Archinect - Features

How to Get a Job at Workshop/APD

2023-10-26T07:41:00-04:00

Established by founding principals Andrew Kotchen and Matt Berman in 1999, New York City-based firm Workshop/APD has grown into a design force whose reach far exceeds the American Northeast with completed projects also in the Rocky Mountains, South Florida, California, Europe, and the Bahamas. As a vertically integrated practice with offices in NYC, Nantucket, Greenwich, and Minneapolis, the studio now employs a diverse team of more than 100 whose background and qualifications allows them to unite a wide range of services — including architecture, interiors, product design, planning, and branding — under one roof.

For this episode of Archinect's "How To Get A Job At ____" series, we talked to members of the Workshop/APD leadership team to learn more about their hiring process, what the firm is looking for in prospective new "Workshoppers," and how the company encourages work-life balance within the office.

How to Get a Job at Safdie Architects

2022-11-07T11:44:00-05:00

Few design firms have managed to build a portfolio of realized projects so instantly recognizable and beloved around the world as Safdie Architects has. Established in 1964 by Israeli-born Canadian architect Moshe Safdie to construct his now-iconic Habitat ’67 commission, the studio has grown into a globally-active design heavyweight over the past six decades. Headquartered in Somerville/Boston and closely connected to its satellite offices in Jerusalem, Shanghai, and Singapore, the firm has been making headlines with high-profile projects like Marina Bay Sands and Jewel Changi Airport in Southeast Asia, Raffles City Chongqing in China (featuring the world's longest sky bridge), or Arkansas' soon-to-be-expanded Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

For this episode of Archinect's "How To Get A Job At ____" series, we interviewed members of the Safdie Architects leadership team to learn more about their hiring process. Chris Mulvey (Partner), Jaron Lubin (Partner), and Wen Wen (Ass...

How to Get a Job at Snøhetta

2022-03-24T15:13:00-04:00

Founded in 1989 as a collaborative workshop following the competition-winning entry for the new Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Egypt, Snøhetta has continuously grown into a global powerhouse with high-profile commissions in its portfolio such as the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet in Oslo, the National September 11 Memorial Museum Pavilion in New York, the Le Monde Group Headquarters in Paris, the SFMOMA Expansion in San Francisco, or the viral underwater restaurant "Under" in Southern Norway.

Today, the firm employs nearly 300 team members with backgrounds in a variety of disciplines operating from offices in Oslo, New York, San Francisco, Paris, Innsbruck, Hong Kong, and Adelaide.

For Archinect's latest episode of the "How To Get A Job At ____" series, we interviewed members of the Snøhetta leadership team to learn more about their hiring process. Craig Dykers (Founding Partner; Architect), Elaine Molinar (Partner; Managing Director - The Americas), and Matthew McMahon (Director;...

How Do Architects Attract and Retain Staff in a Post-Pandemic World?

2021-05-04T08:01:00-04:00

On Wednesday 15th April, The New York Times wrote ‘The American Economic recovery is gathering steam, renewing confidence that a vibrant revival awaits as the pandemic recedes.’ How do architecture firms prepare for this? And how do they make sure that they retain their best people and attract talented staff as we move into a buoyant economy and post-pandemic world? Is it just a case of throwing more money at the issue in the form of bigger salaries and bonuses to urge people to stay, or is it more nuanced and delicate?

"They Should Have a Sense of Agency and Be Able to Speak Truth to Power": Barbara Bestor on What She Looks for in New Hires

2020-03-04T13:37:00-05:00

Since Barbara Bestor started her eponymous practice, Bestor Architecture, in 1995 she has worked to extend the boundaries of contemporary architecture and landscape architecture by focusing her multi-disciplinary staff on a variety of refined and innovative projects. The firm has steadily grown over the years and is hitting a new stride with several larger and more technically-complex projects on the way.

So what does Bestor Architecture look for in their most promising job candidates? Which aspects of their experience should candidates highlight if they land an interview? For the latest “How To Get A Job At ____”, Archinect Founder Paul Petrunia connects with Barbara Bestor to learn more about the qualities she seeks in the firm's employees, while also touching on the professional and creative ethos she wants to instill and build upon in her practice.

