I applied through a recruiter. The process took 1 week. I interviewed at S9 Architecture (New York, NY) in Apr 2026
Interview
Interview Outcome: Withdrew my Interest & Application.
The Interview Experience:
I am sharing this review to highlight significant concerns regarding the conduct of both the Founding Principal & Managing Principal during my interview process.
What should have been a respectful evaluation of professional qualifications was instead characterized by ridiculing comments and unprofessional non-verbal cues. This behavior served as a clear red flag regarding the internal culture and professional standards at S9 Architecture.
How:
Unprofessional Environment: The interviewers displayed a dismissive and condescending attitude that is entirely out of place in a professional setting.
Cultural Concerns: The conduct experienced suggests a workplace environment where mutual respect is not a priority.
Technical Gaps: The discussion revealed a limited internal focus on constructability and budget-conscious design. Despite my efforts to discuss how my credentials could address these areas, the firm’s lack of professional decorum made it clear this is not a suitable environment for high-standard practice.
Advice to Management:
Management should address the conduct of senior staff during the recruitment process. The behavior of these individuals reflects poorly on the firm’s reputation and discourages qualified professionals from joining the team. I have formally withdrawn my candidacy due to this experience.
there were two interviews, the pm's seem stressed, some of them dismissive- weird vibe which is indicative of the workplace environment. You have a few days to decide whether you want the role or not which felt like an ultimatum. Trust whatever your instinct says.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What was your role in the projects you are presenting
Everyone was nice! Lots of men in the top positions though.. Atleast those who I interviewed with were. The interview process was quick and I got a response about a week after.