Architect Interview Questions

1.1The architect role - designing buildings, managing projects, and the responsibilities of a registered architect

1.2ARB and RIBA - the regulatory body and professional institute, and the standards they uphold

1.3Stages of architectural services - RIBA Plan of Work and what happens at each stage

1.4Types of architectural practice - residential, commercial, healthcare, education, and the specialist skills required

2.1Architectural design process - brief, concept, scheme design, detail, and production

2.2Site analysis - understanding the context, constraints, and opportunities of a site

2.3Design concept development - generating ideas, testing them, and developing the concept that will define the project

2.4Design communication - drawings, models, renders, and the tools architects use to communicate design intent

3.1Planning process - pre-application, planning application, determination, and discharging conditions

3.2Planning policy - national planning policy, local plans, and how policy shapes what can be built

3.3Listed buildings and conservation areas - the additional constraints and the process for consent

3.4Building regulations - Part A through Part S, compliance strategy, and working with building control

4.1Building technology - structural systems, building envelopes, and the technical knowledge that makes buildings work

4.2Technical detailing - how architects design the junctions, interfaces, and details that determine quality

4.3Specifications - writing construction specifications that define the quality and standard of work

4.4Structural and services coordination - working with engineers and M&E designers to coordinate the technical package

5.1Sustainable design principles - passive design, thermal performance, and designing for low carbon

5.2BREEAM and WELL - the assessment methods and the design decisions that achieve good ratings

5.3Net zero and embodied carbon - the architect role in reducing the whole-life carbon of buildings

5.4Biophilic design - bringing nature into buildings and the evidence for its occupant benefits

6.1Architect as project lead - programming, coordination, and managing the design process

6.2Construction contract types - JCT, NEC, and the implications for the architect role in contract administration

6.3Contract administration - instructions, valuations, variations, and managing the construction phase

6.4Site inspection - the architect quality assurance role during construction

7.1Client management - understanding the client brief, managing expectations, and delivering what was promised

7.2Stakeholder engagement - public consultation, community engagement, and managing objectors

7.3Planning authority engagement - pre-application meetings, officer negotiations, and handling conditions

7.4Contractor relationships - how architects work with builders to resolve issues and maintain design quality

8.1BIM fundamentals - the principles, process, and benefits of information modelling in building design

8.2Revit and BIM software - the tools and how architects use them for design and documentation

8.3BIM coordination - federated models, clash detection, and coordinating the multi-discipline model

8.4BIM Level 2 and beyond - the requirements, the protocols, and where BIM is heading

9.1Interior design collaboration - how architects work with interior designers on building interiors

9.2Fit-out design - commercial interiors, workplace design, and the specific skills of fit-out architecture

9.3Materials and finishes - specifying interior materials, understanding performance and aesthetics

9.4WELL and occupant wellbeing - designing interiors for the health and wellbeing of the people who use them

10.1Portfolio presentation - walking through your best work, explaining design decisions, and demonstrating development

10.2Technical questions - planning, building regulations, sustainability, and construction detailing

10.3Project management and client questions - how you managed a complex project or a difficult client situation

10.4Salary negotiation, evaluating a practice, and questions that reveal the project quality, work culture, and career development opportunities