In this episode of What the RFI?, host Matt Brennan sits down with returning guest Nathan Taylor, Building Envelope Consultant, artist, and creator of #InktoberArchitecture — a global sketching challenge inspiring architects, designers, and students around the world to get back to drawing by hand.
Together, they explore how sketching, creativity, and construction administration intersect — and why the analog process of pen and paper still beats any digital shortcut.
In This Episode
- The story behind InktoberArchitecture and how to join the challenge
- Why hand sketching still matters in the age of AI, BIM, and Revit
- How a quick sketch can solve complex construction problems faster than an RFI
- Building a creative global community through daily prompts
- The tools architects use to stay connected to their craft
- Tips for overcoming the “I can’t draw” myth and building confidence
Chapters / Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction
02:00 – Catching up with Nathan Taylor
03:15 – What is InktoberArchitecture?
06:40 – Why architects still draw by hand
09:30 – Creative prompts for 2025
13:20 – Sketching in Construction Administration
17:00 – Field sketching and communication
20:30 – The lost art of muscle memory in design
26:00 – Architecture community and collaboration
31:30 – Favourite sketches from around the world
33:45 – Overcoming the “I can’t draw” myth
39:50 – Best pens and sketch tools
42:30 – Digital sketching apps like Morpholio Trace
45:00 – Finding balance in architecture and play
50:00 – How to participate and follow the challenge
52:00 – Final thoughts and inspiration
Learn More & Get Involved
🔗 Nathan’s Blog: https://buildingscape.wordpress.com
🔗 2025 InktoberArchitecture Post: https://buildingscape.wordpress.com/2025/09/11/inktoberarchitecture/
🔗 Follow #InktoberArchitecture on LinkedIn and Instagram
🎙️ Listen to more episodes: WhatTheRFI.com