101 Things I Learned in Architecture School: Book Overview

An architect reading a book in front of architecture drawings on a wall

What’s 101 Things I Learned in Architecture School about? What secrets do professional architects use to bring their visions to life on paper? Matthew Frederick’s 101 Things I Learned in Architecture School reveals the fundamental techniques and principles that transform architectural sketches into powerful design tools. The book explores everything from line work and spatial relationships to the cultural dimensions of architectural design. Read more in our brief overview of 101 Things I Learned in Architecture School.

What Affects Consumer Behavior: The Science of Shopping

A woman in the aisle of a store, showing what affects consumer behavior

Why do you gravitate toward certain products in a store? What invisible forces guide your shopping decisions when you’re browsing the aisles? Paco Underhill revolutionized retail research through his book Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping. His work reveals insights into what affects consumer behavior, from store layout to product placement and everything in between. Discover the hidden psychology and scientific methods that shape your shopping experiences.

How to Make Architectural Decisions That Serve a Purpose

The designs of two different houses side by side made by architectural decisions

What drives the most impactful architectural designs? What separates a merely functional building from one that truly inspires and connects with people? Matthew Frederick’s 101 Things I Learned in Architecture School explains how architectural decisions transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences. The principles of architectural design draw inspiration from philosophy, politics, and human behavior to create meaningful environments. Discover how successful architects balance creativity with functionality.

The Psychology of Retail: How Spaces Influence Shopping

A man looking at a product on a shelf, representing the psychology of retail

Why do grocery stores place milk at the back of the store? What makes you more likely to pick up certain products while shopping? The psychology of retail spaces shapes every aspect of the shopping experience, as explored in Paco Underhill’s book, Why We Buy. From strategic product placement to carefully designed traffic patterns, retailers use scientific insights about human behavior to influence purchasing decisions. Keep reading to discover the fascinating ways stores are designed to work with your natural instincts and movements.

The Architecture Skills You Need to Overcome Challenges

A woman using architecture skills in their workspace full of sketches

Why do some buildings seem to work perfectly within their environment? What makes certain architectural designs stand out as masterpieces? Matthew Frederick’s book, 101 Things I Learned in Architecture School, explores how fundamental architecture skills develop through understanding and embracing constraints. Architectural design involves transforming limitations into opportunities, whether dealing with challenging landscapes, restricted spaces, or complex client requirements. Keep reading to discover how the most innovative architectural solutions emerge from the most challenging constraints.

How Retail Environments Affect What You Buy in a Store

A sign that says "Welcome In!" on a window peaking into the retail environment of a store

Why do certain stores make you want to linger and explore? What makes some retail spaces successful at converting browsers into buyers? In his book Why We Buy, Paco Underhill reveals the science behind consumer behavior in the retail environment. His research uncovers how sensory experiences, emotional responses, and technological innovations shape the way people make purchasing decisions. Keep reading to discover the psychology and strategic design elements that influence your shopping habits.

How Influences in Architecture Shape Our Society & Environment

A sketch of a gothic building showing cultural influences in architecture

What invisible forces shape the buildings we see around us every day? How do architects balance creative expression with practical constraints? 101 Things I Learned in Architecture School navigates the multifaceted nature of architectural design and its impact on society. Influences in architecture range from cultural values and social norms to regulatory requirements and urban planning principles. Keep reading to learn how buildings tell stories, shape communities, and reflect the spirit of their time.

10x Is Easier Than 2x: Book Overview and Takeaways

A man happily reading a book at home

What’s 10x Is Easier Than 2x about? What if the secret to success isn’t working harder, but thinking bigger? In 10x Is Easier Than 2x, Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy explore the transformative power of pursuing 10x growth. They explain how to focus your efforts, follow your true desires, and create self-running systems that drive big results. Read below for a brief 10x Is Easier Than 2x book overview.

Shopping in Different Countries: Why Your Buying Habits Change

A woman shopping in a different country for clothes

Why does shopping feel different when you travel abroad? Despite selling similar products, what makes a Japanese department store different from an American mall? Shopping in different countries reveals fascinating insights about cultural values and social behaviors, as Paco Underhill explores in Why We Buy. The way people shop, from browsing habits to payment preferences, offers a unique window into the heart of different societies. Keep reading to discover how retail spaces around the world shape how we shop, connect, socialize, and experience our communities.

6 Architectural Drawing Techniques to Improve Sketches

An person using architecture drawing techniques to sketch a home

What separates professional architectural drawings from amateur sketches? What makes architectural illustrations so precise and purposeful that they can transform abstract concepts into buildable structures? In 101 Things I Learned in Architecture School, Matthew Frederick reveals that architecture’s drawing techniques are fundamental to the profession’s success. These techniques combine artistic expression with technical precision to create detailed visual representations of architectural concepts. Transform your understanding of architectural visualization with these techniques below.