For a deeper look at the ins and outs of Bestor Architecture as a practice, check out the Studio Visit feature story we recently pub...

“Talk About Why This Is the Office for You”: wHY's Kulapat Yantrasast Shares Job Application Tips and Life Lessons on Teamwork

2019-03-07T12:11:00-05:00

A multi-perspective, collaborative approach is at the core of wHY's practice. Led by founder and creative director Kulapat Yantrasast and managing principal Misa Lund, the 30-person firm has worked with a broad range of top cultural and educational institutions across the globe, retailers, renowned artists like Ellsworth Kelly, Richard Serra, Yoko Ono, and more.

As an interdisciplinary practice, what qualities does wHY seek in their most promising job candidates when it's time to hire new staff? Archinect founder Paul Petrunia recently visited Kulapat at wHY's L.A. office, where Kulapat talked about his firm's own approach to the hiring process — not to mention a vital lesson about teamwork that he learned from Tadao Ando while working as his close associate.

Want to Land that Interview? It All Comes Down to the Portfolio, says Leadership at Miami-based Oppenheim Architecture

2019-02-14T11:19:00-05:00

Since it's founding almost twenty years ago, Oppenheim Architecture has grown into an award-winning firm with a diverse array of projects spanning over 25 countries. Headquartered in Miami—with additional offices in New York and Switzerland—the firm has done so through promoting and supporting the professional and personal development of its talented staff that continues to grow.

What does OA expect from job applicants when it's time to hire new employees? In Archinect's latest “How To Get A Job At ____”, the firm's Director of North American Operations, Timothy Archambault, discusses the importance of a strong portfolio and the most common mistakes applicants make.

Applying for a job at UNStudio? From process work to “passion projects”, having personality is key to standing out

2018-11-06T11:54:00-05:00

Founded in 1988 by Ben van Berkel and Caroline Bos, United Network Studio continuously strives to embody their name in their interdisciplinary, knowledge-sharing creative process. Now with over 200 employees in four international offices and designing in over 30 countries, the UNStudio team is always growing.

When it's time to hire, what qualities does the firm seek in their most promising job candidates? In Archinect's latest “How To Get A Job At ____”, we got in touch with UNStudio's Harlen Miller, an Architect/Associate who works closely with the firm's Human Resources team in recruiting new hires. Miller took a moment with us to share job application advice as well as a glimpse into office life at UNStudio's Amsterdam location.

Want to Join Studio Gang? Design Principals Share How Top Job Applicants Made a Strong First Impression

2018-09-20T11:00:00-04:00

Nurturing collaboration has been the heart and soul of Studio Gang since Jeanne Gang founded the firm in 1997. Whether they're working on a project, bonding at their yearly Camp Wandawega retreats, or setting a precedent to close the wage gap in architecture, the Studio Gang collective takes creating “a strong, supportive studio culture” very seriously.

Now with a staff of just over 100 people in their Chicago, New York, and San Francisco offices, Studio Gang is on the lookout for new talent. So what should job candidates hoping to join the Gang do to stand out in the application process? In Archinect's latest “How To Get A Job At ____”, Design Principals Weston Walker and Juliane Wolf took a moment with us to share some tips and offer a glimpse into office life at the firm.

SOM Partner Carrie Byles explains why “enthusiasm is more important than experience” when hiring new employees

2018-07-03T11:30:00-04:00

Skidmore, Owings, & Merrill has carried out their pioneering spirit since the firm was established over 80 years ago — from developing Architectural Engineering Systems and building record-breaking skyscrapers worldwide, to their multiple AIA Twenty-Five Year Awards and their “Year One” initiative that fosters new talent.

As one of the most established architecture firms out there, what does SOM expect from job applicants when it's time to hire new employees? In Archinect's latest “How To Get A Job At ____”, SOM Partner Carrie Byles got in touch with us to share some tips — including the most common mistake applicants make (the answer is simpler than you think) — and a glimpse into the firm's office culture.

As SHoP Architects evolves, Associate Principal Lisa Schwert shares how potential new hires can stand out when applying to their firm

2018-06-21T13:18:00-04:00

Since their founding in 1996, SHoP Architects in New York City remains dedicated to an open-minded, collaborative work culture and design process, ensuring that new employees get involved as much as possible from day one. “At every step we stopped to ask ourselves, what will best support open, healthy, lateral collaborations across the studio?,” says SHoP Associate Principal Lisa Schwert.

