This architect-led workshop will take sketchers out into the surrounding neighborhood to practice free-hand drawing by observing, analyzing, and documenting buildings as well as learning about the architectural history of select buildings. The workshop will start in front of Alexandria’s City Hall where a brief history lesson will be shared, then the group will have two tour options to choose from that will cover north and south of King Street. Sketchers will have the opportunity to draw while learning about the history and architecture of Old Town. Each tour will have two main sketch points with many other points of interests along the tour. A wrap-up session will end the workshop with a chance for participants to share their sketches with others. A final social happy hour will follow.

Locations: 

• Meet in the open area off N Royal Street next to Gadsby’s Tavern, and in front of City Hall at 1:45PM
• Tour Option 1 – North of King Street
• Tour Option 2 – South of King Street
• Final Tour Stop – Point Lumley Park (Corner of Duke St and Strand St)
• Happy Hour at 4:00PM – Waterfront Location TBD

Learning Objectives

1. Review the history and importance of sketching for architects and designers as a tool for creative thinking and exploration.
2. Explore differences between “artistic” and “design” sketching and how architects typically use sketching as an integral component of their design process. Examples will also be given for application of sketching in non-design fields like computer programming.
3. Identify ways that sketching can be used in a modern architect’s office setting in conjunction with computer software for 2-D drawing, 3-D modeling, and artistic rendering.
4. Experiment with sketching through participation in a plein-air walking tour with several stops for group sketching opportunities.

Provider: AIA Northern Virginia
Provider Number: A058
Course Number: NOVA2026-009, Session 1

2.0 AIA LU|Elective