you can explore the future of architecture and architectural drawings.
19. The Architecture Of The Cocktail: Constructing The Perfect Cocktail From The Bottom Up
An architect also needs to have fun, and this book is going to help with that. Yes, while your friend might be working all day constructing detailed structures, the aspiring architect in him might want to create cocktails at night.
This book talks about the art of mixology and how to get those perfectly balanced drinks. Mixing is an art, and architecture enthusiasts might truly love this cool gift.
20. Funny Ugly House Architect Unisex T-shirt
Professional architects might want to flaunt their job on weekends when they are relaxing. That is when they will need this funny T-shirt. You will be happy to know that it is entirely made of cotton and comes in 5 colors. Get to know about your friend’s favorite shade, and then buy the perfect gift for them to chill in.
21. Rotring 800 Mechanical Pencil
Up next is this mechanical pencil, which comes with a completely black metal body. You will be able to twist and click it because it comes with a retractable mechanism. The best part about these pencils is that they have a built-in eraser with a cap on top.
Now an architect will always need a pencil to work with as they are mostly drawing new concepts and structures. Making mistakes and rubbing parts of the design is going to happen while one tries to build detailed structures on paper. The pencil can be a constant companion for the architect, making it a very sought-after choice.
22. rOtring Rapid PRO
If you are looking for inexpensive gift ideas, then the Rotring 800 Mechanical Pencil set is going to be an amazing choice. There are five matte pens, which are black and sleek. All of them have a message written in gold that stands out. The messages are quirky, and your friend will truly enjoy their experience while working with them.
Plus, architects will always need pens, and there is no way that you can go wrong with this gift.
23. The Unemployed Philosophers Guild Architecture Coffee Mug
If your loved one is fascinated by some of the amazing architectural wonders that are there on the planet at the moment, then this mug will truly be impressive. It contains architectural wonders from all around the world from ancient times till now. These can act as pieces of inspiration as they can make one dream of indulging in bigger projects.
24. Future Architect Babysuit
Did your architect friend just have a baby? Then this Future Architect baby suit will be a wonderful gift for their little one. It is a small onesie available in white color with the design of a house in it. You will find the words ‘future architect’ written just below the drawing.
For architect parents, this onesie will let others know that this little one can also become an architect in the future.
25. Drawing And Sketching Pencil Zipper Case
If you know a traveling architect who works in different fields and has to move around a lot, then this can be a great gifting option. Here, you will find a set of 12 pencils, one white eraser, a sharpener, and a drawing pad along with a zippered case that will help in carrying the pencils.
One can store them all together in one place, ensuring that none of the parts get lost. Also, the case is sleek and can easily fit into any bag that you may be carrying. Your architect friend can make this a part of their everyday life by keeping it in their work bag.
26. LEGO Architecture Studio Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
If you know of architecture enthusiasts who have a thing for large and intricate structures, then this LEGO Architecture Studio Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum set will work well. It is going to get them all excited about learning in detail about the structure, and they can then recreate it with the 208 parts offered inside the box.
Originally designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, this is a wonderful replica of the real structure. You will also find a booklet inside the back where details about the history and design are mentioned. So, yes, an architect enthusiast is going to relish and enjoy the experience.
27. 101 Things I Learned In Architecture School
There are professional architects who might have gone to architecture schools many years back. Now over time, it is very normal to slowly forget everything that one learns in school. The 101 Things I Learned In Architecture School will remind you of all the important things that are taught, and one can do a quick recap.
This makes for a very thoughtful gift, and it shows that you are concerned about your friends’ careers and want the best for them.
28. Architect Parking Only Sign
If your friend works in an architecture office, then this is going to make his desk stand out. The architect parking only sign can be attached anywhere near the desk, and it comes with a funny, witty slogan written on it.
The size is 8 inches by 12 inches, and it has a scratch-resistant finish. You can attach it on top of your desk or cabinet where everybody else can see the sign. Also, you will be happy to know that this sign is very durable and can easily last for years to come.
29. DIY LEGO Clock
For all the architects looking at futuristic designs, this DIY LEGO clock is a fantastic gifting option. It looks extremely postmodern, which means it will be standing out at all times. The base of the clock is created with LEGO blocks, and there are four separate LEGO blocks placed to make it easier to understand the time.
