What Actually Gets You Hired in Architecture and Interior Design
About the Author
Lee Stevens, Director
Lee has over 15 years’ experience across Architecture, Design, and Planning, working with boutique studios through to global consultancies. He’s built his network on straight-talking advice and long-term relationships, not sales tactics.
Originally from the UK, Lee moved to Melbourne in 2014 and now balances recruitment with family life, coaching football, and keeping up with his kids and their very energetic cocker spaniel.
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Plenty of architecture and interior design candidates have the right technical skills. Still, some land roles quickly while others stall. The difference usually comes down to a few simple, practical things. From communication to portfolio clarity, here’s what actually gets candidates hired in today’s Brisbane market and what tends to hold them back.
Why Some Architecture Candidates Move Fast While Others Stall
We’re seeing it a lot at the moment across Brisbane.
Studios are busy. There’s solid work coming through. Healthcare, infrastructure, multi-res, commercial.
But hiring hasn’t turned into a free-for-all.
Some candidates land roles within weeks.
Others… just sit there. Same market, same opportunities.
And most of the time, it’s not down to technical ability.
What’s Holding Candidates Back
These come up again and again.
Slow or unclear communication
If it takes days to reply, or messages are vague, it raises questions.
Studios don’t have time to chase.
Missing interviews or weak follow-up
It sounds obvious, but it happens.
Late arrivals, reschedules, no proper follow-up.
It chips away at trust straight away.
No clear story across your experience
Moving between studios isn’t a problem.
But if you can’t explain why you moved or what you gained, it looks messy.
Salary expectations that don’t match experience
If expectations are way off, conversations stall quickly.
Studios will pay well for the right person, but it has to line up.
Portfolios that don’t show your thinking
This is a big one.
Lots of portfolios look good visually, but don’t explain:
- what you actually did
- how decisions were made
- what problems you solved
Studios want clarity, not just nice images.
What Actually Gets You Hired
On the flip side, the candidates who move quickly tend to do a few things really well.
Clear, straightforward communication
No overcomplicating it.
They reply on time, keep things direct, and are easy to deal with.
Genuine interest in the studio
They’ve looked at the work.
They ask relevant questions.
It doesn’t feel forced.
Confidence talking through projects
Not rehearsed speeches.
Just a clear explanation of:
- their role
- key decisions
- challenges on the project
That goes a long way.
Openness to learning and different project types
Studios value people who can adapt.
Especially at graduate and junior level.
Rigid candidates struggle more.
A clean, well-structured portfolio
Simple beats flashy.
Clear layout. Logical flow. Easy to understand.
And most importantly, it shows your contribution.
What Studios Are Actually Hiring For Right Now
There’s good work across Brisbane:
- Healthcare projects
- Infrastructure
- Multi-residential
- Commercial developments
But resourcing is still the challenge.
Studios are being more considered with hires.
They’re not just ticking boxes on software anymore.
They’re asking:
- Can we trust this person with our work?
- Will they fit into the team?
- Can we develop them long-term?
That’s what decisions are being based on.
Why This Matters More at Graduate and Junior Level
Competition is strong.
There are a lot of candidates with similar qualifications and software skills.
So the difference comes down to:
- attitude
- communication
- clarity
- reliability
That’s what tips it.
Quick Breakdown
What Holds Candidates Back vs What Gets Candidates Hired
- Slow or unclear communication → Clear, timely communication
- Weak follow-up or missed interviews → Prepared, reliable, professional
- No clear career story → Confident, structured explanations
- Unrealistic salary expectations → Commercial awareness
- Unclear portfolio → Clean, structured, role-focused portfolio
Final Thought
Studios aren’t just hiring for software skills.
They’re hiring people they can trust, develop, and keep.
That’s the shift.
If you’re going into interviews thinking it’s all about your portfolio or technical ability, you’re missing half the picture.
It’s about how you show up, how you communicate, and how clearly you can demonstrate your value.
FAQs
Is technical ability still important?
Of course. But at the interview stage, most candidates already meet the baseline. The difference comes down to everything else.
What’s the biggest mistake candidates make?
Unclear communication and weak portfolios. Both are easy to fix but often overlooked.
Does this apply outside Brisbane?
Yes, but Brisbane is particularly active right now, which makes competition more visible.
