Architecture Portfolios & Resumes: Designing the First Impression

February brings career fair season and the chance to make meaningful connections with architecture firms. Whether you're preparing your first portfolio or refining materials for upcoming interviews, thoughtful preparation makes all the difference. Your resume should be clear, professionally designed, and distinctly yours—demonstrating both graphic quality and design sensibility. When it comes to portfolios, lead with your strongest work and curate three to four well-chosen projects that communicate your skills and range. Clarity trumps complexity: diagrams, bold graphics, and breathing room help your work read immediately. And for interviews? Come prepared with genuine questions about firm culture, structure, and vision. This is your opportunity to put your best foot forward.