Art & Design Portfolio Preparation Course - For Architecture & Design Applicants
Art & Design Portfolio Preparation Course - For Architecture & Design Applicants
Stop guessing what tutors want. Build a clear, confident portfolio that gets you accepted.
✔ Know what universities are really looking for
✔ Stop guessing what to include
✔ Submit a portfolio that feels intentional and professional
“I finally understood what my portfolio was missing.” - Architecture Applicant 2025
You don’t need more time - you need a clear structure.
This is exactly what this course gives you.
Learn from a Chartered Architect & Former University Lecturer
Over 15 years of teaching and reviewing portfolios for university admissions. I’ve helped thousands of students understand:
What tutors actually look for
How to structure their work
How to present ideas with confidence
This course is for you if:
You’re applying to architecture, interior architecture, or design
You have work, but don’t know if it’s “good enough”
You don’t know what tutors actually want to see
You feel overwhelmed by what to include
You want to submit with confidence, not guesswork
What This Course Helps You Do
Understand what universities and tutors look for in a portfolio
Select and organise your work clearly
Present drawings, sketches, and projects with confidence
Explain your ideas and creative process
Submit a portfolio that reflects how you think, not just what you made
Why I Created This Course
After teaching and reviewing portfolios for hundreds of students as a university lecturer, I saw how many talented applicants felt overwhelmed and unsure about what admissions teams actually wanted.
This course was created to remove confusion, provide structure, and help students feel confident and prepared when submitting their portfolios.
What’s Included
Short, structured video lessons
A clear portfolio framework you can follow step by step
Real examples from successful student portfolios
Lifetime access so you can revisit anytime
Less than one private portfolio tutoring session - lifetime access
Instant access. Lifetime updates.
student testimonials
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Great class, filled with useful tips for those who what to get into the creative industry and establish a proper portfolio. I'll be using these tips for my next interview.”
Gray, Portfolio Prep Student
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“She has a lot of great ideas about how to put together and present your portfolio, and I appreciate her upbeat and encouraging tone.”
Rachel, Portfolio Prep Student
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this suitable for architecture applicants?
Yes. The course is designed to support students applying to architecture and design-related courses.
Do I need to have finished work already?
No. The course helps you decide what to include and how to develop your portfolio over time.
Does this course include portfolio feedback?
No. This course focuses on preparation and structure. Portfolio reviews and mentoring are available separately.
Is this suitable for beginners?
Yes. The course assumes no prior portfolio experience and focuses on clarity and guidance.
How do I access the course after purchase?
You’ll receive instant access to the course videos after checkout.
How long do I have access?
You’ll have lifetime access to the course materials.
What should I use alongside this course?
Many students pair this course with drawing resources, templates, or portfolio reviews for additional support.
Want Extra Support?
This course focuses on preparing your portfolio. If you want help improving your drawings, explore my drawing ebooks and courses, or visit the Start Here page to choose the right next step.
Ready to stop guessing and build a portfolio that gets accepted?
This editable architecture portfolio template for students helps you present your work in a clear, professional layout using Canva. Designed for university applications in architecture, interior architecture, and design, it gives you a structured portfolio format so your drawings, projects, and ideas are easy for tutors to understand - without spending weeks designing pages from scratch.
✔ Used by architecture & interior design applicants
✔ Works in the free version of Canva
✔ Structure tutors can read in seconds
Professional Architecture Portfolio Feedback Before You Submit
Not sure if your architecture portfolio is ready?
Whether you're applying to architecture school, preparing a postgraduate application or looking for your first architecture job, knowing what to include, what to improve and what to leave out can feel overwhelming.
I'm Sonia Nicolson, a Chartered Architect and former University Lecturer with over 15 years of experience teaching, mentoring and reviewing architecture students' work.
My Portfolio Confidence Review™ gives you honest, constructive and personalised feedback so you can see what's working, identify what needs improving and know exactly what to focus on next.
This isn't about changing your work into someone else's style. It's about helping you communicate your strongest work with confidence.
Choose Your Review
Portfolio Confidence Review™ — $195
Perfect if you'd like expert feedback on your portfolio before submitting it.
