architecture job application personal statement

Sample Architecture Personal Statement (admitted to Cambridge, Cornell, Yale)

by Talha Omer, MBA, M.Eng., Harvard & Cornell Grad

In personal statement samples by field.

The following personal statement is written by an applicant who got accepted to top graduate programs in architecture. Variations of this personal statement got accepted at Cambridge, Cornell, and Yale. Read this essay to understand what a top personal statement in architecture should look like.

Here is the personal statement of the Architecure Student.

I am not particularly fond of tea. However, while working in the Northern regions of XYZ, I realized that sharing a cup of tea was considered a symbol of gratitude by its hospitable populace. This simple gesture transcended the commonplace and made our work for the community all the more personal.

For several weeks I shared many cups of the sugary beverage while volunteering with the Heritage Foundation constructing homes for the people of the XYZ. Their entire dwellings had been destroyed by the floods, and it came to us, a group of young architecture students, to revive this once-thriving community.

The process from etching the lines of chalk for the Women’s Community Centre to seeing it constructed into a beautiful bamboo building to be used for gainful employment is one that affected me deeply. The structures we built stand supported throughout the seasons, representing the enduring strength of the people of the XYZ. By helping to re-establish an entire community affected by an unprecedented natural calamity, I became aware of the power of architectural design to incite social change. Also, the focus on sustainable structures made me realize how designers need to focus on the available resources and capacities of the community they are involved in.

This experience was pivotal in realizing the path I wanted to take as an architect. My fascination with creating and manipulating space, seen from an early age by my experimentation with a Wendy Tent, went to the root of my desire to become an architect. Furthermore, the stories I had heard growing up about my ancestral home in XYZ, a city known for its scorching heat; as well as my childhood divided between XYZ, a country oblivious to any form of energy deficiency, and XYZ, a country struggling with shortages in resources have all served to underscore how design needs to adapt and address the social issues of its environment. This instilled within me a desire to work towards making my homeland self-sustaining.

To channel my proclivity, I applied to the country’s top architecture school, and my joy, I was accepted. During my five years at the XYZ, I studied the fundamental nature of the architectural design. I found its intricacies to be a maze that beckoned alluringly to me. Elected as the Vice President of the Architecture Students’ Association, I was in a position to influence how students would perceive architecture. I led the team representing XYZ and XYZ at the National Architectural Student Convention held in XYZ.

My team was honored with the prestigious Citation Prize for the Rubens Trophy. This victory awarded our design from amongst those submitted from more than a hundred universities. It proved to be a tremendous boost to my belief in achieving the career goals that I had set for myself. It also allowed me to develop a global understanding of architectural design. The following year, I volunteered to go to XYZ, an experience that left an indelible mark on my mind.

I returned with vigor to realize architecture’s power in shaping my community and channeled my motivation into my thesis project. I managed to study the overwhelmingly bustling historic urban center of XYZ and analyzed its context, which resulted in providing macro-level sustainable design solutions. A culmination of my efforts and passion, this project was awarded an ‘honors’ in my thesis.

I followed through with my academic goals by seeking employment at a firm that avidly incorporates sustainability in its design practices. After working at SR Design Works, I was reassured of the practical applications of the theoretical knowledge I attained as part of my undergraduate degree. Furthermore, with a conscious desire to be part of responsible design practices, I became associated with upcoming advocates of green building design. However, at the same time, I also grew aware that to achieve my aims, I would need further education.

While working on individual projects which incorporated the principles of sustainable design, I was exposed to the prospective benefits as well as the limitations of those principles. In light of this nexus, it was apparent that I needed further education to explore all its potential advantages.

Another hurdle I had to overcome in a predominantly patriarchal society like XYZ was to hold my own and work on an equal footing with various people, from clients to retailers; colleagues to contractors. This aspect of my character can be attributed to my mother, who raised my brother and me while working full-time as a real estate agent. She taught me to be independent and not to treat my gender as a disability. I have taken her wisdom to heart and have dared to dream of rising to the zenith in my field.

I realize that many architectural designs in XYZ fail to communicate with their environmental and social context, thus creating more hindrances for its inhabitants rather than presenting solutions. My experience in architecture has made me realize the necessity of greater responsibility and sensibility in building structures in XYZ. I greatly believe in XYZ potential and aim for this country to be a forefront practitioner of sustainable architecture.

I aim to practice sustainable architectural design in its true essence and promote green practices that can help build communities, hopefully sharing many more cups of tea in the process.

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10 Tips on Personal Statements (for Architect Students)

Gone are the days when prospective students applying to architecture schools get away with merely submitting an application form and a high school transcript.

Whether you are applying for entry into a pre-professional Bachelor of Science or Art (B.Sc. or B.A.) majoring in architecture, or the professional Bachelor of Architecture or Master of Architecture, chances are submitting a personal statement is necessary alongside your design portfolio.

But you could be apprehensive about the task of writing a personal statement as the requirement does not come with clear guidelines, unfortunately.

It is usually just one piece of A4-size word document, but a mighty powerful one at that – second only to your design portfolio – as it represents your voice in the eyes of the admissions evaluator.

It is essential to impress the school and show off your skills and suitability all in one place.

Here are some useful tips to get you started:

1. Give Yourself Enough Time

Probably one of the most valuable tips that you can get when it comes to personal statements is to start early.

Give yourself enough time to write your statement.

Research examples of architecture personal statements. Use one which you think is suitable as a reference but never copy.

Ask your current teachers or people in your life for feedback. If you are the only person reviewing your statement, you risk not knowing what it is missing.

2. Understand What the Statement is Asking For

There is no shame in asking for someone to read the question for you, which could help you understand it better. It could be as simple as “Tell us why you want to study architecture,” or “What would you gain from your experience at our school?”

Either way, a personal statement from a prospective architecture student is to convince the admissions evaluator that you deserve a place in their program.

Competition for entry is fierce, and you want to stand out by being yourself – no two persons are alike. So again, don’t merely copy one you found online for free; tweak and add your voice to it.

