Why This Resume Works
This resume scores well with ATS systems and hiring principals because it follows three principles:
Construction value, square footage, team size, and number of projects. These numbers communicate your seniority level instantly.
RA, LEED AP, NCARB Certificate. These are the first keywords firms and ATS systems filter for in architecture roles.
Standard section headings that ATS parsers expect. No tables, columns, or graphics.
Section-by-Section Breakdown
Summary
Lead with your licensure status, years of experience, and the types of projects you specialize in. Include your total portfolio value and number of completed projects. Mention your strongest credential (LEED AP, NCARB) and a measurable outcome. Keep it to 2-3 sentences.
Licenses & Skills
List your architectural license with state and number, NCARB certification, and any specialty credentials like LEED AP. Include specific software (Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino) and technical skills (BIM coordination, code compliance, zoning analysis).
Tip: Include the full credential designation after your name (e.g., "RA, LEED AP BD+C"). Many ATS systems and recruiters search for these exact abbreviations in both the header and body of your resume.
Experience
Use this formula for every bullet point:
Start bullets with strong verbs: Led, Designed, Managed, Coordinated, Developed, Achieved, Presented, Mentored. Quantify with project values, square footage, team sizes, and sustainability metrics.
3-5 bullets per role. Lead with your largest or most complex projects.
Education
Architecture requires specific degrees, so include both your professional degree (M.Arch or B.Arch) and any undergraduate degree. List degree, school, and year. If your program is NAAB-accredited, that is worth noting. No GPA unless it is 3.8 or higher.
Key Skills for Architect Resumes
Based on analysis of thousands of architecture job postings, these are the most frequently required skills:
Common Mistakes on Architect Resumes
- ⚠Relying on a portfolio without a strong resume - Your portfolio shows your design work, but the resume is what gets through ATS filters. Firms use keyword-based screening before anyone opens your portfolio link.
- ⚠Not quantifying project scope - "Designed a commercial building" says nothing about your experience level. "Led design for 8 commercial projects totaling $120M in construction value" proves you can handle complex, high-value work.
- ⚠Omitting licensure details - Your RA license, NCARB certificate, and LEED AP credential are the most important keywords on your resume. Include them in both your name line and the certifications section.
- ⚠Using overly creative resume formats - Architects often design elaborate resume layouts that look great but fail ATS parsing. Use a clean, single-column format for the ATS version and save your design skills for the portfolio.