15 Architecture Interview Questions to Ask + Preparation & Expert Tips

When you are interviewing for an architecture interview, you will be expected to discuss a range of topics, including your technical knowledge, design process, project management skills, and software experience, as well as how you manage challenges like client feedback or budget constraints. Preparation is one of the best ways to make sure you’re ready for your next architecture job interview.

It can be stressful, and a lot rides on the outcome. It is, of course, the job interview at your potential new architecture firm.

A chance to talk about your previous projects, highlight your problem-solving skills, and discuss your approach to the design process. The interview is your opportunity to shine the spotlight on your experience and expertise, and also ask your potential new employer some smart questions.

In this article, we'll discuss how to best prepare, suggest architecture interview questions to ask, and feature insights from a number of experts on the topic. The advice will be particularly useful for recently graduated architecture students looking to take their first role in the field of architecture and design.

What is the role of an architecture job interview?

An architecture job interview is an important step in the hiring process, as it's used to determine the right applicant for the available position. During the job interview, employers will assess the candidate’s experience, technical know-how, and soft skills, giving the candidate an opportunity to showcase their passion for architecture and suitability for the position. The architecture job interview helps employers and candidates determine whether they are the right fit for the position.

Before we get to the 15 possible architecture interview questions you can ask when the interviewer asks, “Do you have any questions for me?” Let’s take a look at the role of the job interview and what else you can do to help increase your chances of success.

A key part of the recruitment process, the job interview is “the best opportunity a candidate has to demonstrate their skills, talent, and personality,” says Katharine S. Brooks, co-author of the best-selling job-hunter and career changer’s book What Color Is Your Parachute?. “They can establish a strong relationship with the potential employer and greatly increase their chances of landing the job,” she says.

For Nicolas Roulin, Associate Professor of Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychology at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Canada, and author of The Psychology of Job Interviews, an interview that is "designed and conducted properly is the very best way to select job applicants for positions." Interviews that are well-designed are "reliable tools and they are strong predictors of future performance at work," he adds.

By "well-designed," Roulin means that the interview should be structured. "The questions need to be chosen/created to align with the skills/competencies necessary to perform the job," he says.

Why are architecture interviews important?

Ryan Loveday, Director at Fulton Trotter Architects, which has offices in Brisbane and Sydney, sees the interview as key to filling a position with the right person. “A face-to-face interview with two senior staff is an absolute requirement,” he says. “You can gather a lot from the way a candidate presents themselves on paper, and we use that to filter applicants. However, the interview is where we really test those impressions,” he says.

During the interview, Loveday says that the whole person can be evaluated. What candidates say and how they say it—this includes their “posture, manner of speech, eye contact, reactions, presentation, and yes, attire,” he says—can be assessed.

Render by Fulton Trotter Architects — Image credit: Fulton Trotter

Nathan Hildebrandt, director at Brisbane-based architecture and BIM consultancy firm Skewed, thinks the interview is “the second opportunity a candidate has to impress their potential employer,” he says. The first one is the CV/resume and cover letter. An interview enables an employer to “validate a potential employee’s resume,” he says. It also gives the firm “a chance to assess their personality, and how they present themselves,” he says.

Loveday says a candidate’s means of non-verbal communication contributes to “a more complete picture of the person,” he says. “In most cases, I think we’re looking to see how accurately the things they say about themselves match up with their presentation. And naturally they are doing the same with us—any interview is always a two-way street,” he says.

How do you prepare for an architecture interview?

When you are preparing for an architecture job interview, you will need to do some research on the firm you are interviewing with, practice answers to common interview questions, and highlight your strongest skills. Employers will want to know why you want to come and work for them, and you should come prepared to discuss your design processes, software experience, problem-solving skills, and your ability to work as part of a team. Preparing as best as possible for a job interview will enhance your chances of success.

Let's explore three key aspects of interview preparation. Each of these elements plays a significant role in showcasing your technical ability and suitability for the position, ensuring that you leave a positive impression on your potential employer.

