![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F03%2FEldry-John-Infante-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=210&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=5508b0b359a52b83db6e70e9e560b48b 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F03%2FEldry-John-Infante-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=420&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=3b6a7f1802302b36b2ccadf1d1ebb183 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F03%2FEldry-John-Infante-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=768&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=cf7c574aa905a7744874244ab61b97cd 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F03%2FEldry-John-Infante-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1024&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=5e23eb9985d3e9a16e8ba6abc7916c77 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F03%2FEldry-John-Infante-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1400&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=53cd980dded6803cc2e04266457c8e5a 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F03%2FEldry-John-Infante-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1600&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=08781ea58321d17ff7573710584f3439 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F03%2FEldry-John-Infante-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1920&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=15567afc9e0849e6121681c1dfea1654 1920w)
1. What does it feel like to win the Prize?
It’s surreal having won the Prize and it took quite a while for it to fully sink in. I’ve followed the competition for years now and to have my drawing win the Prize is truly an honour. I had the pleasure of meeting shortlisted and category winners in Singapore and London, all of them have been very warm and have left great impressions and inspiration that I will carry on with my work. This Prize has given me so much energy to continue learning, thinking, and exploring.
2. When did you develop a love for drawing and architecture?
I’ve been drawing since I was a kid. My family took notice of that and gave me immense support starting by gifting me with a small wooden table paired with a blue plastic chair. I had my small drawing corner at our house and would always receive drawing pads and pencils as gifts. Back in high school, I took a technical drafting course as college preparation because my family was already encouraging me to take up architecture. Even though it was not my first choice, I eventually grew an affinity for it. I was at ease and always excited to take on new projects, create drawings, learn new techniques, and formulate concepts.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2F3EP9AIO36UD057S_Remembering_the_See_Monster_Eldry_John_Infante-optimised.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=427&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=cc97b3aefe55ddfc08e4588e9974085a 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2F3EP9AIO36UD057S_Remembering_the_See_Monster_Eldry_John_Infante-optimised.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=854&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=32b14ec90c6c8d0ef3defd3f42aae083 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2F3EP9AIO36UD057S_Remembering_the_See_Monster_Eldry_John_Infante-optimised.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1562&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=66174c25f27292827f13c4a63ba0dd2c 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2F3EP9AIO36UD057S_Remembering_the_See_Monster_Eldry_John_Infante-optimised.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2082&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=0a5d2e5f545a24cd3b744deb37da0025 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2F3EP9AIO36UD057S_Remembering_the_See_Monster_Eldry_John_Infante-optimised.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2847&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=ceb9bd84a251c992e516e83db33449be 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2F3EP9AIO36UD057S_Remembering_the_See_Monster_Eldry_John_Infante-optimised.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=3253&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=fbe8621f50f129386537988c249c60f3 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2F3EP9AIO36UD057S_Remembering_the_See_Monster_Eldry_John_Infante-optimised.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=3904&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=0971c263e76911ed9c8071eef42d2288 1920w)
3. Do you draw in your spare time? If so, what do you like to draw?
Yes! My illustrations are mostly done as a hobby. I mostly draw buildings that I admire with interesting forms, materials, construction, and narrative. Illustrating built works has given me a space to build relationships with my subjects from afar. I feel like I am conversing with the designer when I recreate their work with my pen and paper. When I draw, I am in a constant state of observation and learning which I feel greatly helps me as a designer as well.
4. Do you have a favourite artist or architect whose work particularly inspires you?
Concerning my illustration style, Paul Rudolph’s drawings and work are a big influence. His works are developed through masterful drawings which led him to develop his interesting body of work. When you study his perspective sections, you will immediately understand the structure’s relationship with forces, natural elements, and programme. They’re also visually stunning with great linework and composition. How Rudolph effectively positions the vanishing point is a big part of the success of his drawings. The work of his era, where architectural computer programmes were not yet present, always amazes me. The exploration of form and complexity is materialised purely through the clarity of manual architectural drawings. It is a show of commitment and belief in an idea through manual effort, which will always inspire me.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F03%2FIMG_2349-scaled.jpeg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=118&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=bb2c140fded7b1f4622e332699341c12 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F03%2FIMG_2349-scaled.jpeg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=236&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=3bded7b7e9fe18bb41c325e379fc3f42 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F03%2FIMG_2349-scaled.jpeg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=432&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=eecf3ec4555e50830f293e77c8c853c9 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F03%2FIMG_2349-scaled.jpeg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=576&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=87b77ffaa2e61686c00d93b71ffb5933 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F03%2FIMG_2349-scaled.jpeg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=788&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=f78ee69e365d6854e70a65e2df8edb0c 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F03%2FIMG_2349-scaled.jpeg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=900&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=2053bc3045ab78a42063df11c118b51b 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F03%2FIMG_2349-scaled.jpeg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1080&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=49247787e109b000f757ba441ce31c81 1920w)
