cover letter to be an architect

Architect Cover Letter Example (W/ Full Guide for 2024)

You know how to design buildings that are both functional and stunning—your portfolio says it all.

But when it comes to drafting a cover letter, it's like hitting a creative wall. Suddenly, words fail you, and all you see is a blank screen staring back.

Don't worry, you're not alone.

Many skilled architects stumble when they have to put pen to paper—or fingers to keyboard—in a way that's not about blueprints and 3D models.

We've got you covered!

In this article, we're going to lay the foundation for an unbeatable architect cover letter.

Here’s what we’ll cover: 

• What a Stunning Architect Cover Letter Looks Like
• 5 Steps to Writing a Job-Winning Architect Cover Letter
• 3 Essential Architect Cover Letter Tips

Ready to build a cover letter that's as impressive as your architectural designs?

Let's dive in!

Architect Cover Letter Example

5 Steps for the Perfect Architecture Cover Letter

You've just seen what a job-winning architect cover letter looks like, and now it's your turn to make one .

To get it right, follow these steps:

#1. Put Contact Information in the Header

Start your architecture cover letter with your contact details right at the top, in the header. It's the same layout you'd use on your resume , so it keeps things consistent.

Here's what to include:

• Full Name. Put your full name at the top of the page.
• Job Title. Make sure the job title on your cover letter matches the exact position you're applying for. Hiring managers tend to juggle applications for various roles at once, so be specific on your application.
• Email Address. Use an email that's easy to remember and professional. For example, swap out immature emails like "[email protected]" for something based on your full name, like “[email protected]” .
• Phone Number. Double-check your phone number, since a typo could mean a missed opportunity. If you're applying internationally, include the dialing code.
• Location. Your city and state or country are usually enough. If you're applying for a remote job or planning to move for this one, say so in your cover letter.
• Relevant Links (Optional). As an architect, we recommend you add links to your portfolio and LinkedIn profile so the hiring manager can quickly see your past work.

Once your own details are in place, add the hiring manager's contact information underneath.

Here’s what to include:

• Company Name. Write down the name of the firm you're applying to.
• Hiring Manager's Name. Do some digging to find out who will be reading your cover letter and address it to them. For example, look at the job ad, the company website, or their LinkedIn job post.
• Hiring Manager's Title. If you find out that the person doing the hiring is the lead architect, use their official title in your cover letter.
• Location. Include the city and state/country of the company. This is especially important for international companies. If the company has more than one office in the same city, you can also specify the street address.
• Date of Writing (Optional). Adding the date you wrote the cover letter gives it a professional touch.

#2. Address the Hiring Manager

Once you've got all your contact information sorted, it's time to address your cover letter to its intended reader — and skip the tired "To Whom It May Concern."

How you start your letter can set the tone and make a strong first impression.

First things first—do a little homework. Browse the job ad, the company's website, or LinkedIn to find out who’s the hiring manager for the architecture role you're eyeing. Their name should be listed on the ad.

Then go ahead and address them respectfully. Using "Ms." or "Mr." followed by their last name is a solid choice. If you're unsure about their gender or marital status, using their full name works fine too.

• Dear Mr. Johnson,
• Dear Emily Johnson,

If you come up empty searching for the hiring manager or department head, no worries. You can address your letter at the department or the company as a whole.

• Dear Architecture Department,
• Dear Hiring Team for Architecture,
• Dear Human Resources Team,
• Dear Head of Architecture,

#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement

Hiring managers often spend just a few seconds scanning each application. So, nailing the introduction in your architect cover letter is key.

Start your architecture cover letter by stating why you’re writing and why this specific role caught your eye. Expressing genuine interest in the field or the job itself can spark curiosity and make the hiring manager want to read on.

Doing a bit of research about the company can also set you apart from the crowd. The more you understand the company culture, the better you can explain why you’d be a great fit. It shows the hiring manager that you didn't just send out mass applications; you’re genuinely keen on this job.

If you have some experience under your belt, kick off your cover letter with a standout achievement or skill that matches the role perfectly. Keep it brief, though. The goal here is to intrigue the hiring manager just enough to get them to read the rest of your letter.

#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details

The core section of your architecture cover letter should really dig into what makes you the right choice. 

