How to make an architectural portfolio (for Architects, Interns and Students)

If you're making an architectural portfolio, or yours needs a refresh, this is your how-to guide. We'll review the key differences between paper and digital portfolios, and you'll learn why the best portfolio is the one you're able to keep updated with fresh content.
I recommend you craft your portfolio as an integral part of a broader web-based promotion strategy. Your portfolio should - if possible - be available (and searchable) on your own, self-hosted website.
Digital portfolio options:
- App-based - on a tablet for example (Morpholio, Portfolio, etc.)
- PDF - a document you can print or share
- Web platform - hosted on someone else's platform (Behance, Issu, Coroflot, Houzz)
- Website (self-hosted) - you own the domain, you control the online real estate.
The only option I recommend today is the self-hosted website portfolio. I recommend using Squarespace to get started if you don't have one already. Their templates are modern, minimal, and you'll spend time on filling it with great work rather than fussing over the layout - the container.
I recommend you take cues from the portfolios of other architects you'd like to work for or whose work you'd like to emulate. Study how they're compiling their portfolios. Learn from them.
What to include:
1) Sketches
2) Academic vs. Built work
3) Models
4) Renders
What Not to Include:
1) Work you didn't design
2) Old work
3) Lengthy text
4) Spelling errors
5) Poor photography
6) Construction documents
7) Irrelevant work experience
8) Hobbies
I also discuss the best way to share your portfolio via email and let you in on an opportunity to have your portfolio reviewed by me on the channel (hint: you have to be a subscriber).
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Please watch: "Making a Site Model - The Outpost Project"
• Making a Site Model - ...
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[@ezequielcastellanos5723]

Because of this video, i got a job. Thank You!

[@30by40]

that's all you my friend...congrats!

[@kumarisuman4309]

How come you got a job bcoz of a video

[@Jrdnalan]

ezequiel castellanos I’m inspired now

[@LibaLand]

As a student, I constantly tell myself that grades don't truly matter, what matters most is that I create content with strong ideas, so that one day I will have a portfolio that I am proud of.

[@30by40]

that's absolutely the right perspective to have +Liba Land, well said! I think there's this - nearly universal - aversion to looking back at a portfolio you created a year ago or five years ago. it's hard to do because as a designer, you can't help but see all the flaws, right? but, you'll also learn to see the good ideas, the kernels of truth, hidden in there too and those are the things you'll keep working on - that's your life's work. it changes a little with each line you draw. cheers...

[@liliatabdji1106]

well said

[@arthurtheartist9126]

I completely agree

[@arthurtheartist9126]

Liba Land imo grades de-incentivize learning so focusing, so u got a good view!

[@abdulr4040]

I was going through my semesters with this mindset.. After 4 semesters I'm left with unfinish plain projects with very less technical knowledge. I realised that aiming to get good grades really pushes your limits and creativity and obv more knowledge of whatever you were studying. Aim for A+ and only then your project will look A+!

[@hollowsoul666]

damn! i wish i had teachers like him at architecture school ! really crisp presentation of content and so engaging ! thank you kind sir for your videos.

[@30by40]

you're welcome my friend...starting our own architecture school here...!

[@hollowsoul666]

i wish you all the best for that

[@michiganjetsfan9482]

I saw this when you released it last year before I wanted to pursue architecture. Coming from a CM background, I've never had to make a portfolio. One year later, I just had my MArch program interview, and this video helped tremendously. Thank you, Eric. Professional as always.

[@TharaMesseroux1]

Thank you for everything! This is one of my favorite architecture channels. You present such high content all the time!

[@Eneas724]

All this time I've been thinking you had a mirror in the room, but now I've realized it's just symmetry

[@30by40]

...or is it?

[@MrFishRick]

Your posts Eric are a constant inspiration. I've watched some several times and they bring me back on track to achieve my goal as an independent designer when feeling discouraged. Thanks.

[@andy30521]

I'm not an Architect major but your videos are really helpful for me as an Interior Design student.

[@1Ferretti]

How I love this channel! I'm not even an architect, I'm a musician. The way you expose the ideas, you skecht them and go through from the macro to the microcosmos leading who is watching your videos step by step. I'm sure I can also rob somethings from here for my own c.v..

