In architecture, landing your first job isn’t about blasting your resume into the digital void. It’s about trust. Studios aren’t just looking for skills—they’re wondering: can you jump into a model without breaking it? Can you make decisions without asking fifteen questions an hour? And most importantly, can they rely on you?
Professors, classmates, relatives—these are your job leads. Not job boards filled with hundreds of people using the same portfolio template. In this industry, relationships move faster than resumes. Jobs usually go to someone the firm already knows—or someone who’s been vouched for.
When I was in college, no architect wanted to hire me. And now? I honestly get it.
Architecture is high-stakes. You ungroup the unit plans on a project with 600 apartments, and suddenly the entire set is a mess. Cleanup takes days—sometimes weeks. No one wants to hand over that kind of responsibility to someone who’s still figuring out how Revit groups work.
So I found work with an interior designer—because they were willing to give me a shot. That shot turned into experience, and that experience opened doors.
So Where Does Remote Work Fit In?
It’s true—architecture is still a local, relationship-driven industry. Especially early on, someone has to vouch for you.
But once you’ve got a few projects under your belt—once someone knows you can handle a model without setting off alarms—remote work becomes a real possibility.
Firms are starting to look beyond their own city limits to find people who can support from anywhere. Small studios that would never hire a full-time junior can now bring on part-time help. Drafting, detailing, BIM, visualization—it’s all on the table. If you know your tools, communicate well, and stay disciplined, you’re in a strong position.
Remote doesn’t replace your network—it builds on it. You still need someone to say, “This person can do the work.” But once that trust is in place, it doesn’t matter if you’re in New York, Miami, or Berlin.
What This All Means
Getting your start in architecture isn’t about ticking off credentials. It’s about building trust—slowly and intentionally. It’s about being useful before you’re impressive. About saying yes to work that might feel small, and proving you can handle it like it’s not.
But let’s be real: some firms will use your inexperience against you. They’ll keep you where you are because it’s easier to underpay someone who’s “still learning.” That’s why it’s so important to know the difference between mentorship and exploitation.
One helps you grow.
The other keeps you small.
Where You Go From Here
Be empowered to have vision. Use new tools. Take nontraditional paths. Build your skills. Find collaborators. Take on meaningful work however you can. Create your own momentum.
If you’re still trying to land your first job, don’t just send portfolios into the wide web. Reach out. Ask for a small task, or even just feedback. Show up where you’re needed.
Then keep showing up—until one day, someone says “You’ve got this.”