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

[@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+!

[@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

[@andy30521]

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

[@chozensoul378]

These are the Passionate People needed at school to help Profess the future we are in sought of. ..Thank you for being a guide through this Mastering this Discipline.

[@CTBlake_618]

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.

[@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...

[@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?

[@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

[@m.ishaquekc7284]

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

[@30by40]

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

[@humaahmad6574]

My professor recommended this channel

[@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...

[@amartuvshinbold2439]

Very motivating and inspiring ! It is just my thought I have currently I mean I donot have to express my appreciation of any way for now!

[@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

[@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..

[@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.

[@TharaMesseroux1]

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

[@IceyDivine]

This really helps me so much I sometimes don’t know what to really focus on based on skill or if I have to be good at a bit of everything but this really clears it up and helps me focus on what I’m truly interested in

[@noraskye007]

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

[@99xara99]

I see so many high quality 3D renders that it sometimes makes me insecure about my own work. Truth is, my degree program does not concentrate on digital renders at all. We only learn properly rendering by the 5th semester, and still usually, the focus for projects is on model building and hand sketching. The office where I did my internship also did not even own 3D software except on one computer - that was the youngest employee's. Everyone else did not do 3D at all, and it worked for them. I was told that most firms outsource their renderings abroad because it is way too time-intensive to pay. So I am not sure how relevant the skill is, but in the end, my portfolio does not look as shiny and sleak as 90% of what I see being judged as "good student portfolios".

[@CogitoErgoSumFortis]

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

[@crazy808ish]

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

[@aynulinaya218]

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

[@junaidmolvi2157]

hello sir.. I completed my bachelor's in civil engineering and got enrolled for masters in landscape design. your videos are truly helping me a lot in understanding the architectural world.. thank you!!

[@30by40]

you're quite welcome +JUNAID MOLVI ...best to you in your studies...I've always wanted to pursue a higher degree in landscape design...

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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...!

[@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!

[@mad_archviz6478]

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

[@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...

[@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...!

[@Emmmmmh]

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!

[@danieluduokhai980]

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

[@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!

[@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...

[@muktarajibola4634]

I certainly agree with most of what you have said but I have personally found that which is contrary to what you've said about resume emails. If I were an architect, I would delete the formal emails too but some countries still have those formats as the norm, and anything that is adverse to that is seen as incompetent.

[@TheRoughStar]

As a team lead of over 5 years doing documentations, I think sticking the most commonly used tools will always be the best way in getting into corporate. I've been cleaning up after cheeky state u students who'd been using the most unique programs in their scholar-hipster shelves, just so we can actually materialize layouts for clients. But I blame the people hiring in the creative group for not considering workflow compatibility in their criteria for hiring.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@nohafo2ad]

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

[@allthingstoallmen8912]

These videos are literal Keys to success!

[@30by40]

cheers mate...

[@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...

[@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!!

[@josealfonso1720]

I’m at a moment in my life where I am confused and unsure of my next step. Getting into architecture may be my next step, I will come back next year and reply.

[@30by40]

Be sure to check out this vid if you're considering architecture: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGXUc6GefK-hnqM

[@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...

[@zoedelacruz9931]

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

[@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...!

[@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!

[@Mahalakshmi-hb2jg]

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

[@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!

[@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 🤦‍♀

[@jawadalishah2075]

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

[@oreothesweet]

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

[@30by40]

cheers +Norio Kobayashi ...always a student!

[@inezbradley]

Absolute delight to experience your presentation on architecture books.!

[@30by40]

kind words +inezbradley , glad you enjoyed...

[@christineowori750]

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

[@drumusic333]

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

[@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!

[@DanielinR]

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

[@30by40]

cheers +Daniel Rojas, thanks...

[@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.

