How to prepare a great architecture portfolio

 As a practicing architect, I come across a relatively large number of portfolios for internship in our office, as well as those applying for job opportunities. Most of these portfolios are pretty average and poorly crafted, even though the quality of design is pretty good. That either means that a) students do not pay enough attention, or b) students do not have a good idea of how to prepare a good portfolio. It is in this context that I thought I’d share some points to help students with their architecture portfolio preparation

A portfolio should reflect the architectural and aesthetic sensibilities of the student. It is a great way of communicating what you believe in, in highlighting your strengths and skills. That being said, an architectural portfolio is a professional document and one must make every effort to keep it as professional as possible, while highlighting your creative side.

Keep your portfolio neat and simple.  I can't stress that enough. Most of the designers appreciate portfolios that are clean, which can clearly communicate your design and creative works. You can always take inspiration from the simple clear design aesthetics of Apple. It was Steve Job's single minded pursuit for perfection which has thrown out all the unnecessary frills and helped evolved some of the most beautiful gadgets.  An architectural portfolio should also be similar. The idea is not to create an overloaded graphical presentation, but one which would highlight your design work and would communicate it in a clear legible manner.

Today there is a plethora of presentation and graphical softwares which can create awe inspiring images. But keep in mind that ultimately it is not the fancy graphics that will have to be the highlight of your architecture portfolio. But always keep in mind that it is always a design portfolio and that design must take precedent.

Please avoid unnecessary personal details and 'cool' personal photographs. If you must add your picture, please keep it relatively straightforward.

Most of the portfolios that I get include ‘photography’ as one of the skill sets. Today, with the plethora of good quality cameras and editing softwares, almost everyone is an amateur or semi-professional photographer. Thus unless you really are passionate about photography and have got some good photographs, it is always best to avoid adding random clicks as your photography work.

As an architect, one is expected to be able to communicate your ideas through sketches and drawings. It is a skill that most of the architects look for in students. That being said, not everyone can effectively communicate through good sketches. If sketching is not your cup of tea, I would advise that you do not forcefully include poor sketches just for the sake of adding it, but highlight other skill sets like graphic abilities. Always try to include as much hand drawn content as possible in your portfolio and while doing so, ensures that the sketches are scanned properly in good resolution (300 dpi always) and that the lines are clear.

Pay attention to your fonts and text. Today, there are plenty of fonts which can be used to create eye catching content in your portfolio. Use fonts judiciously to create an order.

Be extremely careful in all the content that you include. All the text must be checked for grammatical mistakes. Always, and I mean always, use spell-check on all your content in your portfolio. It is not at all acceptable to have basic spelling mistakes in your portfolio. It would mean that you are not professional enough in your work.

Writing quality content is again another challenge for any architectural student. Add only that text which you feel is absolutely essential. Avoid giving too elaborate write-ups explaining your designs and ideas. Most of the architects are not going to ever read through the whole text. So, keep your writing to the minimum and let your drawings do the talking. And always ensure that only relevant and grammatically correct content is included. If on the other hand you are good at writing, let it come through in minimal sentences which would capture the essence of your design.

Finally, don't be afraid of white spaces! You do not need to crowd your whole layout, cramming tons of stuff in it. Make white spaces work in your favour by their judicious use. However, this has to be handled carefully, as too much white can lead to a blank look. So use your aesthetic sense and decide the optimum amount of content vs white space.

I've created a detailed booklet on how to go about creating your Architecture Portfolio, covering all the other areas to be given thought to.. There is detailed coverage on each aspect of your portfolio, with a lot of tips to help you create that perfect portfolio.

Order your e-copy of How to prepare an Archietcture Portfolio today at just Rs.250!!! And what's best, it will cost you  than  good meal in a restaurant. So go ahead, don't let this opportunity pass by

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A few examples of interesting portfolios -

http://issuu.com/cheli825/docs/portfolio_lopez_a1

This is a  good example of a well crafted portfolio. Most of the points mentioned above are reflected in this one


http://issuu.com/b.a.maranda/docs/portfoli

FOR A DETAILED BOOKLET ON 'HOW TO PREPARE YOUR ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO', EMAIL ME AT ar.sujithgs@gmail.com. 