The trick here is not to just rehash your architect resume ; this is your chance to elaborate on your skills and show how you can contribute to your future employer.

Make sure to point out some of your most notable achievements related to the field. For example, maybe you played a key role in a sustainable housing project or helped design a community center that won awards. Use the job ad as your guide to tailor these to what the company is looking for.

For example, if the company specializes in green building design, emphasize your experience or skills in sustainability and eco-conscious construction. If they're all about cutting-edge, tech-savvy projects, highlight your familiarity with the latest design software.

It's always good to show that you know about the company. Are you drawn to their innovative approach to urban design, or do you deeply respect their commitment to local communities? Mention it in your cover letter. It shows you're not just tossing applications to the wind—you genuinely want this job at this firm.

If you have an employment gap on your resume , the body of your cover letter is the right place to explain it. Did you take some time off work to travel abroad? Tell the hiring manager how it benefited you and how you came back inspired to work as an architect. 

And while you’re at it, let your enthusiasm shine through. Make it clear you're excited about the prospect of contributing to the company with your unique skills and perspective.

Also, make sure to avoid these common cover letter mistakes at all costs! 

#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Your cover letter ending is like adding the final touch to your architectural blueprint.

It's vital to leave the hiring manager with a good impression and make them remember your enthusiasm and expertise long after they've put your cover letter down.

Your conclusion is your final opportunity to underline your distinct architectural prowess and re-emphasize why you're the ideal fit for the role. You want to make sure this final paragraph affirms everything your cover letter has built up so far.

Once you've reiterated your strong points and relevant skills, invite the hiring manager to further discuss your application. A direct, clear call to action can be what takes you to the next stage of the hiring process.

Finally, it’s time to close your cover letter on the right note. Here’s a neat way to structure it:

I'd appreciate the opportunity to discuss my portfolio and how I can contribute to your team. Please feel free to reach out to me at the provided email or phone number for further discussions.

Warm regards,

While "Warm regards," has a personal touch, you can also consider these other sign-off options:

• Best wishes,
• With appreciation,
• Looking forward to hearing from you,

3 Essential Architecture Cover Letter Tips

You know the basic steps to writing your architect cover letter, so now it’s time to take it to the next level.

Just use these architect cover letter tips to make your application shine:

#1. Match Your Resume

It goes without saying that your job application should reflect your attention to detail and aesthetic. 

That means the design of your cover letter complements your resume. If they don't align, it can come off as messy, unprofessional, and unattentive.

Your details and contact information should sit neatly on the page, and you should use a uniform font and size throughout your cover letter and resume. Remember to set the right margins and line spacing—going over or under the recommended limits can make your cover letter look empty or stretched out.

It's like designing a space—everything needs its perfect spot!

Or Use A Cover Letter Template Instead

Feeling stuck? Here's a quick fix.

Why not use our free resume builder and cover letter templates ?

Both our resume and cover letter templates are crafted with insights from hiring managers worldwide to suit your every need. They save time, meet industry standards, and look fantastic.

Dive in and find a template that matches your resume perfectly!

#2. Mention Skills

Your architect cover letter is the place where you should highlight the most relevant skills that make you a great fit for the job.

Your skills can show the hiring manager what you bring to the table. But don't just throw in a random list of architectural skills and call it a day. Instead, weave your skills into your narrative as a candidate and show them how they make you just the person they’re looking for.

For example, if the ad mentions AutoCAD, highlight your familiarity with the software and how it’s contributed to where you are today. This way, you can paint a clearer picture of your abilities and how they align with the role you're pursuing.

#3. Add Any Relevant Links

Including relevant links in your cover letter is as crucial as having them on your resume. By giving the hiring manager a shortcut to your portfolio or LinkedIn profile , you’re getting them to see your past work as soon as possible.

Even if your resume already has links to your portfolio, personal website, or LinkedIn profile, there’s no reason your cover letter shouldn’t have them too. After all, you don’t want the hiring manager to go back and forth between your cover letter and resume in order to find your portfolio.

Embedding links makes evaluating your application seamless for the hiring manager, and they’re sure to appreciate it.

Key Takeaways

And that’s all there is to writing an architect cover letter!

