How to Successfully Interview at an Architecture Firm

Summer is almost here! Which means, as a future architect, it’s time to put those countless studio hours to the test by working in a real-life architecture firm.

After you’ve done your research and applied for positions; follow these tips for a successful interview. These tips are inspired directly from my experience interviewing interns for the upcoming summer.

1. Pre-interview prep:

   • Review the firm’s basic information- check out the website and be familiar with recent postings and projects

   • Be familiar with the firm size and project types. Are they are a good fit for your interests?

   • Have a desired salary prepared

   • Know your availability (when does your semester start/end, do you have any vacations planned?)

2. Arrive on time

3. Have your portfolio and resume ready to review (in person or digitally)

4. When reviewing your portfolio, succinctly cover the following topics:

   • Your big idea (the concept)

   • How you developed your concept within constraints (show design thinking)

   • What problems you encountered, how you solved them (show critical/ creative problem solving)

   • What you learned (show ability to absorb information and grow)

   • The software you used (name specific programs and identify the final images)

   • Showing a group project? Highlight your responsibilites

5. What we are looking for in the portfolio:

   • Graphic design, editing, and proofreading skills

   • Applications of software we use in our office

   • Curiosity, potential to learn and grow, eager to ask questions, and ability to work in a team setting

   • If appliable, professional projects that are relevant to our firm’s work

6. Ask us questions, show that you researched our firm and are interested in a position with us. Here are some ideas:

   • What is the internship format and length?

   • What will my day-to-day responsibilities entail?

   • What is my expected team size and structure? Who will I report to?

   • What project phases and types will I work on?

   • What are the firm’s salary/hour expectations, time off, benefits, or stipends?

   • Will the firm provide software and hardware?

   • Is the position remote, in-person, or a hybrid?

   • Is the firm able to support the AXP process?

7. Follow-up with a thank you email!

Be prepared, stay calm, and be yourself. You will find the right fit! Good luck!