Program Analysis
Program Analysis is a key first step in architectural planning where professionals study what a building needs to include and how it should function. It's like creating a detailed roadmap before designing a building. This process involves understanding client requirements, analyzing space needs, determining budget constraints, and identifying how people will use the building. Similar terms include "architectural programming," "facility programming," or "pre-design analysis." This foundational work helps architects make sure their designs will meet all practical needs before they start drawing plans.
Examples in Resumes
Conducted Program Analysis for a new 50,000 sq ft office complex
Led Program Analysis and space planning studies for healthcare facilities
Performed detailed Program Analysis and Architectural Programming for educational buildings
Typical job title: "Program Analysts"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Program Analysts
Professional Organizations
Online Resources
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you handle conflicting requirements when developing a building program?
Expected Answer: A senior analyst should discuss their experience in balancing different stakeholder needs, budget constraints, and space limitations. They should mention examples of successful compromise solutions and their process for prioritizing requirements.
Q: What methods do you use to forecast future space needs in your program analysis?
Expected Answer: Should explain how they consider growth projections, industry trends, and flexibility in space planning. Should mention data collection methods and how they account for changing workplace or usage patterns.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you determine space requirements for different building functions?
Expected Answer: Should discuss methods for gathering user input, using industry standards for space allocation, and considering circulation patterns and support spaces.
Q: What factors do you consider when developing a program for sustainable buildings?
Expected Answer: Should explain how they integrate environmental considerations, energy efficiency requirements, and sustainable certifications into the program analysis process.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What information do you typically gather during the program analysis phase?
Expected Answer: Should mention basic elements like user needs, space requirements, budget constraints, and site conditions. Should demonstrate understanding of the information collection process.
Q: How do you organize and present program analysis findings?
Expected Answer: Should describe basic methods for organizing data, creating clear reports, and presenting information to clients and team members in an understandable format.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-3 years)
- Basic space planning concepts
- Data collection and organization
- Understanding of building types
- Report writing and presentation
Mid (3-7 years)
- Stakeholder interview techniques
- Budget analysis and cost planning
- Sustainable design requirements
- Complex space relationship analysis
Senior (7+ years)
- Strategic facility planning
- Team leadership and project management
- Complex program development
- Client relationship management
Red Flags to Watch For
- No experience with different building types
- Lack of communication and interviewing skills
- Unable to read and understand architectural drawings
- No knowledge of building codes and regulations