Just looking at this clock can make one feel inspired to create new designs and exciting structures. Plus, the simplicity of the item is very eye-catching, making it a perfect choice for architecture offices.
30. Pallet Board Map
If the architect that you know loves to travel the world or dreams of traveling and exploring one day, then this is an incredible gift for them. Here, you will find a pallet board where the map of the world is drawn. This can be put up on office walls, or one can hang it in their house behind the sofa or the bed.
The best part here is that the design is such that it can fit almost all kinds of home decor. Hence, you can safely gift it to any architect that you know of.
31. DIY Flip Desk
This is one of those very useful gift ideas, which can help out an architect a lot. While nobody generally thinks of giving a desk as a gift, you can win the best gift award just with this. The best part about this particular product is that a part of the tabletop can be flipped up.
It provides additional space as well as you can hang designs and study them carefully without having to bend over the desk.
32. DIY Terrarium
While an architect may be spending his entire time working with bricks and mortar, you can give a piece of nature. These DIY terrariums look beautiful and can bring a little amount of greenery to the tabletop. The best part is that one can place it anywhere in the room, and it will add an artsy touch to the place.
In case you want to amp it up, add a wooden patterned coaster or tray to keep the terrarium on. That will add to the aesthetics as well as make the plants look beautiful.
33. DIY Modern Mousepad
If your friend is very aesthetically driven, then this can be an impressive gift. You will love the polka-dotted background and the bright golden fonts. It can be truly inspiring for architects who may need a tad bit of encouragement when they sit to work every day. Plus, it will add the necessary bling to the desk.
In case you plan to gift something with it, we will recommend some terrariums or planters. That will provide the place with a cool and quirky vibe.
34. Sawhorse Desk
The sawhorse desk is going to be a fantastic addition to a rustic workroom. If your friend likes things that are made at home, then you can make this one and then gift it. Now you must be thinking about whether the process is going to be difficult!
Well, let me tell you that it is not very difficult to make as there are two simple legs along with a broad top. The top needs to be broad enough for an architect to be able to keep blueprints and study them.
They could also use this to sketch tall buildings by placing the paper vertically on the table. Just remember to polish it once you are done and the table should look perfect. In case you are not confident about it, get a carpenter to do the job for you.
35. DIY Pencil Holder
If you are a DIY enthusiast, then you can make a pencil holder and gift it to a loved one. Now an architect will always need a pencil holder to keep all their essentials. Here pieces of reflective mirror glass have been used to make this very industrial-looking pencil holder.
You can make it yourself or take the help of someone. Just keep in mind that the width of the holder will depend on the container that you choose.
36. Mini Red Bricks With Pallets
As an architect who loves to create new structures, there cannot be a better plaything than bricks. Now imagine being able to bring the bricks to the table and then fiddling with them while attending phone calls. Yes, with this set, your friend will be able to do just that.
There are 90 small miniature bricks with a pallet in the set. The bricks are made of real concrete and are 1/12th the size of real bricks.
However, they are made with great detailing, making them look super accurate. An architect can play around with these bricks and create miniature structures, which can then act as inspirations for their next project.
37. Nordic Wooden House
If your friend has recently moved into a new house, this table decor set can be a great housewarming gift. Here, you will find small wooden houses of different shapes and sizes, which can be placed in the work area. They are made of cherry wood and black walnut, both of which make the houses very attractive.
That is not all, as the design is timeless, and an architect can keep it for years to come. Plus, it can bring a piece of Nordic design to the architecture enthusiast’s table.
38. Kikkerland Cinder Block Magnets
The cinder block magnets are tiny little pieces that can be used to keep the deskspace organized. One can use these blocks to hold pieces of paper and important notes to remember when one is working on extensive projects.
On the other hand, bricks are such that they can be used to create 2D structures on tabletops or whiteboards. Mostly these cinder block magnets come in multiple packs; hence, one can always play around and have fun with them in between work.
39. Cabin Architecture Book
Written by Henry David Thoreau, this book is going to be an inspiration for all those who believe in living inside cabins in rustic settings. There are eco-friendly solutions to inculcate, and the living requirements can be quite different. You can learn about cabin living from eco-home huts present in the western ghats of India to the Suffolk coast in England.