3. Introduce Yourself

No. Don’t start by saying, “I am (name), and I come from (birthplace). These are standard information already stated in your application form.

Give the school an insight into your personality and how you would add value to their community of young, budding architects.

Are you ambitious? Have any hobbies? Artistic? Work well in a team?

It does not matter what it is, as long as it helps you stand out from others. Writing a personal statement is not the time to be shy about the qualities you bring to the table – write to impress!

4. Craft Skills You Learned

You can write about the extra classes you took outside your school syllabus and how they relate to architecture.

Perhaps you’d enrolled in an oil painting or a woodworking class. Great, add it in!

But don’t just state those skills you picked up matter-of-factly. Go into the details of the intricate crafts you learned in making a piece of art or a unique solution you achieve by applying a tweak to a standard method.

Better still, point the evaluator to the piece you have included in your portfolio. Such cross-referencing can help reinforce the engagement between the evaluator and your application.

5. A Memorable Vacation

You have been to places and experienced different cultures.

Pick one that is rich architecturally, and elaborate on how your experience of walking through an ancient city or a modern architectural wonder made you want to be an architect.

6. Any Work Experience You’ve Got Under Your Belt

If you’ve got quite a bit of work experience, it is crucial to only talk about the relevant experiences that will help set you apart from the other applicants.

Write about something that shows no added value, and the evaluator would lose interest quickly. An architectural technician work experience role would be perfect for showing the school you know exactly what you are doing.

7. Talk about the future

Who exactly do you want to be when you leave architecture school?

Touch on why you want to study at a particular school and how the degree will help you with your future career. Let them know that you’ve got a whole plan set out, and you are determined to achieve it.

8. Don’t sound too academic

Remember, while you want your writing to sound professional, you don’t want it to sound like you have swallowed a thesaurus.

Too many students make this mistake while writing their personal statement, and it is very obvious to the person reading.

Authenticity over everything!

9. Check for Grammatical Errors

This tip is oft-repeated for any writing exercise, but it does not hurt to remind yourself how important this is.

Especially if you are an international student and English is not your first language, have a second pair of eyes proofread your statement.

A grammatical error-filled personal statement can be a real turn-off for the admissions evaluator.

10. Be Yourself

It may sound cliché but writing an excellent personal statement for an architecture school application is really about you.

In your absence, the personal statement represents you, and you want to make sure that it is precisely that.

There is no right or wrong in a personal statement; it is about the things that are uniquely you.

After writing the personal statement, you can start to apply to your school of choice using the complete set of architecture school application documents .

Independent Educational Consultants Association

Passion and purpose in the architecture personal statement.

By Evan Forster, MFA, IECA (NY)

No matter what name it goes by—statement of purpose, statement of interest, or plain old personal statement—architecture school statements are challenging. They often want you to cover a whole lot of information in only 500 words. For instance, Columbia University’s prompt last year was: In a statement of approximately 500 words, describe your background, your past work in your intended field of study, and your plans for graduate study and a professional career . All of that in only 500 words or less? No wonder my candidate Kara, an aspiring architect, had called me in a panic.

“So by ‘background’ do they mean my entire life story plus all of my work, school, and internship experiences?” Kara, wired on venti Americanos, asked. “It says ‘personal’—does that mean I should tell them about my parents’ divorce?”

Here’s the thing: It is important that after the admissions committee has read your statement of purpose, they feel that they know who you are. They need to know what you want to do (your goal)—Kara’s was opening her own “green” architecture firm one day—why this is important to you, what you have done thus far in regards to pursuing that goal or taking an interest in the subject matter, and what you still have left to learn and explore. And right there is the outline for your entire 500-word statement of purpose.

The break down:

Paragraph 1: This is where you get personal. No, this doesn’t mean empty the contents of your diary. This means write about the moment you realized you wanted to pursue your goal. In Kara’s case it was when her family moved from a sprawling home in Greenwich, Connecticut, to a 1,200-square-foot apartment in Manhattan. She found herself wishing she could move the walls around and reconfigure the space to be more open. There! She had her “ah-hah!” moment—the moment she realized that architecture would be a part of her life. This is the type of specific moment that all candidates should search for and write about.

Why? Graduate programs want students who are passionate about what they want to do, not students who are just looking to avoid the real world for another few years. This is your opportunity to show the school why you want this.

Paragraph 2: What have you done thus far to pursue your interest in architecture? Did you explore classes in college? Did you take art or art history classes? When you studied abroad, did you take an active interest in the city’s architecture? This is an opportunity to discuss specific classes you have taken as well as experiences—talk about a particular professor you’ve learned from or clubs you started or joined. Discuss internships or observation hours. But, as I told Kara, do not simply list them; you don’t want to regurgitate your resume (remember, they have it!). Tell the school what’s not on your resume. Dig down deep and discuss specific moments within that internship where you’ve learned something significant and how you plan to apply what you learned.

Why? Graduate schools want students who have already been seeking knowledge.

Paragraph 3: Why do you want to go to grad school? What do you still have left to learn? Discuss skills that still need development or improvement. Kara was looking to strengthen her foundation and design skills with a master’s in architecture. She was also interested in expanding her knowledge of technology and how she could use it in the design process in order to achieve greater innovation. So look at your goals, and then ask, “What do I need to get better at in order to improve my chances of achieving my goal?”

Now here’s the part where Kara asks, “But, don’t I want to appear confident? Won’t it make me look weak to admit that I still have stuff to learn?”

No. Schools want students who are self-aware, who know their strongest and weakest areas. Kara needed to show the school that she knows what she needs to work on and what experiences she needs to gather in order to accomplish her goal. This also demonstrates that she actually will benefit from graduate school—and proves to the school even more that she is a serious candidate.

Paragraph 4: The school-specific portion of your essay addresses why Columbia, specifically. Here it is important to be extremely specific to show enthusiasm for a particular school. Do your research on classes, professors, and clubs, and discuss how they will help you accomplish your goal.

Why? The candidate must prove their desire to go to the school. Being specific about the school demonstrates Kara’s ability to research and gain knowledge—good traits for a prospective student. Additionally, when she got that interview—she had lots to discuss.

