“Love what you do” - DJ Armin, Zas Architects

As part of our "What Employers Want" series and filmed by Bespoke Careers at MIPIM 2017 in Cannes, DJ Armin from ZAS Architects tells us the best things about working at the practice, what they look for in a CV and portfolio, how to stand out from the crowd and questions to ask at interview.

What are the best things about your practice?

We are like a family. Zas Family. That’s what we call it.

How would you describe your office culture?

It’s based on openness, cooperation and again, being a family that’s what we like to call ourselves. Many staff have been with us for many years. 

What makes someone a Zas person?

Someone who has a good attitude and is eager to learn.

What are you looking for in a CV?

Be open and honest with the work that you have done in the past and express a ‘willing to grow’ attitude in your CV.

What makes someone stand out to you?

I personally cannot just judge someone from their CV, I can be impressed with their portfolio, but I have to see and talk to the person and that’s when a person will stand out and I can see how they fit in with the ‘Zas Family’. 

How do you prefer to receive portfolios?

It doesn’t matter if it’s a hard copy or digital. These days digitally is the way to go and the way it’s presented, but I’m more of an old-fashioned guy and love to have a hardcopy. That said, it doesn’t matter too much to me. 

What questions should you ask in an interview?

Candidates can ask whatever questions they have on their mind, as it’s a great way to show me their character.

What advice would you give to anyone starting out in architecture?

My advice would be to really love what you do, believe in yourself and then you can continue to grow.