Process

At mAaD, we pride ourselves on preserving the tradition and artistry of hand drawing in our design process, utilizing modern tools like the Apple Pencil on iPad. Don’t worry, we take advantage of 2D and 3D CAD when the time is right, but we firmly believe that drawing by hand taps into the depths of the imagination in a way that designing with a keyboard and mouse does not, coaxing out the fragile ideas that bloom into more enduring architectural creations. Unlike photorealistic rendering software that can prematurely shape ideas, designing by hand fosters the kind of deep exploration essential for inventing projects of lasting quality.

Moreover, hand-drawn designs enable real-time collaboration with clients, creating transparency and involvement throughout the process. By sharing sketches and renderings during meetings, we invite clients into the creative process, empowering them to contribute insights and shape the final outcome.

Far from being backward, our commitment to hand drawing represents a deliberate choice to uphold the tradition of design craftsmanship while embracing modern technology. It's about updating a timeless skill for the 21st century, with our clients reaping the benefits of a collaborative, imaginative, and all-engaging design process. So, when you see us sketching by hand, think not a relic of the past but a revitalized approach to design and communication, with you as the ultimate beneficiary.

mAaD’s design-by-hand process

Please enjoy these video replays of the design process for some recent projects