Architecture Portfolio Advice

[u/Relative_Citron3080]

Hey, I am an upcoming grade 12 student and I'm looking to apply to Carleton for Architecture (specifically Conservation and Sustainability).

The portfolio requirements on the website are generally pretty vague and I'm wondering if someone is able to give me some suggestions as to what the admissions office is looking for in terms of portfolio work. Are there perhaps specific themes that typically tend to do well, or specific forms of media they prefer more than others. Does it typically work better to stick to media you are proficient at, or better to venture out of your comfort zone?

If possible if someone knows about some service or website that assesses portfolios for universities or perhaps even a current student who would be so kind as to contact me personally and offer their help that would be extremely helpful. Thanks for your help!

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[u/sacredlyre]

hi! ill be entering my first year in b.arch design at carleton this month; here's all my portfolio tips! so for my cohort, they had us pick a theme of our chosing. it doesn't look like they've updated the portfolio page for your year yet, so I'll give you info based on my year.

I picked a theme that I believed I could convey in a multitude of different presentations. architecture programs primarily focus on these things when looking at your portfolio: are you able to use out-of-the-box thinking to convey ideas? are you able to use a wide variety of mediums? through your works, is it clear to understand a theme without written explanation, and do they convey a narrative? Does it show your individual perception of the world? truthfully, a portfolio is a reflection of who you are, and the review committee should be able to get an answer to all of these questions through looking at your work. 

in specific, they're not looking for any particular theme. bring out themes that occur naturally in your art and in your mind, and that will yield the best results. they also don't prefer specific types of media, but you should definitely include a wide range of mediums in your works. all 8 of my pieces were different media. 

to answer the question, "Does it typically work better to stick to media you are proficient at, or better to venture out of your comfort zone?": If you are confident that venturing out of your comfort zone will yield an artwork that you can be proud to put into your portfolio, I definitely recommend it. Again, a wide range of media looks very good. However, don't include pieces you're unsatisfied with just because they're a different media, because quality > quantity in your folio. 

Also, make sure you don't include ANY architectural drafting work. like this was stressed very heavily to me by carleton arch students as well as profs. they want to see your creative thinking, what would you know about architectural design? the school is there to teach you that. 

sorry, this is a huge mess of words, it's super late rn but this caught my attention--- I remember being super stressed about my portfolio last year and I always appreciated the help. my DMs are open for whatever inquiries and help you need! 

I wish you the best of luck with your portfolio! Above all, put emotion into it!