Curate for the studio and position

Choose work that supports the role rather than presenting every project you have touched. A concept-led interior position may call for narrative, space planning and visual development, while an FF&E appointment needs stronger evidence of schemes, specifications, sourcing and coordination. Lead with the most relevant project, not automatically the newest.

  • Review the studio's sectors, scale and aesthetic
  • Prioritise two or three projects with a clear story
  • Tailor the order for Interior Design, FF&E or technical roles
  • Keep a fuller master portfolio and a focused application version

Make your personal contribution clear

Beautiful team work is difficult to assess without context. For each project, state the sector, location, stage, team structure and the tasks you personally owned. If the finished photography reflects a wider studio effort, say so and use captions to distinguish your contribution from that of colleagues, consultants and suppliers.

  • Name your role and level of ownership
  • Explain the project stage and client brief
  • Credit team imagery and collaborative work
  • Describe decisions, challenges and outcomes in concise captions

Show the process behind the finished space

Studios want to see how you move from an idea to a resolved environment. Combine final images with sketches, plans, elevations, palettes, sample boards, schedules or details that reveal your thinking. FF&E candidates can include selected specification pages or procurement examples, with commercially sensitive information removed.

  • Connect concept references to final selections
  • Include technical or coordination evidence where relevant
  • Show material, furniture and supplier research
  • Remove client names, prices and confidential project information when required

Make the document easy to review

A portfolio is also an example of how you communicate. Use a consistent grid, readable captions and enough space for the work to breathe. Test the PDF on a normal laptop rather than relying on a large design monitor, and be ready to talk through a shorter selection in interview without losing the wider project story.

  • Use a clear cover, contents and project order
  • Check spelling, image quality and page orientation
  • Optimise the file without making drawings illegible
  • Give the PDF a professional name and test every link