Mar 4, 2025
So, you’re about to graduate (or you just did) and you're diving into the world of architecture jobs and internships. The big question: how do you make your portfolio stand out in a sea of talented candidates? Your portfolio is the best way to showcase your skills, your creativity, and your design thinking. But what makes a portfolio catch a hiring manager's eye?
Let’s break it down, step by step, in a way that feels more like a conversation and less like a textbook. You’ve got this!
You know the drill: quality over quantity. Keep it to about 10-15 pages. That’s the sweet spot most firms expect when reviewing portfolios. Focus on showing off 3-5 solid projects rather than trying to squeeze everything in. It’s about depth, not just breadth.
Each page should have a purpose. If a project needs multiple pages to really shine—like showing different stages of development or a variety of perspectives—go for it. But each spread should add value. You want it to feel cohesive, not like a random collection of work.
Pro Tip: Hiring managers often spend less than 2 minutes skimming a portfolio on the first pass, so make sure it’s easy to navigate, visually engaging, and doesn’t overwhelm them with unnecessary details. A quick Table of Contents or clear section headers can make a huge difference.
Let’s talk about what actually goes in your portfolio. The main focus should be your design process—how you think, how you solve problems, and how you execute your ideas. So, for each project, include:
Also, show off your versatility. If you’re good at hand sketching, digital modeling, or even physical models, mix it up. If you’ve worked with Revit(wahoo!!), Rhino, AutoCAD, or any other software, make sure to show those skills off—maybe even highlight some parametric models or BIM outputs.
A good portfolio doesn’t just show your work; it tells a story. You want your reader to understand who you are as a designer. Think of your portfolio as your design narrative:
Your portfolio should walk someone through your design evolution, from concept to execution. If you worked in a team, make sure you’re clear about what role you played—hiring managers want to know exactly what you contributed.
Here’s the thing: no two firms are the same. Each has its own vibe, style, and focus. So, before you hit “send” on your portfolio, take some time to research the firm you're applying to. A little tailoring goes a long way.
You don’t need a completely new portfolio for every firm, but it helps to swap out a few projects or tweak descriptions—kind of like adding “slip sheets”—to make sure it aligns with what they’re looking for.
Most firms are going digital these days, so you’ll likely be submitting your portfolio as a PDF or through an online platform (think: Behance, Issuu, or even a personal website). But if you're meeting in person, make sure you have a printed version ready, too. (Bonus points if it’s on high-quality paper!)
Pro Tip: Keep your digital file under 15MB for easy sharing. Also, check that it looks good on mobile—many hiring managers will open it up on their phones or tablets first, so you want it to be legible and easy to navigate on smaller screens.
We’ve all been there staring at our work, second-guessing everything. But there are a few common mistakes you’ll want to dodge:
❌ Too much text – Keep descriptions short and impactful.
❌ Inconsistent layouts – Stick to a simple, professional format. We’re Architects after all, consistency is key!
❌ Including unfinished work – Only showcase polished, high-quality projects.
❌ Not proofreading – Spelling or grammar mistakes make you look careless, even if your designs are solid. Most programs today have built-in spellcheck or grammar tools, so take advantage of them! You’ll be glad you did, and that one "cadance" misspelling won’t haunt your dreams later.
Another thing to keep in mind: your portfolio should have visual hierarchy. Make sure the most important images stand out, and don’t let the small details steal the spotlight.
If you're looking for inspiration, here’s a peek at some portfolio examples we’ve seen at Chipman Design Architecture (hint, hint – these folks happen to work here now – I wonder why? 😉)
Example 1: Clean and Minimalist Presentation
Example 2: Strong Narrative Approach
Example 3: Interactive Online Portfolio
✅ Start early: Keep updating your portfolio throughout school—don’t wait until the last minute.
✅ Get feedback: Ask professors or industry pros to take a look before you submit it anywhere. (I’ve personally reviewed 3 portfolios these past three months, one of which just reached out to me via LinkedIn because they’re currently at U of I, my alma mater ("ILL – INI!") and wanted a professional’s opinion.)
✅ Polish your LinkedIn profile: This is your networking hub—make sure it links back to your portfolio.
✅ Network: Attend career fairs and reach out to firms. A good pitch and a polished portfolio can open doors.
Since joining Chipman Design Architecture in 2014, Principal Caitlin Gurra has acted as both Project Manager and Project Architect for numerous custom and prototypical ground-up and custom in-line restaurant locations. She has a wealth of restaurant knowledge to help current and new clients develop and improve upon processes to help them stay organized and understand all the needs that go hand-in-hand with implementing an architectural project in difficult spaces. She has been successful at leading and expanding current client teams such as Chick-fil-A, Reformation, Chewy Vet Care and Edward Jones by implementing processes and protocols that create efficiencies and serve as mentoring opportunities for younger staff.
In addition to skilled coordination with clients and contractors, Caitlin has also taken a leadership role in development of a New Client Team within Chipman Design. This team strives to identify a client’s needs and pain points establishing a scalable process that enhances efficiency and sets up the client and CDA for success. Caitlin's primary objectives are building strong client relationships, thinking like an owner, and driving process. Caitlin graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies and is a licensed architect.
Chipman Design Architecture (WBE) is a people-first, family-owned senior living, retail, and hospitality, architecture firm composed of innovators, architects, and interior designers who love collaborating, breaking boundaries, and creating spaces for tomorrow. For over forty-five years, the firm has separated themselves with a focus on the future in regard to organizational structure, customer experience and fostering community. With corporate headquarters in Chicago, and five additional national offices, Chipman Design provides interior design, experiential design, and architectural expertise throughout North America. Today, the firm’s Principal team, led by third generation family member, and CEO, Lauren Chipman, offers innovation and professionalism through complete architectural and interior design services. Through membership in the U.S. Green Building Council, the firm’s commitment to sustainability and lowering energy consumption continues to reinforce recognition of the critical role of architects in today’s world.
