Preparing for an interview at Ware Malcomb requires a dual focus on your technical portfolio and your behavioral readiness. The firm looks for proactive self-starters who can immediately step into a project leadership role.

Role-Related Knowledge – You must demonstrate a deep understanding of the architectural design process, construction administration, and building codes. Be prepared to discuss your specific experience in relevant project typologies, such as commercial office, industrial, retail, or interior design.

Technical Proficiency – Unlike some firms where project managers focus solely on administration, Ware Malcomb expects its Project Managers to remain technically sharp. You must be ready to prove your hands-on capability in production software, particularly Revit and AutoCAD.

Leadership & Communication – Interviewers will evaluate how you manage client relationships and lead internal teams. You should be able to articulate how you delegate tasks, manage consultant teams, and maintain clear, professional communication under pressure.

Cultural Alignment – Ware Malcomb has a highly energetic, fast-paced, and business-focused culture. They value efficiency, adaptability, and a strong work ethic. Demonstrating that you can thrive in a high-volume production environment is key to your success.

The interview process at Ware Malcomb is designed to evaluate both your professional experience and your practical, hands-on technical skills. Candidates typically experience a multi-stage process that moves relatively quickly, though scheduling delays can occasionally occur.

The process begins with an initial screening, usually conducted by a talent acquisition specialist or a local recruiter. This is a high-level conversation focused on your background, salary expectations, and interest in the firm. If there is alignment, you will move forward to interviews with the office leadership, which typically include Managing Principals, Directors, and Associates. These conversations focus heavily on your portfolio, project delivery process, and leadership style.

A distinct and critical component of the Ware Malcomb process is the technical assessment. Candidates are routinely required to complete practical tests to prove their competency in Revit and AutoCAD, alongside written or paper-based tests that assess general architectural knowledge.

The timeline above outlines the standard progression from your initial application to the final offer stage. Candidates should use this sequence to pace their preparation, ensuring they allocate sufficient time to brush up on technical software skills before reaching the assessment stage. While the interview stages are highly structured, the exact timing can vary depending on the local office's project load and hiring urgency.

To succeed in the Ware Malcomb interview loop, you must perform exceptionally well across several distinct evaluation areas. Understanding what the hiring team looks for in each area will allow you to tailor your preparation effectively.

Technical Software Assessments (Revit & AutoCAD)

Ware Malcomb places a strong emphasis on practical software testing. They want to ensure that their Project Managers can jump into production files and assist or guide their teams when deadlines are tight.

Be ready to go over:

• Revit Modeling & Documentation – Setting up views, managing sheets, and modifying families.
• AutoCAD Drafting – Speed, accuracy, and adherence to standard drafting conventions.
• Troubleshooting Models – Identifying and fixing common modeling errors or coordination clashes.

Example scenarios:

• Recreating a specific floor plan detail in Revit within a strict 60-minute time limit.
• Modifying an existing CAD drawing to reflect a set of redlines accurately.

Architectural Knowledge & Problem Solving

During the process, you may face a written or paper-based test designed to evaluate your fundamental architectural knowledge. Candidates have compared this assessment to the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) in terms of its focus on codes, detailing, and project coordination.

Be ready to go over:

• Building Codes & ADA Compliance – Life safety requirements, egress calculations, and accessibility standards.
• Construction Details – Waterproofing, wall assemblies, and material transitions.
• Consultant Coordination – Identifying spatial conflicts between structural, MEP, and architectural systems.

Example scenarios:

• Reviewing a set of construction documents to identify detailing errors or code violations.
• Answering questions regarding standard construction administration phases and documentation.

Project Management & Delivery Methodology

Your interviewers will want to understand exactly how you manage a project from the initial programming phase through to construction administration. They value structured methodologies and proactive risk management.

Be ready to go over:

• Scope & Budget Management – Tracking hours, managing profitability, and handling additional service requests.
• Scheduling & Milestones – Creating realistic project schedules and holding teams accountable to deadlines.
• Client Management – Communicating technical concepts to non-technical clients and managing expectations.

Example scenarios:

• Explaining how you handled a situation where a client requested a major design change late in the construction document phase.
• Describing your process for managing and reviewing submittals and RFIs during construction.

As a Project Manager at Ware Malcomb, your day-to-day responsibilities will bridge the gap between business management and technical design execution. You will be expected to lead projects with a high degree of autonomy while collaborating closely with office leadership.

