I graduated in 2009 with a degree in business (finance). Recently, I decided that I want to move towards a design oriented field as I have always had a passion for art and design. I have a liberal arts background but other than a few visual arts courses and my hobbies (furniture building and photography) I have only a very limited background in design.
I am currently trying to develop a portfolio for submission to M. Arch (first professional) programs for next fall and would welcome any advice on the best way build a strong portfolio. It would be especially helpful to hear from anyone who has been in my shoes!
Just go with what you have done. Furniture design, photography, and visual arts would make for a great portfolio. The advice I always give non-architecture majors is that admissions boards do not really expect someone without a background in architecture to have architecture in their portfolio, and trying to force it without any background in architecture can hurt more than help if you don't know what you are doing. The only thing you might want to consider adding is 1 or 2 hand sketches. The sketches can be of anything, but review boards like to see that you can do it. You likely won't do a lot of hand sketching in school depending on where you go, but that is reoccurring advice I have heard from admissions offices.
I was in a similar situation to you. I decided I wanted to go into architecture but my undergraduate degree was in art history. Although a visual field, I didn't have extensive work for a portfolio. A friend recommended this design admissions consulting firm Arch + Design Admissions (www.archdesignadmissions.com). I used them and they were great. I kinda wanted someone to look at my work and tell me what worked and what didn't. I had a really good experience and it might be a valuable option for you. Just an idea.
Portfolio for M.Arch (first professional) Program Applications
Hi,
I graduated in 2009 with a degree in business (finance). Recently, I decided that I want to move towards a design oriented field as I have always had a passion for art and design. I have a liberal arts background but other than a few visual arts courses and my hobbies (furniture building and photography) I have only a very limited background in design.
I am currently trying to develop a portfolio for submission to M. Arch (first professional) programs for next fall and would welcome any advice on the best way build a strong portfolio. It would be especially helpful to hear from anyone who has been in my shoes!
Thanks!
Hey jcrisis
Just go with what you have done. Furniture design, photography, and visual arts would make for a great portfolio. The advice I always give non-architecture majors is that admissions boards do not really expect someone without a background in architecture to have architecture in their portfolio, and trying to force it without any background in architecture can hurt more than help if you don't know what you are doing. The only thing you might want to consider adding is 1 or 2 hand sketches. The sketches can be of anything, but review boards like to see that you can do it. You likely won't do a lot of hand sketching in school depending on where you go, but that is reoccurring advice I have heard from admissions offices.
hi jcrisis,
I was in a similar situation to you. I decided I wanted to go into architecture but my undergraduate degree was in art history. Although a visual field, I didn't have extensive work for a portfolio. A friend recommended this design admissions consulting firm Arch + Design Admissions (www.archdesignadmissions.com). I used them and they were great. I kinda wanted someone to look at my work and tell me what worked and what didn't. I had a really good experience and it might be a valuable option for you. Just an idea.
You've got to be kidding me...
I used to joke about starting something like that. I can't believe someone actually had the balls to do it. Can I have a job?
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