[@99xara99]

I must say that I partially disagree about not needing a paper portfolio. While I see the advantages of a digital portfolio and think you should definitely have one, physical portfolios just have a superior quality to them and add a special touch by choice of paper, format and other design elements of the booklet itself. I believe that sending in something physical could give you an advantage at some firms, as they will likely have it laying around and possibly pick it up again (instead of it being a completely hidden document in one persons inbox they may just delete). There's less of it chance for it to be overseen and it shows a kind of dedication.

[@barnesrm76]

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

[@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...

[@badrahbulga5205]

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

[@davidkonevky7372]

This is a bit sad because I LOVE printing profesional work. Feeling the paper gives a lot of warmness. While I surely would do a digital portfolio for convenience, I think paper portfolios speak to the client with that warmth I mentioned earlier. It makes them feel that you both already have a personal and warm relatiomship

[@Keneedilichukwu]

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.

[@grayrobin4871]

Awesome architecture Professor🔥🔥

[@madhurjyamedhi2286]

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

[@MrMcardenas]

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

[@rezayuniarsandi4893]

that is very good things for all you have done, as architect, either pratice or academic world should wacth this, and more helping us,. thank you

[@30by40]

|m|

[@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...

[@jenniferlynnroelingbrennec2247]

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

[@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...

[@wqshahrukh]

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

[@timothykabithi7706]

you make really interesting points on your videos. im hoping to see more from your channel

[@30by40]

+timothy kabithi ...Cheers...new video each week...

[@Shao-wen_Wu]

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

[@TheRealRuud]

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

[@arqvasd]

Thank you for this video! Was really helpful!!

[@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!

[@arch9299]

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

[@30by40]

cheers my friend...

[@pxmaarch7998]

Im in my 1st year of my college and architecture is the course i took. I was doing well back then but I was discouraged by people who criticize archi. They would say "architecture is nothing without engineers" or "archts works for long hours but payed less" or "architects are engineers who cant do math"...... and now goddamn it everytime i make projects i get less motivated...

[@xcanyoureadmymind]

lol dont let comments like that get to you. Maybe its true Maybe it isnt but who cares? architect cant work without engineers and engineers cant work without architect. be confortable with your decision , you didnt decide to study archi just to get demotivated by assholes my darling

[@RubbinRobbin]

It’s good to know some engineering when doing architectural

[@karze7886]

Can you make a video tutorial for perspective sketches ? Great job

[@30by40]

hi, +KaR Ze...I'll see what I can do...

[@30by40]

hi +R Ok, there's no software per se that compiles building codes in one place (that I know of). In the USA, there are Federal codes/regs (ANSI, ADA, NFPA, NEC); State Codes which can sometimes adopt /modify the Federal ones (energy, building, plumbing, elec), and then there's local codes (zoning, building, shoreland, wetland, etc.) It's complex! It's one reason why many architects work on a limited number of building typologies (say schools, or retail, or multi-family) as it makes the research process more efficient. Once you know the basic parameters it's easier to keep up with changes over time too. There are also code consultants who can help sort through compliance for the more complicated building types/jurisdictions. For multi-year design projects compliance can be a real problem as regulations can change mid-stream making designs impossible to build.

[@dhruvalpatel6654]

thank you sir for all the teachings...

[@balamstudios]

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

[@cjnoble1856]

Amazing content..crazy! This inspires me. Aspiring.

[@30by40]

kind of you to say...cheers...

[@Mark-gq2jo]

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

[@ernstnero4341]

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

[@karlkallassy]

This video made my day!! Greetings from Lebanon!

[@30by40]

fantastic!

[@brineyx3]

This video is a lifesaver!!!!

[@DeForestKMapp]

lol The 15:00 mark is hilarious. I've done that a few times, showing a shade of green.

[@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!

[@deveroful]

a big big thumbs up in my first year and hope to work with you some day

[@30by40]

...cheers +deveroful, first year is a transformative time, enjoy it! i'll keep my eye out for you...

[@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.

[@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...

[@michelrodrigues110]

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

[@oluwaseyioludipe9458]

You’re a very good architect

[@promiseguy02]

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