[@anushikabansal8663]

hey! I love your work and the way you are so helpful to all the students like us. we generally don't see as much helpful videos as yours are. thanks!

[@gabrielbarile73]

Thanks man, I have only 10 years of experience in Architecture and I’m currently trying to build my portfolio, you gave me many good tips and ideas

[@AndyUrsua]

Wow! The last minute of the video (about the hiring decisions) just blown my mind, I'm a recently graduated architect from Mexico and even when the things are a little bit different in my country, I think this content is really valuable and it's started to making me reconsider a lot of my work. Thank you for your awesome content. I've just subscribed to the channel 👌🏻

[@30by40]

cheers...glad it was helpful...thanks for the sub...

[@aynulinaya218]

absolutely wow!!!! so clean cut and well explained.... just loved this... thanks a lot for this!!!!

[@terrysolomon2484]

I just learned of 30X40 yesterday, as I worked on some sketches for a design project. I have been in landscape design build (more build than design) for most of my career. I am working to develop more design skills, and even considering graduate school for an MLA (in my late 50's) I already found your work to be incredibly informative, and important. As well as motivating and inspiring. Thanks so much.

[@agustinmauro1]

Hey Eric! I´m writing you down all the way from Argentina! I´ve been looking for advices to write a paper on marketing in architecture for a college task and found your videos super interesting and helpful. Its fun how by watching one of your videos for a uni work I ended up following you on instagram. Everything you talk about is completely true, I feel like I already know you! Cheers and keep up the good work!

[@m.ishaquekc7284]

Great job..we need more people like you in Architects Community!

[@30by40]

i enjoy this quite a lot...thanks for watching...

[@AliASHTV]

I'm so happy I found this channel. Thank you so much for dedicating your time and making this video. Cheers

[@30by40]

welcome my friend...glad you found it...!

[@bluesnhiphop]

You're videos are so good, super engaging and informative. I don't have to put any effort in to watch them right the way through!

[@CogitoErgoSumFortis]

Best...architecture... teacher...I've....never....had :( Love you Eric, thank you for your teachings!

[@noraskye007]

I'm watching this three times to get this into my head, hope I get mine done properly, kudos!

[@nohafo2ad]

I've just graduated architecture school and your videos where a huge help and inspiration for me. Thank you so much :)

[@mad_archviz6478]

Re-doing my portfolio currently and this is gold. Thank you.

[@TheRickRoller1]

Great video. I love it when people can tackle complicated subject in a simple and easy presentation. To me that’s the earmark of proficiency.

[@mauricioclavijo5987]

Hi... I am an architecture student in BOLIVIA and your videos have helped me a lot in many aspects of the career. I truly take into consideration every tip and auggestion you do. Keep doing it and thanks again...

[@30by40]

that's a lot of pressure my friend! i'll keep making these if you'll keep watching...

[@jvmweb15]

I am in the process of still figuring out on what to put on my portfolio right now for internship applications. I do not have much work to show because I am still a third year architecture student, but mostly studio projects. I recently found your channel and your videos are very inspirational to me and I will use the information you gave on this video. Thank you

[@aderita209]

Thanks for the tips, I’ve been working for 5 years since I graduated. And I really didn’t thought about including my photography or my art. Your tips of what firms are looking for, so eye opening. Also the tip about old work, I’ve been guilty about that.

[@ummihabibah1038]

I am an architecture student from indonesia, I do like your content. It's really helpfull for me to create my portfolio. Because my English is not really good, i find it difficult to understand but I still intend to see this video until the end. I try to keep watch this video. It is so beneficial to add my knowledge. Thanks

[@ArjunPanicker96]

You are the most helpful person in the architecture field I have ever seen! Thank you for the videos sir! It is very knowledgable. Wish we had teachers like you in architecture schools here. I will recommend to your channel all those who wish to teach architecture as a profession.

[@30by40]

kind words +Arjun Panicker...I so appreciate you sharing and spreading the word...!

[@stocks4bt]

I just found your page.. You did an excellent job explaining the pros and cons about photos, skills, contacts and ect without coming off as a know it all...keep up the good work

[@30by40]

+option man thx my friend...always a humble student rather than a know-it-all...thx for watching!

