<p>Would anyone recomend any websites where I can find samples of student portfolios? I will be starting my applications to colleges this fall, but frankly I've no idea of what an architect's portfolio should look like? </p>
<p>For the past two years I've been painting and drawing...but I doubt any of my work fits into the category of architecture. By this I mean I don't have any sketches of buildings. Is it important that I include some black-and-white
drawings of houses?</p>
<p>Mostly, my artwork is that of still-life, surrealism, and abstract expressionism. And I prefer pastels and acrylics to pencil. Should I add paintings that lean towards a more creative side as opposed to sketches of landscapes or drawings from observation?</p>
<p>Clocks:
Let me try to help you. I worked for 17 years in the architecture business. I hired probably 50 or 60 diffferent architects. I am writing these messages because you people who are going into architectural studies to become architects do not have a clue of what real architecture is like. One tenth of one percent of all architects ever get to draw or design anything. In a firm like SOM which has some 900 people maybe 3 do 98 percent of the design. They probably have a minimum of 12 to 15 years experience. Within a firm their are no open contests or forums to find the best designers. It is basically limited to the few.
I know this because I was one of those limited few. The rest of the designers in the firm do basically minor door or window details.
After becoming one of the limited few and 14 years experience I really made no kind of money. That kind of experience, and that kind of position in any other profession makes you a very good living.
Let me put it this way. Achitecture is what you know about building construction. Lintels, mullions, headers, grade beams, and facia's, not freehand drawings and sketches. Most all design and drawing is done on CAD. What they have you do and learn in the architecture classes is nothing like you will do at an architectural firm. Example: You will train as a jockey, could be one of the best horse riders ever and start out shoveling manure and end up working in the stable. Pick another profession to pursue. I am telling you what very few really know, or will tell you about this profession. I am trying to save you, just like I wish someone would have done for me. If you need more specifics, write me I will explain more.
Spides:</p>
<p>I am going to ignore Spides, he is off topic for the moment. </p>
<p>Clocks- if you are applying straight out of high school??= you should probably give a little more info on what type of architecture program you want to apply to- I think that only B.arch's and only some B.arch's require a portfolio- and if indeed you are talking about a B.arch then you don't really need any drawings of houses- my portfolio didn't have any(one building though). As for the drawings from observation vs. not from observation I would say you should have a mixture. Check some of the previous threads there should be a lot of advice on this topic. Try not to look at other peoples portfolios too much- Everyone’s is different.</p>
<p>Clocks - Syracuse has some sample drawings and details about their requirements online - Syracuse.edu, go to Prospective Students, Academics, Architecture, Programs, Undergrad, admissions, portfolio - confusing to find, but good info. When you visit the schools, they'll usually show you copies of successful portfolios. If you can't visit, call and ask.</p>
<p>if you're near NY, go to the basement of sibley hall at cornell university where you can check out the portfolios of admitted students...though keep in mind..the number of applicants in the past 1-2 years has skyrocketted so the quality that they are looking for now may be higher. meanwhile, you can also PM me and i'll link you my HS portfolio.</p>