What’s more, there are beautiful colorful images of cabins in nature, and one can learn about the interior and exterior design of the cabin. Plus, you will find that a number of shapes and designs have also been discussed depending on the terrain.
Architects who want to settle in their cabins and move away from the wilderness will love this.
40. Magnetic Sculpture Blocks Cubes
The inner architect needs to fidget with something during the hour-long phone calls, conferences, and brainstorming sessions. This is a fidget toy that can help with just that.
While it makes for a great accessory on the table, one can also keep playing with it and creating structures, which can then act as inspirations. Impromptu models can be made, or one can use them to demonstrate different concepts.
Also, if you know of someone who is studying architectural history, then they can use the 216 pieces in the pack to create model buildings and arches.
41. Eames Lounge Chair
Do you wish to give your friend the ultimate comfort after every tiring working day? The Eames Lounge Chair is going to be an ideal addition to everyday life, and your friend is going to be grateful for it.
This lounge chair is known to be one of the most iconic designs found in the world. But the original version is extremely expensive, and you might not be able to afford it. However, you will get replicas on the market that look very much like the original one.
These will be made of rosewood plywood high-grade Italian leather, along with a base made of aluminum. The chair looks luxurious, and your loved one will be truly ecstatic after receiving it.
42. Fire Escape Wall Shelves
This is a very interesting addition to a room, and your architecture friend will love it. The Fire Escape Wall Shelves are made of epoxy-coated metal, which looks beautiful when mounted on the wall. The shelves look like ordinary fire escape stairs, and you can use them to keep books and other accessories.
Measuring around 12″ x 3.8″ x 25.5″, the fire escape wall shelves can be put up in any room. It will meet all the storage needs and will ensure that plants and books that are placed on it look beautiful.
Plus, we will give you a pro tip here! These shelves look beautiful against a brick-walled background as they will have a similar feel to real fire escape stairs.
43. Karl Johan Table Lamp
Every architect needs good lighting to be able to work, so what about giving them an art piece that also lights up? The Karl Johan table lamp can be a beautiful and poetic addition to the table as it comes with an oval-shaped dome made of smoked glass.
When you first see this lamp, you must be reminded of mushrooms, and that is exactly where the inspiration has been drawn from. The designer, Signe Hytte, had gone into an autumn forest to search for wild mushrooms. She found the mushroom head and the soft curves to be gorgeous and replicated that while creating this beautiful piece.
You will get a warm, mellow light that will work well in your bedrooms too.
44. Hexagonal Bulletin Boards
An architect will always look for physical inspiration, and this board can help the person keep pictures, magazine pages, and articles in one place. The hexagonal boards can be attached to any surface with sticky foam adhesive on the back. Then one can use it to attach pieces of paper and photographs.
If your loved ones are currently in architecture school, then this might be the perfect option for their dorm rooms. After all, as space is limited, there is no need to keep the tablespace occupied with pieces of paper.
45. Designer Tumblers
Created and designed by Daniele Semeraro, this set of 2 frosted glass tumblers will be well appreciated by architects. They are carefully constructed and will fit into the hand perfectly. Also, every time you keep them on the table, the drink is swirled naturally.
Moreover, the sheer amount of attention that is given while making these art pieces is enough to hold the attention of architects. This is because they already have a knack for great design, and this set will fit right into their homes.
46. Minimalist Grinder
If your loved one is a passionate chef, as well as an architect, then the minimalist grinder set, can be an exciting gift. The bottle grinder has actually been designed by architects, and they do not look like an ordinary container at all.
Instead, you will see a smooth shell with a ceramic mechanism that is pleasing to look at. Moreover, you can easily grind spices with varying levels of coarseness, which will then come out of the top. Hence, you do not need to fear any of them spilling on the table.
47. Handmade Teapot
If your friend has been fascinated by Chinese pottery, then this can be a great addition to their kitchen. Made of Yixing clay, each of these teapots is crafted individually by artisans, and they can be used as centerpieces for the table too. They are chic and elegant, with beautiful curved lines on the sides.
48. Precision Cutting Board
If your friend is very particular about measurement, then this cutting board is surely going to be impressive. Designed for those architects with a knack for cooking, this board comes with precision marks that can be used to cut vegetables with accuracy.
