Founder and CEO of a fast-growing commercial Architectural and Design Services firm.

Instructor, Ontairo Association of Architects Professional Development Seminar, Montreal, May 2014.

Over a full day session, with practical instruction and coaching from the course leaders, participants will learn several different freehand sketching techniques, one by one, each at a different location: thumbnail sketches, contour lines, contrast/value, perspective and speed sketching. The sketching will focus on several nearby historic Montreal buildings.

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Feedback from participants:

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Instruction and the sketching exercises were very good. I especially liked the multiple venues. As
we walked from location it was an excellent opportunity to talk to fellow participants, new
acquaintances as well as old friends, about both sketching and what was happening in their
practices.

It was a spectacular event that should be offered at every opportunity.

Very enjoyable and memorable course. Important confidence booster with some valuable lessons
learned.

Excellent idea to include sketching skills as part of a con-ed opportunity.

This would have been even better in a slightly smaller group, such as 30 people but even still, the
instructors made themselves accessible - the tag team teaching worked very well. Both Anne
Milchberg and Joel Berman were very good. I would highly recommend this course to anyone
looking to rekindle skills in drawing and "looking" at buildings. It also helped that Montreal has
some stunning subject matter.

Fantastic. Let's make this one a regular... Best yet!

This was a wonderfully presented and delightful course. The advent of computers is making
drawing in architecture a lost art, which is a huge loss to both the profession and architects. The
instructors were superb and the structure of the course very well thought out. It is a educational and
delightful way to explore a city and it's architecture.

The American Skyscraper: Transforming Chicago and the Nation
Landmarks of American History and Culture Workshop for Teachers. Through the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Taught half-day sessions to 50 primary school teachers from all over the United States, preparing them to teach freehand sketching at historic Chicago downtown locations.

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Participant feedback:

“Very fun activity, engaging instructor—pushed us to draw even if we were selected. I only wish I could encourage students to draw like he engaged our group.”

“Great engaging lesson! Berman showed my strengths when it comes to drawing and boosted my self-confidence”

“Loved his enthusiasm and positive feedback”

“Fun, engaging, positive—humor relaxed ‘non-artist’ fears”

“I will definitely use these lessons. Berman was able to make me feel comfortable doing something I don’t typically do. I liked his thought—drawing is another language!”

“His skill and knowledge of his craft really impressed. I kind of want to be an architect now…”

“Joel approached the subject very well. As a draw-a-phobic I was thankful.”

“Very engaging I liked the hands on approach”

“Excellent! He presented with humor and helped me feel relaxed about an experience outside my comfort box. He was very encouraging, throughout the process. I really liked how he took the time to critique each sketch.”

“Mr. Berman was very positive and helpful. I am just not an artist but appreciated what he did and it was interesting to learn what he does. “

“Lots of fun!”

“This was an activity I really wasn’t looking forward to, but once we got into the sketch with simple instruction motivated me to what to do this again. A real confidence builder.”

“This was really fun! A great way to appreciate the city and feel this experience through sketching."

“I can draw!”

“I enjoyed Joel’s presentation. He helped me think about art in a different way and be able to get students to create art who are not artists.”

“LOVED HIM”

Taught 'How to Sketch Like an Architect', a course taught at historic downtown Chicago buildings and outdoor spaces.Course description: Chicago has the most beautiful skyline in North America, perhaps the world. Students will learn how to rapidly document the buildings in their own graphic vocabulary, interior and exterior. The class will stress a formulaic approach to developing exceptional compositions using thumbnail diagrams and basic, non-technical perspective. Emphasis will be placed on loose, free hand drawing techniques in lieu of technical drawing. This class is appropriate for beginners with no experience.Course OutlineINTRODUCTION TO FREEHAND SKETCHINGCONTOUR AND THUMBNAIL DRAWINGTHUMBNAIL DRAWING 2CONTRASTPERSPECTIVEBRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER

Managed design and construction projects, including 50,000 - 100,000 sf higher education and health care structures.