Final paragraph: Finish with a few short sentences about how Columbia is going to help you achieve your goal—and how you will contribute to Columbia—to change the planet (by using your master’s in architecture).

Kara, who is now at Columbia, called me the other day. She was still drinking a venti Americano, but this time she was excited—not panicked. She had just interviewed for an internship at a prestigious New York “green” architecture firm and wanted to tell me she had nailed it. And she had applied the work we had done together almost a year ago. She researched the firm, was specific about what she could contribute to its office environment, and communicated clearly to the interviewers how gaining experience at their firm was in line with her long term goals.

Evan Forster can be reached at [email protected]

Architecture Applicant?

Writing your best architecture school personal statement.

How to write about a subject not taught in school. This post is geared towards undergraduate applications.

As part of your architecture school application to undergraduate programs, you will be required to make a written personal statement pertaining to your interests, achievements and goals. There is a substantial weighting on the personal statement, though it is not as important (for lots of schools) as the portfolio . In the US , these are known as supplemental essays on the Common Application (not the main essay on the CA, which is more general). 

This is the chance for you to tell the school exactly what it is about you that makes you a candidate in a sea of applicants. This will require a lot of introspection. Generally, the personal statement is a give and take. The ‘take’ is to describe how suited you are for the school, and the ‘give’ is to describe how you may be able to contribute to it. They need to be excited to have you. The US likes to hear more about your extracurriculars than the UK does, and these generally can fit into the first section of the essay structure (see below).

This is one of the few opportunities in your career that you will be able to take the time to delineate your values. It’s best to see the personal statement as a tool for you to understand yourself better, and being able to submit it to a school is simply a bonus. If you are in a position where you’re just filling out a personal statement for the sake of applying to a school, then stop. Take a step back and consider yourself. Explore your values through your writing. The application can come later, and it will be significantly higher in quality once you’ve consolidated yourself.

There is a general structure that you can follow to help you dig up all your values and interests. A starting point.

1. Who are you and what are your interests?

This is the hard bit. You have to remember that the person reading your architecture school personal statement knows nothing about you. Before you go into detail about the history of sustainable design in architecture (if that’s your thing) we need to go into the history of the author.

Most of the time these people reviewing your personal statement just want to know what kind of person you are, what makes you tick, whether or not you’re going to be a fit for their teaching style, whether you’re willing to learn, whether you’ll fit in, etc.

The great thing about this is that if you write honestly and your application is unsuccessful it at least means that you will truly know that the school was never going to be a good fit for you anyway. This first part of the personal statement requires you to open up about you, and does not necessarily need to solely be about architecture.

Who are you as a person? What do you enjoy doing? Where do your values lie? What makes you tick? What’s your history? Do your best not to force this answer out, otherwise it may seem contrived.

It’s highly unlikely that your interests from birth, and reason for your entire existence, is tethered to a deep passion for green roofs. (Also, avoid the word ‘passion’ and other cliché terms – they’ve heard them all before and they only sound insincere).

It’s more likely, however, that you love making fabrics, or painting, or cycling. This is what we need to do here: we need to get to these base interests and build on them in the next section.

This is where you define the trajectory of the essay in general, and become known as ‘the one who was really into fabrics’ etc. Something memorable, specific to you. This is how you will be remembered during admissions decisions.

2. How may architecture help you achieve those purposeful interests?

This paragraph goes a step further. How are these values which comprise your identity relevant to the field of architecture? It will be beneficial to your application if you can make your own definition of architecture personal and intrinsically related to you.

If you’re interested in fabrics, then it’s time to talk about how those garments you made relate to all sorts of different ceremonies or traditions and how spatial and cultural those are. Things which crop up in architecture. It’s time to describe how architecture is in fact all about how materials are stitched together, maybe! 

3. Why architecture school , and perhaps why this specific school?

But why is any of this important? Why should a school care what your values are? Well, for starters, you’re the one who is going to be representing them in their summer show three or four years from now. They need to know that your values which we have just defined are specific to their facilities, their faculty, their program, their output of student work that you saw at their summer show last year. (Note, go to as many summer shows as possible). Cite their specific resources that appeal to you, and let them know your desires to contribute. It’s a give and take.

We’re happy to help you through this process. Personal statements can be daunting, but when done well they will make your entire application fall into place. Application essays can drive your portfolio work/organization, and give you a strong personal theme that will both help you with your outlooks and in the interview itself. These opportunities to introspectively reflect don’t come often enough, yet are extremely rewarding.

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• Personal Statements
• Architecture Personal Statement

Architecture Personal Statements Example

Sample statement.

My parents tell me that I could draw before I could run and this pattern has been evident throughout my life ever since. I enjoy working in many different art media – pencil sketching, watercolour, charcoal – and my greatest pleasure is depicting interesting buildings. My strong interest in art and design lead me to study Graphics and Art as separate GCSEs, and I was awarded at A* in both.

Part of my passion for drawing buildings stems from my need to understand their structure. I have combined Art A level with Physics and maths as I want to have the knowledge and skills to study this in more depth and to pursue a career related to architecture and building design. During the last year I have attended a local college evening class in architectural technology, which has covered the way that the construction industry works and the basics of architectural design. The course also included graphical detailing, the stages of building design and technical drawing as well as a general introduction to surveying, building techniques and the property market.

My choice of architecture as a degree is therefore based on detailed knowledge of what this would involved and I have researched courses across several universities, choosing options that provide a thorough grounding in design combined with an insight into the business skills required.

In addition to my A level studies and evening course, I also work part-time. I feel that gaining experience of the working environment at this stage will be useful wherever my life leads but as an architect, I expect to be dealing with customers and clients on a daily basis. Having a job where I deal with the general public in a fast-food outlet is not the same type of interaction, but I have learned to improve my communication skills, observed how managers diffuse difficult situations and I have come to appreciate the need for good customer services that is always polite but can be firm when the situation demands it.

