Pembrooke & Ives Interview Questions
& Process

I met with a senior designer and a senior architect. It was a good experience overall. They asked straightforward questions and were clear about the company culture and what the role entails. I heard back from them within a week regarding their decision.

The interview process was long but thorough. They touched base on my design experience and background and how it related to P&I ongoing projects. The design team sounded promising but did require long hours of work. I was offered the job and would interview there again based on my first experience and the scope of work P&I accomplishes.

I was referred to the company by a recruiter who mentioned there was an immediate position available. At the end of the interview I not only felt unwelcomed but left with the impression that they were not looking to fill the position which for me was a waste of my time. To begin I did not interview with the design director, as I was told. Instead, I interviewed with 3 senior designers who was apparent to me were not prepared for the interview. They did not have many questions and at one point I had to voluntarily offer to show my portfolio. After I asked about the firm's size, one of the interviewers mentioned the size but then added how "they" preferred how small the firm was before which I thought was and odd thing to say at a job interview. To end the interview, they say that they were not ready to make an offer -again, something odd to say as I know it often takes multiple interviews and communications to receive an offer of employment. Lastly, and this might be just common courtesy, during the 45 min. long interview I was not offered even a glass of water. Overall I left with a bad impression and and awkward interview experience.

I’ve never wanted to RUN from an interview before this one. The hiring manager openly told me about high staff turnover, that it's typical to work until 10pm, and noted that there was a closet for employees to nap in. The office itself is soulless and uninspiring. Absolutely a toxic workplace.