Coming from a non architecture background is really tough but I know that when you apply with out any architecture background, they try to see if you have the skills to design (wooden models) ( object you made with strings or any other materials)  and skills to put together that design ( perspective drawings) , (drawings of landscape), (figure ground drawings).

You have to show you are very favorable in various fields to stand out from other students who are coming from non architecture background.

Use multiple type of objects don't only rely on drawings.

As someone who was in the same position, I came up with some key points to address the same problem. Although I've heard of some people who get in with just drawings or photographs, I figured that if I did the following, I couldn't go wrong.

1.) Show an interest in architecture in portfolio

2.) Show some ability to think in 3d like model building, furniture design etc. (not just drawing)

3.) Show thought process (probably one of the most important things that can take someone who maybe isn't super amazing at everything else. If they see that you can think logically and abstractly to arrive to a solution.)

4.) Also, if you are able to integrate your past background into portfolio-- I think that would be helpful.

My background is in the music industry... really not sure how I could tie that into a portfolio. So would it be a good idea during this "exploration" I'm doing this summer to work on 2-3 each of drawings, paintings, room/building sketches, 3D models, with the majority of the focus on architecture? Gahh, this is so effing overwhelming :( Schools SAY that they want people from all backgrounds to apply, but do they realistically expect us to be able to compete with those who have formal training in this stuff?

I would highly, highly recommend taking a summer intro studio (GSD Career Discovery, Berkeley In[Arch], UCLA Jumpstart, Columbia Intro to Arch, etc, etc).  These summer studios are great for those without a background because the projects you complete are perfect for including in your portfolio, and almost more importantly, they help inform you if you truly want to pursue a degree in architecture (aka, dealing with the brutal hours).  You also learn to use programs such as AutoCAD, Illustrator/Photoshop, Rhino, etc, etc.

If it is your intention to apply this coming year it will unfortunately be too late to enroll in one of these programs, but you could still try an introductory design or art studio at a nearby extension program or community college during the fall.  I'd even consider waiting a year so you could do one of the above programs.  Again, applying without a background, any type of studio work is great to have whether it be sketches, paintings, design exercises, etc. 

Despite working in a firm for a couple years, I came from a background outside of architecture, and feel the projects I did at Berkeley's In[Arch] a couple years back became the strongest section of my portfolio.  Here's a draft of my portfolio I used to apply last year if you want to check it out: http://issuu.com/jsnosh88/docs/portfolio7x9

Hopefully that link works.  Good luck!

I put travel photos (with an emphasis on building) cropping them for composition, some drawings of plants -with structural abstractions- and buildings (took a drawing class in college so the material came from there).  As our admissions committee used to say they look for "creative potential." 

If there are particular reasons you are pursuing architecture, it wouldn't hurt to let that be shown in the work. If you're interested in social space, include images of people using space; if it's structural, images of connections, structures of benches/plants/buildings/animals; if its textural... you get the idea.  Throwing in a bit of writing probably wouldn't hurt if you're a good writer and can articulate a deeper interest relatively briefly. (most programs require an essay though I guess).

Most schools usually keep a library of accepted students' porfolios on hand if you can visit too.

I had a good acceptance rate with a portfolio of paintings, drawings and furniture.  I would guess that trying to mimic the portfolio of an architecture student would be a big mistake - show your strengths, don't try to fake anything- they'll know.  Also- spend your time on what you put into the portfolio, not on the design of the document.  Simple is better.

I definitely know the feeling. As someone who did not have any background at all I would recommend the following:

Do not do one of these summer courses without a background. People will tell you it's a great idea, but in my case and some others--it was beyond challenging.

Most of the students in my studio had some level of design/engineering/technical drawing experience. For those who didn't it was very painful trying to keep up. If I were to go back and do a course now, I would be perfectly fine, but that's because I took classes afterwards and had a lot of time for self-practice. I'm not  an amazing judge of work, but i think my summer projects were actually my worse and that's because I lacked sufficient understanding of basic skills and that ultimately resulted in some poorly crafted work.

