Architectural Portfolios

I recently prepared a "FAQ" page regarding portfolios which architecture students prepare in order to display their work to potential employers. I am including it here as an example of my work and to provide guidance to college students.


Each year, we receive hundreds of job inquiries, some with portfolios and some without. An architectural class at a nearby university surveyed architectural firms, including ours, to discover what is “most admired in portfolio design”. We have assembled them into this FAQ, anticipating that other students may have similar questions.


What size of a portfolio works best?
If you are sending us your portfolio, something that fits in a file folder or hanging file, meaning no larger than 8 ½” x 11”, is preferred. However, if there is only one copy and we are looking at it during an interview, probably 11” x 17” would be the largest size.


Is digital media an asset? Is it ever just passed on?
Two schools of thought: Hard copies are easier to share with other decision makers because we can walk up to them, show it to them, and point out the highlights.
Digital media is easier to pass along in an email especially if it needs to go to several decision makers at the same time, or if those people are unavailable in person. Of course, if it is an animation or fly through, then it makes sense to do it that way. Keep in mind that the person initially receiving the digital media might not have the software needed to view that type of work.


How easy or difficult are loose-leaf pages to deal with in reviewing? Would you recommend binding over loose-leaf?
It depends on how big it is. If it’s more than 5 pages it’s probably better for it to be bound. With fewer pages, we may just staple them together or leave them separate. If your portfolio pages can become separated from your resume and/or cover letter, you should have your name somewhere on the page so we don’t get it mixed up with someone else’s work.


What type of binding works best?
Any kind that allows the book to lay flat when fully opened.


Do you prefer to see just architectural projects or should renderings, sculpture and photography work be included?
All examples of your creative work are helpful for us to see.


How many projects are appropriate?
About five. Choose the top five that represent your strengths and the type of projects you hope to work on. If you are asked to come in for an interview, you can bring additional examples to further explain your work.


Is it better to have a highly designed portfolio with elaborate cover and bindings or overly simple to show off the work?
It depends on what you want us to focus on – your skills in marketing and publishing or your skills in architecture. A simple but elegantly designed portfolio allows us to focus on your architectural work without distraction.


What is an example of a portfolio that stands out in your memory? What made it different? Was its difference good?
We receive hundreds of resumes every year. About half of those include some type of example of their work, usually a digital file such as a pdf or jpg. The portfolios we have received are all unique. Size, color, binding, sequence, text, font, layout – you name it, it’s always different. The positive things that stand out to us are:
Simple cover with your name on the front
Your contact information
Consistent format throughout – both in photo layout and project descriptions.
Gives credit to the team. If you’re including a rendering of a building, be clear about what your role was.


Should a resume be included in the bound portfolio or separate?
Either way is fine. Sometimes having it in both places is helpful in case they get separated.


What is the best advice you can give on portfolio creation?
Know your audience. Know what message you want to get across and stick to that. Use industry standard publishing guidelines. Use your money wisely.


Is it considered impolite to ask that the portfolio be returned?
It’s perfectly acceptable to ask for your portfolio back. We know that you invested time and money to develop it and that you don’t have an endless supply. We can’t always tell, though, if we’ve received your only copy or if it’s one of many. If you want it back, it’s best to let us know up front. Even if you get all the way through the interview process and we don’t make you a job offer, it’s still perfectly acceptable for you to ask for your portfolio back. After all, you’ll probably need it when you interview elsewhere.


The official FAQ can be found here:
http://www.gsc-inc.com/23/Internship.htm

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