COST -Rs.250 only. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity!

A sample page from the booklet!

Preparing a great architecture portfolio

PREPARATION OF AN ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

I have been receiving a lot of requests from students for details on how to prepare a good Architecture Portfolio. Taking this into consideration, I have compiled a detailed booklet on how to create a great portfolio, which will guide you through the detailed process, including identification of materials, ideal layouts, graphics and rendering styles, text placements, photographing your models....an exhaustive list which will guide you step by step.

You can now avail this great resource for creating your best portfolio, which is essential in this highly competitive age - either to get into good firms for internships, applying for your masters or for getting that coveted job.

Priced nominally at Rs.250 per copy, this is a never before opportunity.

So go ahead and mail me at ar.sujithgs@gmail.com to order your copy today! 

Don't wait and let someone else get your dream opportunity

Preparing for architecture internship in India

Internships are a crucial part of a student architect's life. Presently, the period of internship is for a whole year. It is very important that you get into a good architecture firm for your training, as that will have a huge influence on your future career. One learns a lot more during the internship than from the college, especially the practical aspects of the profession. So it is crucial to get into a good firm for gaining great exposure. 

I did my internship with Ar.Gurjit Singh in Matharoo Associates in Ahmedabad, which is a very professional firm doing some really excellent work and I must say that those six months really changed my life for the better. I learned how a real office works, how projects are taken forward, how one interacts with clients, meaning of professionalism etc, which you never learn in college. That internship really showed me how a professional practice works and how a student has to learn so much additionally to be ready for working in the real world. I can't state enough how important it is to get into a good office for doing your architectural training.

Today, it is very difficult to get into a good firm for internship. This is because there are so many students out there who are looking to get into these limited good offices. Presently, there are around 500 colleges in India as per the Council of Architecture's website. Assuming there are a minimum of 40 students per batch, that means there are at least 20,000 students who would be looking to get into various offices for training in a given time. Of course, a lot of the colleges have more than 40 students per batch and newer architecture colleges are coming up all the time. So the number of students applying for training is only bound to get higher and higher. The competition is really intense.

I can give you a small example. The firm I work in, Stapati, got over 750 applications for internship this year, out of which we could offer internships for only 12 students.... that is,only around 1.5% of the applicants got selected for internships! It is that hard to get selected for training in a good architecture firm.

So how do you go about getting into that dream office for your internship? I would say that it is all about planning and good preparation. You need to start early and meticulously plan your application process till you get into a good architectural firm. 

Ideally, your planning process should start atleast six months before the date you want to join for internship, if not earlier. The first step would be to start working on your portfolio. A good portfolio is the only way in which you could get selected into a good office. So work hard on creating a very well crafted, professional and creative portfolio which would highlight your skills and strengths and show your best academic work.

Parallely you should start doing your research to identify the good firms where you want to apply. This should be a fairly large list and shouldn't be confined to a handful offices only where you will apply. Always remember the competition is intense, so apply to the maximum number of firms. If you get selected for more than one firm, you can always have the option of selecting the one you like and not join the others. That is an ideal situation, for which you'll have to work hard and plan well. Select firms whose works you like. Do a thorough research to identify the good firms. Along with the work, take into considerations things like which city is the firm based, as the larger architectural scenario and culture of the city also plays an important role. Ahmedabad would be a very good city for the architectural intern. Likewise, Bangalore, Mumbai, Auroville etc are a few other places which would add a lot of value to your decision. One other factor to consider would be the type of practice and the size of the firm. There are small, medium and large firms out there, each with its own advantages and constraints. So do factor that also into your decision.

So once you have prepared your portfolio as well as list of architects to do internship with, you start applying to the different architecture offices. Generally you would be required to send in your portfolio along with your application. Some offices require you to email it while some others require you to upload it on their website, while some others even have a dedicated email id for sending portfolios. Make sure you send your portfolio with a good covering letter, to the correct option for each office. Ideally this has to be done 3-4 months before your joint date for internship. 

