An architecture portfolio is the most important tool you have when it comes to applying for jobs, internships, or even if you are going to pursue a master’s degree. Your portfolio is an exhibition of your professional experience, academic knowledge, and skills, and so, the approach to crafting a one is unique to each individual.
However, architecture portfolio size is not – but it does vary.
The size of an architecture portfolio can vary depending on several factors such as the stage of one’s career, the type of work being showcased, and the intended audience. In this article, we will explore these factors and discuss the ideal size for an architecture portfolio at all levels.
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How to determine the right portfolio size
When it comes to determining the size of an architecture portfolio, it’s important to understand that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. However, it’s worth considering that some schools and employers and may have limitations on the size and dimensions of the portfolio’s they want to receive.
While digital online portfolios have become increasingly popular, it’s essential to remember that physical paper portfolios still make a significant impact and may be the difference between success and failure in obtaining a place on an architecture course or a job opportunity.
Factors to consider when determining portfolio length
When it comes to determining the length of an architecture portfolio, there are a number of factors to consider, such as:
Stage of Career
The length of an architecture portfolio may vary depending on the stage of one’s career. For students, a smaller portfolio with a few select projects may be sufficient. This allows them to focus on the projects they are most proud of and have had the most involvement in.
As an architect gains more experience and takes on larger and more complex projects, their portfolio may need to be expanded to showcase their growing range of skills and experience.
Type of Work
The length may also vary depending on the type of work being showcased. If an architect specializes in a specific type of project, such as residential or commercial buildings, their portfolio may focus on those types of projects and be smaller in size. This allows them to demonstrate their expertise in that particular area and to highlight the specific skills and knowledge required for that type of work.
Conversely, if an architect has a diverse portfolio with a variety of project types, their portfolio may be larger as it will be showcasing a range of abilities and experiences.
Audience
The intended audience also plays a role, where for example, if an architect is applying for a job with a specific company, they may tailor their portfolio to showcase projects that align with the company’s area of expertise. In this case, the portfolio may be smaller and more focused, as it will be tailored to the specific interests and needs of that company.
On the other hand, if an architect is showcasing their work to a general audience, they may include a broader range of projects in a larger portfolio. This allows them to demonstrate their adaptability and ability to work in different types of projects and environments.
…Keep in mind that while length is important, the quality of the work and the way it is presented is of greater significance. A portfolio should be curated and tailored to showcase the best work and to highlight the architect’s strengths and achievements. Having a small portfolio with strong and well-presented projects can be more impactful than a large one with average projects.
Factors to consider when determining portfolio page dimensions
When determining the page size of an architecture portfolios physical (and digital) dimensions, several additional factors should be taken into account:
Audience
Again, the intended audience is a crucial factor to consider. For example, if the portfolio is intended for a school or university application, the paper size may need to conform to specific guidelines set by the institution in order to be accepted.
Therefore, it is important to research and understand the guidelines set by the institution to ensure that the portfolio meets their requirements.
Professional standards
Professionally an A3 size paper is the most commonly used size, as it allows for clear and detailed presentation of the work, providing ample space for the presentation of drawings, plans, and images, while also being a manageable size for the viewer.
Additionally this can help to make the portfolio look professional and credible.
Portability
The size of the paper should also take into account the ease of transportation. A smaller size paper may be more convenient for carrying around to interviews or meetings, whereas a larger size paper may be more suitable for displaying at a gallery or exhibition. Therefore, it’s important to consider where the portfolio will be used and how it will be transported.
The above mentioned A3 size, can often be difficult to transport and/or send.
A smaller size paper can be easily carried in a bag or briefcase, whereas a larger size paper may require a portfolio case for protection and transportation.
Personal preference
The size of the paper can or course be determined by the individual’s personal preference and what they feel will best showcase their work. It’s important to consider the type of projects being showcased, the number of projects, and the overall design and layout of the portfolio.
Some architects may prefer a larger size paper to showcase the scale of their work, while others may prefer a smaller size paper to keep the focus on the details and quality of their work.
Projects
If the portfolio includes large-scale projects and/or landscapes, a larger paper size may be more suitable to showcase the scale and details of the work. On the other hand, if the portfolio focuses on smaller projects such as interior design or furniture design, a smaller paper size may be sufficient.
Another important factor to consider is the number of projects included in the portfolio. A larger paper size may be necessary to accommodate a larger number of projects, whereas a smaller paper size may be suitable for a more focused selection of work.
Type of paper
High-quality, heavy-weight paper gives a sense of professionalism and can enhance the visual impact of the portfolio. A glossy or matte finish can also be used to add a sense of elegance and sophistication to the portfolio.
Layout and design
A well-designed and well-organized portfolio can make a big difference in how the work is perceived and received by the audience. The use of high-quality images and clear typography can help to make the portfolio more visually appealing and easy to read.
