Interviewing for a job in architecture or design isn’t quite like interviews in other fields. Your experience and technical know-how matter, but hiring managers and architecture recruiters also want to hear about how you think creatively, what inspires your design choices, and how well you can explain your ideas.

This often means the design firm interview process involves extra steps, like a walk-through of your portfolio where you explain your design choices, or a demonstration of how you collaborate with teams or clients. Since these interviews blend the analytical with the artistic, design job interview preparation needs to encompass both of these areas, as well.

Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, taking the right steps to prepare is essential to stand out. In this post, we’ll break down how to prepare for an architecture job interview, along with the essential design candidate interview do’s and don’ts that can help you present your best self and make a lasting impression.

How to prepare for an architecture interview

Not all architecture and design job interviews will use the same format, and this is the first thing to remember for applicants as they prepare. Typically, at least one round will be a traditional one-on-one interview to discuss your work history, design philosophy, and career goals. A portfolio review is often part of this conversation, though in some cases this will be a standalone session.

This isn’t the only format you may see, however. Some firms use panel-style interviews, with candidates fielding questions from senior architects, project managers, and other leaders in one session. Technical or skill-based assessments may also be included, which often focus on areas like CAD, BIM, construction documentation, or solving design problems.

The types of interview used and expectations during them will vary depending on the firm’s size and specialty. Learn as much information as you can about the interview process before starting your practice. Technical architecture interview preparation will mean brushing up on the specific techniques or software they’ll test you on, while preparing for architecture portfolio presentation is more about reviewing your past projects to identify the ones most aligned to the firm’s focus.

Regardless of the interview type, here is some architecture and design interview advice to help you prepare.

Research the firm

Hiring managers can tell when a candidate has done their homework. Showing up to the interview with knowledge of the firm’s values, design philosophy, and past projects demonstrates genuine interest in their company, and can help you to tailor your responses to match their preferences and needs.

Start your research on the firm’s website and social media channels. You can also look them up on sites like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or the Archinect forums, and check for any mentions in industry publications like ArchDaily, Architectural Record, or Dezeen. This can help you uncover any recent awards or accomplishments, as well as to assess how they position themselves in the industry.

As far as what to research, start with their recent or upcoming projects, along with any signature buildings, to get a sense for the type of work they usually do and the scale and scope of their designs. Reading their “About” page can often give you insights into their mission, leadership, and team structure, while employee reviews and social media can be useful for gaining insights into their culture and work environment.

Refine your portfolio

Preparing your architecture portfolio for interviews is one of the most crucial steps to stand out as a candidate. This isn’t just a matter of picking the designs you like the most. Rather, you should aim to tell a story about how you work and why you’d be an ideal fit for the firm’s team.

Tailor the projects that you include based on your research into the firm. If they’re design-driven, focus on your aesthetic and conceptual strengths. For production-heavy or technical firms, include materials like BIM models and construction documents. If the role involves project management, showing your leadership, documentation, and coordination skills is beneficial.

The bottom line here is that your portfolio should be curated and organized. Include a total of 5-8 projects that each demonstrate a different strength and all support the role that you’re applying for.

Practice your answers and presentation

Knowing what you want to say, and how you plan to say it, can boost your confidence, calm your nerves, and help you stay composed during the interview. This gives you a chance to refine your answers and clarify your design thinking, giving you a chance to work through how you’ll describe your design process and philosophy so you can explain it concisely and clearly.

Start by preparing a personal introduction that highlights your background, interests, and career goals. You can ask friends or family to conduct a mock interview so you can practice answering questions. It’s also smart to practice walking through your portfolio so you know how you’ll highlight your key projects and link them to the employer’s brand.

Common questions in architecture job interviews

Architecture job interview questions often blend technical, creative, and interpersonal aspects of the role. The goal is to assess candidates across all the key metrics that help to determine success in these roles.

Like we mentioned in the last section, practicing your answers to common questions is one of the best forms of architecture interview preparation. Here are some popular questions that you can practice answering as part of your interview preparation.

Portfolio and project questions

• Walk me through one of your favorite projects in your portfolio and explain why it stands out in your mind. What was your role in this project?
• Which project in your portfolio was the most challenging, and how did you resolve those challenges?
• What were the client needs or environmental factors for this project, and how did your design address them?
• How do you balance aesthetics and functionality in your designs?

Design philosophy questions

• What inspires your design approach?
• How would you describe your design style?
• When you’re starting a new project, how do you approach the design process?
• How do you handle feedback or critique of your designs?

