With the Class of 2025 graduation just around the corner, we thought it would be a perfect time to ask our staff five questions and share their advice on navigating life after college.
Meet Kriti (M.Arch ‘21), Alex (B.Arch ‘20), Joann (M.Arch ‘10), and Geoff (M.Arch ‘98), four individuals bringing a rich mix of perspectives — each shaped by their journey, role, and time with the company. From fresh perspective to seasoned insight, their diverse backgrounds weave together a dynamic story of collaboration and growth.
How to best prepare for interviews?
Kriti: There are three things that have always helped me. One, do your research on the firm you are interviewing with. Knowing the vision of any potential employer is essential in understanding if they are a good fit for you. Additionally, it indicates to the firm that your interest in them is genuine. Second, prepare a list of things you would like to discuss as a part of the interview process. This includes which projects you would like to talk through in your portfolio, your strengths, and questions you would like to ask the interviewer. Third, be well-rested and bring a positive attitude to the interview. While it can be hard sometimes, this makes a big difference in your conversations.
Geoff: Obviously, we look for people who have the skills required for a position, but I find that the best interviewees are well prepared and demonstrate enthusiasm for the work we do and what they are excited to bring to that work. They usually have some prior knowledge of the work SW does and have done their homework regarding recent projects. SW is a mission-driven firm that looks for people who understand that and share that mission for the work we do as architects, so being able to exemplify one’s work that aligns with our emphasis on community and diversity is helpful beyond your portfolio work.
Looking back, what would you tell your recent grad self?
Joann: Architecture school gave you a great foundation for design processes/thinking, which can be applied to many different career paths. Your experiences outside of the traditional architectural industry will give you the richest experiences to strengthen your architectural work. There will be many times when you will be the only woman/person of color/young person in the room. Take up space, and don’t try to change yourself to fit in. I know it seems scary, but you will find the right office culture if you stay true to your values. Also, invest in a good pair of brown steel-toe boots for construction site visits. You will ruin your favorite black boots if you wear them to a muddy job site.
Alex: I would tell my recent grad self to lean on your friends, your family, your school faculty, and your network. The post-graduation experience can be jarring (especially in such uncertain times as these), but you’ve worked so hard and have much more than you realize to show for it. Do your best and leave the rest. Take care of your health and keep taking steps in the right direction. Everything else will follow.
What, from your education, do you use the most in your work?
Alex: The design process and approach to problem solving.
Geoff: That’s a good question, and now that I’ve been working for 27 years, it’s difficult to think back to what was gained from my education this far removed. If I had to say one thing, it is that architecture education teaches you to be a creative problem-solver. It may not be totally unique to architecture education, but it is a strength of our education that you are given unique challenges that do not have a “right” answer. Therefore, no student’s project work is ever going to be the same. By collaborating in studio and seeing what others do, you can expand your own creativity and problem-solving skills.
What are some skills that are most valuable for entry-level architectural designers to have?
Alex: Familiarity with a modeling and rendering program will likely be important. Revit continues to be the industry standard, so bonus points for that. Softwares aside, what is more important in my opinion is to be an information sponge, to be proactive, and to be curious.
Geoff: Enthusiasm. We understand that entry-level employees still have a lot to learn about the architecture industry and the work that is required. Therefore, it’s very important to have an enthusiasm to learn, network, share knowledge, and challenge yourself. Beyond just knowing how to operate Revit, for example, it’s important to understand what you are working on and why things are happening with projects. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If something doesn't make sense to you, don’t just accept it at face value. Try to learn about it.
Kriti: I believe that the ability to collaborate effectively is an essential skill to have. Other skills that I have found to be valuable are proficiency in Revit or other core digital tools that you would be expected to use day to day, problem-solving, and eagerness to listen and learn.
What do you love most about working in the architecture industry?
Joann: I love the blend of technical and creative thinking that I get to use on a daily basis to create spaces for organizations that work on big societal challenges, such as food or housing insecurity. I really enjoy getting to know the clients and how they use their spaces. Figuring out the flow of people with the constraints of site, budget, and code is like a puzzle that I find extremely rewarding.
Geoff: I’ve always found that the architecture industry is always changing and very diverse. No project is ever the same. Clients and the community offer a variety of interests to our work. I also love all the collaboration with our co-workers, consultants, owners, and even the contractors. Seeing a project completed and the joyful satisfaction and pride we see from the team is my favorite part of what we do.
Bonus Question: What is your favorite college memory?
Alex: Friendsgiving Potluck
Kriti: My favorite college memory is a dance party we had in studio. It was a couple of days before final review, and one of the many nights we were all working late in studio. A bunch of our friends came in with speakers, blasting music, and taking everyone along with them as we danced our way through the studios. It helped re-energize us to keep going!
Joann: My favorite college memory is studying architecture at the UW Rome Center, located on the Campo de Fiori. I lived with four other women in the Palazzo Pio, and we created the most wonderful community meals for our classmates with fresh ingredients from the market in the Campo. We were nicknamed the PO5, and joked about opening an architecture office/bakery together one day. I loved roaming the winding streets with Professor Trina Deines, as she shared stories that gave life to the sculptures, paintings, and buildings of the city, then finishing the walking tour with a heaping cup of gelato. It was a trip that awakened all of the senses.
Joann with her roommates from the Rome Program (the PO5)