I’m currently a junior and am trying to figure out which schools to apply to and how to go about doing so. I want to study architecture and many of the programs I’m interested (i.e. Cornell, Carnegie Mellon, etc.) require portfolios.
I’m working on watercolor paintings to include, but other than that, I’m stuck. What sort of things should I work on to include in my portfolio?
Items that illustrate your architectural interests and abilities - water colors are good, hand drawings/sketches of things that interest you which can be buildings, nature, everyday items, doodles, etc. Other artwork and photography are also good. If you’ve done any mechanical drafting, computer aided drawing or 3D modeling classes include your best work from those classes. Have you worked in graphics - perhaps school yearbook, literary magazine, school paper? Include that graphic work. Did you design clothing, quilts, stage sets for the school play, posters, t-shirt design for a club? Yes, these can all be part of a portfolio. They really want to see you have some artistic ability or “eye” for design and a natural curiosity about design related subjects. Good luck!
I’m an architecture school graduate, practicing designer and I’ve done some design school teaching as well.