To this day, SHoP continues to grow and evolve with its staff of 180 people. So what does the firm expect from job candidates when it's time to hire? In Archinect's latest “How To Get A Job At ___”, Schwert got in touch with us to share some job application tips as well as a glimpse into the firm's office culture.

Want to join the LMN Architects community? Partner Stephen Van Dyck shares tips on what potential candidates should know

2018-04-19T12:01:00-04:00

For Seattle-based LMN Architects, community is at the heart of everything they do — from their diverse portfolio of civic-centric projects to the ongoing design research of their in-house Tech Studio.

LMN Architects also instills collaboration and multi-disciplinary thinking into their office culture. “LMN operates as a single studio in a single office, meaning that our staff have the opportunity to work across multiple project typologies and gain experience from a variety of leaders in the office,” LMN Partner Stephen Van Dyck says. So what else can a new LMN employee expect on the job? In Archinect's latest “How To Get A Job At ___”, Stephen Van Dyck got in touch to share some tips for applying to the practice.

Want to score a job at Populous? Their Kansas City office shares how applicants can stand out from the competition

2018-03-20T12:40:00-04:00

Populous likes to go big. Since their founding in 1983, the global architecture and design firm has worked on over 2,000 projects around the globe. They have worked with high-profile clients — ranging from professional sports teams to universities to civic clients — in designing an array of stadiums and arenas, convention centers, masterplans for over 30 major worldwide events, airport renovations, and more.

Finding unique, well-rounded employees who can work in a team is critical for Populous when it comes to hiring at any one of their 14 global offices and three regional centers in Kansas City, London, and Brisbane. So how can job-seekers stand out from the competition? In Archinect's latest “How To Get A Job At ___”, Missy Ragsdale, Director of Human Resources at Populous' Kansas City regional center, got in touch with us to share some tips and a glimpse into office life at the firm.

Neil M. Denari Architects shares the one question that stumps candidates in job interviews. Here's how to prepare.

2018-02-13T12:00:00-05:00

Since 1988, LA-based Neil M. Denari Architects has fused the realms of architecture, design, urbanism, and technology into all of their projects. As NMDA’s reach extends far beyond Los Angeles, their growth demands an increase in hiring — and that includes recruiting the right people for their firm.

So what does NMDA look for in their most promising job candidates? How can candidates prepare if they land an interview? In Archinect's latest “How To Get A Job At ____”, we got in touch with Senior Project Manager Lillian Zeinalzadegan and Office Manager Matthew Millikin, who shared the do's and don'ts of applying to the practice.

Interested in Public Interest Design? bcWORKSHOP, a Non-Profit Architecture Firm, Shares Tips on Breaking into the Emerging Field

2018-02-01T09:00:00-05:00

Looking for a new job? You've probably gotten used to hearing the same old advice about tailoring your portfolio, doing your homework, leveraging your network, and so on. By now, whether you recently lost your job or are ready to jump ship from your current one, the traditional advice may seem a bit tired. That's because job seeking is as unique and creative as an individual and no two firms are alike. Helping to sort out the field, Archinect's “How To Get A Job” series asks architecture firms how candidates can be sure to stand out from the crowd.

“All experience will have some form of relevance”: How to get a job at Rafael Viñoly Architects

2017-10-17T09:30:00-04:00

The search for employment is unpredictable and demands unrelenting patience. When you're at your wit's end, it can be tempting to send the same exact resume to what feels like the same job ad over and over again. However, no two firms are identical and there are particular qualities and red flags that a firm won't always simply list on their job ad. In Archinect's “How To Get A Job At ____”, we asked some architecture firms how candidates can stand out from the crowd when applying to their practice.

Want to land a job at Eskew+Dumez+Ripple? Get to know them first.

2017-09-08T12:15:00-04:00

Architecture Firms Tell Us How Marketing Requires an Evolved Set of Social Skills

2017-09-06T12:03:00-04:00

Not long ago, marketing for architecture firms primarily relied on word of mouth. Golf games, dinners at country clubs and schmoozing were once a big part of the job description for the person in charge the firm's marketing. The field, however, has shifted dramatically and fraternizing with wealthy elites in the hopes of them becoming one's next client are getting replaced with competition entries, press kits, social media, and branding.

