How to make an architectural portfolio (for Architects, Interns and Students)

If you're making an architectural portfolio, or yours needs a refresh, this is your how-to guide. We'll review the key differences between paper and digital portfolios, and you'll learn why the best portfolio is the one you're able to keep updated with fresh content.
I recommend you craft your portfolio as an integral part of a broader web-based promotion strategy. Your portfolio should - if possible - be available (and searchable) on your own, self-hosted website.
Digital portfolio options:
- App-based - on a tablet for example (Morpholio, Portfolio, etc.)
- PDF - a document you can print or share
- Web platform - hosted on someone else's platform (Behance, Issu, Coroflot, Houzz)
- Website (self-hosted) - you own the domain, you control the online real estate.
The only option I recommend today is the self-hosted website portfolio. I recommend using Squarespace to get started if you don't have one already. Their templates are modern, minimal, and you'll spend time on filling it with great work rather than fussing over the layout - the container.
I recommend you take cues from the portfolios of other architects you'd like to work for or whose work you'd like to emulate. Study how they're compiling their portfolios. Learn from them.
What to include:
1) Sketches
2) Academic vs. Built work
3) Models
4) Renders

What Not to Include:
1) Work you didn't design
2) Old work
3) Lengthy text
4) Spelling errors
5) Poor photography
6) Construction documents
7) Irrelevant work experience
8) Hobbies

I also discuss the best way to share your portfolio via email and let you in on an opportunity to have your portfolio reviewed by me on the channel (hint: you have to be a subscriber).

// GEAR I USE //

DSLR CAMERA:

LENSES:

AUDIO:

ARCHITECTURE GEAR:

STARTUP TOOLKIT:

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Please watch: "Making a Site Model - The Outpost Project"
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[LibaLand]

As a student, I constantly tell myself that grades don't truly matter, what matters most is that I create content with strong ideas, so that one day I will have a portfolio that I am proud of.

[ezequielcastellanos]

Because of this video, i got a job. Thank You!

[hollowsoul]

damn! i wish i had teachers like him at architecture school ! really crisp presentation of content and so engaging ! thank you kind sir for your videos.

[chozensoul]

These are the Passionate People needed at school to help Profess the future we are in sought of. ..Thank you for being a guide through this Mastering this Discipline.

[andy]

I'm not an Architect major but your videos are really helpful for me as an Interior Design student.

[gmbarchitect]

I saw this when you released it last year before I wanted to pursue architecture. Coming from a CM background, I've never had to make a portfolio. One year later, I just had my MArch program interview, and this video helped tremendously. Thank you, Eric. Professional as always.

[Eneas]

All this time I've been thinking you had a mirror in the room, but now I've realized it's just symmetry

[mauricioclavijo]

Hi... I am an architecture student in BOLIVIA and your videos have helped me a lot in many aspects of the career. I truly take into consideration every tip and auggestion you do. Keep doing it and thanks again...

[AndyUrsua]

Wow! The last minute of the video (about the hiring decisions) just blown my mind, I'm a recently graduated architect from Mexico and even when the things are a little bit different in my country, I think this content is really valuable and it's started to making me reconsider a lot of my work. Thank you for your awesome content. I've just subscribed to the channel 👌🏻

[gabrielbarile]

Thanks man,
I have only 10 years of experience in Architecture and I’m currently trying to build
my portfolio, you gave me many good tips and ideas

[m.ishaquekc]

Great job..we need more people like you in Architects Community!

[Ferretti]

How I love this channel! I'm not even an architect, I'm a musician. The way you expose the ideas, you skecht them and go through from the macro to the microcosmos leading who is watching your videos step by step. I'm sure I can also rob somethings from here for my own c.v..

[TharaMesseroux]

Thank you for everything! This is one of my favorite architecture channels. You present such high content all the time!

[noraskye]

I'm watching this three times to get this into my head, hope I get mine done properly, kudos!

[crazyish]

I think this is the first time I've heard of squarespace that genuinely recommended it, and wasn't an ad.

[aynulinaya]

absolutely wow!!!! so clean cut and well explained.... just loved this... thanks a lot for this!!!!

[ArjunPanicker]

You are the most helpful person in the architecture field I have ever seen! Thank you for the videos sir! It is very knowledgable. Wish we had teachers like you in architecture schools here. I will recommend to your channel all those who wish to teach architecture as a profession.

[terrysolomon]

I just learned of 30X40 yesterday, as I worked on some sketches for a design project. I have been in landscape design build (more build than design) for most of my career. I am working to develop more design skills, and even considering graduate school for an MLA (in my late 50's) I already found your work to be incredibly informative, and important. As well as motivating and inspiring. Thanks so much.

[CogitoErgoSumFortis]

Best...architecture... :( Love you Eric, thank you for your teachings!

[ummihabibah]

I am an architecture student from indonesia, I do like your content. It's really helpfull for me to create my portfolio. Because my English is not really good, i find it difficult to understand but I still intend to see this video until the end. I try to keep watch this video. It is so beneficial to add my knowledge. Thanks