A Part I Architectural Assistant role is often the first serious step into practice. You are not expected to know everything. You are expected to be organised, curious, teachable and able to show the potential behind your academic work.
The best early-career applications make it easy for a practice to understand your level. Do not pretend to be more experienced than you are. Show how you think, what you can already do and where you are keen to develop.
Watch first: getting your first Part I role
This belongs above the fold because Part I candidates need a practical starting point before the CV, portfolio and salary detail.
What practices usually look for
- A clear sample portfolio with strong academic projects.
- Basic software confidence, especially around drawing, modelling and presentation.
- Evidence that you can explain design decisions.
- A willingness to learn office standards, process and feedback.
- Good communication and practical reliability.
Also watch: getting your CV in front of studios
This video was already part of the page before the rewrite and belongs here. It gives another practical angle on early-career visibility and getting noticed by studios.
How to write the CV
Keep the CV simple. Lead with education, software, relevant experience, project interests and any practice, competition, volunteering or work experience that proves maturity. Do not pad it with unrelated filler.
Use the architecture CV guide and the cover letter templates to build the basics properly.
How to build the portfolio
For a Part I role, academic work is usually central. That is fine. Show process, concept, drawings, visuals and communication, but keep the story tight. A practice wants to see how you think and whether your work is readable.
- Open with your strongest project.
- Add short project summaries, not essays.
- Use consistent layout and readable captions.
- Include drawings as well as final images.
- Keep the file size sensible.
Salary and job search basics
Check current Part I Architectural Assistant salary guidance before accepting an offer. Then compare live Part I Architectural Assistant jobs so you understand the market.
Listen: starting the Part I job search
The podcast gives a fuller discussion on positioning yourself, starting the search and avoiding early-career mistakes.
You can also open the related Architecture Social episode page.
Common mistakes
- Sending a huge portfolio with no clear order.
- Trying to sound like a senior candidate.
- Not explaining which work is individual, group or professional.
- Ignoring the practice’s sector and location.
- Waiting too long to start applying.
Architecture Social view
Stephen’s recruiter view is that Part I candidates do not need perfection. They need a clean application, a good attitude and enough evidence for a practice to believe they can grow inside the team.
Next step
Create a focused sample portfolio and apply to roles where your work genuinely fits. For one-to-one feedback, book a Power Hour career coaching session.
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