Architecture & Design Portfolios

Is your teen hoping to study architecture or interior design? 

If your teen is interested in applying to architecture, interior or industrial design programs they will need to develop some inventive design solutions and learn how to visualize their ideas via drawings and models. Many of the students that come to PortPrep have a goal of applying to Ryerson, Carleton, Waterloo, OCADU, Humber and U of T. PortPrep has helped students get accepted to these top ranked design schools for over a decade. We have designed our curriculum to help you learn how to design and draw all the required portfolio pieces for applying to these schools as well as other top ranked programs across North America and internationally including schools like Pratt, RISD and Parsons.

Course outcome 1: Get support on how to make your architecture or interior design portfolio.

This portfolio course focuses on the design, creativity and presentation skills required to make a strong design portfolio. You will also need to learn how to draw. Consider taking our Drawing Fundamentals for Design course so that you will be able to demonstrate various required drawing skills in your portfolio. It is ideal to take both courses in the same time frame. It is recommended to take Drawing Fundamentals for Design before taking this portfolio course. If you have prior significant drawing experience you could omit taking the drawing course. Course work and projects can be adapted to suit interior design students.

Course outcome 2: Learn how develop intriguing and well thought out designs.

Creative and insightful designs that solve problems for humanity are essential to include in a successful design portfolio. Learn how to generate intriguing ideas, develop them to a high level and present them effectively with visual impact in this 8 week portfolio course. You will learn how to incorporate the elements and principals of design into inventive solutions.

Course outcome 3: Expand your cultural awareness and global thinking skills.

The most significant and successful architects and designers observe how society, the economy, and the environment interact and propose insightful comprehensive solutions for all the stakeholders. Students who reflect society and the problems humanity and the environment are facing in their portfolios have a greater potential to make powerful pieces that leave a lasting impression on the portfolio reviewers.

Course outcome 4: Explore your ideas via 3D design approaches.

One of the strongest elements to include in your portfolio is 3D sculptures or scale models. During the course you will learn how to explore and develop your design ideas via basic 3D concept models. For a more indepth study consider signing up for Architecture and Design Summer Camp or the second level of the course in which 3D design and perspective drawing are explored in greater depth.

Course outcome 5: Discover ways to create unique art works that make your portfolio stand out.

Design schools ask for creative art works in the portfolio requirements. It is recommended to not only have architectural design content but to have various types of highly creative images and art forms. In this course you will get input on the types of creative works you could include with tips, examples, and media demonstrations.

Course outcome 6: Prepare for Carleton, Waterloo and Ryerson architecture portfolio submissions.

Get guidance and insights into how to prepare for each school you are applying for. Carleton Architecture gives esoteric creativity prompt challenges every year whereas Ryerson Architectural Science gives a sketch test and home creativity test. Waterloo requires a highly creative interview or presentation as part of the application process. If you are applying for interior design at Ryerson you may need to learn how to draw a staircase and Humber requires a still life and a drawing of a chair. OCADU Environmental Design looks for unique concepts and highly imaginative design solutions. Get tips preparing for each school’s special portfolio requirements.