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When applying to any job I advise applicants to use the shortest architecture portfolio possible. I have successfully applied to the top firms in the world with only a resume and a TWO PAGE portfolio. Most people are surprised by this, since the typical portfolios I see are in the 20-40 page range. To be clear I am only talking about the initial introduction to a firm, not the in person interview. For that you should use a full length traditional portfolio. For the first contact architecture application I recommend a “sample portfolio”, usually two to five pages long. Just like the resume, it is only a snapshot of your greatest work and experience.
To help you with your architecture job search, I've created a mega-pack of free resources that includes a sample two page portfolio. Also included are architecture resumes, cover letters, and an extensive collection of application documents. Getting into a portfolio discussion is difficult because a lot of the final product is creativity based. Yet, I will cover several general guidelines to follow below when preparing and submitting a sample portfolio.
You did what? This is extremely important and it is a mistake I see all the time on job applications and portfolios. Working in an architecture office is complicated.
Projects are always a team effort so it can be difficult to separate what you specifically did. However, it is vital in this sample portfolio that you clearly show what work and problems you solved on a project(s). Did you develop a particular detail?
Work with the MEP engineers on developing the facade design? You need to clearly explain this using minimal text and RELEVANT imagery. Don’t just put the $5000 professional rendering of the tower project you worked on and list off how you designed the parking layout. Rufus.
You can still show the rendering to give some context but your primary focus should be to actually show what YOU worked on. This may not be as glamorous but it is key to telling your story. Making even the most mundane topics interesting is a skill all its own. Maybe you were able to redesign the parking ramp configuration to add two extra spaces using the same area. Not an exciting example but many clients I have worked with would buy you a drink for getting two free spaces. Whatever the issue might be you need to tie it back into the required roles and responsibilities they are looking for in the job posting. I discuss in greater detail how to target your application to the specific role in 2.
Keep it short As I said above, for the first contact with an architecture office (email or online application) you want to be as brief as possible. When I personally review applications I may only spend a minute skimming the resume and portfolio. Other hiring managers I have spoke with say a minute might even be on the high end. Architects are always busy and since about three-quarters of architecture firms have 2 to 49 employees there will not be a dedicated hiring manager. Usually it is a senior architect juggling multiple projects and deadlines so he or she does not have 15 minutes to browse through your 825MB portfolio. Which leads to my next point.
Keep the file size small. When an application comes in it is generally given a yes or no then passed on to other managers to make a choice whether to interview. This is always emailed around internally so keeping the file size down is essential. Each office has different email file limits but a general rule is to keep it under 5MB. Make it easy for the hiring manager Maybe I am just getting old, but I have a strict rule when it comes to applications.
I always get a lot of resistance on this subject. Usually because the applicant has already set up their online account, loaded their profile up with every project they have ever even thought about and sent their link to 200 offices. They then wonder why they are not hearing back from anyone. Just use a simple PDF email attachment. This way you are not depending on the reliability of your host site or the office IT system. In fact, many firms, especially the large offices will block access and downloads from hundreds of sites, potentially including your host site. Also by using a PDF it allows complete control over the appearance and formatting of your portfolio.