Selection / Portfolio practice

Choose projects that show your judgement

A portfolio is an argument about what you can do. Select evidence that helps a reader see your design decisions, rather than filling pages with everything you have produced.

Start with the role you want

An application for an architectural assistant role may need evidence of drawing, design development, collaboration and technical thinking. An academic application may place more weight on inquiry and experimentation. List what the reader needs to judge before you choose the projects.

Test each project

Ask what decision you made, what evidence supports it and what the project adds to the portfolio as a whole. A strong image can attract attention, but a plan, section, study model or concise diagram may explain your thinking more clearly.

Edit with purpose

Two projects showing the same skill can weaken the pace. Keep both only if the second adds a distinct ability or context. For group work, state your own contribution plainly. Do not claim the work of the team as entirely yours.

Try this on your next draft

Put your strongest relevant project near the front, then check that every subsequent project adds new evidence.