Architects and designers gift guide 2024

Finding a present for your colleagues, clients, and collaborators that says, “I value both you and good design,” can take time and energy—two things that are often in short supply. To help your search, here are 18 gift ideas sourced from the AIA Design Shop and from six AEC professionals who have an eye for products: Christina Cho Yoo, AIA, and Ming Thompson, AIA, principals and co-founders of Atelier Cho Thompson in San Francisco and New Haven, Conn.; James Garrett Jr., FAIA, NOMA, managing partner of 4RM+ULA in St. Paul, Minn.; Marcia McKeel, founder of Studio MM in New York; Claudia Rodriguez, AIA, associate and interior architect at STG Design in Austin, Texas; and Robert Yuen, Assoc. AIA, CEO and co-founder of Monograph in San Francisco. The experts also recommended six organizations worth supporting to help a wider community. 

Note: Prices and availability are subject to change. Prices do not include taxes or shipping. 

Uniball Signo UM-151 (also known as Signo DX) gel pen, Uni Brands ($1.69 each)

“Notebooks and pens are universally loved, and people rarely treat themselves to nice stationery,” says Thompson, who savors the Signo’s reliability and smoothness; she recommends the 0.38-millimeter tip in blue-black ink. Better act fast though: an Uni Brands representative says the Signo DX has been discontinued and is available only while supplies last; the Uniball One gel pen (shown) offers similar tip sizes and color options. 

Audible Plus subscription, Audible ($7.95 per month)

Give access to thousands of audiobooks, podcasts, sleep tracks, and meditation programs to further your recipient’s self-edification, alone time, or multitasking efforts. “I have gotten so much joy, education, and value out of my Audible subscription,” Yuen says. 

Totem Candles, Paddywax ($19) 

What better way to light up holiday gatherings in style than with these design-inspired candles, available in a variety of colors and shapes? 

Uni Posca PC-5M water-based paint markers 8-pack, Uni Brands ($21.99)

Available in 39 colors in different groupings, these quick-drying, non-toxic paint markers can be used on indoor and outdoor projects and on more than 50 surface types, including wood, glass, leather, and plastic. “These markers are my kids’ favorite, and we have a great time creating artwork together with them,” Garrett says. 

Black & White Marble Salt & Pepper Pinch Pots, Conimar Group ($25.99) 

These salt and pepper pinch pots are made from durable metamorphic rock, meaning they won't scratch or stain. These are sure to be a hit with the architect or designer who also loves spending time in the kitchen.

A6 cloth books, Moglea ($30) 

“This beautiful Moglea notebook is hand-painted in Des Moines, Iowa,” McKeel says. “Strangers will ask where you got it!” Each 4-by-6-inch notebook binds 120 pages of FSC-certified paper between two cloth covers. Notebooks can be monogrammed for an additional $10. 

Tea towel, Olga Joan ($34) 

These screen-printed linen tea towels are absorbent, machine washable, and easy to hang thanks to a loop label. “I have a lot of favorites from Olga Joan’s collections,” McKeel says. “I love the geometric patterns and colors she uses—indigo, navy, black, and white. They’re perfect for architects.” 

Cup, Heit Ceramics (from $40) 

Made by a Bay Area personal chef–turned-ceramist, each microwave- and dishwasher-safe cup is one of a kind and multifunctional. “There’s always a different selection of ceramics in the online shop,” says Cho Yoo, who levels up her meals and gatherings with Heit’s wares. 

High Noon mug, Era Ceramics ($45) 

Like all the products produced by this two-person Texas studio, each microwave- and dishwasher-safe mug is wheel thrown and handmade. “For any hot beverage–loving architect in your life, a great coffee mug is practically an accessory,” Rodriguez says.  

FLW Coonley bow tie, Boxelder ($40) 

For the professionals who love a bold accessory, this silk number features a design adapted from the art glass windows in Frank Lloyd Wright’s Avery Coonley Playhouse in Riverside, Ill. 

Mini Lemelia Color Changing Mood Light, Gingko Electronics ($48) 

Liven up any drab desk-scape with these color-changing lights from Gingko Electronics. Choose between a cozy yellow glow or seven vibrant colors. 

Glassware, Fazeek (from $55) 

From Australia, this collection of handmade glassware comes in a variety of colors that are as spirited as their forms. “Fazeek makes beautiful lightweight glasses and bowls,” Thompson says. “These are for the fun hosts and hostesses in your life.” 

