Architectural Assistant CV example

Your CV needs to show more than software skills – it needs to reflect your creative insight and practical knowledge, as well as plenty of clear project contributions.

This guide takes you step by step through writing a CV that will put your work – and your value – in the best possible light.

Your CV shouldn’t feel like a concept sketch – it needs to read like a fully resolved plan. Hiring managers don’t want to dig through messy layouts or guess at your qualifications. Just like a well-executed section drawing, every part of your CV should be clear and free from mistakes.

Here’s the structure to follow:

• Name and contact details – These personal details sit at the top to provide easy access for prospective employers.
• Profile – Hook the recruiter right away by stating the value you’ll bring their company.
• Core skills – State your best qualities at a quick glance.
• Work experience – List your previous job titles from newest to oldest.
• Education – Show off your academic record and qualifications.
• Additional info – Include anything from your hobbies and interests to the languages you speak – these are all totally optional.
  

Your format matters as much as content here. Use bullet points to break up information, and stick to a professional font that’s readable on screen and print. Make headings bold and distinct, and keep the CV to a maximum length of two pages. Don’t let clutter distract from the details.

This is your professional summary – a short paragraph that captures your design sensibility and the value you bring to a practice. Whether you’re assisting with residential planning apps or detailing façades for public buildings, use this space to signal your strengths and where you can contribute.

Your CV profile tone should be confident and precise, while focusing on what a firm gains by hiring you – not just what you’ve done so far.

Include the following:

• Where you worked – Mention the firms, studios, or freelance settings you’ve gained experience in, especially if you’ve worked on RIBA stages.
• Your top qualifications – Note your academic progress (e.g. RIBA Part 1 or 2) and any additional software or technical certifications.
• Essential skills – Summarise the capabilities you bring, such as model-making, drafting, visualising or documentation – whichever fit your level and focus.
• Projects or sectors supported – Mention whether you’ve contributed to commercial, residential, cultural or public architecture.
• Value delivered – Explain how you supported projects: whether through speeding up workflows, solving design problems, or handling client revisions with care.

Your core CV skills section gives recruiters a snapshot of your professional strengths – and should be tailored to the role and firm you’re applying to. Highlight the capabilities that make you valuable in an architectural setting, from practical design skills to documentation support or regulatory awareness.

Make sure these skills are aligned with the job spec. Whether the role leans more creative or technical, this section should reflect that balance and show that you’re ready to contribute from day one.

This is the heart of your CV. It’s where you show what you’ve actually worked on, and how you contributed – whether you were producing drawings, developing visuals, or shadowing client meetings. List your roles in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. 

Begin each with a short description of the practice or project type, then use bullet points to explain what you did and how you added value throughout your work experience. Mention which software you used, what design stages you supported, and what parts of the process you handled directly.

• Outline – Briefly explain the practice, the sector you worked in, and your role on the team.
• Responsibilities – Use action words like “supported” and “developed.” For example: “supported design development for mixed-use housing project across RIBA Stages 2–4” or “produced technical drawing sets using Revit and AutoCAD.”
• Achievements – Mention any standout achievements – did your work make submissions faster, help win planning, or improve internal workflows? If you can quantify the result, even better.

Education plays a key role in architectural progression, so don’t rush through this section. Outline your university-level qualifications in reverse order – starting with your most recent degree or diploma.

Mention whether you’ve completed RIBA Part 1 or 2, and include your institution, degree title, and dates. You can briefly note any modules, specialisms, or studio projects that are particularly relevant – especially if they reflect your interest in a certain type of architecture or design process.