Once you send in your portfolio, wait for some time and probably after a week or so, give a call to the office to enquire the status of your application. Please be thoroughly professional in your approach. Also, be patient as a lot of the offices some times give the confirmation towards the end only. In the meantime, keep exploring newer architects and architecture offices and send your portfolio to these offices as well. You never know when you'll find the right architecture office for internship.

SUJITH.G.S is an architect and writer, with a passion for travelling, experiencing cultures, studying vernacular architecture as well as contemporary currents, which form the basis for his writing and blogging. You can contact him at ar.sujithgs@gmail.com 

Top 10 Bathroom Design Ideas for the modern home, by Sujith.G.S

Traditionally, bathrooms were spaces hidden away from view with only basic necessities and functionality. Today, people are opening up their bathrooms and flaunting the spectacular designs and luxurious accessories, making their own unique style statements. Right from TVs to Jacuzzis and fancy showers – a modern bathroom has it all. With homes becoming more and more opulent and designer, what better way to create exclusiveness than to have a custom designed, trendy bathroom?

Bathrooms have come a long way since the days of the plain ceramic tile and the ubiquitous Indian closet. Today, European closets, bidets, wash basin counters, shower cubicles and the like have become the norm. People are constantly looking at newer trends and styles. 

Dive in and take a look at the Top 10 Bathroom Design Ideas for the modern home – 

Nature is the ultimate luxury – Natural light, greenery and good ventilation is the new mantra for a contemporary bathroom. Adding that little patch of green can go a long way in enlivening the ambience of a bathroom, which in today’s fast paced life is the ideal stress reliever.

The stand alone bathtub – Having a free standing bathtub to relax is the perfect way to pamper oneself. Open up the bedroom and bathroom into a single space by using sliding door to create a seamless ambience. The standalone bathtub would be the cynosure of this space, adding class and sophistication.

Fill it up with quirky accessories – Small things matter in a bathroom. Add that touch of vibrancy to the space by using artistic accessories like bespoke towel rods, uniquely shaped soap dishes, or colourful funky cups for holding toothbrush and other paraphernalia. Go wild with accessories, which could also be curios collected during travels to various places.

Play with materials – Compared to the early days when ceramic tiles were the staple fare, there are a plethora of options today, with an amazing range of designs, patterns, textures and brands to choose from. Rustic natural stones add a lot of class to the bathroom, which can be complemented by newer materials like copper, bronze, chrome, travertine etc.

Use hand-painted tiles – Hand painted tiles for the walls can increase the chic quotient of any space. Athangudi tiles from Chettinadu are perfect for this. Combine these with a neutral material palette like that of polished cement finish, to create a refined and sophisticated space.

Add a dose of Art – Good art shows refined taste. Thoughtfully chosen art will add plenty of character and charm to a bathroom and can guide the tone of the entire space. Make sure that the size of the artwork goes with the scale of the space.

Get a designer mirror – Mirrors are one of the most neglected objects in a bathroom. For creating a stunning space, get a custom designed mirror which will go with the overall ambience and character of the space.

The open air shower – For the bold at heart, create an open air shower in your bathroom. There is nothing as uplifting as having a shower in the open, provided, the design ensures sufficient privacy from prying eyes. 

Go for a monochromatic colour scheme – Accentuate the minimalistic elegance of a space by using a monochromatic colour palette. Remember to add a dash of a bright colour to bring in an element of playfulness.

Paint it Black – There is nothing as mysterious and seductive as a rich black surface. Use black selectively, combining it with various textures to enhance the classiness of a space.

Today, one is spoilt for choice when it comes to creating a stunning bathroom. All that is required is a creative frame of mind and a discerning eye. Follow the above ideas to create a stunning bathroom guaranteed to make one feel like royalty!