“Treat your CV like a design problem to be solved”: How to get a job at Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects

2017-08-09T12:22:00-04:00

How to get a job at Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, architects of the iconic Apple Store

2017-06-30T13:10:00-04:00

How to Get a Job at OMA

2017-06-12T10:00:00-04:00

How to ace a job “audition” at Richard Meier & Partners

2017-04-18T11:36:00-04:00

Chris Fogarty, founding partner of Fogarty Finger, shares the perks of working at a midsize firm

2017-04-07T09:00:00-04:00

How to get a job at Amenta Emma? Start with an internship

2017-03-23T09:00:00-04:00

The search for employment is unpredictable and demands unrelenting patience. When you're at your wit's end, it can be tempting to send the same exact resume to what feels like the same job ad over and over again. However, no two firms are identical. Possessing certain technical skills are required across the industry, but there are particular qualities and red flags that a firm won't always simply list on their job ad. In Archinect's “How To Get A Job At ____”, we asked some architecture firms how candidates can stand out from the crowd when applying to their practice.

How To Get A Job At: Aedas

2017-03-06T13:26:00-05:00

The search for employment is unpredictable and demands unrelenting patience. When you're at your wit's end, it can be tempting to send the same exact resume to what feels like the same job ad over and over again. However, no two firms are identical. Possessing certain technical skills are required across the industry, but there are particular qualities and red flags that a firm won't always simply list on their job ad. In Archinect's “How To Get A Job At ____”, we asked some architecture firms how candidates can stand out from the crowd when applying to their practice.

How To Get A Job At: Dattner Architects

2017-03-01T06:37:00-05:00

The search for employment is unpredictable and demands unrelenting patience. When you're at your wit's end, it can be tempting to send the same exact resume to what feels like the same job ad over and over again. However, no two firms are identical. Possessing certain technical skills are required across the industry, but there are particular qualities and red flags that a firm won't always simply list on their job ad. In Archinect's “How To Get A Job At ____”, we asked some architecture firms how candidates can stand out from the crowd when applying to their practice.

How To Get A Job At: Eight Inc.

2017-02-17T12:15:00-05:00

The search for employment is unpredictable and demands unrelenting patience. When you're at your wit's end, it can be tempting to send the same exact resume to what feels like the same job ad over and over again. However, no two firms are identical. Possessing certain technical skills are required across the industry, but there are particular qualities and red flags that a firm won't always simply list on their job ad. In Archinect's “How To Get A Job At ____”, we asked some architecture firms how candidates can stand out from the crowd when applying to their practice.

How To Get A Job At: David Kohn Architects

2017-02-09T12:20:00-05:00

The search for employment is unpredictable and demands unrelenting patience. When you're at your wit's end, it can be tempting to send the same exact resume to what feels like the same job ad over and over again. However, no two firms are identical. Possessing certain technical skills are required across the industry, but there are particular qualities and red flags that a firm won't always simply list on their job ad. In Archinect's “How To Get A Job At ____”, we asked some architecture firms how candidates can stand out from the crowd when applying to their practice.

How To Get A Job At: KieranTimberlake

2017-01-26T11:57:00-05:00

The search for employment is unpredictable and demands unrelenting patience. When you're at your wit's end, it can be tempting to send the same exact resume to what feels like the same job ad over and over again. However, no two firms are identical. Possessing certain technical skills are required across the industry, but there are particular qualities and red flags that a firm won't always simply list on their job ad. In Archinect's “How To Get A Job At ____”, we asked some architecture firms how candidates can stand out from the crowd when applying to their practice.

How To Get A Job At: Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates

2017-01-16T14:21:00-05:00

The search for employment is unpredictable and demands unrelenting patience. When you're at your wit's end, it can be tempting to send the same exact resume to what feels like the same job ad over and over again. However, no two firms are identical. Possessing certain technical skills are required across the industry, but there are particular qualities and red flags that a firm won't always simply list on their job ad. In Archinect's “How to Get a Job at _____”, we asked some architecture firms how candidates can stand out from the crowd when applying to their practice.