Research the company and its culture

Researching the firm and its culture is crucial for interview preparation as it helps you align your essential skills and values with the organization's expectations. It goes without saying that searching online is the best place to start. Here are a few ideas to kick-start your research.

Visit the company website: Look for recent architecture projects, news, or achievements that you could refer to during the interview. The company website is also where you'll typically find information on the company's vision and values. See how these values align with your own, and think about specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate them well. Remember that these examples do not always need to be work-related.
Review social media profiles: Follow the company on social media platforms like LinkedIn. This is often where you'll see news on the latest developments and updates relating to ongoing projects, learn about new areas of research the firm might be exploring, and see the topics they typically engage with.
Search for employee reviews: Websites like Glassdoor or Indeed often have reviews from current and former employees. These reviews can offer valuable insights into the company's work culture.
Research news articles: Search for news articles related to the company. This can give you a broader perspective on the industry trends and design challenges the company might be facing. It might also inform you of any design awards that they may have previously received and that you could refer to in the interview.

With this research in hand, a candidate can prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. This shows good preparation and a genuine interest in the company.

Review your relevant experience and qualifications

Before the interview, both candidate and interviewer should have done their homework. The interviewer needs to “figure out what are the job requirements,” says Roulin. The requirements being assessed could include things like interpersonal skills, creative solutions, and leadership qualities.

You can also “try to identify the ‘selection criteria’,” says Roulin, “that is, what knowledge, skills, abilities, or experiences the company is looking for in a candidate and will likely assess in the interview.”

With this in mind, try to identify potential questions designed to assess specific job-relevant necessary skills and architectural ability and find “relevant experience that you can match to each selection criteria,” he says.

Know your soft skills and practice answers to common questions

Architects and designers require a diverse set of soft skills in addition to their technical skills to excel in their roles. It's important to be aware of these soft skills so you can prepare for potential interview questions in these areas.

Some common soft skills that architects possess are:

Communication: Architects must be able to convey ideas clearly to clients, team members, and contractors.
Creativity: Creative thinking allows architects to come up with innovative design solutions and unique approaches to complex problems.
Attention to detail: Precision and attention to detail are vital to ensure that construction proceeds as smoothly as possible.
Problem-solving: Architects encounter various challenges during the design and construction phases. They need strong problem-solving skills to identify issues, develop solutions, and adapt to changing circumstances.
Time management: Architects often work on multiple projects with tight deadlines. Effective time management skills are crucial to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain project schedules.
Adaptability: The architectural field is continually evolving with new technologies, materials, and design trends. Architects must be adaptable and open to learning to stay current in their field.

A candidate’s pre-interview research involves thinking about what kind of questions might be asked. They could be questions on your soft skills, but also how you handled specific situations in your previous job, or questions that test your knowledge of specific architect position-related elements, like BIM, collaborative workflow tools, real-time visualization, and virtual reality software.

What are some common architecture interview questions?

Architecture interviews typically cover a wide range of topics, including qualifications, experience, technology, design philosophy, and problem-solving abilities. Here are some typical architect interview questions you might be asked:

Can you walk us through your portfolio and discuss some of your most significant projects?
What inspired you to become an architect, and how has your design philosophy evolved over the years?
How do you approach the initial stages of a design project, from concept development to schematic design?
What software and tools are you proficient in for architectural design and visualization?
Can you discuss any recent advancements in architecture or construction technology that have caught your attention?
What role do sustainability and environmental considerations play in your design approach?
Have you ever faced a project deadline that was particularly tight? How did you meet or manage it?
What do you believe are the key challenges and opportunities in the field of architecture today?
Tell us about your experience with sustainable and green building design. Have you worked on LEED or other sustainability certifications?
What is your favorite architectural project or architect, and what lessons have you learned from it?
How do you handle disagreements or conflicts within a project team or with clients during the design process?