SUJITH.G.S is an architect with a passion for travelling, experiencing cultures, studying vernacular architecture as well as contemporary currents, which form the basis for his writing and blogging. You can contact him at ar.sujithgs@gmail.com

HUNTER DOUGLAS DUETTE ARCHITELLA HONEYCOMB SHADES

SAVE ENERGY !!!! WITH HUNTER DOUGLAS DUETTE ARCHITELLA HONEYCOMB SHADES

An attractive window and the right light can change everything—from your room to your mood. Hunter Douglas, has mastered the art of window dressing by engineering innovative functions into stylish, versatile looks for every window in your house.

Hunter Douglas is a leader in light control, energy efficiency, operating systems and motorization, which makes your home smarter, your days easier, and every room that much prettier.

Since developing the first lightweight aluminum blind in 1946, Hunter Douglas has led the industry in creating the highest quality, innovative window coverings for homeowners. Our products provide solutions for everyday, practical needs - from privacy to safety to light control - while also satisfying your desires for a stylish furnishing that transforms your home.

Exclusive fabrics, energy-saving innovations. Our state-of-the-art, patented design for these attractive shades incorporates three insulating air pockets reducing heat loss at the window by 40%. Most people are unaware of the enormous energy lost through windows and of the energy and cost savings available to them by adding energy-efficient Hunter Douglas window fashions such as Duette Architella honeycomb shades to their windows. By installing Duette Architella shades, a homeowner can reduce heating, cooling, and lighting energy needs in three significant ways.

Reduce HEAT flow

·         Heat flows through closed windows when there is a temperature difference between the inside and the outside. Heat always flows from warmer to colder, never the other way around.

·         In the infrared photo, the window covered with a Duette Architella shade (right) is shown to allow much less energy loss than the bare, bright red window (left).

·         The measure of a product's ability to resist heat flow is called R-Value. The higher the R-value number, the more insulation the product provides and the better it is at reducing heat flow.

·         In the winter, as much as 40% of the heat that escapes a home flows through the windows. But, a homeowner can reduce up to 30% on their energy bill when they select Duette Architella shades for their home.

·         If you live in a cold climate requiring significant heating for more than half the year you should select a window covering that adds at least one point of R-value to offset heating costs.

R-Value comparison: # Duette Architella 3/4” Semi-Opaque R-Value of 6.25;  

                                     #Duette 3/4” Semi-Opaque at an R-Value of 5.16

          (R-Value measured on a low-e double glazed window)

Control SOLAR heat

·   The portion of solar energy that passes through a window to become heat is measured using the SOLAR HEAT GAIN COEFFICIENT (SHGC). SHGC is a decimal fraction between 0 and 1.

·  The lower a product’s SHGC, the less solar heat it transmits, which can help a home stay cooler in the warm summer months.

·    Standard double-pane windows have a solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) of 0.76—meaning 76% of solar heat gain gets into the home.

·    If you live in a hot climate, or anywhere summers get hot, you need a window covering that effectively reduces solar heat gain.

·         Duette Architella honeycomb shades can reduce solar heat gain from 76 % (bare glass) down to 17% depending on the fabric chosen.

SHGC comparison: # Duette Architella 3/4” Semi-Opaque SHGC of 0.24

                                  # Duette 3/4” Semi-Opaque SHGC of 0.36

       (SHGC measured on a standard double glazed window)

Enhance DAYLIGHTING

·      Using natural light to illuminate home interiors is called DAYLIGHTING and when properly controlled, can be an effective way to reduce electric light use, thus saving energy.

·         Duette Architella honeycomb shades have fabric options that filter up to 99% of the harmful UV rays while in the closed position.

·         The goals of daylighting are to even the intensity of incoming light and bring light deeper into the room. The best way to do this is by diffusing light.

·         Duette Duolite™ shades, which combine Duette Architella fabric with a Semi-Sheer or Sheer fabric, will diffuse light into the room plus add visual variety to any window.

   

Duette® Architella® honeycomb shades offer luminous colors and crisp, consistent pleats. Lower them for privacy, or raise completely for maximum light and view—they’re beautiful either way. Also consider our Architella Trielle™ Elan® shades. Their five insulating air pockets make it our most energy-efficient design yet. 