You will manage the entire project lifecycle, ensuring that deliverables meet both Ware Malcomb quality standards and client expectations. This involves developing project work plans, managing budgets, and scheduling internal design resources. You will lead project meetings, coordinate with engineering consultants, and act as the primary liaison between the client and the production team.

In addition to project delivery, you will play a key role in mentoring junior staff. You will oversee their technical development, review their drawings for accuracy, and guide them through the construction documentation process. Collaborating with Principals, you will also assist in proposal preparation and client presentations, helping to secure new business and maintain strong relationships with existing commercial real estate partners.

To be competitive for the Project Manager position, you must possess a strong blend of technical expertise, project management experience, and leadership capability.

• Must-have skills:

  • Professional degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or a closely related field.
  • Strong proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD, with a proven track record of using these tools on live projects.
  • Deep understanding of building codes, ADA regulations, and construction technology.
  • Proven experience managing project budgets, schedules, and multi-disciplinary consultant teams.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in client-facing roles.

• Nice-to-have skills:

  • Professional licensure (AIA, NCARB, or CID) or active progress toward licensure.
  • LEED AP or WELL AP accreditation.
  • Experience in specific project typologies relevant to the local office (e.g., industrial, retail, or corporate interiors).

Q: How difficult are the technical tests at Ware Malcomb? A: The technical tests are of average difficulty but are highly time-sensitive. The Revit and AutoCAD tests assess your speed and accuracy in real-world drafting scenarios. The written test covers standard architectural and code concepts similar to the ARE. Preparing by practicing standard drafting workflows without relying solely on custom keyboard shortcuts is highly recommended.

Q: What is the company culture and work pace like? A: Ware Malcomb is known for its fast-paced, high-volume environment. It operates with an entrepreneurial spirit, offering significant opportunities for rapid career advancement for those who perform well. However, candidates should expect a demanding workload and a focus on efficiency and billable hours.

Q: How long does the hiring process typically take? A: The process is relatively streamlined, often taking between two to four weeks from the initial recruiter screen to a final decision. However, delays can sometimes occur during the scheduling of technical tests or final principal interviews, so maintaining proactive communication with your recruiter is beneficial.

Q: Are the Project Manager roles hybrid or remote? A: While specific arrangements can vary by office location and local leadership, most Project Manager roles at Ware Malcomb are structured as hybrid or in-office positions. This supports the highly collaborative nature of coordinating design teams and meeting with clients in person.

To ensure you put your best foot forward during the Ware Malcomb interview process, keep these practical tips in mind:

• Prepare for Technical Latency: If you are taking your Revit or AutoCAD assessment remotely, use a stable, high-speed internet connection. Be patient with potential lag or latency when connecting to their testing machine, and take your time to ensure clicks and commands register accurately.

• Brush Up on ARE Concepts: Re-familiarize yourself with building code basics, egress requirements, and construction document standards. Treating the written test with the same seriousness as an ARE division will set you up for success.

• Showcase Your Project Delivery Process: When presenting your portfolio, don't just show beautiful renderings. Walk your interviewers through the actual delivery process. Explain how you managed the budget, coordinated consultants, solved technical challenges, and navigated code constraints.

• Demonstrate Resilience and Adaptability: Ware Malcomb values professionals who can handle a fast-paced environment. Use your behavioral answers to highlight your ability to stay calm under pressure, manage heavy workloads, and pivot quickly when project requirements change.

Securing a Project Manager role at Ware Malcomb is an exceptional opportunity to advance your career within a globally recognized, fast-paced design firm. The role demands a unique combination of sharp technical skills, rigorous project management capabilities, and strong leadership qualities. By preparing thoroughly for the technical Revit and AutoCAD assessments, brushing up on fundamental architectural codes, and structuring your portfolio to highlight your project delivery process, you can stand out as a highly qualified candidate.

As you prepare for your upcoming interviews, focus on demonstrating your ability to manage complex project lifecycles and thrive in an energetic, high-volume professional environment. For more detailed insights, community reviews, and preparation resources tailored to architectural and design roles, explore the interview preparation tools available on Dataford.

The salary data reflects the competitive compensation ranges offered across various US offices for the Project Manager role. When evaluating these ranges, consider how your specific technical expertise, licensure status, and experience with key project typologies (such as retail or corporate interiors) position you within the scale. Use this data to inform your compensation discussions during the initial recruiter screen and final offer stages.