The article discusses issues related to the role of freehand drawing as a research instrument in the process of educating future architects. The currently widespread use of computers will not replace freehand drawing, which is still the basic means of developing the sensitivity and imagination of students. Drawing is often treated as something less valuable, incomplete, as an initial or auxiliary stage. On the one hand, it is not as effective and durable as painting, on the other - not as attractive in terms of technique as graphics. The main goal of the work is to demonstrate the importance of drawing and sketching in developing the professional skills of architecture students. The historical context of art and drawing as a craft was analyzed, emphasizing its contemporary role. The article is based on literature research and analysis of student design workshops that took place in Świerkocin, Masuria in 2020. Drawing, regardless of the workshop level, can be an excellent tool for learning architecture: a research tool supporting the understanding of the structure and complexity of the surrounding space, an intellectual tool allowing for a critical analysis of space and the development of abstract thinking.