Portfolio Tips for Architecture School Application
If you wish to apply to a Master of Architecture program, you will need to submit a portfolio of creative work.
People often ask: What makes a great portfolio for grad school? What are admissions committees looking for?
In this post, two members of the faculty at Carleton University’s architecture school offer insights.
Next Week: Portfolio Examples
Associate Professor Ozayr Saloojee
“I’m interested in seeing work that indicates curiosity, and a probing of the designed environment.”
Associate Professor Zachary Colbert
“Your portfolio should showcase recent, high-quality work, and will be judged on both its content and overall design.”
Associate Professor Zachary Colbert
Chair, Master of Architecture Committee
Associate Director Graduate
Please consider the scale and clarity of your selected images and texts when designing your portfolio and keep non-visual content to a minimum.
While demonstrating mastery of a skill (drawing, modelling, rendering, building, etc.) is beneficial, do keep in mind that we also look for the following abilities:
to think abstractly and conceptually
to ask questions and be reflective
to communicate visually with thoughtful and crafted drawings and models
Professional work can be selectively included but you must be clear about your role in the team or project.
Applicants who do not possess formal training in architecture may include other creative works that evidence creativity (studio art, construction/renovation, etc.);
This work should demonstrate abstract thinking and visual communication abilities.
Demonstrating abstract thinking and visual communication skills are paramount.
Do not include ‘drafting’ work.
We receive a great many applications; your portfolio must stand out for its quality and composition.
Our discipline is spatial. Whether through drawing, model making, painting, photography, or other media, it is very important that you communicate your ability to understand and craft space.
Associate Professor Ozayr Saloojee
Member, Master of Architecture Committee
Past Associate Director (Graduate)
Does the portfolio affirm a rigorous curiosity, looking? I’m interested in seeing students who are asking questions with their work. This, to me, is as important as skill or facility with media.
While seeing well-made drawings, images, paintings, and photographs is always good, does the work go deeper than a competent, crafted image?
Given that students come from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds in a three-year program, how does that background or experience get reflected in and through the work they produce for the portfolio?
Does the submission show conceptual thinking as well as facility with media?
Find more tips in this post: How to Apply to the Master of Architecture Program
If you need help creating a winning portfolio, the STUDIO FIRST summer program is designed for students from a wide range of backgrounds who are considering graduate studies in architecture.
The main goal of the program is for participants to generate portfolio material appropriate for application to a three-year Master of Architecture accredited degree program.
Learn more here:
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