Part I Architectural Assistant CV Blueprint

A Part I architectural assistant CV blueprint should make the document easier to build. The CV needs to show who you are, what you have studied, what you can do and where the portfolio evidence sits.

Keep the structure clear before worrying about visual style. A beautiful CV that is hard to scan is still a weak CV.

Watch: getting your CV in front of more studios

This Architecture Social video is useful if you want your CV to reach more relevant studios instead of disappearing into a generic application pile.

Start with the basics

The reader should quickly understand your current level and how to view your work.

• Name, contact details and location.
• Portfolio link.
• Current course or qualification.
• Short practical profile.
• Education, experience and selected project evidence.

Related audio: CVs and resumes for first architecture jobs

This related episode adds more early-career CV advice for candidates who are building their first serious architecture applications.

You can also open the related Architecture Social podcast page.

Use a clean order

For most Part I candidates, a simple order works best: profile, education, relevant experience, selected projects, software and interests if they are genuinely useful.

If you have practice experience, do not hide it. If most of your evidence is academic, explain it clearly and connect it to the portfolio.

Make software credible

• Only list tools you can discuss honestly.
• Show the software in the portfolio where possible.
• Separate confident tools from basic exposure if needed.
• Avoid long software lists with no project context.
• Mention workflow evidence, not just logos.

Common mistakes

• Starting with a long personal statement.
• Forgetting the portfolio link.
• Making the CV too graphic to read.
• Not saying whether work is academic, professional or personal.
• Trying to sound more senior than the evidence supports.

Architecture Social view

Stephen’s recruiter view is that junior CVs work best when they are easy to pass to a practice. The clearer the evidence, the easier the conversation.

Next step

Build the CV structure, then review the Part I career guide, live Part I jobs, the CV guide and the sample portfolio guide.