Preparing for an architecture interview

Most architecture interviews are a conversation about your work. Preparation is mostly about being able to explain your projects clearly and knowing why you want this practice in particular.

Look at their work first

Spend half an hour on the firm’s website and social pages. Pick two or three of their projects you genuinely find interesting and be ready to say why. It shows you are choosing them, not just any job.

Rehearse your portfolio walk-through

Plan a five-minute route through two projects:

• the brief and the main idea, in a sentence each;
• what you did, specifically;
• one decision you would make differently now.

Practise saying it aloud. Keep the portfolio open on a laptop or tablet, not only on your phone.

Questions you are likely to hear

• Walk me through a project you are proud of.
• Which software do you use daily, and for what?
• Have you worked on site or with consultants?
• How do you handle feedback that changes your design late?
• Where do you want to be in two or three years?

A short test is common

Some practices ask for a small design or drafting exercise. Ask in advance how long it is and what software you will use. Treat it like real work: clear, labelled, on time.

Questions worth asking them

• What would my first few months look like?
• Who would I work with day to day?
• Which projects are coming up next?
• How is feedback given, and how are people mentored?

After the interview

Send a short thank-you email the same day, mentioning something specific from the conversation. If you were asked for more work samples, send them promptly.