I would say that you should enroll in a basic drawing course, and maybe something where you can work with your hands. I think something like jewelry design, furniture or metal would be great. Once you understand how lighting, line weight etc. effect drawings, and you have developed the coordination to craft something you will be in a good position to fully take advantage of a summer program and from there you will have plenty of nice projects for portfolio.

i taught myself three-dimensional modeling before applying to grad school. took about 6 months.

portfolio was full of renderings, painting and a few photographs.

i'd be ashamed to show it here.

Also-- I understand the issue with money, by the end of taking courses/summer session I barely had enough money to survive on...So in your overall budget for a three  year M.Arch program you should allocate costs for preparation. As with the above poster, it is possible to teach yourself some things, but if you truly do not have a background it will be very difficult and super time consuming to develop work without taking a class/receiving some formal criticism and instruction.

paintitblack, you said you have a background in the music industry, what have you done to explore music and architecture? I wouldn't make your entire portfolio focused on this, but if you spend some time exploring the two and present it well, I think it would go a long way to impressing an admissions committee. Show them your ability to critically think and analyze, and most likely your creativity at the same time.

I offer the following for inspiration:

• A feature article written about Chad Spears, a dual M.Arch and piano performance major at my alma mater (read down to the part about Vitruvius and Libeskind).
• Also, on pages 8-9 in my portfolio you'll see a short project I did in a graduate studio dealing with music and architecture. I'd be happy to discuss any of the details of the project with you if you'd like (I had to cut a lot of the description to get it to fit in the portfolio).

Josh, thanks for adding your portfolio!  I especially like the photography you included (the leaves).   And I was going to attend Columbia's summer program but after some money issues and broken promises, I won't be able to do that anymore :(  Luckily, being in NYC I have the luxury of a lot of cheap, independent art classes to choose from, so it looks like I will go that route. 

And Brian - thanks for the article and the portfolio - FANTASTIC!  I will probably be asking you for help/suggestions in the future.  I have actually been exploring the link between music and architecture and trying to figure out what angle I can take with that.  I've read a book documenting Andi Watson's work (the light and stage designer for Radiohead), which has given me insight as well. 

Thanks again to everyone for contributing to this thread.  I have at least a little bit of an idea right now. 

One question though (not sure if this warrants its own, separate thread):

Are phone cameras acceptable for portfolio submission or do I have to buy an SLR?  I have a 12 megapixel camera in my phone that takes really nice pictures.  If they were to be tastefully edited in photoshop would that be acceptable, or is that tacky?  Obviously I wouldn't put up Instagram-esque pictures, lol, but is it normal/okay to use your phone for photography?

If the you look at a picture and it looks good, its fine.  If you look at it and think "phone picture", don't use it.  The device matters less than the person holding it, for most semi modern cameras.

Okay, that's what I was hoping.  Thanks!

Paintitblack. Im in the same situation you were. I dont know where to start!!! Can you tell me a little about your experience?? Also, what university did you attend? Thanks again

paint it black, you devil.

A chief architect of an architectural and interior design consultancy firm, based in India, Jimmy Mistry is an 'accidental architect'! He hasn't technically studied architecture but is a mechanical engineer who, with the passion to one day shake the roots of conventional architectural wisdom and carve a niche for himself, created a company Della Tecnica that has a turnover of Rs 100 crore today!

He started working with a handful of people and a few lakh rupees with them. They were ambitious to make it big, but could hardly anticipate the success of their venture. That was about 15 years ago. The company is known today for its residential and commercial complexes, IT parks and hospitality projects, but Jimmy Mistry started off by picking up contractual assignments for repair work and maintenance of buildings. Opportunity knocked on his door when a design firm in Italy offered him the chance to work with furniture. Mistry has since not looked back and is now the Chief Architect of Della Tecnica, who infact is neither a qualified architect nor a designer.