A recruiter reached out after I submitted my application to schedule an initial interview, which included completing a Revit assessment beforehand. The first interview was with a partner in the office, and we discussed my background, portfolio, and interest in working at Foster + Partners, with time at the end for questions. About two weeks later, I was invited to a second interview with a senior partner; the format was similar, focusing on experience, design approach, and professional interests. Overall, the interviews felt like genuine discussions rather than formal interrogations, with an emphasis on thoughtful dialogue around ideas and experience.

The interview process at the firm typically begins with an initial portfolio review, where candidates submit their most representative projects—academic, professional, or conceptual. Selected applicants are invited to a first-round conversation with the HR coordinator and a senior designer, focusing on design philosophy, technical skills, and cultural fit. Those who advance may be asked to complete a short design exercise—often a conceptual sketch or schematic plan—intended to test problem-solving speed and creativity under time constraints. A second round usually involves a panel interview with project leads and partners, where candidates present a portion of their portfolio, explain design decisions in detail, and respond to questions about project management, client interaction, and technical standards. The final stage often includes a more informal session: a studio tour, lunch with potential team members, or a discussion with a principal about long-term goals and expectations. Candidates are evaluated not only on technical knowledge (software proficiency, code familiarity, construction documentation) but also on their ability to communicate ideas clearly and collaborate across disciplines.