Drawing Architecture: Essential & Expressive Rendering Techniques

April 11, 2026

9am – 4pm

The Catholic University of America
Edward M Crough Center for Architectural Studies
Locraft Room (second floor)
620 Michigan Ave, NE
Washington DC 20064

Join the ICAA and Catholic University for a drawing class focused on essential and expressive rendering techniques. The instructors will guide students through the use of drawing from quick observational and iterative design sketches to refined illustration and presentation drawing techniques. Essential topics will include composition, perspective, linework and shading, light and shadow, context and entourage, and digital post processing techniques. Beyond hands-on instruction through instructor demonstrations and student exercises, the instructors will share their personal creative methodologies, introducing students to the great artists and sources of inspiration that shape their approach to drawing. This course is aimed at benefiting both beginners and experienced artists.

Patrick Suarez is an architect at Ferguson & Shamamian Architects in New York. He received his M. Arch in architecture at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. (2020), where he also completed his undergraduate studies in philosophy. In addition to his time in Washington, he spent a semester in Rome, Italy, in the Summer School in Architecture and Urbanism at the University of Buckingham in London (2019), and a summer in the fine art Atelier of Bret Ingbretson, Merrimack, NH (2015). He has worked professionally in the United Kingdom, Bahamas, eight US states, and the District of Columbia, where he is registered. Patrick has won numerous awards for academic, professional, and artistic works, and has taught architectural design and drawing with the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art as well as at his alma mater where he has returned as a visiting professor and juror.

Jim Lenahan is an Associate at Michael G. Imber Architects in San Antonio, where he produces drawings and watercolors for many firm projects. He has taught drawing and wash rendering with the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art and at The Catholic University of America, where he serves as a visiting professor. He has received multiple awards from the American Society of Architectural Illustrators.  Jim studied architecture at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, including a year in Versailles, and received an M.Arch from the University of Notre Dame, where he has also served as a guest critic. On graduation, he was awarded the Henry Adams Medal and received a research fellowship at Sir John Soane’s Museum in London. Winner of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Papal Sanctuary Design Competition, his concepts were used for the closing Mass of Pope Francis’ 2015 American visit.

This has been submitted for 6.5 AIA LU | HSW.

Tools and Materials: Students will need a sketchbook (11” x 14” or larger recommended), pencils (#2 or softer), and an eraser.

Please contact Gina Martin at gmartin@aimmedia.com if you have questions.