My time is almost taken up by my studies and my part-time work and to relax I enjoy going to the cinema with friends, listening to music and walking. Sporty I am not, but I keep fit by walking with a club of under 21’s in my local area, hiking between 10 and 15 miles. I find these walks are good for keeping a clear perspective on my objectives and for gathering my thoughts and organising my studying and working time for the week ahead.

Thinking ahead, a degree in architecture should increase my job prospects and would enable me to start working in a field that really interests me. People will always need new buildings and I feel I can make a positive contribution to building design in the future.

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Architecture Personal Statement

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Our Oxbridge tutors have first-hand experience of creating personal statements for a variety of programmes, including Cambridge Architecture. They can help you write a strong and successful Cambridge Architecture personal statement, making sure that you include key elements and write in the correct tone.

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Many applicants lose out on a spot on the Cambridge Architecture course because their personal statement isn’t up to scratch. It can be challenging to know exactly what to put in your Cambridge Architecture personal statement and how to impress the admissions tutors. Watch this video to learn about how we can help you.

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Many applicants lose out on a spot on the Cambridge Architecture course because their personal statement isn't up to scratch.

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Response in 48 hours.

Send us your Cambridge Architecture personal statement, in any draft stage—first, fifth, or final. Additionally, you can let us know if you want us to target a certain feature of your Cambridge Architecture personal statement, such as word count or relevant work experience.

Our Cambridge Architecture tutors will carefully review your personal statement for Cambridge Architecture and provide their own evaluation of what you have done well and where you could make some changes.

You'll feel empowered and motivated to enhance your personal statement for Cambridge Architecture after reading our feedback. If you would like to, we encourage you to send another draft at this stage.

You can now upload your Cambridge Architecture personal statement to UCAS after adding in the appropriate changes. What a relief, right?

Your Cambridge Architecture personal statement will be attentively reviewed by our Oxbridge Architecture tutors to make sure it matches our high standards.

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We will provide you with line-by-line analysis for your Cambridge Architecture personal statement, as well as comments on how you performed in each of the crucial areas that the Cambridge Architecture admissions team will be focusing on.

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Consider the improvements we've recommended after reading our feedback for your Cambridge Architecture personal statement. You are welcome to get in touch with us at any stage for more guidance or to ask for another Cambridge Architecture personal statement review!

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Your Oxbridge Architecture tutor will evaluate your Cambridge Architecture personal statement and provide some initial feedback prior to your one-on-one meeting to make the most of the time you have together.

You can go over your Cambridge Architecture personal statement with your tutor in real-time and receive continuous advice.

Following the session, you can revise your Cambridge Architecture personal statement at your own pace and reach out to your tutor if you have any more questions.

Architecture Personal Statement Examples:

Reducing word count.

Your Oxbridge tutor can help you cut down your words and refine the content to the key points which have impact.

Work Experience

Our Oxbridge experts can help you link your work experience to your interest and passion for Architecture.

Spelling and Grammar

We will do a full review of the spelling, grammar, tone and paragraph structure of your Cambridge Architecture Personal Statement.

Excerpt from an Architecture Personal Statement…

I have completed work experience with three different companies. The placements were really provocative as they gave me three almost contrasting environments to work in with completely different types of people. I worked on Sketch-Up to complete a brief on a personal design project, giving me a good grounding in the software. I had to create a 3D plan of the Birmingham office for one of the company’s future use, using a mixture of both CAD and Sketch-Up. I also had an opportunity to practise my sketching and technical drawing and find out about the historical design and architecture of the areas I was working in. I worked with the third company most recently and I thought my time here was very constructive, as I was involved in meetings with structural engineers who were working with the company as well as giving my opinions on some of the projects the company was bidding for. I found all the placements insightful and beneficial, and they definitely improved my understanding and technical ability when it came to sketching and designing.

Extra Reading

We will help you link books and talks you've experienced to specific modules in the Cambridge Architecture Course.

Motivation for Architecture

You'll learn how to best articulate your reasons for studying Architecture in the Oxbridge learning environment.

Language Style

Your Architecture tutor will adjust your sentence structure, tone of voice and the balance between different sub topics.

How can we improve your Personal Statement?

Personal analysis.

Instead of just offering you general guidance, we'll go over your writing and provide tailored analysis.

Reducing Word Count

Although sticking to the 4,000 character limit can be challenging, we will help you write more concisely.

Improving Language

All of our tutors have written successful personal statements for the Cambridge Architecture course and use our tried-and-tested approaches..

• Grammar Checking

We'll make sure you don't submit an Architecture personal statement with poor grammar, as Cambridge would reject it.

Reviewed by Architecture Tutors

A team of tutors with knowledge of what Cambridge is searching for will proofread your Cambridge Architecture personal statement.

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To make sure your Cambridge Architecture personal statement is top-notch, you will receive ongoing mentoring.

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Our packages

An experienced Oxbridge tutor will evaluate your personal statement, and all of our packages include analysis of your content, structure, and grammar. Whatever plan you choose, you can be confident that you'll receive your Cambridge Architecture personal statement within 48 hours, or your money back.

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You’ll feel empowered and motivated to enhance your Cambridge Architecture personal statement after reading our feedback. If you would like to, we encourage you to send another draft at this stage.

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Still got questions don’t worry, we’ve got you covered., frequently asked questions, →i need my cambridge architecture personal statement check back within 24 hours. can you help me.

Of course! We offer an express service upon request, so please let us know when you email us your Cambridge Architecture personal statement if you'd like it sooner and why, and we'll be able to help you out!

→What is an Architecture Personal Statement?

An Architecture Personal Statement is a document that explains your motivation, background, and qualifications for studying architecture at a university. It is often required as part of the application process for architecture programs.

→What should I include in my Architecture Personal Statement?

Your Architecture Personal Statement should include your reasons for choosing architecture as a career, your academic background, your relevant work or extracurricular experiences, your personal qualities and skills, and your career goals. It should also demonstrate your knowledge of and interest in the field of architecture.

→How long should my Architecture Personal Statement be?

