Drawing Samford: An Introduction to Architectural Sketching

About this event

This four-part series, hosted on the Samford University campus, is a beginner’s introduction to the art and joy of architectural sketching.

Each month we will try out a different way of observing and recording the architectural environment. The instructor will spend the first 30 minutes demonstrating the technique, then there will be free time to sketch. At the end we will reconvene to share our work. Free breakfast and coffee are provided.

Bring your own drawing materials.

Venues and dates are subject to change depending on the weather. Follow The Guild Alabama on Instagram @icaa.se .guild.al for last minute updates and meeting locations.

Dates

August 29th : Sketching Urban Plans at Samford’s Main Quad

September 19th: Sketching Buildings in Perspective at the Beeson Divinity School (Samford)

October 24th: Sketching Architectural Details at the Goodwin Library/Howard College (Samford)

November 21st: Measured Drawing of Interior Architecture at Reed Chapel (Samford)

Meet the Instructors

Anne Northrop

Anne Northrop works as an architectural draftsman and designer at Tippett Sease Baker Architecture in Birmingham, Alabama. A native of Dallas, Texas, she graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2023 with a B. Arch degree. Anne brings her love for traditional design, pencil sketching, and hand drafting developed during her university years into her professional work.

Shortly after moving to Alabama, Anne became involved with the ICAA Southeast’s activities in Birmingham; currently she helps to organize monthly architectural sketching outings and happy hours for young design professionals. Her favorite of the classical orders is the Greek Doric.

Stacey Xiong

Stacey Xiong works as an architectural designer at Nequette Architecture & Design in Birmingham, Alabama. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s degree from Columbia University. With a passion for traditional and vernacular design, Stacey enjoys sketching, hand drafting, watercoloring, and photography. She likes to capture the architecture of downtown Birmingham through sketches and watercolors. After moving to Birmingham for work, she became involved with the ICAA Southeast Chapter and now helps organize the architectural sketching outings. Her favorite classical architectural element is the pediment.

Emma Henschel

Emma Henschel works as an architectural designer at Pfeffer Torode Architecture, over on Cobb Lane in Five Points. Born and raised in Franklin, TN, she attended Wheaton College for her undergraduate liberal arts education and received her M.Arch from the University of Notre Dame in 2025. During her semester abroad in Rome, Emma developed her passion for plein-air watercolor painting and traditional architectural and urban design that she continues to steward in her professional design process. After sketching with the ICAA's Southeast chapter this past year, she looks forward to sharing with others her love for Southern historic architecture and urban design through sketching, painting, and recording in Birmingham's most beloved built and natural spaces. Her favorite architect is Sir Edwin Lutyens.

From Institute of Classical Architecture and Art - Southeast