HAND DRAWN ARCHITECTURAL ILLUSTRATION FOR THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
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"I couldn’t be happier with the result and highly recommend Katherine to anyone looking for a detailed, elegant architectural illustration and accompanying quality merchandise.”
- Elana Sinsabaugh, Product Development and Merchandising Senior Manager, The New York Public Library |
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In 2025, The New York Public Library commissioned me to draw the front elevation of the iconic Stephen A. Schwarzman Building in New York City. Working from historical architectural drawings alongside detailed photographs, I created a large hand-drawn architectural illustration capturing the grandeur and detail of this famous Beaux-Arts landmark.
The final artwork has since been developed into a collection of prints, cards and other retail products, now available exclusively through the New York Public Library shop. The Architecture of The New York Public Library Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1965, The New York Public Library is one of New York City’s most recognisable buildings. Designed by Carrère and Hastings, the building is a wonderful example of Beaux-Arts architecture, with its grand marble façade, classical symmetry and extraordinary carved detailing. Every decorative element was originally hand-carved by skilled artisans, making it an incredible building to study and draw. As an architect and architectural illustrator, it was a real privilege to work on such an internationally recognised landmark. The scale, rhythm and repetition across the elevation made it both challenging and hugely rewarding to draw by hand. |
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The Process of Creating the Architectural Line Drawing
To begin, I had an online conversation with the Product Development and Merchandising Senior Manager to discuss the brief, scope of work and intended product range. The retail team shared original archival drawings alongside detailed photographs of the building, which were fascinating to work from. From there, I planned the composition carefully to capture not only the architecture itself, but also the scale, atmosphere and context surrounding the building. Once the layout and composition were agreed, I started drawing. This was a very detailed architectural illustration, requiring patience, concentration and intricate measuring to ensure the proportions and architectural details were accurate. The repetitive rhythm of the windows, arches and stonework helped create structure within the drawing, while the softer trees and planting in the foreground balanced the composition and softened the overall image. I particularly enjoyed allowing glimpses of the structured building to appear through the more organic trees, helping to place the illustration within its New York setting. |
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Capturing the Architectural Details
Every part of the illustration was drawn entirely by hand. One of the most enjoyable aspects of the project was capturing both the monumental scale of the marble façade alongside the much smaller decorative details - including sculptural figures, pediment groups, carved ornamentation and even tiny architectural lettering. The shadows were added towards the end of the process, which is always one of my favourite stages. This is the moment the drawing really starts to come to life, bringing depth, contrast and atmosphere to the façade. The planting and trees in the foreground also helped soften the drawing and embed the building into its urban context. For clients looking for hand-drawn architectural illustrations, this traditional approach offers something very different from CGI renders or digital imagery. The aim is always to create artwork that feels detailed, authentic and full of character while still remaining architecturally accurate. |
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The Final Products
From the original architectural elevation drawing, we developed a collection of products which launched in 2025. These included: - Limited edition signed panoramic print (edition of 100) - Panoramic postcard featuring the full elevation - Standard postcard focusing on the central bay - Square notecard featuring the central bay - C6 notecard featuring part of the elevation and foliage - 8x6” mounted print - 14x6” mounted panoramic print - Silk scarf created in collaboration with PJ Studio The collection is available exclusively through the New York Public Library shop and online. |
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Client Testimonial
This international, prestigious commission was a joy to create, and it’s been especially rewarding to see the prints, cards and scarves selling strongly, with excellent feedback from the retail team. “Working with Katherine Jones on a commissioned piece of The New York Public Library’s iconic Stephen A. Schwarzman Building was a thoroughly rewarding experience. Despite being unable to sketch the building in person, Katherine expertly translated the photographs and original architectural blueprints into a drawing that beautifully captures the building’s grandeur. The balance of architectural accuracy and creative artistry is exceptional. Her exquisite line work renders every arch, column, and façade detail with precision, while maintaining the lively feel of a hand-drawn piece. Katherine’s range of merchandise - from high-quality prints to elegant stationery items - offers our customers wonderful mementos of their visit to the NYPL and New York City. The variety of prints and cards maintain the same high level of detail and quality as the commissioned original. I couldn’t be happier with the result and highly recommend Katherine to anyone looking for a detailed, elegant architectural illustration and accompanying quality merchandise.” - Elana Sinsabaugh, Product Development and Merchandising Senior Manager, The New York Public Library |
Image credit: New York Public Library
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Commission a Hand-Drawn Architectural Illustration
I create bespoke hand-drawn architectural illustrations for museums, heritage organisations, cultural institutions and landmark destinations. Previous clients include St Paul's Cathedral, Tower Bridge and Waddesdon Manor National Trust. Whether it’s a detailed architectural line drawing, a heritage print collection or artwork for merchandise and exhibitions, I aim to create drawings which celebrate the character and craftsmanship of a building through traditional hand drawing. If you are interested in commissioning a hand-drawn architectural illustration or developing a bespoke retail collection inspired by architecture, I’d love to hear from you. 
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