Architect Interview Questions UK: 8 Real Questions and What Interviewers Want

If you are going for a Architect role in the UK, it helps to know what you will actually be asked. This list comes from the 25 questions in our Architect question bank, which we wrote for UK employers.

For each question below, we have also noted what the interviewer is really trying to find out. That second part is what most candidates miss.

Eight Architect interview questions, and what the interviewer is thinking

1. Talk me through the RIBA Plan of Work 2020 stages and where you add most value as an architect.

Why they ask: The Plan of Work frames every project conversation in UK practice.

2. How does the Building Safety Act 2022 affect your work, particularly on higher-risk buildings?

Why they ask: Post-Grenfell regulation has changed architectural practice.

3. What is the role of the principal designer under the Building Regulations and CDM 2015, and have you acted in that role?

Why they ask: Principal designer duties are a key legal responsibility.

4. Explain the UK planning process for a new development and how you approach pre-application engagement.

Why they ask: Planning knowledge is vital for a senior architect.

5. How are you ensuring your designs meet the energy and sustainability requirements in current Building Regulations?

Why they ask: Sustainability compliance is increasingly central.

6. What is Biodiversity Net Gain and how does it affect your design work?

Why they ask: BNG became mandatory for most development in England.

7. Describe how you use BIM and ISO 19650 on a project.

Why they ask: BIM is now standard practice on larger schemes.

8. How would you approach designing a building in a conservation area or alongside a listed building?

Why they ask: Heritage constraints are common on UK sites.

A sample answer to question 1

Talk me through the RIBA Plan of Work 2020 stages and where you add most value as an architect.

The 2020 plan has eight stages: 0 Strategic Definition, 1 Preparation and Briefing, 2 Concept Design, 3 Spatial Coordination, 4 Technical Design, 5 Manufacturing and Construction, 6 Handover and 7 Use. At stages 0 and 1 I help the client test the brief, site constraints and feasibility. Stage 2 is where I set the design vision and test it against planning policy. Stage 3 is where I coordinate structure, services and fire strategy, normally producing planning drawings and, on higher-risk buildings, the information for Gateway 2. Stage 4 is detailed design, where I make sure it is buildable and compliant with Building Regulations. I am also heavily involved at stage 5 in contract administration, responding to RFIs and inspecting work. I try to add value at the early stages, because decisions there carry the biggest cost and quality impact.

Getting the rest

You can read the full model answers, key points and common mistakes for all 25 questions on the Architect interview questions page. The first five are free, no sign-up needed.