Gradient Newton's Cradle, Block Design ($55)

Designed to help you build, create, and be mindful, this Gradient Newton's Cradle is a colorful take on an iconic design. 

Pouch, Olga Joan ($60) 

Store your personal belongings, sketchbooks, and pens in these handmade, fully lined canvas pouches, which come in an assortment of graphic prints. “These are definitely pouches and prints that any architect will love,” McKeel says. 

Master the Disaster! Board Game, AIA Disaster Assistance Program ($60) 

Created by AIA's Disaster Assistance Program, this board game allows players to step into the shoes of an architect navigating emergency management after a natural disaster while collaborating with local governments, businesses, organizations, and neighboring communities. 

Midcentury Tissue Box Cover, Destination PSP ($75) 

If your recipient loves Midcentury design and experiences seasonal allergies, this tissue box cover can offer a momentary distraction from their sniffles. It fits over a standard, rectangular box of low-count tissues. 

Table runner, Olga Joan ($80) 

The screen-printed linen runners can turn any dining table or dresser into a statement piece. They are machine washable and measure 18 inches wide by various lengths.

Highrises: Art Deco ($100)

This extra-large book combines trained architect Chris Hytha’s stunning drone photographs of skyscraper details unseeable by everyday passersby with back stories by historian Mark Houser. “Some of these buildings are iconic and recognizable, while others are obscure and amazing,” Garrett says. “It sits on my work desk for inspiration.” 

2-Tone Rolltop Backpack, Harvest Label ($102.95) 

Perfect for both a daily commute and longer journeys, this bag's rolltop design allows for easy capacity adjustment, and its padded straps ensure comfort no matter how heavy the load you're carrying. 

Platanus Collection bookends, Chairish ($105) 

Make your design library stand out with a pair of marble bookends. “Where there’s an architect, there are books,” Rodriguez notes. “A great pair of vintage bookends will go a long way. They are the perfect piece of jewelry for any bookshelf.” 

Three-piece candleholder, Stoff Nagel (from $155) 

The brainchild of German artist Hans Nagel and architect and artist Werner Stoff, this iconic candleholder’s origin story is as captivating as the geometries possible by stacking together multiple candleholders and additions. “This sculptural candleholder is a showstopper for your tabletop or credenza,” Cho Yoo says. 

Bauhaus-era ornaments (set of 12), IC Design ($185) 

This set of handmade, solid maple ornaments was designed around 1930 by architect Johannes Gabriel while a faculty member at the Bauhaus Dessau School in Germany. 

Quilt, Haptic Lab (from $200) 

These cotton quilts of constellations and memorable destinations are made by a group of textile artisans in India that has produced the B Corporation’s designs since 2010. “These quilts are heirloom-quality gifts, made with hand stitching and beautiful map drawings,” Thompson says. 

Large covered serving dish, Heath Ceramics ($212) 

Warm, serve, and store your culinary masterpieces in this timeless serving dish. When turned upside down, the lid does double duty as a cake plate. “This serving dish is an essential addition to any kitchen,” Yuen says. 

A Rising Tide elevates the leadership potential, visibility, and network connections of Asian and Pacific Islanders in the design profession. Asian Americans are the racial group that is least likely to be promoted into management roles, according to a Harvard Business Review article cited by the organization. Co-founders include Thompson and Cho Yoo.

Days for Girls provides access to menstrual care and information to women and girls in multiple countries. It distributes supply kits that contain washable, long-lasting pads and health education curriculum.

Design Austin promotes the importance of design through events, exhibitions, and educational purposes in Austin, Texas. It is currently raising funds to build the city’s first public center for design. 

Juxtaposition Arts Environmental Design Lab introduces young artists in the Twin Cities area to careers in architecture, landscape architecture, and urban design. “In addition to studio work, we engage them in paid collaborative opportunities to co-create placemaking elements and artwork for real-world design projects with design professionals,” says Garrett, who co-founded the organization. 

Women for Women Rwanda promotes dignity, freedom, and equality for women. Each year, more than 300 women and mothers enroll in the organization’s 12-month program to learn from, share with, and support one another. 

Leap Arts in Education offers arts and architecture programs and residencies to 9,000 children in the Bay Area each year. As an example, Yuen says, “AEC firms partner with LEAP to run workshops with students to design and then build giant sand structures.”

Architects Foundation, AIA's philanthropic partner, supports aspiring architects in receiving education, mentorship, and more. 

Wanda Lau is a freelance writer and former ARCHITECT magazine editor. She lives outside Chicago.