Architecture and Design portfolios: what industry wants
If you missed our recent portfolio how-to panel session, we’ve rounded up our top 4 key takeaways from the session, to help you create a stand-out portfolio.
Speakers from the session:
Genevieve Vu, Senior Associate at DC8 Studio
Michael Bye, General Manager at Digital Thinkplace
Paul Matthew, Lecturer in Design (Built Environment) at The University of Queensland
Here are our top 4 take aways from the session:
Key takeaway #1
Understand what your portfolio is for.
You might not realise but there are two versions of a portfolio!
The first is a short introductory document, highlighting your key skills and abilities. If you’re wanting an interview, try emailing this document to potential employers.
The second version is a longer and more comprehensive document that shows your full range of skills and experience. Take this to your in-person meetings to wow the interviewer.
Key takeaway #2
Convey your personality and how you uniquely fit in with the team/organisation.
Don’t be afraid to share your interests, and why you chose to study architecture or design. Studios like to know that you have shared values, so include what is important to you, and your goals for the future. Remember to bring the personality back into your portfolio.
Key takeaway #3
Back up your beautiful drawings and renders with the skills attached to each project.
Studios will want to see that the projects you’ve included articulate different sets of skills. Nice images alone do not tell a full story about your abilities and achievements. By sharing the skills you mastered to make a project happen you can highlight your technical and soft skills— remember architecture is a people centric business.
Key Takeaway #4
Where you can, tailor your content to the industry or better yet the organisation you’re applying to.
Make sure you specifically reference the organisation you are applying to in your cover letter or opening page. This will give you an opportunity to share your understanding of their work or values and show that. Making a personal connection, like dropping off a hard copy of your portfolio can help your application feel targeted and meaningful.