Using the shortcode method, you can personalize the results.php template, as detailed in the documentation:
https://www.designsandcode.com/documentation/search-filter-pro/search-results/using-a-shortcode/#Customising_the_Results
The structure of the template is fairly simple. You can move blocks up or down, change what is being called (for example add a link to the post to the thumbnail), you can add HTML and css classes.
I have done many of these customized results.php templates for other users and posted them on the forum. The key is to do it one bit at a time, try to use an existing page from the template as a guide, and avoid complications, such as masonry or istotope.
If you say that the archives method is a problem, then use the shortocde one. It is the only method I ever use.