It can be used to julienne, cut, slice, dice, and brunoise easily, thanks to the grid line marks.
49. MoMA Perpetual Calendar
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) store has created this beautiful desktop calendar, which will add a stylish twist to one’s table. It comes with four cubes that are to be placed one after another on a black base. We love modern design, and we feel professional architects will surely be impressed by it.
Moreover, the cubes are colorful, thereby capable of adding vibrancy to the desk space.
50. Architectural Glass Terrarium
While we have already discussed terrariums, this one sports a very interesting design. It looks like a miniature version of a greenhouse with stained glass on the sides. Designed to please architects, this product can help one add some greenery to the tabletop.
Gifts For Architects Buying Guide
We have discussed a huge list of items that may work out well for you. But you may still be confused about which one to choose. Hence, we thought of adding a buyer’s guide that will help in the process. So, read on to know all about it!
1. Preference
If the architect is close to you, then you will already have an idea as to what the person might like. There is no point in giving someone a book who has no time to sit and read. Instead, a fidget toy might work out better.
Another example would be if they already have a few desks in place, then there is no point in giving them another one. Instead, you can give them desk accessories, decor pieces, or a cool mug to keep on it. A desk lamp may also be a great idea for all those who prefer to work at night.
If the person is not close to you, then try to know a little about their life through social media or other forums that are accessible. This way, you will be able to come up with safe gift ideas.
Moving on, architects are born designers, and there are multiple fields that they can be passionate about. An architect may be interested in interior designing, and there are specific gifts for them too. Then there is graphic designing, which might take up a lot of their free time.
2. Budget
You will always have a set budget for a gift, and it is best if you determine that before. We have made sure that there are gifts belonging to all categories, whatever your budget might be. If you have a tight budget, then there are mugs or a t-shirt that you can give. Otherwise, there are desks or Lego sets that can be gifted.
If you are feeling fancy and want to shower an architect with a gift that will move him, you can give them a camera. The Canon Digital SLR Camera Body [EOS 80D] is a great example that comes with 24.2 megapixels. It allows continuous shooting, and your loved one will be able to capture buildings and structures well.
Also, if you are a DIY enthusiast, then there are options that can be made at home. For example, the mirror pen stands or the rustic desk made in a workshop.
3. Feasibility
Which gift is feasible for you to give? This is a question that needs to be answered before you purchase an item.
For example, if the architect you know stays on the other side of the world, then you will want to give them something that does not stand a chance of breaking. This is especially true if you are sending it through a courier service. That eliminates all items made of ceramic, but we are sure that you will still have multiple choices.
On the other hand, if you are going to send the product directly to their house through an online shopping portal, then you can experiment with a number of options.
Remember that the DIY projects will not work as gifting options if the person stays very far away. But if you are gifting a friend who lives in the same city, then a handmade item can be a very personal gift.
Will Architects Like Electrical Gadgets?
Architects work a lot on their computers, and they might like a camera or something that makes life easier while working for hours. However, we will recommend looking at the design more than the technology. A beautiful lamp will be a far better idea than the latest phone, for that matter.
What Can You Gift A Person Who Dreams Of Becoming An Architect?
If you are wondering about this, chances are we are talking about a younger person or someone who is preparing to get into architecture school. You can give them books where intricate details about the top structures in the world have been discussed. This can inspire them to join the field and dream of creating such structures themselves.
Is It Alright To Gift A Handmade Gift To Work Colleagues?
If you are close to a person and know them outside work, then a DIY gift will be a great idea as it shows that you have spent time and effort in making it. But for people who are only connected through work, it is best to give something a little more professional. A beautiful pen stand set in concrete or a desk cube calendar will be a great choice.
Final Words
You can ask your friends about their favorite architect and then give them a book that makes sense to them. Also, remember that all the items listed above can make for an amazing Halloween or Christmas gift.
We are sure that your friend will enjoy the present, and they will genuinely be surprised about how you managed to find such unique items.
However, just try to know a little more about your architect friend before opting for any of these options. In case they work on construction sites, then think accordingly.
There is no point in giving them desk accessories as they will mostly be working outdoors. With this, we will be ending this guide, but we promise to be back soon with such useful reads.
Till then, take care!
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