The research presented in this paper is a segment of a broader study that examined the application of diagrams in the process of the architectural design of students. Design diaries (sketch maps) were used to record this process, and the focus of the present paper is on the role and importance of these diaries for the development of design skills of beginners in the introductory studio course. The results of the research show that design diaries enable the organization of ideas over time, which facilitates the synthesis of ideas and inspiration.