[@arnabgon215]

These videos of yours are really well-made and require a lot of time and effort. I appreciate your effort. I am an architecture student and I find your channel extremely helpful

[@30by40]

cheers my friend...

[@dawnmelanson]

Greetings from Nova Scotia! This came at a great time, as I am updating my portfolio to a digital version. Thanks for all the great tips, and I love your channel!

[@30by40]

+Dawn Melanson a bit of ocean and a bank of fog away...great hearing from you... best to you as upgrade the portfolio!

[@danieluduokhai980]

About to go out for school internship and this was so useful, Thanks alot. Daniel from Nigeria

[@jawadalishah2075]

Many Thanks for this Gem. I can clearly say that i am learning more from you than from teacher at university. Stay Awesome

[@crazy808ish]

I think this is the first time I've heard of squarespace that genuinely recommended it, and wasn't an ad.

[@mbdoin659]

As a student of interior design ( sorry- not Arch !) I find all of your videos to be very helpful and apply to this design discipline as well. Great job with them!!

[@TheRealRuud]

Just want to say thank you. I find your channel a treasuretrove of good advice and inspiration. Hope you are doing well. Peace.

[@vichyfaber]

thank you SO much for your great content!! Your videos should be a must in my architecture school, they are very helpful and just what i needed right now :)! Greetings from Vienna

[@30by40]

you're quite welcome +wassaw ...Vienna...! love your city...I do wish I had a better handle on German so I could visit more often...

[@Alexqini]

Somehow i ended up watching this video in the right moment, as a student sometimes its hard to know to which direction(s) to go; thank you for not only helping me figuring out a bunch of things of how to take things to an other level, but also inspiring me. Cheers :)

[@30by40]

kind of you to say...glad it found you at the right moment...cheers!

[@Gbejna]

Just wanted to say thank you for this video, it really resonated with me. I also found it kind of funny that everything you said we shouldn't do, is actually being done by a few classmates of mine. Will definitely revisit this video a few more times for when I'll make my own!

[@30by40]

+chrisgrechhamster you're quite welcome, hope you can put it to use as you build your portfolio. don't they say, "put 5 architects in a room and you'll get 6 opinions..."? This is just my take on things, presuming your classmates have a reason behind what they're doing in all for it...hard to know without understanding the context I suppose. Thanks for watching!

[@prisciliamellark95]

I already graduate, but i wish i had this kinda professor back in the campus days, damn i learn a lot more in this channel more than the time i spend when i was student

[@francinevarcas8644]

This is so great. It's always been a wonder to me as to how I should or could even begin with making a good portfolio. Just the prospect of making a bad one sometimes is enough to stop me from even starting. Thanks for making this video! It's a great help.

[@30by40]

I took a look back at a few older portfolios recently...cringe-worthy for sure...but putting together the snapshot of who you are today can be just as interesting as developing a project if you treat it as one. would love to see what you come up with...cheers...

[@Mahalakshmi-hb2jg]

great explanation , a much needed video on youtube which covers all the points properly !!

[@badrahbulga5205]

Great job man, and its professional. keep going and thanks a lot.

[@sienchuah8241]

Inspiring! I am a fresh grad preparing my portfolio for interview recently, feeling not confident enough on my previous work, but through your video I got inspired to show out the design and thinking process more which is quite lack of in these days' portfolio shared online! Trying my best to arrange my work to catch people eyes in few glance! Show people who I am! Thanks!

[@30by40]

you're quite welcome +sien cse...

[@Zoot1343]

Great stuff, thx. Hanging it up after 46 years in private practice. Spent 9 years at Yale/Harvard GSD before returning to the west coast in 1971. Travelled through Maine in the 60's, reminded me of British Columbia . Best wishes, Adam, Tofino.CA

[@30by40]

46 years...just amazing...my congratulations + respect... Maine's development is glacial in so many ways, I'll bet it doesn't look much different today than it did to you in the 60's... my best to you as you design whatever's up next for you!

