What Makes a Good Architecture CV?

Start with clarity

Recruiters and hiring teams often scan CVs quickly. If the first page is cluttered, vague or overloaded with graphics, your strongest evidence may be missed.

• Name your current level and target role clearly.
• Keep contact details easy to find.
• Show education and professional experience in a logical order.
• Use project bullets that explain scale, stage, software and responsibility.
• Keep design restrained so the content can be read quickly.

Make the accompanying documents work together

Use the cover letter guide to explain the match and the portfolio workshop to show the work behind the CV.

What the CV should include

A good architecture CV normally includes a short profile, key software, education, employment history, selected project experience and a portfolio link. You do not need a long personal statement.

For each role, write bullets that prove what you did. Assisted on residential projects is weak. Supported planning-stage drawing production for a residential scheme using Revit is much clearer.

Software and technical evidence

Software lists are useful, but they are stronger when connected to work. If you say Revit, explain whether you used it for modelling, sheets, detailing, coordination or presentation. If you say Rhino or Grasshopper, show how it supported the design process.

Relationship with the portfolio

Your CV and portfolio should feel connected. If the CV mentions a project, the portfolio should help the reader see it. If the portfolio shows strong work, the CV should explain your role and responsibility.

Common mistakes

• Using a heavily designed CV that is hard to read.
• Listing responsibilities without project context.
• Leaving software evidence too vague.
• Writing a profile full of generic enthusiasm.
• Sending a CV and portfolio that tell different stories.

Architecture Social view

Stephen’s recruiter view is that a good CV helps both sides. It helps the candidate present properly and helps the practice make a quicker, fairer decision.

Architecture CV questions

Should my CV repeat my portfolio?

Use the CV for context: your level, employment, project stages, software and responsibility. Use the portfolio to show the work. Check that both documents describe your contribution consistently.

How can I make a software claim more useful?

Connect the software to a task you completed. Explain whether you used it for modelling, drawings, detailing, coordination or presentation, and show relevant evidence where you can.

Improve three project bullets

Choose three CV bullets and add the project type, stage, software and your contribution. Then use the portfolio guide to check the supporting work. Compare the result with one relevant architecture vacancy before applying.