Now that you’ve seen our architect cover letter example and have the full guide, we’re confident you’ll have a spotless application.

Before you go, let’s do a quick recap:

• Make sure your architect cover letter includes a link to your portfolio so the hiring manager can see your previous projects right after reading your cover letter.
• It’s preferable that your architect cover letter be addressed to the hiring manager. Just do a little bit of digging around the job ad to find out what their name is. 
• The body of your cover letter should elaborate on all the architectural skills that make you right for the job. Focus on skills you already have that match the job description.
• Don’t forget to sign your cover letter after writing your conclusion. Just add a call to action and an appropriate closing line, followed by your full name at the bottom.

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5 Architecture Cover Letter Examples Designed for 2024

• Architecture Cover Letter
• Architecture Internship
• Landscape Architecture
• Junior Architect
• Senior Architecture
• Write Your Architecture Cover Letter

Where beauty meets function, you’re there: You ensure the structural integrity of each building and the code compliance of each gorgeous landscape. You might work on blueprints and contracts or be on-site supervising the execution of your carefully-developed architectural strategies.

But how do you ensure that your cover letter is as skillfully built as each building or garden you work so hard to perfect? Does it complement your architecture resume ? What do you include under your skills and experiences to demonstrate your value?

We’ve been helping architects like you for years, and you’ll be able to stand tall above your competitors once you take some inspiration from these five architecture cover letter examples and handy tips, utilizing our AI cover letter generator to refine your presentation!

Architecture Cover Letter Example

USE THIS TEMPLATE

Microsoft Word

Google Docs

Block Fo rmat

Copy this text for your Architecture cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Detroit, MI 48127 (123) 456-7890

August 30, 2023

Olivia Wilson Albert Kahn Associates 123 Fictional Lane Detroit, MI 48127

Dear Ms. Wilson,

My interest in architecture began when my family visited a 16th Century synagogue. I was awed by the building designs. I was ten years old then, and with a childish naivety, I swore I wanted to become an architect. Fast forward, the dream came true, and I would love to share my passion and skills with the dynamic team at Albert Khan Associates.

One of my key strengths lies in my ability to leverage structural analysis software to ensure the integrity and safety of designs. At Better Home, I successfully utilized Etab to optimize a multi-story commercial building’s structural elements, resulting in a 21% reduction in material costs and a 44% increase in overall structural stability.

In my previous role at Cradle Heritage, I led a team responsible for the renovation of a historical building. By meticulously analyzing the structure’s original plans and using FEM-Design, we managed to retain its historical charm while introducing modern elements. As a result, the project received accolades from architectural critics and contributed to a 67% increase in foot traffic to the space.

I am eager to bring this same level of enthusiasm, knowledge, and analytical prowess to Albert Kahn Associates. The firm’s long-standing reputation for delivering outstanding architectural solutions perfectly fits my professional goals. I am confident that my expertise, coupled with my passion for pushing the boundaries of design, would make me a valuable asset to your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to Albert Kahn Associates’ continued success.

Kofi Mensah

Enclosures: Resume Application 2 letters of recommendation Design Samples

Why this cover letter works

• Complementing that inborn willpower with your ability to leverage tools such as Etab and FEM-Designs sets your architecture resume for quick success in getting a job.

Level up your cover letter game

Relax! We’ll do the heavy lifting to write your cover letter in seconds.

Architecture Internship Cover Letter Example

Block Format

Copy this text for your Architecture Internship cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Denver, CO 80014 (123) 456-7890

Mason Taylor Humphries Poli Architects 123 Fictional Lane Denver, CO 80014

Dear Mr. Taylor,

Having conducted extensive research on Humphries Poli Architects, I am drawn to the firm’s commitment to innovative design and its impressive portfolio of projects that seamlessly blend creativity and functionality. The emphasis on sustainable practices and the integration of modern technologies align perfectly with my personal and professional values and I would cherish a chance to be an intern at Humphries Poli Architects.

I successfully created visualizations that helped bridge the gap between abstract ideas and tangible concepts, aiding in client presentations and design decision-making. One notable accomplishment was a local building project where my renderings played a significant role in securing client approval for the design proposal.

