Architects require a pen for almost everything they do, from sketching to writing. With the best pens for architects, they can transform any basic sketch into a stunning piece of artwork. Different pens are designed for different uses, ranging from outlining to rendering.
When picking the best architectural pens, precision matters a lot. These pens should work properly with other items that architects use, like pencils, markers, and watercolors. However, with many pens available today, finding one that works best with architects can be difficult.
Luckily, we have done the research for you. Whether you're writing, drawing, or sketching out plans for a new building, there's something for everyone. Keep reading to find the best architectural pens.
What Pens Do Architects Prefer?
An architect's toolkit is incomplete without a pen. An inking pen or a regular pen is the strongest instrument an architect may employ to portray their idea. Inking pens are simple pens that have been charged with ink.
Some of these pens are known for being exceedingly precise, not something you'd want on your desk unless you're working in a field that requires extremely detailed calligraphy or graphics.
The diameter of the tips usually ranges from 0.03 to 0.8 millimeters. Other pens are noted for their creative features, such as shading and fill-in capabilities.
Here are the best pens for architects, designers and even architectural students. All these pens are perfect for sketching, drawing, and architectural drafting.
best pens for architects
1. Sakura 30062 Pigma Micron Blister Card Ink Pen Set
- THE GO-TO TOOL FOR ART WORK & PLAY: Micron is the fineliner...
- PRECISE POINTS & LINES: Create precise marks that stand the test...
- SMOOTH WRITING: Experience smooth, skip-free writing in crisp,...
- ARCHIVAL QUALITY: Pigma ink colors are derived from single...
- CERTIFIED NON TOXIC: Approved by ACMI toxicologists and bears...
If you're an architect seeking the most advanced drawing software, look no further. Pigma Micron Ink Pens from Sakura combine accuracy, comfort, and constant ink flow into one convenient compact. It boasts a smooth flowing ink and a comfortable grip. It's also quite affordable.
The Pigma Micron is cost-effective as you won't have to bother about replacing the refill or refilling it with ink because it's disposable. You can purchase it for a reasonable price at your local stationery store. You may buy it in sets if you require different colors and designs.
These pens are so great that many artists use them for high-detail sketching. Despite the smooth material, it also feels good and grippy to handle. And there are no skips in the ink flow. Due to their wide range of nibs and ease of use, most artists, architects, and designers often use these pens.
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2. Staedtler Pigment Liner Bonus Sketch Set of 6 Liners
- Pigment liner bonus sketch set of 6 line widths
- 4+2 free pack in stand up easel case
- Lightfast waterproof smear free ink
- Long write out length
- Polypropylene barrel for long life and long metal tip
This Staedtler Pigment Liner is one of the best pens for architects because of the pigment ink. Another aspect is the coverage, and here the pens work wonderfully even if the paper is very colorful – the ink is perfectly black. As well, the tips enable one to get a smooth ink flow which is perfect for coloring.
Furthermore, the nib options in this set allow you to build elaborate patterns and floor layouts by playing with lines. Also, the robust tips guarantee that the quality of the lines you draw won't deteriorate even when you push firmly.
Finally, the design of these pens' casings stands out. You can flip the lid back to transform the shell into a pen holder if you need to work. This is a good feature as it lets you view the pens and take out only the ones you need. It also keeps the pens from rolling away.
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3. STAEDTLER Pigment Liner Pack, Black, 6 Pens
- Made specifically for technical and fine art drawing, these...
- Benefit from the best! These ink pens feature a long durable...
- Innovative Dry-safe ink means even if the cap's been left off for...
- Got a journal as a gift? These are the perfect journal pens -...
- Whether it's work, relaxation, in the office, studio or home,...
If you’re an architect seeking precision and durability in your tools, the STAEDTLER Pigment Liner Pack is a standout choice for drafting, sketching, and detailed annotations.
We’ve tried the STAEDTLER Pigment Liner Pack, and it’s a must-have for architects who value accuracy and professional-grade output.
The option available on nib sizes ensures that one can achieve the best detail, for drawing very fine details or making large structural drawings. They also importantly, it is water resistant and fade proof characteristic makes it ideal for long term projects. The material used in tips is metal which makes it easier to maintained a steady and permanent line when drawing with straight edges or stencils.
However, it’s worth noting that the finer nibs require a delicate touch to avoid damage, and the monochromatic range might not suit projects requiring vibrant colors.
In conclusion, this STAEDTLER Pigment Liner Pack cannot be considered other than as high quality and should be in any architect’s toolbox.
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4. Lamy Safari Fountain Pen - Fine Charcoal
- Charcoal Black ABS coloured plastic body
- Black coated steel nib; fine point
- Includes one Lamy T10 Blue Cartridge
- Accepts Z24 cartridge converter, sold separately.
If you're a beginner and want to try a fountain pen, then the Lamy Safari is the pen for you. It is an amazing choice for anyone who wants something simpler to comprehend and use than all those pricey but gorgeous fountain pens with so many different nib and ink choices.
