Architecture Resume Example

An architect’s job extends beyond just designing a building. They’re also responsible for creating blueprints, meeting with clients, selecting materials and contractors, and ensuring that all building codes are followed.

Here are four tips on how to write an architecture resume that proves you’ve got the skills and training necessary for the job:

1. Write an attention-grabbing resume introduction

As an architect, you’re tasked with helping create beautiful designs that fit the needs of your clients. An attention-grabbing resume introduction for an architect position must highlight relevant experience and skills as well as demonstrate why you’re the best candidate for the job.

Whether you’re new to the industry or already have several years of experience, your resume introduction should reflect your unique talents and accomplishments in a way that makes employers take notice.

Your resume introduction should be straightforward and feature the following information:

1. Current job title and industry
2. Years of work experience
3. Areas of expertise (hard skills and soft skills)
4. Educational background (if you’re an architect with no experience)
5. Most notable achievements (if you’re experienced)

Although you should only include information that’s highly relevant to the job by carefully reading the job description and identifying which skills and areas of expertise the company’s hiring for, you’ll want to highlight different information depending on how experienced you are.

If you’re applying for your first architect job and you’re unsure how to start your resume, a resume objective is the most effective type of resume introduction for you. Unlike a resume summary which focuses on your greatest accomplishments, a resume objective lets you showcase your skills and explain how you plan on applying them to succeed as an architect.

Here’s an example of a resume objective written by a recent graduate with relevant internship experience:

In this example, the applicant draws attention to the skills and experience they’ve gained through the AXP, and that qualifies them for an entry-level architecture role.

If you’re an experienced architect, opt for a resume summary or a summary of qualifications instead to show potential employers where your expertise lies and what you can bring to the table. Here’s an example of a strong resume summary for an architect resume:

Experienced architect with 7 years of experience in designing, developing, and implementing innovative architectural solutions. Proficient in AutoCAD and Revit, with a strong understanding of building codes and regulations.

Possesses excellent communication and project management skills. Awarded “Best Commercial Building Design” in 2022 for the development of a multi-story office complex in Atlanta, Georgia. I’m interested in applying my skills to modernizing and revitalizing efforts in the state.

In this example, the applicant not only states their top technical skills and soft skills but also emphasizes their expertise and most notable achievements that qualify them for certain high-level projects. They’ve also specified in what context they’re interested in applying their skills and what their personal career goals are.

2. Highlight your most relevant architecture skills on your resume

Architects need a mix of key hard skills and soft skills to perform their job duties. Essential soft skills (qualities tied to your personality) will help you interact with stakeholders and team members, while you’ll use hard skills (abilities acquired through training) to make accurate calculations and conduct site investigations.

Make your technical skills stand out in your skills section

Some examples of key architecture skills for your resume include:

• Sketching
• Mathematics
• Design
• Cost estimation
• Conceptual skills
• Architecture software (AutoCAD, Revit, V-Ray)
• Specification creation
• Scheduling
• Knowledge of relevant codes and regulations
• Data analysis
• Project management skills

When writing your architect resume, highlight these hard skills in your resume skills section and your work experience section. To increase the impactfulness of your application, quantify your resume bullet points using hard numbers, like in the following example:

• Negotiated and administered 200+ construction contracts and delivered projects 17% under budget on average

Include top architecture soft skills throughout your resume

Architects need to balance out their hard skills with critical soft skills to ensure projects move forward smoothly. To show you collaborate well with others and are able to find common ground with clients, be sure to include top architect soft skills like these on your resume:

• Communication skills
• Teamwork skills
• Time management skills
• Negotiation skills
• Problem solving
• Interpersonal skills
• Leadership skills

Here’s an example of how to use concrete examples to demonstrate soft skills in your work experience section:

• Successfully negotiated and managed the design and construction of a complex mixed-use development project, delivering it ahead of schedule while facing multiple design challenges and stakeholder demands

3. Showcase your certifications

Architects in all 50 states need to complete a three-year paid internship and then receive an architecture license to be able to work.

Include information about your architectural license on your resume to reassure the hiring manager that you’re properly qualified.

When listing certifications on your resume, include the:

1. title of the certification
2. name of the authority issuing it
3. year it was awarded

Here’s what this looks like in practice:

LICENSED ARCHITECT

California Architects Board, 2018

To ensure the hiring manager understands you’ve undergone the relevant training to achieve the license, you can also clarify that you’ve completed the Architectural Experience Program (AXP), like in the example below:

• Undertook intensive study as part of Architectural Experience Program in preparation for California Licensed Architect Exams

This program is organized by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards to help would-be architects prepare for their licensing exams.

4. Include a link to your portfolio

When you’re up against applicants with similar skills and qualifications as yourself, providing examples of your work can win employers over.

In the contact information section at the top of your resume, add a link to your professional portfolio:

There’s no need to include every project you’ve ever worked on. Instead, include a few projects that showcase your range as an architect and represent your style.