Editorial
How to Shine in an Architecture Interview
A practical architecture interview guide covering preparation, portfolio walkthroughs, questions, salary and follow-up.
On this page
To shine in an architecture interview, you need to explain your work clearly, show judgement and make the practice confident you can contribute. It is not about memorising perfect answers.
The strongest candidates prepare the basics, know their portfolio, understand the practice and can talk honestly about what they did, learned and want to do next.
Start with the role
Before preparing answers, read the job description properly. What level is the role? What sectors, software, stages or responsibilities are mentioned? Your interview examples should connect to those needs.
- For Part I roles, show potential, curiosity and clear communication.
- For Part II roles, show stronger project narrative and responsibility.
- For Architect roles, show delivery, coordination and client or consultant awareness.
- For BIM or technical roles, show process, standards and problem-solving.
Watch: what happens after the interview
Prepare for the follow-up conversation as well as the interview itself. This Architecture Social discussion covers feedback and the next steps.
This YouTube video needs media cookies to play here.Enable videos and podcasts, or accept all optional cookies.
Your choice is remembered across the site. Change it any time.
Plan your follow-up
Use the after-interview guide for feedback, offers and keeping the search moving. For the portfolio part of the conversation, rehearse with the online presentation guide.
Prepare your portfolio walkthrough
Do not open the portfolio and hope the conversation finds its own shape. Choose two or three projects you can explain well. Know the brief, your role, the stage, the tools and the main decision you made.
A useful walkthrough is not a lecture. It is a guided conversation. Explain why each project is relevant to the role and give the interviewer space to ask questions.
Questions you should be ready for
- Talk me through a project you are proud of.
- What was your personal contribution?
- How do you handle feedback or changes?
- Which software are you strongest in and where are you still developing?
- Why are you interested in this practice and this role?
Salary and practical details
Salary can feel awkward, but it is part of the process. Know your current salary, target range, notice period and practical constraints before the interview. If you are unsure, use market evidence rather than guessing.
If asked about expectations, give a sensible range and explain that you are open to discussing the full role, responsibility and package.
Common mistakes
- Only researching the homepage and not the actual work.
- Rambling through every page of the portfolio.
- Being vague about personal contribution.
- Speaking negatively about a previous employer.
- Not preparing questions for the practice.
Interview preparation questions
How do I explain my part in a team project?
Set out the brief, the stage and your own responsibility. Choose one drawing or decision you can explain, and be clear about where you worked with others or needed support.
What if I have not done everything in the advert?
Be honest about the experience you have and the areas you are still developing. Use a relevant example to explain what you can already contribute and ask which responsibilities matter most for this role.
Practise against one relevant role
Choose a current architecture vacancy. Prepare three project examples that connect to its responsibilities, then rehearse a clear explanation of what you personally did. If this is your first interview, use the first-job interview checklist.
Keep the conversation going
What stayed with you? Join the Architecture Social community to share your experience or ask a question.