The site visits I’ve done as an architect have changed throughout my career, depending on the projects I’m working on—and how much travel they require. Right now, I’m focused mostly on single-family remodels and ADUs (accessory dwelling units), which means my “office” is occasionally someone’s home: sometimes mid-construction, sometimes before anything has started.
Recently, my site visits have included photographing a completed project, checking in on an ADU under construction, walking a home with an owner deciding whether to buy, and touring a house to talk through space planning and remodel scope. You can probably guess that each of those calls for slightly different tools. For this post, I emptied my bag after a day with two site visits—both focused on scoping new projects with homeowners.
The Quick List – What’s in my Architect Bag?
- Backpack
- Water Bottle
- Camera
- Phone
- Tape Measure
- Laser
- Notebook
- Pens
- Trace paper
- Architect’s Scale
- Flashlight
What Architects Do on Site Visits
Depending on the phase of construction, what an architect does on a site visit can vary. At the beginning, a site walk can be a way to understand the space in person and decide on a scope for the project with the owner. During construction, it is to see the progress and make sure that things are being constructed per the permitted design drawings. The most important thing during construction is to help catch issues early and solve problems to help construction go smoothly and fix issues before they become larger problems.
For the site visit that I emptied my bag for this time, I was walking a house with an owner to review space planning for a remodel, then walking a condo to discuss options for remodeling. I reviewed some sketches of space planning options with one owner, and talked about the permitting process for another. In one project, we also wanted to review some tricky areas together, like where all the utilities and plumbing create a low ceiling area in the garage, to decide on some potential design solutions. I also wanted to get a lot of photos of the existing conditions to be able to review those as I continue to work on the project.
What’s in My Bag – Architect Site Visit Essentials
Here it is, what I carry in my bag for single-family home and condo site visits, plus a few other items depending on the project.
The Bag + Basics
This is my go-to for site visits. I like that it is not too big, so it keeps me from over-packing. It is water resistant, which has come in handy when I’ve been out in the rain, or even just needed to wipe it off after a dusty site visit. The version I carry is the OS One Love, which is no longer available, but if I bought a new bag, I would get the Timbuk2 Authority backpack. In black of course. Both backpacks have a laptop sleeve. I usually don’t bring my laptop on site, but I do occasionally bring it or my tablet.
2. Water Bottle – Insulated and durable for site visits
I always carry a water bottle with me. For site visits, I like an insulated bottle that fits in the side pocket of a backpack. I have been using this Vapur water bottle. I like that the top has a clip and it easily pops open and snaps closed.
Documenting (photos and reference)
3. Camera – DSLR with a wide angle lens and UV filter
My current DSLR is a “beginner DSLR” that I keep dreaming of upgrading. For now, I’ve been using the Canon Rebel SL1, the current version is the Canon Rebel T7. If I am taking photos indoors, I bring this wide-angle lens. I also always have a UV filter on my lens, especially on a dusty construction site.
If I am photographing a project, I bring a tripod. I currently use an Amazon Basics lightweight tripod but I have this heavy duty tripod on my wish list.
For most site visits, an iPhone is enough. I have the pro version for the additional lenses and more camera options. Not pictured, but I also always carry earbuds if I need to take a call and need to be hands-free.
Measuring (verifying existing and as-built conditions, and checking if it fits)
My go-to tape measure has clearly seen better days. Actually, I’ve had it for many years and it has even survived being dropped in a bucket of mortar for tiling and then submerged in water. And it is still my favorite tape measure. It is a bit heavy, but the Fat Max brand is heavy duty and the tape stays sturdy which helps if I am measuring solo (I usually am).
A laser tape measure is the best for quickly checking ceiling heights in existing conditions. It is also handy when clients ask questions about ceilings and sizes and alignment to just be able to point a laser and verify. Occasionally, I draw as-builts or need to verify existing drawings and a laser makes it so much easier to get dimensions quickly.
Sketching + Notes
I always bring a notebook to take notes on site. Usually, I arrive with some notes or questions I want to remember to check when I am on site. I order these basic notebooks with dot lined sheets for my business. I like that the spiral binding lets the notebook lie flat, and the plastic covers are sturdy enough that it protects the notebook in my bag. The 5×7 size fits perfectly in my backpack or purse, and it is not too large that it is easy to handle.
8. Pens – Many Options (always)
Most architects are particular about their pens. I can confirm this is a thing. I will also confess that I cringe when someone offers me a ball point pen when I am slow at finding mine. No thank you…
Now that you know, here are the pens that I order and carry with me. I usually have an assortment of them in my bag at all times, in multiple colors.
Pilot Precise V5 Pens – For every day writing. They have a fine tip and write smoothly. Also, they come in so many colors which I love. Note, these are not good on a plane. The ink sometimes bursts from the air pressure. You may wonder how I know this… I continue to learn this lesson and must remember to remove these from my bag before flying.
Pilot Razer Point – For a fine tip pen that is okay to fly with, these are my alternate option
Micron Pens – For sketching and writing at a variety of line weights, I’ve been using these since architecture school. But only in black.
Pentel Sign Pens – My favorite for sketching on trace paper. Basically a marker.
Sharpie – Utilitarian, for marking things on site. Not my favorite pen, but useful. Of course I have them around in fine and fat tip.
9. Trace Paper
If I am meeting with a client and looking at space planning options, I bring a roll of trace paper so we can look at ideas together.
An architect’s scale is handy if I have as-builts and trace paper. I have a mini version but I usually prefer to just carry a 12″ aluminum scale. Also works well for tearing trace paper nicely.
Utilities (the small-but-mighty items)
The iPhone flashlight is good, but when you start looking underneath a house or into an attic space, a more powerful flashlight can be handy. Also, for the ladies looking for a small self-defense device, these little tactical flashlights can be used for self-defense… real dad advice I have received.
Not In the Backpack – Other Gear I Always Bring
Not everything I need on a site visit is inside the bag. Here is more of the gear I always bring for a site visit.
Shoes
Basic – If I am visiting a clients house and am unsure if I will need to take my shoes off inside, I prefer something that slips on so I can easily put my shoes on and off. My go-to shoe for visiting a home before construction, travel and every day is the On Cloud.
Heavy Duty – For a serious construction site or a dirt lot (or if I really have no idea what I am walking into), I want a sturdy pair of shoes. I have worn these Merrell hiking boots for years. They are versatile that I use them on hikes and construction sites.
PPE (what I bring when the site requires it)
If a site is under construction and requires full PPE, I bring a hard hat, safety glasses, and a high visibility vest.
Not pictured (because they’re always in a pocket somewhere)
Snacks – If I have a day planned with multiple site visits it is not uncommon that I run out of time for a real lunch. I always carry snacks in my bag.
Wallet – Obviously
Hand sanitizer – Construction sites are dirty
Keys – I tend to like utilitarian key chains. I have a pretty version of a D-ring. It is easy for me to switch keys out as I need them so I only carry the keys I need that day.
Closing Notes (and a Pen Recommendation Request)
And that’s my bag—nothing glamorous, but everything earns its spot. I’m always trying to carry just enough to measure, document, and sketch without turning a site visit into a workout (and without sacrificing my pen standards). If you have a favorite site-visit tool I should try—or a pen that writes beautifully and survives air pressure—tell me in the comments.
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