What to get an architect for Christmas … it’s a question I get asked every year because I must have my finger on the pulse of architects everywhere … or at least that’s what most people think. While it’s true I have some insight … because I’m an architect and I know what I like … most of these ideas reflect my own personal tastes … which are superb and have been finely honed over a span of 44 Christmases.

So let’s get to it. This is the list of What to get an Architect for Christmas – 2012.

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Cubebot – $20

Architects are really like grown up kids and I don’t know a single one that doesn’t still have an affinity for well designed toys. Cubebot originally made it into my office because I bought one as a white elephant gift last year for my office Christmas party. I failed to successfully navigate the intricacies of the gift exchange so it went to someone else … so I went out and bought another one for myself. The photos above should provide some clue as to whether or not I have enjoyed my “gift”.

(note to employers: all of these photos were created on my lunch break…)

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Sweater Vests – varies

Fashion is an area where I could find myself in trouble. While I tend to think I am a snappy snap dresser, the truth of the matter is that I’m probably not. If it weren’t for my wife, I would probably dress like a zombie – clothes full of holes and stains. I’ve never understood why the rank and file of such a purportedly creative bunch would choose to have their appearance so easily defined with all the black clothes and heavy framed glasses. We have been typed and categorized with minimal effort by the public at large and my wife frequently points out that as soon as an architect deviates from the recipe, they are terrible dressers. I used to dispute her opinion but it is becoming harder and harder argue my case when the evidence at her disposal is so readily available.

If case you don’t know (and you are probably an architect so why would you?) but that’s me and fashion icon Jason Wu … and I’m wearing a sweater vest in the picture. If this picture had been taken just a moment sooner, you would have seen that Jason winked at me and said “nice call on the sweater vest”*

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Neutra Complete Works $44

When I saw that this book was available on Amazon for only $44 ,I almost walked over to sit in a chair just so I could fall out of it. I remember when this book originally came out, it cost like a billion dollars, which is just out of my price range. As a result, I have always wanted one for myself. Instead of shelling out the actual $250 sticker price that was associated with this book when it came out in 2000, I bought food. So fast forward 12 years and a bunch of Ramen Noodles later, I’m pretty sure that this book will finally be making its way into my collection this December.

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Dewalt 18v Cordless Drill/ Driver DC970K $99

I have another post I am s l o w l y working on that is basically about the tools that you should have in your DIY tool bag. The number one item on that list is a quality power drill/ driver (insert our own tacky joke here). I have one that I bought probably 15 years ago that I still use all the time. It is unquestionably the most important tool that a person can have and if you are a somewhat younger-ish architect or architect in training, you will most certainly have use for an item like this. I myself have a Craftsman but I’ve included this one because it is currently the highest rated drill/driver on Amazon. It comes with its own case, quick charges in an hour, has two batteries (which is a feature that will frequently come in handy) and at 18v, it has the power to get just about any job around the house done. I’ve used mine to rebuild my deck, build a fence, a few bookcases, hung sheetrock, etc. etc. ad nauseum. Seriously, if you have someone you care about enough to spend $100 bucks on and they don’t have a drill, you know what you need to do.

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Welding Classes – $52 per credit hour (Dallas Community College)

I can almost guarantee that every architect, architecture student, or architect wanna-be wants to learn how to weld. Why? Because it’s cool, because it’s melting metal, and because you get to have totally cool gear. I don’t currently have anything that needs welding but don’t worry about that … I’d weld two pieces of scrap metal together and call it a paperweight.

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Architectural Models from Chisel & Mouse – $169

These are incredibly detailed and finely crafted plaster model reproductions of famous architectural buildings. I can appreciate that not everyone wants a ‘Cubebot‘ for Christmas … maybe something a little more dignified and refined is in order? These models are something that garners appreciation of the finished product … you get it, you look at it, you love it … but you don’t play with it. Each of the Chisel & Mouse architectural models is handmade in their studio in Sussex, England. They are made of strong plaster that has a reassuring weight and smooth, cool feel. The window frames and door are made of etched brass. Yes, these are stylish presents that are handmade in Britain.

For what it’s worth, my favorite is the Glasgow School of Art model, measuring in at 11in high, 6.5in wide, 2.5in deep and approximately 7lb. (my mailing address can be provided if you work at Chisel & Mouse…)

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Starbucks Gift Card – (at least $50 please, Starbucks is expensive)

There is a measured amount of amusement from me that this item in included on the list … because I don’t drink coffee.

What?!?

Yes, I am probably one of 7 architects on the planet that doesn’t drink coffee … but that doesn’t keep me from acknowledging the fact that there remains 233,000 other US architects who do drink coffee. If I could get my coffee with enough sugar, cream, make it frozen and serve it in a bowl … well, even I’d take that.

(The 2010 Statistical Yearbook of the United States Census Bureau reports that there are 233,000 architects in the United States for the year 2008 – I don’t have more recent information)

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Architectural T-Shirts $19 – $29

Yes, this is a shameless plug for my own T-Shirts. For what it’s worth, I have bought (yes, I have to buy my own T-Shirts if I want one) almost every shirt for myself to make sure that they were up to snuff to sell to other people. The Top 5 favorites are: Ar – Architect, As – Architecture Student, Id – Interior Design, Mo – Modern, and Cn – Cad Ninja. What has been surprising is that since I made all these designs in women’s sizes, most of the shirts have been purchased in women’s sizes.

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Home Brewing Kit $98 Bottles $10 Bottle Caps $7 Bavarian Hefeweizen Ingredient Kit $40

This is probably my favorite item on this years list … and I don’t even drink very much beer (and I’m certainly not a connoisseur of handcrafted beers) but this is a great present for a lot of reasons. The personality traits that can be found in most architects lend themselves quite nicely to what it takes to craft home brewed beer. Attention to detail, ability to impart some personal flair, you can design your own beer labels, and the drinking of these batches is a social event – FYI – Architects shouldn’t ever drink by themselves … they might start designing post-modern buildings [shudder]. Last (but not least) is that you have a built in present F O R E V E R if this present takes and your “brewer” stays with the hobby.

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So Ho Ho Ho! That wraps up the 2012 list of What to get an Architect for Christmas. Shopping for overly-picky, demanding, self-righteous architects isn’t particularly fun but if you follow the items on this list, I can reasonably guarantee you will have success. I’ve tried to make this as easy as possible, if you click on any of the images or descriptions in this post, it will take you to a website where you can buy (or shop further) for the items I have listed.

* that is completely untrue but not completely an impossibly … it was a nice sweater vest.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”