Technical knowledge questions

• What is your experience with building codes, regulations, and zoning laws?
• Are you familiar with sustainable or green design practices?
• What software programs are you the most comfortable with?
• How do you ensure your designs are buildable and cost-effective?

Behavioral questions

• Describe a time you had a conflict with a team member or client. How did you resolve the situation?
• Have you ever had to present your design to a non-technical audience? How did you approach it?
• Tell me about a time you had to revise a design based on feedback. How did you approach that process?
• How do you prioritize deadlines in multi-phase projects?

Culture fit questions

• Why did you apply to this firm?
• What types of projects are you the most passionate about?
• Where do you see yourself going in the field of architecture in the next 10 years?
• Describe your ideal work environment or office culture. What helps you do your best work?

How to stand out in an architecture interview

Following the preparation tips already outlined in the article is a good first step to giving an exceptional interview as an architecture or design candidate. There are also some architecture interview do’s and don’ts that you can follow on interview day to further improve your odds of success. Let’s start with some design job interview tips.

Bring physical and digital copies of your portfolio and resume.

Knowing what to bring to an architecture interview is another smart preparation step that can help you come across as prepared and professional. Having both physical and digital copies on-hand accommodates different interview styles, and makes sure you’re prepared for whatever you face the day of. Bringing a printed version also eliminates the risk of technical problems disrupting your presentation, and is something you can leave as a tangible reminder after the interview ends.

Use design vocabulary confidently and clearly.

When you know how to talk about design work in an interview, this demonstrates your mastery of the field. It shows that you think and communicate like a design professional and signals that you don’t just understand the core concepts of design but are fluent in the industry’s language and can operate effectively in a studio. Don’t only focus on jargon, either. The ability to express design ideas clearly to non-technical audiences is critical when presenting your work to clients.

Ask thoughtful questions.

Knowing the right questions to ask in an architecture interview shows that you’re genuinely engaged and as eager to evaluate the firm as they are to evaluate you. Asking about the firm’s current projects, team structure, design philosophy, and studio workflow shows curiosity and enthusiasm, qualities that hiring managers value. This also highlights your communication and critical thinking skills. Architects need to ask good questions every day about things like site constraints, materials, budgets, and client needs. Showing this skill during the interview shows that you’re a thoughtful problem-solver who knows how to gather the right information.

Give examples of teamwork.

Architecture isn’t something you do alone. Rather, it’s all about teamwork. Projects depend on clear communication and close collaboration with all kinds of people. That’s why it helps to share real examples of how you’ve handled feedback, worked through disagreements, or pitched in with ideas. It shows you get how the field works, and it also highlights emotional intelligence, something that really matters when you’re working with clients or part of a larger team. 

Common mistakes in architecture interviews

Now that you have some architecture interview tips that explain what you should do, let’s review some of the don’ts. Here are three architecture interview mistakes to avoid to ensure you make a strong impression and improve your odds of being hired.

Don’t badmouth former employers.

Speaking negatively about past firms, colleagues, or clients can make you seem unprofessional or emotionally immature. It raises red flags about your attitude, leaving interviewers wondering if you’ll be able to handle conflict constructively and take ownership of your role in challenges. Even if you have legitimate issues with a past employer, it’s more effective to frame them as learning experiences and focus on how you adapted and what you learned.

Don’t just describe your portfolio.

Simply describing your portfolio or listing what you did without context or reflection is a missed opportunity. Part of your portfolio review preparation should be to think critically about the thinking behind your designs so you can explain this during your interview. Highlight your impact, share the lessons you learned, and connect your projects to the firm’s work. This gives interviewers more insight into your design thinking and problem solving approach, key factors in determining whether you’re a good fit for their team.

Don’t undersell your soft skills.

Most candidates give the most time and attention to preparing their portfolio and how to answer technical questions. These are important, but you shouldn’t neglect soft skills for architecture interviews. Firms want to hire well-rounded professionals, and showcasing skills like time management, communication, and collaboration can show that you fit that description.

Mastering architecture interview techniques

If you’re just starting out in architecture, one of the best things to keep in mind is that a single “no” doesn’t mean it’s over. This field is tough, and even if you do everything right in an interview, you still might not get the job. But every interview is a chance to get better at telling your story, showing your work, and explaining who you are as a designer. Go into each one with a mix of curiosity and professionalism, and over time, you’ll build the confidence and clarity that lead to the right fit.