All applicants applying to the Master of Architecture program must submit a portfolio of work that demonstrates their creativity and ability at 2D and/or 3D representation.  Portfolios may contain any variety of creative works and mediums, but at a minimum must include examples of hand drawings. Each creative example in the portfolio should include a brief written summary describing the work and the candidate’s role in its creation. Overall, the portfolio should display the potential for creative expression, 2D and 3D representation, visual communication, and critical inquiry.

Portfolio submissions may show any combination of visual creative and/or design work produced by the applicant; examples of these works include, but are not limited to:

Advanced Track consideration

Applicants pursuing the Advanced Track admission must 1) have a previous degree in architecture or a qualified equivalent degree, and 2) submit a portfolio meeting the criteria above that also includes architectural design work the applicant produced for their previous academic experience. Candidates may also include professional architectural work if desired and examples of design process work are highly encouraged. Applicants pursuing advanced standing must also still include hand drawing examples and are encouraged to include examples of non-architectural creative works in addition to their architectural design work examples.

File submission

The admissions committee is interested in the quality of the work, not the quantity, so please limit the portfolio to 5-10 projects and approximately 20 pages. 

All applications must include a portfolio submission in PDF format. Portfolio PDF files should be a singular multi-page PDF; print or bound portfolios or digital portfolios in formats other than PDF will not be accepted or reviewed.  

File size: PDF portfolio file should not exceed 6.0MB.  

Page dimensions and orientation: There are no requirements for portfolio page dimensions and orientation; these choices are up to each applicant. However, as a baseline, the committee recommends US Letter size (8.5”x11”) or Tabloid (11×17) pages formatted in a landscape orientation.  

Image Quality: Image and page resolution should be between 300 and 600 DPI to help reduce file size while providing acceptable graphic resolution. In the event the review committee requires additional information or higher resolution images, the applicant will be notified. 

Image enhancement: If the image files of your work are not accurate after photographing, image-editing software is allowed to correct the appearance of the files you are submitting. Please use caution. It is important to maintain the integrity of the original artwork. Images should be clear and free of reflections or ‘hot spots.’ 

To best show off your creative talents and personality, an applicant’s portfolio should have a clear format, structure, and flow. Below is a list of ways applicants may format and present their work; however, this is not an exhaustive or required list. Applicants are encouraged to be creative in formatting and designing their portfolio (which is another way to demonstrate creative abilities).