This shop brings together my original Reykjavík Sketcher artwork, architectural commissions, and drawing-based learning resources, all created from the same hand drawing practice I teach as an architect and educator. Whether you’re here to learn architectural drawing, build confidence for study or practice, or own a piece of hand-drawn architectural artwork, everything you see is grounded in architectural thinking, craft, and care.
Editable Architecture Portfolio Template (Canva) for Students & University Applicants
Editable Architecture Portfolio Template (Canva) for Students & University Applicants
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
This template is designed for:
You have the work, but don’t know how to lay it out
Your pages look messy or inconsistent
You’re applying to architecture, interior architecture, or design
You want your portfolio to look professional - fast
What This Template Helps You Do
Make your work easy for tutors to understand
Create a consistent, calm visual flow
Let your drawings and ideas stand out
Feel confident submitting your portfolio
Why I Created This Template
As a university lecturer, I reviewed hundreds of student portfolios and saw strong projects being rejected because the layouts were unclear. I created this Canva template to give students a clear, flexible structure so their work can speak for itself, without spending hours designing pages from scratch.
What’s Included
50+ page portfolio structure
Title pages, project pages, text/image layouts
Drag-and-drop system you can reuse for every project
Less than the cost of printing one portfolio - use it for your entire degree.
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
Do I need Canva Pro to use this template?
No. The template works with the free version of Canva.
Is this suitable for architecture university applications?
Yes. The layout is designed to support clear communication of ideas, drawings, and projects for applications and reviews.
Can I customise the template?
Yes. You can change fonts, colours, layouts, and page order to suit your work.
Does this include portfolio feedback or mentoring?
No. This product is a layout template only. Portfolio reviews and mentoring are available separately.
Will this work if my projects aren’t finished yet?
Yes, the template helps you structure work in progress and build your portfolio as you go.
How do I access the template after purchase?
You’ll receive a link to open and edit the template in Canva immediately after checkout.
What should I use alongside this template?
This template works well alongside my portfolio guidance, drawing resources, and perspective or floor plan courses.
Want Help With Your Portfolio Content?
This template gives you the structure. If you want help choosing, improving, and presenting your work, start here: drawing resources, portfolio guidance, or visit the Start Here page.
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
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
Build a clear, confident portfolio that shows how you think - not just what you made.
“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.
If you’re applying to architecture school, internships, or design jobs, your portfolio is the most important part of your application. This professional architecture portfolio review gives you strategic feedback from a Chartered Architect and former University Lecturer so you can strengthen your portfolio before you submit it.
I have reviewed hundreds of student portfolios worldwide. I know exactly what panels look for - and what quietly gets dismissed.
Currently Accepting 5 Portfolio Review Slots This Month
Why Most Architecture Portfolios Fail
Not because students lack talent. But because no one teaches them how to build a strong portfolio.
Pages become overcrowded.
Layouts feel inconsistent.
The story is unclear.
Good work gets buried.
The Portfolio Confidence Review™ fixes that.
You receive targeted, personalised feedback so you know exactly what to remove, refine, elevate, and what will genuinely strengthen your application.
What You’ll Gain From This Portfolio Review
After your review, you will know what works, what weakens your impact, and what to change to stand out confidently. Students often say the same thing, “I finally know what to do.” And that clarity changes everything.
What’s Included in Your Architecture Portfolio Feedback
10-15 minute personalised video review
Clear, specific action steps
Layout and storytelling improvement suggestions
Professional feedback from a Chartered Architect & former Lecturer (15+ years experience)
The confidence to submit knowing your portfolio reflects your true potential
Investment & Booking Details
Portfolio Confidence Review™ - $195
Review + 30-minute Zoom Call - $295
Limited availability ensures detailed, high-quality feedback.
If your submission or interview is approaching, this gives you clarity before you present - so you apply with confidence instead of doubt.
Portfolios must be submitted as a single PDF to hello@sonianicolson.com - this reflects how universities assess applications and allows me to give you precise, structured feedback.
Refunds are not available once the service has been delivered.
Featured Art
New This Season
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 30 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 & Digital Products: If, within the first 30 days, you don’t feel a course, class, or masterclass is the right fit, a full refund is available.
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
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It's incredibly beautiful and suits my room so well. Sonia was a delight and sent it packaged really well. Highly recommended - Angus
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Great print - a lovely reminder of our visit to Iceland many years ago. Excellent service in every way. Many thanks for everything Sonia - Lynda
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Just received this today...it is lovely, good quality paper, excellently packaged. I have already framed it and hung it on my wall - Sharron
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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
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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
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Just as pictured! Very nice quality paper! Fast shipping - Laura
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I absolutely love my prints and they will look so beautiful in my little girls’ room! - Brynlee
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I really appreciate Sonia's help. She customized this print…for my Icelandic friend’s hometown. It was perfect and she loved it - Esther
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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