My graphic design skills complement my architectural abilities, as I am well-versed in creating compelling marketing materials, presentations, and branding collateral. At one time, I created Canva marketing materials for Arch-Tech Week that contributed to a 34% increase in attendance at the architecture department event, highlighting my capacity to attract and engage audiences through visual design.

I am enthusiastic about the prospect of joining Humphries Poli Architects and contributing to your creative and collaborative environment. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with your team’s needs in greater detail.

Isabella Ricci

• Afterward, you can showcase your skills in visualization software and graphic design and the achievements you have under your belt.

Landscape Architecture Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your Landscape Architecture cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Memphis, TN 38088 (123) 456-7890

Sophia Anderson Powers Hill Design 123 Fictional Lane Memphis, TN 38088

Dear Ms. Anderson,

As a child, I would notice the details that went into decorating outdoor spaces. That passion has shaped my career and I would like to bring my skills and experience in creating sustainable and aesthetically pleasing outdoor space as a landscape architect at Powers Hill Design.

In my previous role as an assistant landscape architect at Strongman Designs, I leveraged Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze and visualize spatial data, resulting in a 19% improvement in project efficiency by streamlining site analysis processes.

Planting design is a passion of mine, and I have a track record of creating visually stunning and ecologically sound planting schemes. On my most recent projects, I achieved a 23% reduction in maintenance costs due to the selection of native plant species and efficient irrigation solutions.

At Grande Designs, in my role as a junior Landscape architect, sustainability was at the core of my design philosophy. I showed my commitment to implementing environmentally friendly practices in every aspect of my work. By integrating sustainable design principles, I was able to achieve a 29% decrease in water consumption in a large-scale commercial project.

Powers Hill Design’s reputation for innovative and thoughtful design aligns perfectly with my career aspirations. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience can contribute to Powers Hill Design’s continued success.

• And that’s not the end of it all. It goes further to include an achievement metric for boosting project efficiency. Those are things that recruiting managers would easily notice and, in one way, influence their decisions.

Junior Architect Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your Junior Architect cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Atlanta, GA 30302 (123) 456-7890

February 15, 2024

Aiden Lee Perkins and Will 123 Fictional Lane Atlanta, GA 30302

Dear Mr. Lee:

From the moment I stepped into the dynamic world of architecture, I was captivated by the exceptional and sustainable designs of Perkins and Will. It is with deep-rooted enthusiasm that I apply for the junior architect position, eager to join a team of excellent mentors and leaders in the field of architecture.

In my recent tenure with Brock Hudgins Architects, architectural drafting was at the heart of my responsibilities. I was able to successfully produce detailed drawings for 34 residential and commercial projects, adhering to both aesthetic and functional requirements. Here I was able to sharpen my technical abilities and assimilate the importance of balancing precision with creativity.

On top of this, my understanding of building codes and regulations was not just a responsibility as an intern at Ross Design Architects, but a passion, which reduced project revision times by 3.6 hours. During my time here, I was often commended for my ability to navigate complex zoning laws and environmental regulations to adhere to the highest standards of safety.

My journey in architecture has been marked by a serious commitment to understanding and optimizing the relationship between structures and their environments. At Niles Bolton Associates, I learned all about conducting site analysis as an intern. Assisting senior architects, I was able to conduct site evaluations for 28 projects to identify environmental factors and community needs.

As a junior architect, I would be elated to become a part of your company’s projects with hopes to learn and grow together. Thank you for considering my application and look forward to a favorable outcome.

Enclosures: Resume Application 2 letters of recommendation

• Going further, Raj’s cover letter does not stray from the main theme of admiration for the company (being a junior in his role) and reinforces his readiness in the closing statements.

Senior Architecture Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your Senior Architecture cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Baltimore, MD 21202 (123) 456-7890

Zoey Mitchell Hord Coplan Macht 123 Fictional Lane Baltimore, MD 21202

Dear Ms. Mitchell:

As a senior architect with over a decade of experience in the creation and realization of exemplary architectural designs, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills to the dynamic team at Hord Coplan Macht. I am certain that my background in leading high-profile projects aligns with the ethos of delivering design excellence that your firm is renowned for.

My vast experience includes my recent time at Ayers Saint Gross where I led the facade design and analysis for a series of eco-friendly commercial complexes. With innovative use of materials and sustainable design practices, the project saved approximately 21% of its construction costs.