The length of your Architecture Personal Statement will depend on the specific requirements of the program you are applying to. Generally, it should be around 500-800 words, but you should check with the program to see if they have any specific guidelines.

→Can I ask you to write my Cambridge Architecture personal statement for me?

If we are requested to do this for your Cambridge Architecture personal statement, we'll have to politely decline.

→Will my Cambridge Architecture personal statement be secure?

Absolutely. Only our Oxbridge tutors will have access to your Cambridge Architecture personal statement, and all of your data will be encrypted and protected in accordance with our privacy policy.

→I'm worried about the word count for my Cambridge Architecture personal statement. Can you help?

Definitely! Just let us know that you want to reduce the word count for your Cambridge Architecture personal statement and we'll be happy to help you.

→What should I avoid in my Architecture Personal Statement?

You should avoid using cliches or generic language, exaggerating your experiences or qualifications, or being negative or critical of others. It is also important to avoid plagiarism by ensuring that your statement is original and written in your own words.

→I'm an international student and I'm worried my English isn't good enough to write a Cambridge Architecture personal statement.

Don't worry, we offer a special service to guarantee that your Cambridge Architecture personal statement satisfies the English language requirements for Oxbridge.

→Why is an Architecture Personal Statement important?

An Architecture Personal Statement is important because it allows you to showcase your passion for architecture and demonstrate your suitability for the program. It is an opportunity to highlight your unique strengths, experiences, and goals, and to differentiate yourself from other applicants.

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Architecture Masters Personal Statement Example: Effective Guide

Table of Contents

So you want to pursue a master’s degree in architecture? Congratulations! A career in architecture can be rewarding, both creatively and financially. To begin, you need to write your master’s application. This article provides architecture masters personal statement example to guide you.

Like all personal statements, an architecture master’s personal statement should give the admissions committee a snapshot of who you are as an individual. It should highlight your strengths and interests and explain why pursuing a masters in architecture is your next logical step.

But writing about yourself can be challenging – especially concerning something as subjective as art or design. So how do you craft a strong statement that will stand out from the rest? Read on for our top tips!

What Is An Architecture Masters Personal Statement?

Consider it the opportunity to introduce yourself to the admissions’ committee. It is your chance to discuss your interest in studying architecture and the factors that led to your decision. 

A personal statement typically showcases your motivation and academic and professional achievements . It lets you demonstrate how you hope to use an architectural degree once you graduate. 

The admissions’ committee will look for signs of how you will add value to the program and their community. So put your best foot forward and show them your skills! 

Why Do You Need A Personal Statement?

Having an impressive personal statement is essential when pursuing a masters in architecture. It’s your opportunity to showcase your skills and experiences while highlighting why you’re the perfect candidate for the program. If you’re looking to pursue a master’s degree in architecture, be sure to create a statement that stands out.

An Architecture Master’s personal statement helps admission committees know more about who you are as an individual. They’ll want to know what makes you unique and why studying architecture is essential to you.

Your statement should be well-written and concise, providing enough information without going into too much detail. In addition, make sure that your grammar and spelling are impeccable!

Your Architecture Masters personal statement can help set you apart from other applicants and increase your chances of acceptance.

The Structure of Your Architecture Masters Personal Statement

• Introduce yourself and your interest in architecture.
• Outline your academic and professional achievements.
• Highlight your unique abilities and experiences.
• Showcase your creative and design abilities.
• Explain your motivation for pursuing a master’s in architecture.
• State why you want to study at this particular school.
• Write a captivating closing remark.

Tips for Writing Your Architecture Masters Personal Statement

The architecture masters personal statement can be challenging to write. However, with some practice, you will get the hang of it. Below are general things to always remember when writing your architecture masters personal statement.

• Proofread your statement carefully.
• Use strong and descriptive language
• Be concise and stay on topic
• Avoid clichés and general statements
• Use concrete examples from inside and outside the classroom whenever possible.
• Make sure your statement is unique to you
• Get feedback from others.

Architecture Masters Personal Statement Example

Architecture is my passion. I aspire to be an architect who employs unproven techniques in the field of architecture. For a town planning project during my childhood, our local government requested children to create dream homes. As I threw myself into accomplishing the assignment, the challenge captivated me. This incident is one of the countless incidents demonstrating that my passion is inborn and natural rather than the result of some external influence.

I’ve taken various measures to improve my construction and design skills since discovering them. I began my education at the King sway School of Construction Design for Kids, where I gained an early understanding of architectural applications. This experience broadened my knowledge of and interest in architecture. At this point, I chose to pursue a career as an architect. After deciding on a profession, I felt determined to pursue the career opportunities that architecture provided. My life had now become architecture.

After graduating from high school, I enrolled in Emerson Architecture College to improve my architectural talents on a more professional level. The training there expanded my creative horizons. And I started identifying architectural problems and their remedies wherever I went. Environmental architecture and craftsmanship classes allowed me to combine various existent ideas into new or distinctive outputs.

My level of creativity surpassed my expectations. I also learned digital architecture, three-dimensional modeling, and how to use various architectural programs and technology. I am not nearly as talented as I would like to be as an architect; I have an insatiable thirst for architectural knowledge. My innovativeness and ingenuity are fed by my appetite. This understanding is what allows me to design architectural solutions to the challenges I see around me.

I want to be a restoration architect. This passion began following a vacation trip to Paris. As I explored architecture, I realized it portrays our societies’ heritage and history in a way that helps us think critically about our past.

Observing the works of architectural greats has also encouraged me to seek excellence in my career in architecture. In light of this, I have decided to pursue my master’s degree at a school known for producing excellent architects.

To achieve this level of quality, I would like to apply for admission as a master’s student at your institution. This will greatly help me to broaden my understanding of different unfinished architectural difficulties. My goal is to gain information and put it to good use for the benefit of humanity. This will finally bring my dream of being a sophisticated urban planner to fruition .

There are several key takeaways from this exceptional guide on architecture masters personal statement example . When writing a personal statement, highlight your skills and experiences. You should also explain why you want to pursue a master’s degree in architecture. Lastly, be sure to express your passion for Architecture!

