7 Tips to Create a Strong Digital Portfolio
Written By AD&V®
ABOUT THE AUTHOR | AD&V® is dedicated to advanced and energy-efficient sustainable architecture & interior design that enhances people’s experience of the world and improves their lives.
AT AD&V, WE BELIEVE THAT UNDERSTANDING PEOPLE, THEIR HUMANITY, CAPABILITIES, AND LIVED EXPERIENCES—IS AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING WE DO.
While a digital portfolio is a powerful tool and often your first impression, it’s only part of the story. For us at AD&V, the portfolio is a supplement—an important one—but what matters most to us is who you are as a person.
Whether you’re applying for your first internship or a full-time role, your portfolio should reflect not just your skills, but your journey, your values, and your potential. Based on what we’ve seen and what we value, here’s our advice on how to create a digital portfolio that stands out.
1. START WITH A CLEAN, COHESIVE FORMAT
Your digital portfolio layout should reflect your design thinking. Keep it minimal, clear, and intuitive. Use consistent fonts, spacing, and alignment throughout. A cluttered or inconsistent design can distract from your actual work.
Tip: Think like an editor—curate, don’t just compile. Be intentional about what you include. Avoid overwhelming readers with a 30-page portfolio. Instead, select a few of your most complete, relevant, and meaningful projects, those that best represent your skills and those you feel passionate about. Quality always outweighs quantity, and a focused selection tells a stronger story.
2. TELL A VISUAL STORY
Each project in your portfolio should have a clear narrative. Briefly describe the concept, your role, the tools or software used, and any challenges you overcame. Whether it’s a group or solo project, make it easy to understand your contribution.
Good to include:
Project title & year
Design brief or goal
Your process (diagrams, sketches, iterations)
Final visuals (plans, sections, renders, photos)
3. SHOWCASE A RANGE OF SKILLS
Employers want to see versatility in your portfolio. Include academic projects, freelance work, competitions, or personal explorations that show different scales and typologies. Balance hand-drawn and digital skills, technical precision, and creative thinking.
Bonus: Include one or two projects that align with the firm’s values or areas of expertise (for example, sustainability or affordable housing if applying to AD&V).
4. USE HIGH-QUALITY IMAGES
Pixelated renders or low-res photos can downgrade even your best work. Use crisp visuals in your portfolio and avoid overcrowding each page. Give your work room to breathe.
Pro tip: Export your portfolio in high-resolution PDF format (under 15–20 MB if emailing) or host a private online version with a downloadable link.
5. INCLUDE A STRONG INTRODUCTION & CONTACT INFO
Start your portfolio with a short introduction or personal statement (1 paragraph max) that reflects who you are and what you bring to the table. End it with a simple contact page.
Make sure the following are clearly visible:
Name
Email
LinkedIn
Website/Behance (if applicable)
6. TAILOR FOR EVERY OPPORTUNITY
It’s okay to have a master portfolio, but always tailor a version for each application. Highlight projects that relate to the firm’s values or project types. This shows genuine interest and effort.
7. PROOFREAD & PEER REVIEW
Grammatical errors, inconsistent formatting, or broken links can cost you the interview. Ask a peer, mentor, or professor to review the final version of your portfolio before you submit it.
YOUR WORK, YOUR VOICE
A strong portfolio is more than just a showcase; it’s a reflection of how you think, solve problems, and communicate ideas. Don’t just show what you’ve done, show who you are as a designer and a human being.
INTERESTED IN BECOMING AN AD&VIP?
Visit our Internship Program page and see how you can become part of a firm driven by purpose, creativity, and impact.
FURTHER READING: 5 WAYS TO BUILD STRONG PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS DURING YOUR INTERNSHIP