In addition, my time at Penza Bailey Architects involved handling advanced 3D modeling to present realistic and detailed visualizations to stakeholders, which enhanced client satisfaction rates by 22%. These visualizations were not just tools for presentation but instrumental in the iterative design process, ensuring precision and adherence to our sustainability goals.

Additionally, my expertise in advanced rendering and visualization techniques was honed during Waldon Studio Architects which enabled me to lead workshops within my current team to create architectural representations. This initiative resulted in a 16% boost in project approval rates, driving project efficiency and success.

I have always believed that architecture is not just about creating structures, but about shaping environments that resonate with their purpose and context which is why I am particularly drawn to Hord Coplan Macht. I hope to hear from you and await your positive response.

Elena Petrov

• Ticking every box off will ensure you’re not leaving out on the easy-to-miss details. Oh, and don’t forget to always proofread your cover letter at the end!

Related cover letter examples

• Graphic designer
• Career change

How to Write A Solid Architecture Cover Letter

What kind of architect are you? Make this clear in your cover letter while responding to each job description . Do they need an architect intern to provide fresh insight into building development? Do they want a landscape architect to add finishing touches to exterior spaces?

Look for what the job description calls for under the requirements and seek out traits and abilities you already have. Focus on success stories from your professional history when writing a cover letter for a job !

Writing your best greeting and introduction

When you revisit the job description , see if you can find any helpful names listed there, like the recruiter or hiring manager—your cover letter should be addressed to someone by name if possible!

Your opening paragraph should hook the audience by stating that you’re a good fit for the job role and showing why. Briefly outline a few of the personal qualities and past architectural experiences that qualify you for the role.

It also goes a long way when you put in a personal touch by establishing a connection with the company. Take a look at their website. Do you share in their love of modern styles or their emphasis on eco-friendly infrastructure?

Just . . . don’t write an opener like this by sounding apathetic, informal, and one-size-fits-all:

Hey Recruiters,

I think I’d be great at your company because I know lots about plants and buildings. Here’s some more stuff I can do.

Instead, address the letter recipient and company by name and share a personal example of why you’re already so well aligned with their values:

Much better!

Writing the body paragraphs

It’s time to construct your cover letter just like you’d design a business complex. Each paragraph should build upon itself to tell a solid professional success story.

You already established a connection with the company in your greeting, so what can you use to support that? Do you have a success story about overcoming one of the obstacles listed in the job description ? Did your prowess as an architect make the most of an impressively large budget and produce amazing results?

Again, make sure you preserve a theme of alignment with the job description . Each body paragraph should have one core point (concision is key!), but all should align with the company.

Use Metrics, too: How much did you save your current company during that big project? What kinds of company feedback ratings and percentages did you improve by surprising customers with your modern redesign?

Example of a high-quality body paragraph

Concluding, closing, and signing off your cover letter

Now that you’ve done a stellar job of telling the story of your professional architectural accomplishments, it’s time to end your cover letter with some power! Reinforce your qualifications by briefly mentioning a couple more traits that align you with the job description .

Don’t forget a call to action that encourages the reader to contact you for more information. And make sure you thank the reader for their time! You can either work a thank-you into your closing paragraph while you describe how excited you are at the idea of working there, or you can make it your formal signoff.

Your signoff should be professional and sleek. Always use your real, full name, unlike some closers . . .

Can’t wait to work for your company. I know I’ll do great there.

This signoff includes a nice, formal closer—but not before reinforcing the connection between the applicant’s personal qualifications and the organization that’s hiring!

I am enthusiastic about the prospect of joining Humphries Poli Architects and contributing to your creative and collaborative environment. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with your team’s needs in greater detail.

Just keep it to one page! As an architect, you’re good at working with tricky spaces and rearranging elements to make everything work, so do the same with your cover letter. You probably have more to share, but that’s what your call to action is for!

If you can’t find your letter recipient’s name in the job description , check the company website for a staff or team page and look for the hiring manager. You can also check professional social media accounts like LinkedIn.

As much as the company culture indicates! How does the job description sound, plus the company’s webpages? Look for common denominators or key wording like “sustainability” or “cutting-edge and modern” that give clues about how formal the company is.