[@honey5236]

I'm an interior arch. student in semester 4 & I have to create portfolio for an internship that I have to do during the next semester. My problem is that most of the things I created, up until very recently, look really unprofessional, mostly hand drawn (we only just started learning 2D CAD last semester) and I am quite unhappy with almost everything. We just kinda figured out how to present things as we were going along, because there were virtually no guidelines or instructions, and it resulted in a lot of drawings that just... aren't presentable. Many of them also do not have anything to do with architecture, since our 1st and 2nd semester profs gave us a lot of really abstract tasks. And those that *do* have to do with it simply ignore physics and building policies all together and will probably make any architect gasp in disbelief. Is there any advice on how to make this work? I was considering to just redo many drawings digitally to make them look better, but it seems like an insane amount of work and I don't know if that's what they wanna see, because it wouldn't be "original". My model photos are also trash for a big part, but I cannot redo those and the models aren't fully intact anymore. I just feel like I've achieved nothing up until now, but I HAVE to find a place in order to continue studying 🤦‍♀

[@gunikaanand2505]

Thank you so much for your videos , as a recent graduate it is so hard to understand as to what has to be included and what needs to be left out . You're videos are very beneficial and helpful for all. Love your work , Please do keep uploading videos if you could. ( It would help us out alot. ) Thank you once again.

[@30by40]

glad you found it helpful... planning to continue as long as I'm helping others...you can help by spreading the word, liking and sharing the vids...cheers...!

[@drumusic333]

Awesome! Love the comments about the 14MB attachments....funny. Thanks again.

[@Shao-wen_Wu]

Thank you! Very helpful information especially for what to include and what not to include in a portfolio.

[@christineowori750]

"baloon wielding child" haha, so true about many renders

[@jeffreyford5003]

I think your thoughts broadly spoke for most architects.Valuing the intangible things that make us feel fulfilled that seem to make up for the difficulty experienced from the challenges in the trade including financial, that come quite strongly sometimes.

[@TheHylarch87]

Greetings from Malaysia!Seriously,you're my professor!! Thanks for sharing your ideas and information..this is worth watching and very useful tips!looking forward to watching another new video from you😃

[@30by40]

you're quite welcome...

[@madhurjyamedhi2286]

It's very comforting to know the basics for creating a portfolio.... Thank you very much....

[@ryanmonaco4548]

What an excellent video! This was the best explanation I've ever had of what to look for in my portfolio! I really hope you're still available to review my portfolio once I have it made!

[@TheFer1995]

Thanks man for this video. I was spending hours these days on how to make my portfolio of my works in school and this video answered me a lot of doubts

[@30by40]

you're welcome +fer zepeda...good luck!

[@kevinodoherty9116]

This is great information, not only for (budding) architects, but for creatives across the board. Much appreciated.

[@30by40]

you're quite welcome, glad you found it helpful +Kevin O'Doherty...

[@arqvasd]

Thank you for this video! Was really helpful!!

[@wqshahrukh]

seriously Its a very helpful video for every student of architecture. Thankyou so much sir

[@nikkiferrero]

Very helpful, thanks!

[@Mark-gq2jo]

Excellent videos. Thinking about going for a masters in architecture. Learning a lot!

[@DanielinR]

High quality content here. I wish I discovered your channel before. Cheers from Colombia.

[@30by40]

cheers +Daniel Rojas, thanks...

[@jenniferlynnroelingbrennec2247]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! You are an angel.

[@balamstudios]

I give you like and fav due to the excellent resume in the description

[@dhruvalpatel6654]

thank you sir for all the teachings...

[@bigo8bigo]

I love your videos. Thank you for putting them together.

[@30by40]

kind words +Roberto O...thanks for hanging in there with me as a subscriber...so appreciate the positive encouragement!

[@oreothesweet]

I wish your video was out there when I was student. Great videos and works!!!

[@30by40]

cheers +Norio Kobayashi ...always a student!

[@zoedelacruz9931]

I really hoped that I come upon this video in my earlier years of Architecture, would've made a lot of differences.

[@MrMcardenas]

Honestly this is real information that is usefull!! thank you for sharing!

[@robertswinburne3973]

Finally got around to watching this. I like a portfolio that sets a mood as well. I try to do that on my own website (which, as usual, is incomplete) Having done job searches fairly recently, I find that most firms are still advertising specific CAD skills. Even when looking for someone with 10 or more years of experience. I take that to mean they want drafting help more than anything.

