Portfolio 101: How to create a portfolio that speaks for you
This Monday, January 27th, AIA Middle East President Li gave a lecture to architecture students at the American University in Dubai on professional education and portfolio development for students.
During the session, Li shared a structured approach to portfolio creation, covering how to showcase individuality, organize content effectively, and stand out through visual presentation. He also had an insightful discussion with students about the future of the architecture profession in the era of AI—exploring how architects can navigate technological change and carve out new career path.
About the Speaker:
Li Ren, AIA : The President of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Middle East Chapter and an Associate Architect at Perkins Eastman. After earning a Master of Architecture in the U.S., Li practiced in Washington, DC, where he contributed to the U.S. National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and helped develop the Architecture Registration Exam (ARE 5.0). During this time, he also taught at the Virginia Tech Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center (WAAC), sharing his expertise with aspiring architects. An accomplished architect and passionate educator, Li has been recognized with the 2021 Emerging Architect Award and the 40 Under 40 Award in 2022. With his extensive professional and academic background, Li is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of designers and equipping them with the tools to excel in their architectural careers.
