How to Stay Organized in Architecture School

Staying organized in architecture school can feel overwhelming, especially with the constant flow of plates, tools, and digital files.

But trust me, once you develop a routine and stick to it, you’ll save yourself from unnecessary stress—and even have more time to focus on your designs.

Here are some practical tips to help you stay on top of everything, from managing your physical plates to organizing your digital workspace.

The sooner you start building these habits, the easier your journey through architecture school will be!

1. Designate a Space for Your Plates

Architecture plates aren’t just big—they’re massive. You’ll quickly realize how much space they take up, especially when you start collecting rolled sheets of tracing paper and boards.

Invest in a specific cabinet, drawer, or storage solution to keep your plates organized.

I use a steel drawer for my rolled plates, and it’s been a lifesaver. Before that, I relied on a large bucket, but it became chaotic as my collection grew.

Having a dedicated space also helps if you stock unused materials like tracing paper and boards.

Keeping these supplies neatly stored means you won’t waste time hunting for what you need when deadlines are looming.

2. Create a Home for Your Tools

Imagine being in the middle of a last-minute plate and not being able to find your ruler or drafting pen. Frustrating, right? That’s why every tool needs a designated “home.”

For tools you use daily, like pencils or erasers, consider a portable case or organizer.

For less frequently used items, dedicate a specific shelf or drawer to keep everything tidy. When you know exactly where to find your tools, you’ll save time—and avoid unnecessary stress.

3. Use a Cloud Drive for Your Digital Plates

Digital plates and files are just as important to organize as physical ones. Cloud storage is a must. I use Google Drive, which syncs automatically across devices.

With my school email, I even have unlimited storage!

Before each semester, I create folders for every subject and subfolders for notes, presentations, and assignments.

This setup ensures that I can quickly find what I need without sifting through random files. Plus, with everything stored online, I can access my work anywhere.

4. Back Up Your Work on an External Hard Drive

Relying solely on the cloud isn’t enough—backing up your files on an external hard drive is just as important.

Large files like CAD drawings, renderings, and videos can quickly fill up your laptop, and having extra storage is a must.

To avoid storage issues, I back up all my documents regularly.

Pro tip: Don’t wait until your hard drive fails or your laptop runs out of space. Start backing up your files early and often!

5. Schedule Regular Cleaning Sessions

One of my biggest regrets during my early years in architecture school was letting papers, tools, and files pile up.

It’s easy to say, “I’ll organize it later,” but trust me—it’s much harder to clean up months’ worth of clutter than to do it regularly.

Set aside time at the end of each semester to sort through your plates and tools.

Decide which items to keep for your portfolio and which ones you can toss. For digital files, clean out your trash folder, reorganize your desktop, and delete anything you no longer need.

Regular cleanups will help you feel less overwhelmed and ensure that you’re always prepared for the next semester.

Final Thoughts

Staying organized in architecture school takes effort, but the benefits are worth it.

By keeping your plates, tools, and digital files in order, you’ll save time, reduce stress, and create a smoother workflow.

Here’s a quick recap of the tips to get you started:

• Designate a specific cabinet or drawer for your plates.

• Create a “home” for your drawing tools.

• Use a cloud drive for digital plates and academic work.

• Back up your files on an external hard drive.

• Schedule regular cleaning sessions for both physical and digital spaces.

With a bit of discipline and planning, you’ll feel more in control—and less overwhelmed—as your plates pile up.

What are your favorite tips for staying organized? Share them in the comments below!