Architect Peter Stutchbury

– by Sujith.G.S

Based on the presentation Peter gave in Thrissur in February 2, 2015.

Was privileged to attend one of his presentations on his works and ideas, a presentation in which he reinforced the importance of understanding the specifics of each site and designing accordingly, instead of a ‘one size fits all’ strategy that is so prevalent in contemporary architecture today. Quite fittingly, the major part of his presentation was about the uniqueness of each topography, each land formation; put in perspective by the landscapes of his native Australia.

He stressed to reinforce his conviction that the natural systems around us hold the key to the propagation of a truly sustainable, sensible and sensitive way of life and of practicing architecture. He exhorted us, practicing architects and students to go beyond superficial issues and address fundamental questions on architecture – those of mood, of place making, of emotions, of spatial quality, of good detailing, of livability – and of timelessness.

His works were a true reflection of his strong convictions and there is an inherent thread of continuity in terms of ideas, across all his projects, though the spatial manifestation varies according to the idiosyncronacies of the specific site. It was truly an inspiring talk, a call for us to step back and evaluate the direction we are heading – for, as Peter very subtly pointed out – we are dead if we blindly follow the West. What we require is a new direction, born out of our own context, one addressing our unique concerns.

Synopsis for Crossroads 2014 on 'Art in Architecture' by Sujith.G.S

SYNOPSIS WRITTEN FOR CROSSROADS 2014

'ART IN ARCHITECTURE'
 by Sujith.G.S

CROSSROADS is an initiative by the architectural fraternity of Calicut to create a platform for some genuine architectural deliberations, critical thinking and ideation in the field of architecture and urbanism. The conference, in its first edition addressed the dynamics of the public realm through its theme of ‘Public Architecture‘. It was an attempt to revive the importance of public architecture in establishing the social and cultural equity, by actively involving & participating in building the public realm. The event featured talks by keynote speakers, a walk through the historic core of the city, workshops, exhibitions of public projects, competitions and various other activities, which created a platform for some great interaction and some critical architectural discussions.

The theme of the event this year is ‘Art in Architecture’, where we want to address the relevance and necessity of Art in Architecture. Although entwined in a symbiotic relationship, we find that there exists a dichotomy in the way art and architecture is integrated in our spaces today, with the end result being the highly chaotic interventions in our cultural landscapes.  Our cities and built spaces are filled with numerous examples of arguably irrelevant junk which masquerade as art. Further, the duality of design as a functional response to a programmatic requirement and also to notions / questions on higher metaphors needs to be explored in today’s context. No approach is absolute, yet, we find our spaces increasingly being defined by faux notions & symbols of artistic concepts. There are critical questions that we must ask – how deep is the role of art in architecture? How does art reflect and enhance our cultural construct? How can art inspire architecture in the exposition of a positive spatial and social agenda?

The subcontinent provides some excellent examples of integrating the regional craft traditions into the built environments. Presently, these craft traditions are being eschewed in favour of a globalised vocabulary, borrowing heavily from international imagery and graphical creations, without having the conceptual depth to contextualize the designs and to make it more relevant to the regional context. The pertinent question that we need to ask is if at all it is necessary to incorporate these micro-narratives into our spatiality, and if so, what are the social, economical and psychological implications?

Questions on the relevance of new media and digital templates in the architectural discourse need to be further addressed. How do we embrace this explosion of content and arrive at relevant themes? Today, the evolution of architecture is taken forward by newer economical realities and technological innovations. The tools of the trade are becoming increasingly digitized and the traditions of using the hand are being neglected and the cognitive process of design is being redefined. The directness of the hand drawn sketch in evolving and distilling ideas in the design process is being overlooked in favour of other digital media. Is this a positive evolution or is there a need for moderation?

Considering these multiple levels of enquiries, ‘Art in Architecture’ can evolve multi-directional approaches and positions which can help articulate a meaningful and relevant social perspective. Consequently, at this juncture, we feel it would be appropriate to address these new realities, to start a dialogue, to contemplate and to postulate, so that there is a much better understanding and appreciation of this critical agenda.