Portfolio 101: An Architect’s Manifesto  

Portfolios…the bane of every architect’s existence. Critical to securing a position but often overlooked any other time in a career. However overwhelming compiling a portfolio can feel, there is no doubt that it is essential for any creative to have on hand.

As an architect/designer consider your portfolio a “professional manifesto” – your method of conveying your beliefs, passion and design philosophy with the industry.

Here is our take on top tips for best representing yourself through your materials. A Portfolio 101:

Cover Page

This is the viewer’s introduction to you, it should show off your personality in a way that is intriguing and professional. When in doubt, keep it simple and sophisticated.

Tips:

What do you want to convey about yourself? Maybe that new AIA credential, maybe that you are pursuing your WELL certification, or even something of your own creation to show your graphic capabilities.

What is the purpose of your portfolio? Presenting yourself as a well rounded architect vs. a  rendering specialist is very different.

Table of Contents (optional)

Page numbers and a table of contents are optional based on the length of your portfolio. For a more lengthy project list, a table of contents is a great way to introduce and organize. It should be in reverse chronological order (most recent professional work first), and student projects should only be used if you have less than 6 years experience.

Pro tip: The goal is to make this as easily digestible for someone as possible! Don’t make assumptions, over-labeling is better than under-label.

Project Introduction Page

Formatting your portfolio to create a story for each project is highly recommended.

Start with an eye-grabbing photo of the project, something to pique interest. Include the basic info: project name, location, date, and project type. Add in info about your involvement: role, phases involved in and responsibilities. A summary of the project should include inspirations, parti ideas, and any info critical to the project.

Tip: What is the project about? Are you relaying the correct information?

Project pages

Give a more specialized view of the project through the lens of your role in the project. Include diagrams, process drawings, plans, sections, elevations, and/or renders. Use this space to highlight aspects you worked on. This portfolio is all about you and your work.

Tips:

Why is this good architecture? Or where is there room for growth?

What did I contribute to the project? Don’t talk about a unique architectural element that you had nothing to do with, focus on the parts that you contributed to most.

How is this project important to my development as an architect? Expressing what you gained from an experience and how your grew is important information to relay.

Extras (optional)

Do you have any extra talents you want to show off? Photography, sketching, model making? Be sure to include those aspects at the end.

What else can I bring to the table that I have not had the chance to cover? Welding, pottery, graphic design. Don’t be afraid to show off your creative side.

Tiny Tidbits:

• A portfolio and  a resume are two separate documents. Keep them that way.
• The portfolio itself is a design project. Make every stylistic choice with care (this also applies to resumes). This should be a compilation of your best work, so be selective. Be proud of every page and show your passion!
• Every page will differ in content, but the portfolio should have an overarching aesthetic theme (this includes your resume!). Every page of a portfolio should be strong on its own and as part of a whole.
• Don’t be afraid of white space. You don’t need to fill every nook and cranny, let your work breathe!
• Spell check is your best friend. Enough said.
• Your portfolio should be short enough to go over in a meeting setting but long enough to show your breadth of experience. You should also be able to share your portfolio digitally without it crashing someone’s computer – Dropbox is a great tool to transfer heavier documents.
• Your materials are being viewed by fellow architects and designers. They know how to read a plan and they share your love of architecture. Use your text space to talk about aspects of each project you are passionate about.

Remember, there is no one way or right to create a portfolio. The path to a great portfolio is different for every architect, so use this outline as a starting block. What is important is that your work is legible to other architects, visually appealing, and most importantly, an authentic representation of you!

For more articles on portfolios, check these out:

12 Tips For Making an Outstanding Architecture Portfolio- archdaily

The Best Architecture Portfolio Designs- archdaily

How to Create the Perfect Architecture Portfolio- ncarb

Architectural Portfolios- life of an architect