Olson Kundig Architect Interview Questions
& Process

I applied online and then HR reached out fast for a phone screen. HR was good at talking but after a personality chat, she said I wasn't a good fit because I lacked technical skills. She mentioned the design team already decided before the screen. She also said I might be better for the internship program. I asked if she could refer me internally since I already went through this, but she said a different team handled internships. It's a ridiculous process. Why have a personality screen if the team already rejected me based on tech skills? It wastes everyone's time. It makes me suspicious about the company's structure and design process, thinking they use new grads for concepts and SD phases without proper pay. I'm not okay with that and will tell others to avoid this firm.

They expedited the process for me because I had other offers, and it included three calls. Everyone I met, including the hiring manager, was really great and kind. They wanted me to go through several projects in my portfolio and asked a lot about my work history—they were super curious and engaged. They did mention that the design direction comes from leadership, and individual staff input on project direction is limited. This was the main reason I decided to go with a smaller company instead. The work and people seem really nice, and the interview process was very pleasant, even though it was quite involved. I'd definitely consider working there in the future; they made a really good impression!

I applied online and had a referral from someone who works there. I got an email for a phone screening where they asked for my availability. I didn't hear anything for two months after sending three follow-up emails. The same recruiter called me unexpectedly eight weeks later, apologized a lot, and scheduled my next interview, which went really well. I tried to ignore how poorly the process was being handled. Then, after another follow-up email, I heard nothing for six more weeks. The communication was really unprofessional and made the firm seem like they don't care about other people's time. The recruiter was unresponsive and dishonest. I've lived in Seattle for a while and know Olson Kundig's reputation, so it was disappointing to see it used against me in their interview process. I won't be taking any more interviews because I don't want to work for a company that treats people like this.