Architecture Portfolios

momrath
Sun, 13 Jul 2014 03:16:00 +0000

Admissions is looking for three things in the portfolio: technical skill (especially drawing), design skill (creativity) and presentation (of the portfolio itself). There’s a lot of information on line – including on some of the colleges’ websites – that provides more specifics about how to assemble a strong portfolio.

For example this from USC’s website:

We are interested in seeing evidence of your creativity. Work selected for inclusion should demonstrate the breadth and diversity of your creative interests and need not be limited to architectural work (if included at all). Drawing, sketching, painting, graphic design, photography, video, web-design, sculpture, ceramics and furniture design are just some examples of the types of work that may be included. Work may be produced digitally and/or by hand, for school courses, extracurricular activities or independently. Include examples of hand or CAD drafting only if they demonstrate clear design intent rather than just technical skill. Your portfolio should constitute a carefully edited selection of your strongest work showcasing your creative interests, abilities and motivation. A concise description of each project (title, size, media, etc.) should accompany each example. If the work was part of a group effort, please indicate your specific contribution.



Pencil sketches and examples of animation are fine, but may or may not be enough. As for plans generated in an architectural drawing class, again, it depends on the degree of skill and creativity they demonstrate.
Does your son plan to apply to a BArch program? Some require portfolios, some do not. He’ll have to check the requirements of the schools he’s interested in. Because the BArch requires a high level of commitment, many schools offer in depth presentations for potential applicants.

If he’s thinking about a BA or BS in architecture or architectural studies, he most likely won’t need a portfolio, but again, he’ll have to check each school’s requirements. (If he’s not clear on the difference – that’s the first thing he needs to understand.)

At those that require it, the portfolio is an important factor in admissions, so in the next 5 months, it would be a good idea for your son to take an art course, like drawing. If he can’t do that at his high school, he could look at courses at a CC or art school. He might be able to find something in your community for the month of August.