Loved the personal statement you read above? Use Hey INK to generate an outstanding one, that will intrigue the admissions’ committee.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Architect Cover Letter Example (W/ Full Guide for 2024)

You know how to design buildings that are both functional and stunning—your portfolio says it all.

But when it comes to drafting a cover letter, it's like hitting a creative wall. Suddenly, words fail you, and all you see is a blank screen staring back.

Don't worry, you're not alone.

Many skilled architects stumble when they have to put pen to paper—or fingers to keyboard—in a way that's not about blueprints and 3D models.

We've got you covered!

In this article, we're going to lay the foundation for an unbeatable architect cover letter.

Here’s what we’ll cover: 

• What a Stunning Architect Cover Letter Looks Like
• 5 Steps to Writing a Job-Winning Architect Cover Letter
• 3 Essential Architect Cover Letter Tips

Ready to build a cover letter that's as impressive as your architectural designs?

Let's dive in!

Architect Cover Letter Example

5 Steps for the Perfect Architecture Cover Letter

You've just seen what a job-winning architect cover letter looks like, and now it's your turn to make one .

To get it right, follow these steps:

#1. Put Contact Information in the Header

Start your architecture cover letter with your contact details right at the top, in the header. It's the same layout you'd use on your resume , so it keeps things consistent.

Here's what to include:

• Full Name. Put your full name at the top of the page.
• Job Title. Make sure the job title on your cover letter matches the exact position you're applying for. Hiring managers tend to juggle applications for various roles at once, so be specific on your application.
• Email Address. Use an email that's easy to remember and professional. For example, swap out immature emails like "[email protected]" for something based on your full name, like “[email protected]” .
• Phone Number. Double-check your phone number, since a typo could mean a missed opportunity. If you're applying internationally, include the dialing code.
• Location. Your city and state or country are usually enough. If you're applying for a remote job or planning to move for this one, say so in your cover letter.
• Relevant Links (Optional). As an architect, we recommend you add links to your portfolio and LinkedIn profile so the hiring manager can quickly see your past work.

Once your own details are in place, add the hiring manager's contact information underneath.

Here’s what to include:

• Company Name. Write down the name of the firm you're applying to.
• Hiring Manager's Name. Do some digging to find out who will be reading your cover letter and address it to them. For example, look at the job ad, the company website, or their LinkedIn job post.
• Hiring Manager's Title. If you find out that the person doing the hiring is the lead architect, use their official title in your cover letter.
• Location. Include the city and state/country of the company. This is especially important for international companies. If the company has more than one office in the same city, you can also specify the street address.
• Date of Writing (Optional). Adding the date you wrote the cover letter gives it a professional touch.

#2. Address the Hiring Manager

Once you've got all your contact information sorted, it's time to address your cover letter to its intended reader — and skip the tired "To Whom It May Concern."

How you start your letter can set the tone and make a strong first impression.

First things first—do a little homework. Browse the job ad, the company's website, or LinkedIn to find out who’s the hiring manager for the architecture role you're eyeing. Their name should be listed on the ad.

Then go ahead and address them respectfully. Using "Ms." or "Mr." followed by their last name is a solid choice. If you're unsure about their gender or marital status, using their full name works fine too.

• Dear Mr. Johnson,
• Dear Emily Johnson,

If you come up empty searching for the hiring manager or department head, no worries. You can address your letter at the department or the company as a whole.

• Dear Architecture Department,
• Dear Hiring Team for Architecture,
• Dear Human Resources Team,
• Dear Head of Architecture,

#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement

Hiring managers often spend just a few seconds scanning each application. So, nailing the introduction in your architect cover letter is key.

Start your architecture cover letter by stating why you’re writing and why this specific role caught your eye. Expressing genuine interest in the field or the job itself can spark curiosity and make the hiring manager want to read on.

Doing a bit of research about the company can also set you apart from the crowd. The more you understand the company culture, the better you can explain why you’d be a great fit. It shows the hiring manager that you didn't just send out mass applications; you’re genuinely keen on this job.

If you have some experience under your belt, kick off your cover letter with a standout achievement or skill that matches the role perfectly. Keep it brief, though. The goal here is to intrigue the hiring manager just enough to get them to read the rest of your letter.

#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details

The core section of your architecture cover letter should really dig into what makes you the right choice. 

The trick here is not to just rehash your architect resume ; this is your chance to elaborate on your skills and show how you can contribute to your future employer.

Make sure to point out some of your most notable achievements related to the field. For example, maybe you played a key role in a sustainable housing project or helped design a community center that won awards. Use the job ad as your guide to tailor these to what the company is looking for.

For example, if the company specializes in green building design, emphasize your experience or skills in sustainability and eco-conscious construction. If they're all about cutting-edge, tech-savvy projects, highlight your familiarity with the latest design software.

It's always good to show that you know about the company. Are you drawn to their innovative approach to urban design, or do you deeply respect their commitment to local communities? Mention it in your cover letter. It shows you're not just tossing applications to the wind—you genuinely want this job at this firm.

If you have an employment gap on your resume , the body of your cover letter is the right place to explain it. Did you take some time off work to travel abroad? Tell the hiring manager how it benefited you and how you came back inspired to work as an architect. 

And while you’re at it, let your enthusiasm shine through. Make it clear you're excited about the prospect of contributing to the company with your unique skills and perspective.

Also, make sure to avoid these common cover letter mistakes at all costs! 

#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Your cover letter ending is like adding the final touch to your architectural blueprint.

It's vital to leave the hiring manager with a good impression and make them remember your enthusiasm and expertise long after they've put your cover letter down.

Your conclusion is your final opportunity to underline your distinct architectural prowess and re-emphasize why you're the ideal fit for the role. You want to make sure this final paragraph affirms everything your cover letter has built up so far.

Once you've reiterated your strong points and relevant skills, invite the hiring manager to further discuss your application. A direct, clear call to action can be what takes you to the next stage of the hiring process.

Finally, it’s time to close your cover letter on the right note. Here’s a neat way to structure it:

I'd appreciate the opportunity to discuss my portfolio and how I can contribute to your team. Please feel free to reach out to me at the provided email or phone number for further discussions.