You'll receive:
A personalised recorded video review of your portfolio
Professional feedback on your project selection, drawings, layout and presentation
Clear, prioritised recommendations for improvement
Practical next steps you can work through at your own pace
Delivery within five working days of receiving your portfolio and supporting information
Portfolio Confidence Review™ + Follow-Up — $295
For students who'd also like the opportunity to discuss their feedback with me personally.
You'll receive everything included in the standard review, plus:
A private 30-minute Zoom follow-up
The opportunity to ask questions about your review
Personalised guidance on the changes you're considering
Help prioritising your improvements before submission
I recommend watching your recorded review and beginning to work through the feedback before our call, so we can use our time together effectively.
How It Works
1. Book your review. Choose your package and complete your purchase.
2. Send your portfolio. I'll email you to request your portfolio as a single PDF, along with a few details about your application or goals.
3. Receive your feedback. Within five working days of receiving your materials, I'll send you a personalised recorded video review.
4. Strengthen your portfolio. Work through your recommendations. If you've purchased the follow-up package, we'll also arrange your private Zoom call.
Your portfolio doesn't need to be perfect before you send it. That's what the review is for.
Choose your package below and book your review.
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MEET THE ARTIST
Hi, I’m Sonia - architect, educator, and the artist behind Reykjavík Sketcher. I hand-draw Iceland’s architecture and landscapes, blending traditional techniques with modern minimalism. My work is inspired by the place I call home, Reykjavík, and the creative journeys of the students and women I teach.
© Sonia Nicolson. All artworks are protected by copyright. No resale, reproduction, or commercial use without permission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. Prints are shipped internationally. Shipping costs and delivery times vary depending on location and are shown at checkout.
What is your refund policy?
Artwork: Returns and exchanges are accepted within 14 days. Buyers are responsible for return postage. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.
Courses, Mentoring, Consulting, Portfolio Reviews, Coaching, and Retreats: Due to the nature of these services, no refunds are offered.
Do you create commissioned work?
Commissions are currently open. I create custom hand-drawn architectural sketches for personal or commercial use, including logo design, advertising, and branding. Each commission is discussed individually to ensure the artwork fits your brief and intended use.
Can I purchase your art?
Yes, my prints and original artworks are available for purchase, particularly for those who want to bring a sense of Icelandic architecture and place into their homes. The print shop is popular with visitors to Iceland and collectors who appreciate architectural illustration and hand-drawn work.
Can I use your drawings for my business, marketing, or presentations?
No, not without a licence. All artworks remain the intellectual property of Sonia Nicolson. Purchasing a print or commissioning a drawing does not grant reproduction, advertising, or commercial use rights. If you would like to use any artwork for presentations, branding, social media, publications, or other commercial purposes, a separate paid licence is required. Please email hello@sonianicolson.com to request a licence quote.
What our customers say
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Great little remembrance of our trip to Iceland - JC
It's incredibly beautiful and suits my room so well. Sonia was a delight and sent it packaged really well. Highly recommended - Angus
Great print - a lovely reminder of our visit to Iceland many years ago. Excellent service in every way. Many thanks for everything Sonia - Lynda
Just received this today...it is lovely, good quality paper, excellently packaged. I have already framed it and hung it on my wall - Sharron
I requested a custom version of a print and it turned out exactly how I expected! Sonia is so kind and responsive when chatting with you. I will definitely be coming back to shop here again - Hannah
I bought four prints (and a couple of downloads) from Sonia and they are so gorgeous!! They arrived promptly and in immaculate condition, along with a lovely note. They look absolutely gorgeous in our newly renovated home and are a wonderful reminder of one of my favourite places on the planet - Jacqueline
Just as pictured! Very nice quality paper! Fast shipping - Laura
I absolutely love my prints and they will look so beautiful in my little girls’ room! - Brynlee
I really appreciate Sonia's help. She customized this print…for my Icelandic friend’s hometown. It was perfect and she loved it - Esther
High-quality and super cute! Exactly what I wanted…We travel to Iceland next month for our wedding and I wanted the “thank you” cards for my photographer and makeup artist - Gillian
This editable architecture portfolio template for students helps you present your work in a clear, professional layout using Canva. Designed for university applications in architecture, interior architecture, and design, it gives you a structured portfolio format so your drawings, projects, and ideas are easy for tutors to understand - without spending weeks designing pages from scratch.
✔ Used by architecture & interior design applicants
✔ Works in the free version of Canva
✔ Structure tutors can read in seconds