5. What are your favourite brands and model of pencils, pens and paper for hand-drawing?
I have been using fine liner pens like Uni Pin or Sakura Micron since college. For pencil, my go-to is the green no. 2 Faber-Castell. For paper, I don’t buy branded ones. As long as it has the right texture to make the line work have a jagged edge, then I’m good with it. Nothing fancy.
6. Is there any particular building you’d like to draw or reimagine and why?
I am always drawn to work with either an interesting story that aligns with my values and advocacies as an architect like re-use. I have a folder of loose choices of buildings to sketch, particularly around the interesting interplay of forms, structure, materials, and how sunlight accentuates those features. Buildings that are challenging to illustrate due to their complexity are also fit for a good linework exercise.
7. What upcoming trends do you foresee in drawing?
I think AI is something that will stay for a while, not only in the conversations revolving around drawings but in the creative field at large. I have colleagues who use AI as a tool for rendering; creative programmes are actively being updated with AI features as well. We are constantly being fed of its developments and possibilities which harbours fear to creators who put complete dedication into creating, whether manually or digitally. Conversations I have had during the past few months have lessened my reservations about it, minimising its impact and describing it as another tool for visualisation. I think it is currently cementing its presence and I will stay on the lookout, I guess. We all need to. I am curious to see if the Drawing Prize will also choose to open an AI category in the future.
Another trend might be how we experience drawings through virtual reality tools that might be of great help to our clients, or even to us designers, who need help visualising. The approximation of a space or surroundings might trigger a proper response to help us design better.
A trend that I would like to see remain is for more of us, especially younger designers, to be adept with our manual hand-drawing skills. All our digital tools are of great help but there is a level of maturity and clarity that sketching allows me to have when designing. It is flexible and accessible. Our body and mind are engaged in a state of idea formation. It also allows us to develop a visual style of personal expression.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F03%2FMG_1127-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=140&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=cc21097354901d99bd5ddec342e97b24 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F03%2FMG_1127-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=d02c10e0a2404c781fdf45111c053daf 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F03%2FMG_1127-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=512&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=882fa7d2969f1ce53dc8b870e49512fe 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F03%2FMG_1127-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=683&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=ff5c8688a16e72511ae5ebd0300ac50e 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F03%2FMG_1127-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=934&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=31ee4da1e65e6a7f22a56cad1f545a99 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F03%2FMG_1127-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1067&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=349e1d8aa3ca11cd61318568e46fb009 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F03%2FMG_1127-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=1b3a98ae25c1ce4bab38baeb4a2b0f5c 1920w)
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F03%2FKE_1496-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=140&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=36afc1b5a94c9cae339174e550d82eac 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F03%2FKE_1496-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=c20c486eb8dacfcca6013bd2f15252ed 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F03%2FKE_1496-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=512&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=85b388235f789f990997d1f031bc332c 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F03%2FKE_1496-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=683&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=b265825df68d7233f362c92d3a7e8b11 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F03%2FKE_1496-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=934&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=285edf4321ddfff7c9811ab30d3074f5 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F03%2FKE_1496-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1067&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=59275767c80442ca3ed07615aab1b8f6 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F03%2FKE_1496-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=e77d5aff22f03cd2c8077e365462fdf3 1920w)
8. How does it feel like to attend the private preview at the Sir John Soane’s Museum and being in London generally?
To have my drawing displayed alongside other shortlisted and winning entries at the historic celebrated space that is the Soane Museum has been a great honour. It amazes me how a drawing can open up opportunities and bring me to London! It is my first time in Europe and to experience the city and its architecture is amazing. As I’ve mentioned, I draw as a way for me to admire buildings from afar but because of the Prize, I get to see and experience them in person.
The Prize, the exhibition, and the celebration will leave a significant mark for me as an illustrator and designer. I want to express my gratitude to the Drawing Prize and the jury for this honour. Cheers everyone!
This post forms part of our series on The Architecture Drawing Prize: an open drawing competition curated by Make, WAF and Sir John Soane’s Museum to highlight the importance of drawing in architecture. View the winning and shortlisted entries of the 2023 competition.