Expert tips to increase your chances of success

So, during the interview, what response strategies and influence tactics can you use to increase your chances of success?

"Interviewees," says Roulin, "can use many strategies or tactics to create a good impression in the interviewers' mind."

Self-focused tactics: A candidate can use what Roulin describes as 'self-focused' tactics, which are used for self-promotion. They include "emphasizing their qualities," he says, "experiences, or past career accomplishments in a positive light."
Other-focused tactics: Candidates can also use "other-focused" tactics, for instance praising the interviewer, laughing at their jokes, or trying to highlight how their values align with the values/culture of the company.
Defensive tactics: Candidates could use defensive tactics to protect their image, for instance, trying to explain, justify, or apologize for negative elements in their past/resume, such as explaining why they were unemployed.
Storytelling: Brooks points out that candidates should employ storytelling as part of their response strategy. They should "always back up any statements with a story that illustrates what they are saying," she says. "If they say they are a hard worker, they should have a story ready about a time when they exemplified that trait."
Treat the interview like a conversation: "I’d like to think there is room for a candidate to ask questions throughout the interview," says Loveday, "not just at the end, which assumes the discussion is all one way. An interview should be a conversation, and like any conversation needs a bit of back and forth to keep the energy going."
Ask questions: If there is the opportunity to ask questions, you should. Brooks believes it's very important. "Asking questions implies that the candidate is curious and wants to learn more," she says. "They demonstrate continued interest in the opportunity, and further encourage conversations."

What questions should you ask during an architecture interview?

When preparing for your architecture job interview, come prepared with a few questions of your own that you would like your potential future employer to answer. Asking questions demonstrates your interest in the company and position, and is a great way to show off your passion for architecture. You can ask about anything from project types to team dynamics and work-life balance.

What type of questions could you ask during an interview with an architecture firm? Let's take a look.

Questions about the company

Could you tell me about the culture here and the values that are important to [name of company]? Helps you assess if the firm's environment is a good fit for you.
What future projects are you planning?/What projects are in the pipeline? This clarifies if their projects align with your interests and skills.
What does a typical day or week look like for someone in this role?” Shows your interest in learning more about what’s expected day-to-day.
What software and technologies does the firm use, and are there opportunities to learn new skills? This shows interest in staying current with industry tools.

Questions about the position

5. What can I expect to learn in my first month on the job? Helps to understand the initial training and development focus.

6. What would your expectations of me be in the position? Helps to clarify performance goals and success criteria.

7. Can you tell me about the team I’d be working with? Expresses interest in learning about team dynamics and collaboration style.

8. What sort of support can I expect to receive in the role? Gauge available guidance, resources, and mentorship.

9. What are the career and growth opportunities here? To assess long-term potential and advancement paths.

10. What are the hours like each day and on/at the weekend? To get an idea of work-life balance and scheduling expectations.

11. I’m interested in [the aspect of a role that interests you, like specific projects, team structures, project processes, and delivery methods]. What opportunities would there be for me in relation to that? Helps to align your interests with the company’s current or future projects.

How do you measure success for someone in this role? Demonstrates that you want to do a good job, and therefore need to know what success looks like.

FAQ

What are architecture interviews like?

Architecture interviews can be quite competitive, so thorough preparation is important. This includes researching the firm, practicing your portfolio presentation, and preparing for all types of questions. Showcasing your creativity, design thinking, ability to work collaboratively, and your personality will help you stand out in the architecture interview process.

How do you introduce yourself in an architect interview?

Start with a smile and a firm (but not too firm!) handshake. State your name, and follow up by thanking them for their time, the opportunity, or simply by saying how great it is to meet them. This is your chance to set the tone for the interview and provide the interviewer with a good first impression.

How can I impress the interviewer in an architecture interview?

Be professional, prepared, and enthusiastic. Use the opportunity to show who you are as a person, as well as showcase your professional experience. Active listening is also key. Show that you're engaged in the conversation by nodding, asking follow-up questions, and providing thoughtful responses.