Warm regards,

While "Warm regards," has a personal touch, you can also consider these other sign-off options:

• Best wishes,
• With appreciation,
• Looking forward to hearing from you,

3 Essential Architecture Cover Letter Tips

You know the basic steps to writing your architect cover letter, so now it’s time to take it to the next level.

Just use these architect cover letter tips to make your application shine:

#1. Match Your Resume

It goes without saying that your job application should reflect your attention to detail and aesthetic. 

That means the design of your cover letter complements your resume. If they don't align, it can come off as messy, unprofessional, and unattentive.

Your details and contact information should sit neatly on the page, and you should use a uniform font and size throughout your cover letter and resume. Remember to set the right margins and line spacing—going over or under the recommended limits can make your cover letter look empty or stretched out.

It's like designing a space—everything needs its perfect spot!

Or Use A Cover Letter Template Instead

Feeling stuck? Here's a quick fix.

Why not use our free resume builder and cover letter templates ?

Both our resume and cover letter templates are crafted with insights from hiring managers worldwide to suit your every need. They save time, meet industry standards, and look fantastic.

Dive in and find a template that matches your resume perfectly!

#2. Mention Skills

Your architect cover letter is the place where you should highlight the most relevant skills that make you a great fit for the job.

Your skills can show the hiring manager what you bring to the table. But don't just throw in a random list of architectural skills and call it a day. Instead, weave your skills into your narrative as a candidate and show them how they make you just the person they’re looking for.

For example, if the ad mentions AutoCAD, highlight your familiarity with the software and how it’s contributed to where you are today. This way, you can paint a clearer picture of your abilities and how they align with the role you're pursuing.

#3. Add Any Relevant Links

Including relevant links in your cover letter is as crucial as having them on your resume. By giving the hiring manager a shortcut to your portfolio or LinkedIn profile , you’re getting them to see your past work as soon as possible.

Even if your resume already has links to your portfolio, personal website, or LinkedIn profile, there’s no reason your cover letter shouldn’t have them too. After all, you don’t want the hiring manager to go back and forth between your cover letter and resume in order to find your portfolio.

Embedding links makes evaluating your application seamless for the hiring manager, and they’re sure to appreciate it.

Key Takeaways

And that’s all there is to writing an architect cover letter!

Now that you’ve seen our architect cover letter example and have the full guide, we’re confident you’ll have a spotless application.

Before you go, let’s do a quick recap:

• Make sure your architect cover letter includes a link to your portfolio so the hiring manager can see your previous projects right after reading your cover letter.
• It’s preferable that your architect cover letter be addressed to the hiring manager. Just do a little bit of digging around the job ad to find out what their name is. 
• The body of your cover letter should elaborate on all the architectural skills that make you right for the job. Focus on skills you already have that match the job description.
• Don’t forget to sign your cover letter after writing your conclusion. Just add a call to action and an appropriate closing line, followed by your full name at the bottom.

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Architecture Personal Statement Example

Read below the student Architecture personal statement example . Hope it will help you write a personal statement  for the university.

My passion for design, meticulousness, creativity, and ambition will make me successful in achieving excellent academic and industry results in architecture, interior, and spatial design. With a deep understanding of physics, an excellent ability to manage projects, and a profound sense of creativity, I believe I can enhance the academic environment that your university provides.

After completing a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering, I have a proven high level of research skills, meticulous design techniques, and methodical idea generation and development, through to completion. Capitalising on my ability to solve problems and produce new ideas, with systematic improvements and reliability. I ensure the design creativity meets safety regulations while keeping the audience in mind.

My strengths lie in my capacity to understand, calculate and design precise concepts, with innovative creativity within cross-functional project teams. I can bring my natural creativity and innovative perspectives, alongside my engineering degree, which reaffirms my propensity for accuracy, function and endurance in design and structure, and apply it to architecture.

Demonstrating my ability and commitment to pursuing a career in this field, I have undertaken important and relevant courses to further develop my skills and build my portfolio. This includes a professional architecture course at The Interior Design School, gaining a firm grounding in the design process, interior elements and drawing techniques. I have also developed the visual vocabulary required to present work to clients. I have cultivated my skills in residential and commercial design through various innovative projects.

Completing the 3DS Max and Vray Advanced Course has given me the powerful, industry-standard tools needed to create architectural and interior visualisations. Using these professional programs I am able to create high-quality visuals for practical applications. I have learnt how to work in a production environment, proficiently utilise a variety of techniques and materials to texture models, produce realistic light sources, render scenes, use Photoshop, post-processing and perceive compositional techniques.

Successfully receiving an AutoCAD professional certification, the course provided intensive and comprehensive practical training, including building, editing, managing and organising drawings; object selection and manipulation; 3D modelling, surfacing and rendering; applications for DesignCenter; annotating, dimensioning and productive plotting. I have also completed an architectural sketching course.

These comprehensive courses reflect my drive and ambition to succeed in this dynamic world of design. I am confident to take a brief, analysing the requirements, providing a visual interpretation, presenting the final project and evaluating the process and outcomes. The ability to use industry-standard programs proficiently gives me a solid competitive advantage in today’s complex marketplace.

I have successfully completed a three-month work placement as a project advisor for office design. Utilising my design skills and creativity, I was responsible for the refurbishment and redecoration of the offices. I continually maintain my design techniques and knowledge by independently producing designs, and evaluating historical and contemporary spaces. I take inspiration from peer-reviewed journals such as John Wardle Architects, and trade magazines such as Detail, FX and Idfx.

With a combination of precise engineering and technical design skills, passion for imaginative design and motivation, I choose to succeed in this demanding and dynamic field of architecture. My creativity and natural curiosity push boundaries reflecting my innovative style to produce substantial, effective and striking designs while considering the physical environment and sensitivity in contemporary society. I believe these qualities and skills make me a competent candidate, motivated to succeed on this course and in future endeavours.

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Personal statement example architecture personal statement.

