Getting hired as an architect has always been challenging, and that has never been more true than it is today. While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a faster-than-average 8% growth rate for architecture employment over the next decade, that only translates to about 8,500 new openings a year. Meanwhile, the AIA/Deltek Architecture Business Index shows that 2024 saw the slowest billing levels since the start of the pandemic. This is indicative of an uneven recovery at the firm level, which stands to reason considering architecture is a fragmented industry where about 60% of firms employ fewer than five people. Add in the growing reliance on AI tools and the growing demand for specializations like BIM proficiency, urban planning expertise, and sustainable architecture experience, and it’s clear that the bar for entry into this sector has been raised compared to where it was a few years ago.

So how do you grow a career in this competitive architecture job market? In my experience as an architecture recruitment firm leader, it all comes down to understanding what you bring to the table as a candidate and framing those skills effectively to differentiate yourself from the pack. Strategic personal branding, a compelling portfolio, and niche technical skills can all be tools to do this, but choosing the right one will depend on your strengths and career goals. Let’s zoom in on some practical strategies to define a compelling identity as a job seeker and jumpstart your architecture career growth.

What do architecture firms look for in candidates?

The best way to get noticed by architecture firms as a job seeker is to demonstrate you’re an exact fit for their company and role. Of course, this leads to another question: what top architecture firms look for in candidates.

The short answer to this is that firms want professionals who bring a mix of technical proficiency, creativity, and collaboration skills. To find these individuals, they first look for candidates who have a strong design portfolio that demonstrates their understanding of architectural principles, as well as their design aesthetic, creativity, and problem-solving skills. They also look for project experience, particularly as it relates to schematic design, design development, or construction documentation.

The specific skills and knowledge areas that employers look for vary depending on position, sector, and specialization. That said, there are some skills employers look for in architects that are fairly universal across architectural design roles. These include:

• Proficiency with BIM software like Revit and Navisworks
• CAD and 3D modeling skills, including proficiency in tools like Rhino, SketchUp, AutoCAD, or Lumion
• Knowledge of building codes, zoning regulations, and construction methods
• Experience in construction documentation
• Knowledge of sustainable design strategies and materials
• Team collaboration and communication skills
• Client interaction and presentation skills

There are also some current architecture job market trends that candidates should be aware of. Sustainability and green design are high priorities. Firms are seeking candidates who understand LEED standards, net-zero design, and passive house principles. Revit skills for architects are also becoming a baseline expectation, as is general knowledge of BIM. Finally, adaptive reuse and renovation projects are increasingly common, requiring professionals with knowledge of historic preservation standards and experience working within existing structures.

Key steps to stand out as an architecture candidate

Knowing what employers want is the first step to successfully navigate the architecture firm hiring process. Once you understand what firms need from candidates, the next step is to translate that into practical steps you can take during your job search. Here are some tips for how to stand out in the current architecture job market.

Build a strong portfolio

A well-made architecture portfolio should showcase not just your design talent but also how you solve problems, your aesthetic sensibility, and your technical skill sets. The best approach for how to build a strong architecture portfolio is to curate your projects thoughtfully with an eye for quality over quantity. It’s better to include 4-6 standout projects that best showcase your abilities than a dozen projects that lack focus.

A few more architecture portfolio tips: first, just like with your resume, you want to tailor your portfolio to the role. It’s good to showcase a variety of projects, but they should still all be relevant to the position and company in question. For example, if the firm values sustainability, include projects with green design elements and certifications.

The portfolio should also go beyond simply listing projects. Highlight different phases of the work, from concept through development and technical execution. Include sketches, diagrams, and other early stage work along with final renders and photos. It’s also smart to include project summaries with clear labels, and make note of the software you used or other technical skills you applied during the work.

Develop and demonstrate in-demand skills

Having the right skills for the position is another baseline step in how to get an architecture job. This isn’t just about what you learned during your degree program. Highlighting ongoing learning and skill development shows employers you’re a professional who can grow with their firm, and ensures your skills stay current to the demands of the industry.

Certifications are an excellent way to both develop new skills and show employers what you can do. Get certified in key tools like Rhino, Revit, and Grasshopper to show that you’re up-to-date with current technology. Organizations like BSI Group and Autodesk also offer certification in BIM processes and technologies that can be beneficial. Programs like LEED, WELL AP, and Passive House Designer certifications can help to deepen and show your niche expertise.

