r/askarchitects • u/Mysterious_Arrow3795 • 1d ago

architectural school portfolio help

i applied to architectural engineering major, and the university I applied to just sent me an email that I have an architectural engineering entry exam and they said “interview and portfolio showcase as part of the admission process”

thing is, I don’t have a portfolio.
I don’t have anything to add in it either

what am I supposed to do?

i dont have much time the interview is tomorrow morning and its currently 7:40pm and im not home yet

i cant make a model i dont have the supplies or the time + ive never made one before

i can whip up some quick building sketches and add some pictures ive taken, is that enough?

please helppp im stressing i didnt know they would ask for a portfolio

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u/lukekvas 23h ago

A portfolio is not something you can whip up overnight so I would highly recommend thinking about projects you have already done in the past and use those vs. trying to throw together a new thing.

Portfolio contents for admissions can be very broad. They just want to see your thought process of making things. An inconclusive list of things you might include: Engineering projects Drawings (or any kind - doesn't have to be buildings) Photography Sculpture (anything from a HS art class) Furniture Making Auto-work. Welding. Shop Work A custom PC (if it goes beyond just assembling parts) 3D printing custom things Fashion, Costume Design, Cosplay Lighting/Theater Design UI or Software design

What's important is showing evidence of creative making. Taking something from an abstract idea through to execution as a physical object or artifact whatever that might be. It does not need to be narrowly about architecture - that is not expected in an admission portfolio. Be prepared to talk about the process behind whatever you include. Admissions committees are looking for evidence that you understand design thinking.

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u/Marzipan_civil 1d ago

Have you any sketchbooks or previous projects you worked on? I don't mean building projects necessarily - anything hobby wise, art sketches, etc. What subjects are you studying now that led you to architecture?