Architect cover letter: example and tips

A complete cover letter for architect jobs in Switzerland, what recruiters in the field look for, and the openings available right now.

What the recruiter wants to read

Your degree (ETH/EPFL, university of applied sciences, draughtsman certificate) and the SIA phases you master.
Two or three completed projects, with the brief and your exact role.
Software (Archicad, Revit, AutoCAD, BIM) and your portfolio, attached or linked.

A complete example

Names and facts are made up: replace each one with your own. A copied letter shows, an adapted one gets read.

Example

Subject: Application for the project architect position

Dear Ms Mauron,

Your practice is looking for a project architect for housing. Over the past four years I have taken two apartment buildings from preliminary design to handover, and this is the kind of work I want to continue.

An EPFL graduate, I work at Atelier Grand-Pont Architectes, where I led a 42-unit timber apartment building in Renens (CHF 16 million): planning application, tenders, site supervision and BIM coordination of consultants in Archicad.

Your attention to how homes are lived in and your recent timber competition entries convinced me to write to you.

My portfolio is attached. My notice period is three months, and I would be glad to present my projects to you.

Kind regards,
Maxime Dufour

Enclosures: CV, work references, diplomas