Welcome to our February edition of 5 Useful Things. In these mid monthly emails we share with you 5 useful things we have come across during our work and personal time that we hope you will enjoy.

This month we have a variety of discoveries that we hope you will get some value from. If you have stumbled across something that you think our readers would find useful, please let us know!

1. Something Useful

SketchUp Free Tool

I have been spending a lot of time on SketchUp lately, fiddling around with detail renders and materials. One plugin that has been a must have for me is Eneroth Texture Positioning Tools. Super handy little plugin available on the SKP extension warehouse.

Find Out More

2. Something To Read

Switch - How to Change things When Changing Things is Hard

"Switch" by Chip and Dan Heath explores the challenge of making lasting changes in organizations, communities, and personal lives by revealing how our rational and emotional minds often conflict. Through real-life examples, the book illustrates strategies for uniting these two forces to achieve significant transformations, offering a practical framework for driving change effectively.

Check Out the Book

3. Something To Watch

How this Pen has Changed the World

Have you ever wondered how a simple pen could revolutionize the world of writing? This video delves into the incredible story behind the BIC Cristal, possibly the most successful product ever made.

Watch the Video

4. Something To Love

Harpenden House

As you may know we have been very busy working on our new extension book - during our research we stumbled across this stunner by Emil Eve Architects. Enjoy 🙂

Check Out the Project

5. Something to Download

Retrofit Pattern Book

A fantastic resource released by 5th Studio diving into the retrofit of Victorian flat fronted terraced houses, well worth a deep dive.

Download the Pattern Book

I hope you find something here that perhaps you haven't stumbled across before. We will continue to keep our eyes open to anything we think you will find useful or enjoy, and keep you updated every month with our 5 Useful Things. If you want to share something, then please do drop us an email, we would love to hear from you.

This month's selection came from Axelle, Emma T and Emma W.

Thank you, as always, for reading our emails and showing us your love and support. It really means a lot.

All our best,

Emma and the First In Architecture Team

First In Architecture