Essentials for Architects

The core kits: site analysis packs, isometric brushes, plan rendering tools, vector planting and the general purpose sets that get used on almost every project regardless of programme.

These are the files that answer recurring problems. Every project needs a site analysis, and every site analysis needs the same vocabulary — sun path, wind, access, noise, views, topography — drawn consistently enough that the diagrams read as a series. Every rendered plan needs planting, shadows and people at credible sizes.

Buying by problem rather than by software keeps a library small. One entourage family, one texture family, one diagram vocabulary will carry more sheets than a hard drive of specialised packs you have to relearn each time.

See site analysis step by step, the diagram types worth knowing and using cutouts convincingly.