Good architecture CV examples are useful because they show how evidence should be arranged, not because they give you lines to copy. The aim is to make your level, project experience, software and portfolio proof easy to understand.
Your CV and portfolio should work as one application. The CV tells the reader what to look for. The portfolio proves it with selected projects, drawings, models, process and captions.
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This video was already part of the article before the rewrite, so it stays with the guide rather than being replaced by the new media.
Listen: CV review discussion
Prefer audio? This episode expands on the CV review points behind the examples in this guide.
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What a stronger CV example does
A strong architecture CV does not try to sound impressive in every sentence. It makes the basics clear and gives the reader enough context to understand your evidence.
- Your current level and the type of role you are targeting.
- Availability, location and right-to-work details where useful.
- Software skills with project context, not just a long list of logos.
- Project, practice or academic experience written in plain language.
- A portfolio link that is visible, working and easy to open.
Continue with related Architecture Social content
If you want to go deeper, these related Architecture Social episodes add more context without getting in the way of the main guide.
Related audio: portfolio evidence
This related episode helps you decide what belongs in a sample portfolio and what should wait for interview.
You can also open the related Architecture Social podcast page.
Connect the CV to the portfolio
The best improvement is often simple: make every important CV claim traceable to portfolio evidence. If the CV says Revit, Rhino, Grasshopper, residential, retrofit, detailing or competition work, the portfolio should help prove it.
This does not mean the portfolio needs to show everything. It means the sample portfolio should support the strongest and most relevant claims first.
What to move up
Most CV and portfolio sets improve when the strongest relevant evidence moves earlier. If you have practice experience, technical drawings, strong Revit work, a live brief, competition recognition or a project that matches the role, do not hide it near the end.
The same applies to practical details. Availability, location, right to work and portfolio access may not feel creative, but they help the reader understand whether the opportunity is realistic.
Example CV lines to improve
Weak wording usually sounds polished but vague. Better wording gives the reader project type, responsibility and evidence.
- Weak: Worked on several design projects.
- Better: Developed concept and presentation material for an academic housing project, including plans, sections, Rhino modelling and rendered views.
- Weak: Proficient in multiple software packages.
- Better: Used Revit for technical drawing exercises and Rhino for concept modelling, with selected examples shown in the portfolio.
Use availability carefully
If you are immediately available, relocating or looking for a specific start date, say so clearly. That can help a practice understand whether the timing works before they invest in an interview.
A quick test before sending
Open the CV and sample portfolio together. In less than one minute, can someone see your level, strongest project evidence, software context and the type of role you want? If not, the application needs editing before it needs more styling.
Common mistakes
- Letting the portfolio tell a different story from the CV.
- Listing software without saying how it was used.
- Writing a profile that could apply to any candidate.
- Hiding practical details that affect hiring.
- Sending a sample portfolio that does not support the CV claims.
Architecture Social view
Stephen’s recruiter view is that a good application makes the reader’s job easier. Candidate-first does not mean ignoring what practices need. It means giving them clearer evidence so they can make a fairer decision.
Next step
Use this with the architecture CV guide, the portfolio guide, the sample portfolio guide and live architecture jobs.
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