It’s important to remember that while paper size is important, the quality of the work and the way it is presented is of greater significance. A well-presented portfolio on a smaller paper size can be more impactful than a larger paper size with average projects.
Portfolio sizes – What is the standard?
For students, whether you are looking to apply to an undergraduate course or to complete a master’s in architecture, your portfolio is going to play a key role in whether you obtain entry. The first thing to do when you are about to apply is to explore the requirements of your school of choice and make sure your submission meets their needs.
For example, some universities maintain a common standard of every submission where it must be no larger or smaller than a letter size 8.5″ × 11″ / A4 210mm × 297mm.
A professional architecture portfolios size and format can be a bit more flexible, with many architects also opting to create a digital portfolio that can be easily viewed on mobile devices and laptops.
While some experts recommend using an A3 size paper with dimensions of 11.7″ x 16.5″, it is ultimately up to the individual to decide what format and size best showcases their work. However the results below are fairly unanimous on this.
It is worth noting that when creating a professional portfolio, it is often beneficial to be present during the viewing to answer questions about specific projects and to give a sense of the architect’s personality and how they might fit into a specific practice.
Common portfolio paper sizes
It’s important to note that there isn’t one universal portfolio size that fits all types of content, however there are standard sizes used both internationally and in the US.
- Internationally – The standard sizes for portrait or landscape portfolios are A4 (8.5″ × 11″ / 210mm × 297mm) and A3 (11.5″ × 16.5″ / 297mm × 420mm). Some may adopt an A2 size (and very (very) rarely an A1), but realistically this is too large and actually quite uncommon.
- US – The standard sizes for portfolios are the US Letter (8.5″ x 11″ / 216 × 279mm) and Legal (8.5″ x 14″ 216× 356mm) sizes, with tabloid being an infrequent acceptation.
For comparison, as you can see below there are subtle differences between the international and US sizes:
To assess this and gain a better understanding of the industry standards, we conducted a survey that studied 250 student and professional portfolios. Where we asked participants to provide their chosen paper size, amount of pages, orientation, and the file size of their digital submissions.
With regards to paper size, the results are fairly unanimous, with an extremely high proportion opting for either an A4 (102 portfolios) or letter (61 portfolios) format to produce and submit their work in.
This preferred size fits the standard file folder size which can mean it is less likely to be lost or forgotten. However some do prefer a larger size, such as an A3 or legal format, with some also preferring unique sizes such as 8″ x 8″.
Portfolio page length
Determining the length of your portfolio can have a significant impact on the success of an application. The design is of course subjective, but it is crucial to consider your target audience when creating it, as this does and should influence its length.
When initially applying to positions with work samples, you should aim for no more that 3 to 5 pages of your best work.
When attending an interview, your portfolio should be concise and impactful, typically consisting of 30 to 35 pages. On the other hand, a graduate school portfolio should also demonstrate your research capabilities, with a slightly longer length of approximately 40 to 45 pages, still aiming to convey the most information in the least number of pages.
The most important aspect to remember is that the portfolio will only have a limited amount of time to make a lasting impression.
As part of the survey above that studied 250 student and professional portfolios, as you can see from the below graph 59 portfolios were between 31 to 40 pages, 41 to 50 pages was a close second with 57 entries, and 21 to 30 pages made up 48 portfolios.
Concluding that 31 to 40 pages is a good medium.
Portfolio paper orientation
The choice of paper orientation for your portfolio primarily depends on personal preference and the format of its primary content. Adhering to either standard landscape or portrait formats will make printing easier compared to a square format. To streamline the creation and revision process, it’s recommended to maintain the same orientation for both digital and physical versions of your portfolio.
Benefits of using portrait orientation
- Space utilization: A vertical orientation allows for better use of space, making it easier to fit longer descriptions, images or information into the page.
- Better visualization: Portrait orientation can provide a better visual experience for the reader, allowing them to focus on one aspect of the portfolio at a time.
- Consistency: If the portfolio consists of mostly portrait images or has a lot of vertical content, using a portrait orientation will keep the visual consistency throughout the portfolio.
- Readability: Vertical orientation often leads to a more readable format, especially for longer pieces of text, as the lines of text are shorter and easier to follow.
- Portability: Portrait orientation is often more portable than landscape orientation, making it easier to carry and present in a professional setting.
Benefits of landscape orientation
- Provides more space: Landscape orientation allows for a wider page, which means more room to showcase your work and details.
- Better display of visual projects: Landscape orientation is ideal for displaying visual projects, such as architectural plans and illustrations, as it provides a more natural viewing experience.
- Showcasing panoramic images: Landscape orientation is ideal for showcasing panoramic images, as it provides more space to display the full image.
- Easy to handle: Landscape orientation portfolios are often easier to handle, as they can be opened flat, making them easier to view and review.
- Enhanced presentation: Landscape orientation portfolios often have a professional look and feel, and can help to enhance the overall presentation of your work.