The Lamy Safari's versatility is what makes it so appealing to architects. You can get a variety of nibs, including one that is specifically made just for left-handers. Extra-fine, fine, medium, and wide are the other options. As a result, there is a nib size to suit every purpose.
Furthermore, all the necessary accessories for this pen are reasonably priced, as is the pen itself. As an architect, you'll receive a pen that not only exudes quality but also offers a variety of options and is simple to maintain.
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5. Zebra Pen ClickArt Retractable Marker Pen
- 0.6mm fine point water-based ink in assorted brilliant colors is...
- New ink technology absorbs moisture from the air, keeping the ink...
- Capless functionality, just click to reveal the tip of each...
- Clean white barrel houses the retractable ink, available with a...
- This 12-count pack of ClickArt instruments provides worry-free...
If you’re an architect or designer looking for a reliable and versatile pen, the Zebra Pen ClickArt Retractable Marker Pen is a top choice for creative and professional tasks.
We’ve used the Zebra ClickArt Retractable Marker Pen, and it’s a game-changer for on-the-go creativity and precise note-taking.
What can be said here is the fact that it equally symbolizes style as well as functionality. It is convenient to use because it has a retractable portion that holds the pen away from drawing on Its own and comes in several colors, which can be useful for teaching, presenting, or using blueprints. Its features come in handy, especially when it comes to marking features for appearance in architectural drawings. Nonetheless, if you draw on various surfaces or need broad lines, this pen will be somewhat restrictive.
In general, the Zebra ClickArt Pen is a great tool for architects and designers, who need the case of a playful colour spectrum, high workability in combination with a low weight and neutral adhesion to the working material.
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What Do You Consider When Picking the Best Pens for Architects
1. Pen Design
Although the design of the pen may be the least of your concerns in other careers, it matters a lot regarding architecture. It is not just about the beautiful design but also how it can cater to your sketching needs and the way of living.
If you're in search of a long-term investment, a fountain pen is good, but it's not ideal for travel. This is because replacing the ink reservoir is hard if you run out of ink while on a trip. In addition, the ink cartridge might not be available in the area you're in.
Felt-tipped pens tend to be better choices for traveling architects as you don't need to worry about refilling the ink. However, they tend to tear down faster because the pen nibs are not stainless steel.
2. Nib Types
Architect pens come in a variety of shapes. Felt-tipped pens, often known as micro-tipped pens by some, are the most common among students and professionals. The felt or plastic nibs of these pens are quite sturdy. Some sets come with various nib sizes, and some even include a brush drawing pen.
However, one major drawback of felt-tipped pens is that the nibs tend to wear down over time, affecting your sketching. So, if you're looking for durability, you might want to consider fountain pens since their nibs are made of stainless steel.
3. Quality of Ink
Since sketching and creating designs to give your coworkers and clients will be a big part of your work, the ink quality should be top-notch. Not only will it illustrate your thoughts clearly and with precision, but it will also assist you in bringing everyone on board. As a result, the pens you choose are important.
As an architect, you can't afford pens with ink that skips, smears, bleeds, fades, or picks up eraser marks. Make sure the inks in your pens are archival and flow smoothly. If you're new to fountain pens or drawing pens, you'll want to know the different ink colors and the cartridge mechanism.
4. Ink Colors
The best pens for architects come in different colors for different needs. In architecture, black is the most popular color. When working on your master plan or other forms of illustrations to display your ideas, you may require visible inks to contrast with the other mediums you use
Working with black ink that has good color opacity is significantly easier. It immediately eradicates any sketches you made with a mechanical pencil. It also saves you time by eliminating the need to retrace your steps.
If you would like your work to stand out, you might also need architect pens to invest in additional ink colors for various illustrations.
Architecture Pens Vs. Pencils
Architects need pencils as well as pens. Architecture professionals know that their profession needs a diverse set of equipment. These aren't your regular pens and pencils. Many architects, over conventional graphite, prefer a mechanical pencil. It allows them to sketch more accurately.
Aside from that, many architects have a pen collection, which may include a mix of fineliners and a fountain pen set. Each pen in the set should ideally have a different point size or nib to aid in creating intricate drawings.
Some even carry a ballpoint pen to take notes. You can use a ballpoint pen to make basic sketches, but not the regular brush pens and sketch pens.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Architecture Pens
1. Are gel pens better than ballpoint?
Gel pens write far smoother than ballpoint pens, but their water-based gel ink is colored ink, which is where they shine. Since the ink is pigmented, it comes in a far larger spectrum of colors than a ballpoint pen, which has a restricted color range due to its dye-based ink colorant.
2. Are fountain pens good for sketching?
There are a few reasons why people use fountain pens to sketch. First, due to the obvious way the ink flows from the pen, they're more pleasant to sketch with. Being able to alter line weight allows you to create more expressive lines.
