STUDIO FIRST 2025: Now accepting applications
Want to pursue a career in architecture? STUDIO FIRST will help you create a competitive portfolio for application to any three-year Master of Architecture program.
Returning to school ‘the greatest gift’
Keegan Metheringham returned to school later in life after working in the bike industry and construction. See his MArch application portfolio.
Geography graduate maps career in architecture
“The three projects I completed during STUDIO FIRST became the highlights of my portfolio,” says Daphne Stams.
Portfolio Example 12 — Visualization to Design-Build
Filipe Costa’s portfolio represents the skills and attributes he believes are vital to a successful career in architecture.
Portfolio Example 11 — Integrating Analog and Digital
Mu Qu Jennifer Liu’s portfolio showcases work in hybrid mode, transitioning between hands-on making and digital processes.
Graduate Profile: ‘Why not allow the journey to be as beautiful as the destination?’
Now working at a small firm in British Columbia, Josh Wallace illustrates the diversity of interests welcomed by the 3-year MArch program. And, he recorded the Athabasca Glacier.
The road to architecture started with interior design
Having previously studied interior design and environmental design, Sarah Fahmy is now completing her MArch with a thesis that seeks to improve life in the Gaza Strip.
Mechanical engineer shifts to architecture for greater creativity
"I envision working somewhere between engineering and architecture.”
Graduate Profile: Working at a top firm in the USA
Architecture skills are portable and offer an opportunity to live and work in other countries.
Artist/archivist dissolves boundaries at architecture school
“A wonderful facet of this degree is you can really go anywhere in an architectural, design, art, and culture capacity.”
Why this parent left a 10-year career for architecture school
“Deciding to change careers is a very complex and personal decision,” says Derek Clouâtre. He explains how and why he took the plunge.
Making a Leap From Literature
Chiara Muia, who studied English literature, was nervous to commit to architecture. Here’s how she made the leap.
Bringing a sociological perspective to architecture
Stephanie Casanova, who transitioned from sociology, looks forward to a career “that is multidisciplinary, just as my path into architecture has been.”
Urban Studies Sparked Interest in Architecture
Ben Stern reflects on his journey from McGill’s geography department to architecture and the role of STUDIO FIRST.
End-of-School Speech Recalls ‘Beautiful Moments’
“We are achievers. We are resilient. We are dreamers with unique visions to offer at an especially important time in history.”
Portfolio Example: 5
Shirley Chung is in the three-year Master of Architecture program after a career in banking and management consulting. Here’s work she submitted in her application portfolio.
Portfolio Example: 4
Brendan Schoug’s portfolio helped him get accepted to the three-year Master of Architecture program at the University of British Columbia.
Portfolio Example: 2
Michael Jamieson received offers of acceptance from all the schools to which he applied.
Portfolio Example: 1
Here’s the portfolio that helped Travis Strochinski gain admission to the 3-year MArch program at Carleton.
Portfolio Tips for Architecture School Application
What makes a great portfolio for grad school? What are admissions committees looking for?