Last updated on Jul 6, 2024

Here's how you can articulate your design process to a potential employer during an interview.

When preparing for an interview, it's crucial to be able to articulate your workplace design process effectively. This skill demonstrates your approach to problem-solving and creating functional, aesthetically pleasing work environments. Whether you're a seasoned designer or new to the field, expressing your methodology can set you apart from other candidates. By breaking down your process into understandable parts, you can showcase your expertise and how it aligns with the potential employer's needs. Remember, your goal is to communicate your design philosophy clearly and confidently, leaving a lasting impression.

1 Understand Need

Before diving into the specifics of your design process, it's essential to show that you start by understanding the client's needs. Explain how you gather information through meetings, surveys, or observation to tailor your design solutions to the client's goals and challenges. Articulate the importance of aligning with the company's culture and objectives, ensuring your designs not only look good but also enhance productivity and employee satisfaction.

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Shimon Greenebaum RA, NCARB, AIA

Managing Principal at Rise Architecture, NJ
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This is a great point. “Client first” “client centric” are industry buzzwords, but actually diving in to understand the client is a top skill. Before even getting into understanding a client’s expressed need, even more critical is to get to know your client - their personalities, their likes, dislikes, hobbies etc. only once you understand your clients psychology can you begin to understand their needs. Oftentimes a clients expressed needs are not their actual needs - as a client may not know the correct terminology, or may not know how to express their wants in words, through understanding your client you can help draw their true needs out to be able to service them to the the best of your ability.

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2 Research Phase

Next, emphasize the importance of the research phase in your design process. Discuss how you analyze workplace trends, study ergonomics, and consider technological advancements to inform your designs. Mention any specific methods you use, such as competitive analysis or user experience research, to ensure your design decisions are data-driven and relevant to the current workplace landscape.

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Enrique Martinez

Design leadership for government
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Data driven alone won’t suffice. People driven, systems driven, context driven, etc. are examples of key points to bring up when you discuss your design decisions.

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3 Concept Creation

Moving on to concept creation, describe how you translate research findings into tangible design concepts. Talk about sketching initial ideas, creating mood boards, or using digital tools to visualize concepts. Highlight your ability to balance creativity with functionality, ensuring that your designs are not only innovative but also practical for everyday use.

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Enrique Martinez

Design leadership for government
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The main aspect in concept creation is that you balance your personal explorations with team discussions and critiques that will bring concepts, insights and ideas to the next level.

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4 Iterative Design

In this section, focus on the iterative nature of your design process. Detail how you refine concepts through feedback loops, involving stakeholders to ensure the design meets their expectations. Explain how you test and adapt your ideas, using prototypes or mock-ups to gather input and make necessary adjustments before finalizing the design.

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5 Technical Details

Don't forget to delve into the technical aspects of workplace design. Discuss how you select materials, furniture, and finishes while considering sustainability and budget constraints. Explain how you collaborate with architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure that the design is feasible and complies with building codes and regulations.

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6 Presentation Skills

Finally, highlight your presentation skills as a crucial part of your design process. Describe how you communicate your vision to clients through compelling presentations, using visual aids like 3D renderings or interactive models. Stress the importance of storytelling in conveying the rationale behind your design choices and how they fulfill the client's objectives.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can articulate your design process to a potential employer during an interview.

1

2

3

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5

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1 Understand Need

2 Research Phase

3 Concept Creation

4 Iterative Design

5 Technical Details

6 Presentation Skills

7 Here’s what else to consider

Workplace Design

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Here's how you can articulate your design process to a potential employer during an interview.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Need

2 Research Phase

3 Concept Creation

4 Iterative Design

5 Technical Details

6 Presentation Skills

7 Here’s what else to consider

Workplace Design

Rate this article

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