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.
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?)
Arrive on time
Have your portfolio and resume ready to review (in person or digitally)
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
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
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?
Follow-up with a thank you email!