[@30by40]

hey Robert Swinburne great hearing from you... my only beef with focusing on the CAD aspect in a portfolio is that it's a commodity skill set. I - maybe naively - assume that everyone can use CAD nowadays. I think the real differentiator is creativity and if a firm is hiring just based on drafting ability it's probably going to be an unrewarding meat grinder...

[@Gurlonyoutube]

this video covered so much thanks!

[@artbronik6555]

me encantó ! muchisimas gracias, pondre todo mi empeño en seguir tus consejos, saludos desde el Norte de Mexico Arq.Veronica

[@barnesrm76]

you my friend are what we call 'dialed the f--k in.' loving your content thusfar.

[@ernstnero4341]

That's a good one .ill do so i should give my portfolio in after 2 weeks for the interview to study Architecture.

[@franciscoduran6199]

Thanks you for your videos, very useful. I have discovered this chanel recently, as arquitecture student your work help me so much.

[@30by40]

+Francisco Durán so pleased to hear...cheers!

[@grayrobin4871]

Awesome architecture Professor🔥🔥

[@promiseguy02]

Mannnnn! 15:09 - Your reaction really got me sir. Hahahaha

[@karlkallassy]

This video made my day!! Greetings from Lebanon!

[@30by40]

fantastic!

[@ap3008]

As a recent architecture university graduate I can say that this video was very useful to me. Now I only have to go and apply this information. Unfortunately, I don't have as much work to showcase as I wished. But these things take time...

[@30by40]

glad you found it helpful... once you have the framework established you can fill it out with new work as you develop it...good luck!

[@JazzyLadyJ]

Excellent tips on this video..thanks for posting

[@achaldodia883]

THIS IS HELPFUL. THANK YOU

[@michelrodrigues110]

I'll improve my professional knowledge and language understanding here, with your fast talking/editing. Tks.

[@arch9299]

Excellent video. This is exactly the kind of advice I needed.

[@30by40]

cheers my friend...

[@rebeccalundqvist8271]

Love your videos!!

[@abhijeetsingh-ty2on]

I was waiting for some tips on creating a good foilio, and there you go! thanks mate. Best wishes.

[@30by40]

right on...what timing then...! cheers my friend...

[@brineyx3]

This video is a lifesaver!!!!

[@ekenephilip119]

Wow thank GOD I clicked on this video, Christ I’ve been doing the wrong thing all this while 😅. Thank you sir🙏🏽💯. This has really helped me.

[@oybekart2620]

Great work. Thanks

[@inezbradley]

Absolute delight to experience your presentation on architecture books.!

[@30by40]

kind words +inezbradley , glad you enjoyed...

[@paulakaz6118]

Thank you, this is really informative. I was just wondering, can I recreate my old manual plates in college for my portfolio? considering the quality of the old plates were already not good and we are already more on the digital side?

[@badyaser]

Thank you very much... you really changed my perception on how to make a portfolio. 👏👏

[@30by40]

oh good...portfolios this way I find much easier to work on and keep current...

[@medardovasquez3948]

Thanks for your videos. I find your content very helpful. I got some great tips for my portfolio. Next year i'll be a 4th year at cal poly slo, CA.

[@30by40]

4th year means you're serious +M V keep at it...

[@aya76970]

Thank you for your videos!

[@allthingstoallmen8912]

These videos are literal Keys to success!

[@30by40]

cheers mate...

[@pinkpeony2171]

New Subscriber. I naturally print like an architect….so Ive been told when I go to the the bank with bank deposit slips....LOL

[@chaikahwai8668]

your videos are great and informative. Have u consider giving lectures part time at an architecture school?

[@Archstudent]

Really helpful. Thanks. Keep posting ✌

[@30by40]

cheers +Arch student |m|

[@komalladhad5588]

Very helpful, thank you so much

[@jmpugat3877]

Thank you for posting the video, I gathered a lot of useful information! I was wondering though, when I attended an architectural portfolio review, they advised for me to include some (not all) of my first projects up to my best since it shows how much I've progressed and since it tells a story. So I was wondering what are your thoughts about this? (I am currently an architecture student).

[@designerjuly2437]

Hi Eric, this is very helpful. Could you maybe talk about what motivates you to start your own business and the process of building one? Thanks.

[@humaahmad6574]

My professor recommended this channel