When surveyed, close to half the authors (119) opted for a portrait format, which certainly seems to the standard. Landscape isn’t far behind this however, with a small percentage opting to go with a less conventional square size.
Portfolio file sizes
Another aspect to consider is the file size of your portfolio, and when sending your digital portfolio via email, it’s important to keep in mind the appropriate file size to ensure a seamless experience for the recipient, and it’s recommended to keep these within 5 to 10 MB with 15 MB being the maximum to avoid overwhelming the recipient with too much content.
You may wish to send your work via WeTransfer or Dropbox to avoid large attachment sizes, however this can on occasion add an additional layer of inconvenience to the interviewer, and as discussed, may negatively affect your initial application.
So again please have a full understanding of the submission requirements before sending. An alternative option of course, is to host your architecture portfolio online.
We have again included this in our survey, with the results showing most applicants achieving a 10 MB file size.
To sum up…
In summary, when designing an architecture portfolio, the main considerations are the content and story you wish to communicate.
A short, focused portfolio with 30 to 35 pages is ideal for job applications, while a longer portfolio of 40 to 45 pages may be necessary for graduate school applications.
It is also important to consider the file size, with a recommended limit of 10 to 15 MB for digital portfolios, and to be mindful of the submission requirements of the firm or institution you are applying to. The orientation of the portfolio is a matter of personal preference and should align with the format of the portfolio’s contents to minimize labor and effort in creation and future revisions.
FAQ’s about portfolio sizes
How many pages is a short portfolio?
A short portfolio is typically 20 to 25 pages. However, in a highly competitive job market, a portfolio that is shorter and focused on the key message can be more effective in conveying the applicant’s abilities in a shorter amount of time. On the other hand, a portfolio for graduate school applications is usually required to demonstrate in-depth research capabilities and can range from 30 to 35 pages.
How many projects should an architecture portfolio have?
The number of projects in an architecture portfolio can vary, as it depends on the purpose and context of the portfolio. Generally, it’s recommended to include 7 to 10 of your best and most relevant projects in your portfolio, while keeping the total number of pages within 30 to 35 pages for job applications, and 40 to 45 pages for graduate school applications.
The aim is to present your work in the best light possible and show your strengths and abilities as an architect.
How many pages is too long for a portfolio?
The exact number of pages that is considered “too long” for an architecture portfolio can vary depending on the specific circumstances and audience, but typically a portfolio with more than 40 to 50 pages may be considered lengthy. It’s important to keep in mind that the purpose of a portfolio is to effectively communicate the relevant information and skills of the applicant in the shortest amount of time, so it’s recommended to focus on quality over quantity and include only the most relevant and impressive projects.
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Your work can’t speak for itself.
Good work is simply not enough and needs to be supported via careful curation and considered formatting.
What size should a PDF portfolio be?
A PDF portfolio should be of a size that is easily accessible to the recipient and doesn’t take too long to download. It is recommended to keep the file size within 5-10 MB for email attachments and 15 MB for the maximum limit. The size of the portfolio should be appropriate for the format and content of the portfolio.
Sending a file that is too large can result in difficulties for the recipient, such as slow download times, difficulties opening the file, or in some cases, the file being blocked or rejected by the recipient’s email server.
Should architecture portfolio be A4 or A3?
The size of an architecture portfolio can vary and there is no standard size that is strictly followed. Both A4 and A3 sizes are commonly used for portfolios, and the choice between the two often comes down to personal preference, the size and format of the portfolio’s primary contents, and the purpose of the portfolio (e.g. presenting in an interview, submitting for a job application, etc.).
A4 size is more portable and easier to handle, while A3 size provides more space for displaying projects and designs. Ultimately, the size you choose should be one that allows you to effectively showcase your work and highlight your skills and abilities.
How to reduce the overall file size of your portfolio?
There are several ways to reduce the overall file size of your portfolio:
- Compress images: Large images can significantly increase the file size of your portfolio. You can compress images using image editing software like Adobe Photoshop or online tools like TinyPNG.
- Reduce resolution: Decreasing the resolution of images and graphics can also reduce the file size. Make sure that the reduced resolution does not negatively affect the quality of the images.
- Remove unnecessary elements: Remove any elements from the portfolio that do not add value or are not relevant to your work. This can include blank pages, duplicated content, and outdated information.
- Use PDF optimization tools: Adobe Acrobat Pro and other similar software offer optimization tools that can help reduce the file size of your PDF portfolio.
- Convert to a lighter file format: If possible, consider converting your portfolio to a lighter file format, such as a JPG or PNG, instead of a PDF.
What is the perfect font size for portfolio?
The perfect font size for a portfolio can vary depending on personal preference and the design of the portfolio. However, generally a font size of 12-14pt is considered to be an appropriate size for body text, while headings can be slightly larger, such as 16-18pt. It is important to ensure that the font size is legible and easy to read, while also being aesthetically pleasing.