Tailor your resume and cover letter

Your resume is often the best place to showcase those in-demand skills mentioned above once you’ve developed them. The best resumes don’t only explain your skills but also align them to the specific needs of the firm and role. One effective strategy is to use terminology and keywords directly from the job description when describing your project experience and relevant skills.

Some other resume tips for architects:

• Focus on quantifiable achievements that show, not just what you did, but what impact that had on the project’s outcome
• Emphasize your role in each project, and particularly make note of ways you took a leadership role or facilitated collaboration
• Research what specialties or types of projects the firm is known for and connect those to your background

The cover letter, meanwhile, is the ideal place to tell your design story. Explain what drives your interest in architecture and how your experience matches the firm’s values or identity. It’s also smart to include a line or two about your design philosophy and what excites you about this particular company or role.

Network strategically

Understanding how to network in the architecture industry is one of the best things you can do to achieve consistent career progress. Strategic networking as an architect means building genuine, targeted relationships aligned to your career goals and the architectural community you want to be a part of.

LinkedIn is a top platform to connect with firm leaders, recruiters, and peers. Add a brief, thoughtful note when sending connection requests to make them feel more personal. You can also follow organizations and industry voices that keep you informed and inspired. Posting your own projects or insights can also help you stand out and draw the attention of the right people. It can also be beneficial to join other online communities on platforms like Slack or Discord, or to be active in forums on sites like Archinect.

Face-to-face networking is also exceptionally valuable in the architecture industry. Attend industry events like AIA conferences, design expos, or meetups led by local groups. Participating in design competitions or community design initiatives can be another way to expand your visibility and meet other professionals.

Wherever you network, approach the process as relationship building, not job hunting. Ask thoughtful questions and show interest in others’ work, don’t only talk about your own. After you meet someone, follow up within a few days with a thank you message or connection request to continue the relationship. Staying active both online and within your community can help maintain your visibility so you stay top of mind when opportunities arise.

Partner with a specialized recruiter

Architecture recruitment agencies exist solely to connect professionals with the firms who need their talents, and that makes them a powerful resource for job seekers in the industry. Not only can they directly give you access to opportunities, but recruiters also understand the unique demands of the industry and can give advice on how to find roles that align to your skills, goals, and values.

Specialized recruiters know which firms are hiring and what they’re looking for. They also often have knowledge of roles that aren’t publicly advertised, and have direct relationships with hiring managers that can give you insider insight and architecture job search tips.

To make the most of these relationships, treat your recruiter like a partner. At the start of your time working together, be honest and clear about your goals, salary expectations, location preferences, and the types of firms you want to target. During the process, ask for feedback and stay open to constructive suggestions on how to strengthen your application or interview style.

Ace your architecture interview

The interview is your best chance to showcase not just your design talent, but also your communication skills and understanding of the firm’s work. Employers want to see that candidates are well-rounded and can contribute both creatively and practically to their projects.

Your architecture interview preparation should focus on the key things that firms want to hear. This starts by demonstrating your understanding of their project types, values, and design approach. You should also show that you can communicate your design thinking in architecture, walking through why you made certain decisions on past projects, not just what you created. Make sure you come across as someone who knows their stuff, can be counted on, rolls with the punches, and fits into the way they work.

Here are a few more ways you can get ready for an architecture interview:

• Practice speaking about your skills and design aesthetic so you can be confident and concise in the interview
• Choose 2-3 strong and relevant projects you can speak about to show your design creativity and technical competency, and for each be ready to explain the project’s purpose and constraints, your specific role and contributions, and how you solved challenges you faced during the process
• Use visuals in a printed portfolio or screen-shared PDF to guide your story and highlight key aspects of your design process
• Research the firm thoroughly so that you can tailor your answers to reflect their specific focus and work

Navigating the architecture job market with confidence

Standing out in today’s architecture job market takes more than just having the right credentials. You need to be intentional about how you present yourself online, in interviews, and everywhere in between. Your portfolio, resume, skills, and certifications should all tell a clear story about what sets you apart as a designer. Even though the industry keeps evolving, one thing stays the same: employers want to connect with people who know how to build relationships and clearly show the value they bring. If you stay informed, intentional, and proactive in your search, you can turn a competitive landscape into your next opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the future of architecture.