Common Mistakes Architects and Interior Designers Make on Their CVs (And How to Fix Them)
A well-crafted CV is essential for architects and interior designers trying to stand out in a competitive market, especially across Australia’s major design hubs like Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra and the Gold Coast. But even strong candidates make a handful of avoidable mistakes that can cost them an interview.
If you’re searching for architecture CV tips or interior design CV tips for the Australian market, this guide covers the most common CV issues I see when reviewing applications for architecture and interior design roles, plus practical fixes you can apply today.
When a recruiter or studio hiring manager opens your CV, they’re usually scanning for, in order:
Role clarity (what you did)
Seniority and project typology alignment
Software capability (clearly stated)
Achievements/impact (ideally with evidence)
Readability and professional presentation
Recency and chronology (most recent first)
1. Describing the project story, not your role
Many CVs spend too much time on the project brief and concept narrative, and not enough on the candidate’s contribution. Recruiters want to know what you actually did, not just what the project was about.
How to fix it
Lead with your role and scope first (team size, your responsibilities, project stage).
Use action verbs and outcomes.
Keep project context to 1 to 2 lines, then focus on your inputs.
Example (better structure)
Project: Mixed-use tower, Sydney (DA to DD)
Your role: Led documentation package, coordinated with consultants, managed Revit model.
2. Listing duties without showing impact or achievements
Project work matters, but a list of tasks alone won’t differentiate you.
How to fix it
Add outcomes: time saved, approvals achieved, value engineered, competitions/awards, design options tested, client outcomes.
Use numbers where possible (even light metrics help).
Achievement ideas architects & interior designers can use
“Reduced documentation RFIs by 20% through improved QA checklist.”
“Delivered interiors package across 3 sites 15% earlier than programme.”
3. Getting the CV length wrong (AU/NZ expectations)
In Australia and New Zealand, one page is often too short once you have solid industry experience. On the other hand, overly long CVs get skimmed.
How to fix it
Aim for 2 to 3 pages for mid-level professionals.
Cap at 5 pages maximum for very experienced professionals.
Remove unrelated or outdated detail (especially early career roles that don’t add value).
4. Not listing software skills (or over-designing them)
There’s ongoing debate about self-rating software proficiency, but from the hiring side, clear software capability is extremely helpful - especially when studios are recruiting for a specific toolset.
A common mistake is not listing software at all. Another is presenting skills as “cute” graphics/logos that aren’t always recognisable and can confuse ATS systems or non-technical screeners (and yes, I often see CVs where the software is only shown as icons).
How to fix it
Keep it simple and text-based.
List software + level.
Consider listing key plugins or workflows only if relevant (don’t turn this into a second portfolio).
Good examples
Revit 2027 (intermediate)
AutoCAD (advanced)
Rhino + Grasshopper (working knowledge)
InDesign (Self-rated 7/10)
5. Employment history in the wrong order
Always list your most recent experience first. It sounds minor, but it’s a major frustration when screening lots of applications. If I had a dollar for every CV that starts in 2013 and works forward, I’d be retired.
How to fix it
Reverse chronological order (latest role first).
If you need to lead with a highly relevant niche typology (e.g., health, education, mixed-use high-rise), you can add a short “Relevant experience snapshot” section near the top - but keep the full employment history chronological.
6. Ignoring core design principles in your CV layout
Many architects and interior designers build CVs in InDesign - great. But sometimes readability and hierarchy get lost during updates.
How to fix it
Prioritise legibility: clean typography, consistent spacing, and a clear grid.
Make sure your name, email and phone number are prominent and easy to find.
Keep headings consistent (same style, spacing, and hierarchy throughout).
7. Poor industry alignment (visual + content tone)
Your CV should look and feel aligned with architecture/interiors standards: refined, deliberate and professional.
How to fix it
Avoid fonts/colour palettes that look off-brand for the sector.
If you’re tailoring the application, subtly align to the company’s look and feel (without copying).
Keep the tone confident, not overly casual.
8. Incorrectly addressing the recipient (and other avoidable errors)
Misnaming the recipient, referencing the wrong studio, or accidentally mentioning a competitor firm/agency can undo a lot of good work. It happens more than you’d think.
How to fix it
Proof your cover email/letter separately from your CV.
Use a checklist: correct name, correct company, correct role title, correct attached files.
Final Thoughts
Your CV is your first impression - and small fixes can make a big difference. Address the issues above and you’ll dramatically improve your chances of securing interviews for architecture and interior design roles across Australia in 2026.
FAQ: Architecture Recruitment in Australia
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For most mid-level candidates, 2 to 3 pages is a good benchmark. One page is often too short once you have industry experience. Very senior candidates can go longer, but keep it under 5 pages and cut anything that’s not relevant.
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A: Yes. Studios often recruit based on software requirements, and recruiters screen for it quickly. Keep it simple: software + level (beginner/intermediate/advanced) rather than icons or heavy graphics.
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A: Give 1 to 2 lines of context, then focus on your role: responsibilities, project stage (concept/DA/DD/CD/tender), what you delivered, and any outcomes.
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A: It helps a lot. Even light evidence makes you more credible, like deadlines hit, approvals supported, awards, efficiencies, or process improvements.
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A: Reverse chronological (most recent first). If you have a niche typology that’s highly relevant, add a short “relevant experience snapshot” near the top, but keep the full job history in reverse chronological order.
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A: Sometimes. Even when there isn’t a formal ATS, your CV may still be skimmed by someone who isn’t technical. Avoid over-designed elements that reduce readability, and keep key info (role, dates, software) in plain text.
If you’re an architect or interior designer job hunting in Australia and want confidential CV feedback or career advice, speak with a specialist architecture, property and interior design recruitment agency in Australia that jobseekers trust (and make sure your CV is aligned to the roles studios are actually hiring for).