Submitted by Bethany

Study Architecture at Staffordshire

Challenge existing assumptions about Architecture and learn about how the cities of the future will look!

Architecture Personal Statement

The opportunity to leave a lasting impact is a privilege, and architects are gifted with this in every building they design. This is why I want to study architecture: you have the ability to change the course of someone’s life, purely with what you envisage. An article by Michael Bond discussed this. ‘The hidden ways that architecture affects how you feel’, describes how the design, space and presentation of a building can all have great effects on a persons mood and thoughts, looking at the Pruitt-Igoe apartment blocks as an example. Their demise was blamed on the architecture: the modernist, high rise, blank concrete blocks discouraged a sense of community and the large communal spaces quickly turned into the centre for gang crime. I was intrigued; I found it extraordinary the impact a person’s setting can have on their neurology, as often the architecture of our local environment is overlooked and taken for granted in every day life.

A visit to Barcelona when I was younger leading me to discover Gaudi's work is probably what first inspired me to study architecture: the contrast between the order and rigour that can be seen from a birds-eye view compared to the intense detail that can be seen up close. I am interested in the designing of the Sagrada Familia and how you can see the different time periods and design influences as you walk around the cathedral. Structures like this can be so iconic and meaningful and can stick in the mind of anyone for a lifetime. Art AS level taught me to look at structure and form, specifically in the statues of Matisse, where I found similarities in my sculptural style of life drawing and his ‘Back Series’. It also really helped me to develop my own style meaning I explored lots of different avenues within the media I used and found I really enjoyed the sculptural side, creating many clay pieces as part of my project.

Architecture is about solving problems: whether they be design, space, community or cultural, which is why I feel physics and maths have definitely helped prepare me for studying architecture as they are both centred around problem-solving. The move from GCSE to A-level has definitely been demanding for me but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the challenge these subjects have posed. For my A2 project in Product Design, I am focusing on inclusive design and I am hoping that my final product will be a coping mechanism to help children with learning disabilities cope with stressful situations. To do this, I am working with my sixth form’s SEN department and I have had to do a lot of research into inclusive design involving working with and interviewing people from charities that support learning disabilities. I am a form prefect for a Year 11 form for whom I mentor and provide peer support to. From this, I have gained great listening and intuitive skills as well as managing a position of responsibility and bridging the link between student and teacher.

I have completed work experience with three different companies. The placements were really provocative as they gave me three almost contrasting environments to work in with completely different types of people. I worked on Sketch-Up to complete a brief on a personal design project, giving me a good grounding in the software. I had to create a 3D plan of the Birmingham office for one of the company’s future use, using a mixture of both CAD and Sketch-Up. I also had an opportunity to practise my sketching and technical drawing and find out about the historical design and architecture of the areas I was working in. I worked with the third company most recently and I thought my time here was very constructive, as I was involved in meetings with structural engineers who were working with the company as well as giving my opinions on some of the projects the company was bidding for. I found all the placements insightful and beneficial, and they definitely improved my understanding and technical ability when it came to sketching and designing.

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Architecture personal statement example 2.

Architecture fascinates me. With a desire to explore how science and technology can be used to improve the performance of buildings both socially and environmentally, architecture has brought out the dichotomy of my personality, allowing me to engage both creatively and scientifically with the aesthetic and functional aspects of design.

Reading books, journals, articles and blogs has provoked me to question how architects can rise to meet the demands of an ever developing planet. Work on zero energy developments has showed how technology and innovation can lead to successful, environmentally sustainable living. Yet further reading into the subject has caused me to question whether people are doing enough to integrate some of the solutions that have been pioneered. I feel that architects should take full advantage of the latest that science can offer, whilst advocating their own advances.

Visiting Richard Rogers’ exhibition at the Royal Academy gave me an insight into his practice’s strong ethos and allowed me to engage in Rogers’ thoughts on a range of subjects. I found his latest designs for low cost housing particularly exciting. They represent a refreshing solution for large scale social housing projects and his drive to use a minimal amount of materials is apparent in their design. It is the work of architects such as Rogers, who strive for progress, which I aspire to.

I have experienced architecture and art from diverse cultures through travel, emphasizing the endless creative and technological possibilities found in art, architecture and design. While walking through favelas in Rio de Janeiro and the backstreets of Hanoi, I noticed the mixture of residential, retail and public spaces within a short distance of each other. Despite difficulties that these areas face, the fusion of occupants and spaces create vibrant districts, encouraging social interaction and trade between people.

This diversity is something that I feel is important in order to help communities engage and develop; as is visible in successful neighbourhoods throughout the world. Visiting a number of Niemeyer’s structures in Brazil on the other hand demonstrated the visual and sculptural qualities of his architecture that has influenced the works of Zaha Hadid, Frank Gehry and countless others. Both Hadid and Gehry have taken Niemeyer’s use of curves and developed their own ways of working, using new materials to advance the work of their predecessors. In turn I would love to leave my own mark on the continually evolving world of architecture.

Art and extra-curricular life drawing classes have helped me grow as an artist and designer, encouraging me to explore and develop ideas through experimentation, whereas physics and maths have helped to engage my scientific mind. Economics meanwhile has pushed me to develop reasoned verbal and written arguments and then engage in independent study to synthesise classroom learning with unfolding world events.

Since year 10 I have spent a number of weeks working in an architect’s office. Working with both clients and contractors has allowed me to improve my understanding of the processes and challenges involved with architectural projects. The importance of dialogue between clients and architects was visible throughout and it was interesting to see how a conversation could spawn changes in the design. This highlighted to me that an effective design is a progression of ideas and knowledge, bringing to mind Rogers’ use of democratic processes when designing buildings.

I have always enjoyed a challenge and, like sport, architecture is a lifelong challenge that requires years of dedication. Playing multiple sports to a good club level and volunteering to organise and run sports events has demonstrated my leadership, organisation and commitment. This is why I am ideally suited to this discipline. Architecture is not a subject to dip in and out of; I’m in it for the long run.

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This personal statement was written by 07nhoney for application in 2014.

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