Architecture CV and Portfolio Blueprint

An architecture CV and portfolio blueprint helps you make the application feel joined up. The CV gives the route map. The portfolio proves the route with projects, drawings, models, captions and process.

If the two documents are built separately, useful evidence can get lost. The blueprint brings them back together.

Watch: reviewing architecture CVs together

This CV review video is a useful reminder that small edits can change how the whole application is understood.

Listen: full CV review discussion

Prefer audio? This is the podcast version of the CV review conversation.

You can also open the related Architecture Social podcast page.

Related audio: portfolio bootcamp

This related portfolio bootcamp adds more detail on page order, evidence and presentation.

You can also open the related Architecture Social podcast page.

Create the evidence map

List the claims you want the CV to make, then match each claim to portfolio proof. If you cannot prove a claim, either add evidence or rewrite it.

• Role level.
• Project sectors.
• Software and workflow.
• Technical or design responsibility.
• Academic, professional, individual or team work.

Choose the project order

The first projects should answer the role brief. Do not lead with a project just because it came first or feels sentimental.

A strong blueprint usually has a sharp sample portfolio for applications and deeper evidence ready for interview.

Before sending, check

• The CV and portfolio use consistent project names.
• The portfolio link works.
• The sample file is not too heavy.
• Captions explain your role.
• The application matches the job advert.

Common mistakes

• Improving the CV but ignoring the portfolio.
• Making the portfolio beautiful but vague.
• Repeating the same evidence too many times.
• Not adapting the sample for the role.
• Leaving the strongest work too late.

Architecture Social view

Stephen’s recruiter view is that a joined-up application is easier to represent and easier for a practice to assess.

Next step

Use this with the CV and portfolio evidence guide, the portfolio project order guide, live architecture jobs and the Power Hour career coaching session.