Architecture jobs require a lot of vigilance and interview preparation. Once the degree is complete, various universities offer special batches for preparing the candidates for the upcoming interviews. Though communication skills do not matter much as far as becoming an architect is concerned, it is essential to have some knowledge of the core subjects like Physics and Geometry.
One of the most important qualities that an architect should possess is project management. At times, the staff is too difficult to handle. This is when the management skills come to play since the overall construction spree is based on the same. In addition, the interview taker might focus on the areas of interest. The aspirant must have ample information regarding all the accreditations beforehand.
The Top 21 Interview Questions To Prepare Well
1. Describe Life As An Architect.
Sample Answer
As an architect, I expect to travel daily to the site. At times, work can be managed from the office but physical presence is essential. In addition, I would be expected to check the authenticity of raw materials and manage the work as per the schedule. Daily attendance is also a part of the work. By the end of the day, there should be at least some change in the structure, however small.
2. Are You Ready To Relocate For This Job As An Architect?
Sample Answer
Yes. I am ready to move to any city or country to further my work. I also understand that most of the construction sites are on the outskirts.
3. How Would You Handle Architecture Operations In Case Of Sudden, Unexpected Rainfall?
Sample Answer
Firstly, I would like to mention that the architect must keep a track of weather changes and halt work as per predictions. To substantiate the situation of the question, I would ask the workers to discontinue operations with immediate effect and cover all the components on the ground. As per the condition of the weather, the session for the day and upcoming week can also be rescheduled.
4. Opine On The Construction Done On Illegally Capture Land.
Sample Answer
As per the law of the land, acquiring somebody else’s land solely for construction is punishable. There have been instances when family disputes in terms of partition lead to such scenarios. The architect should ask the client to furnish the original documents before beginning the work. As far as multiplexes are concerned, raising bars on illegally captured land is sure to invite legal troubles in the long run. This might not only attract monetary losses but also hurt the overall reputation of the architect which takes years, at times decades to make.
5. Why Is It Essential To Include Technical Subjects In The Curriculum While Preparing To Be An Architect?
Sample Answer
Architecture is incomplete without Physics and Geometry. The estimations cannot be made accurately if the aspirant does not know these subjects. Mathematical calculations are required while discussing the map too. Scaling is also one of the most crucial aspects.
6. Explain The Minimalist Approach To Architecture.
Sample Answer
Simply put, the minimalist approach to architecture incorporates the principle of “more in less”. In regards to space, trimming is minimized and the patterns focus on optimum space utilization. The purest geometric forms find use in this approach.
7. What Is More Important – Interior Designing Or Exterior Designing? Why?
Sample Answer
Exterior design is more important in my opinion. This is because the first impression is made by the external attributes. The interior designing facets can be dealt with later on. A clean outward appearance has a direct impact on the high rate of a building.
8. Do You Have This Work Running In The Family?
Sample Answer
No. I am the first aspiring architect in my family.
9. Can You List Some Latest Trends In The Field Of Architecture?
Sample Answer
Minimalist architecture is the latest trend I have read about. Apart from that, stonework was introduced recently for helping the indigenous workers. Customary styles like obstructions and abstract patterns have also been on the rise.
10. Given The Plethora Of Freelancing Opportunities Available These Days, What Makes You Choose This Particular Profession?
Sample Answer
The exposure I will get as an established architect is the reason I chose this profession. Freelancing is not my cup of tea since changing jobs requires a lot of mental strain. Acing a single task at a time helps me reach the depths and work accordingly.
11. Is Working As An Architect A Challenging Job For You?
Sample Answer
Yes, I always prefer to have challenges in life and this is one of those. I could have easily opted for the straight path of working as an advisor but I wish to go the extra mile and establish a career for myself. Challenges act as extrinsic motivation for me.
12. Describe A Situation When You Excelled At Work Under Pressure.
Sample Answer
I had to submit the database of construction workers during my previous internship but one of the workers had given inauthentic information. Just one hour before the deadline, I managed to reach the homeplace of that worker and rectify the errors. This was the final submission and thus, the pressure was huge.
13. Is Government Aid Essential In Construction?
Sample Answer
Yes, government aid is essential as far as public constructions are concerned. In the case of outsourcing, it does not matter much. On the other hand, private sector constructions can be substantiated by the same in times of necessity.
14. Are You Licensed?
Sample Answer
I am certified in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. According to me, having accreditations is essential in the field of architecture as the formal work is mostly documented. This will also help me understand the work easily.
15. Elucidate On Your Supervising Skills.
Sample Answer
My supervising skills are intermediate. On a scale of one to ten, I would rate myself a six. This is because there is a lot more left to learn. I excel at collaboration instead of supervision since I consider my team to be on an equal footing and not working under a head.
16. According To You, What Are The Qualities Of A Successful Architect?
Sample Answer
The following qualities are sure to make any architect successful:
- Management of workers
- Decision making in times of crisis
- Modification of structures as per the need of the hour
- Interpretation of even the most compllicated maps in an efficient manner
17. Do You Consider Raw Materials More Important Than Labor?
Sample Answer
I consider them equally important. If asked to choose, I would opt for labor. This is because authentic raw materials lose their essence if not structured in the right way. On the other hand, inferior raw materials can become significantly attractive if the structuring efforts are up to the mark. Still, I would like to emphasize the point that the raw materials should be sustainable otherwise the whole structure might collapse in a couple of months. It is best to use moderately resistant products.
18. How Many People Can You Manage In A Single Project?
Sample Answer
In the past, I have worked in collaboration with a minimum of fifty workers. For architectural projects, management is the key to success. Therefore, I would like to gain some on-field experience while pursuing my career.
19. Rate Your Designing Skills.
Sample Answer
I am good at Sketch-Up, AutoCAD, and Revit. In the past, I took up these skill tests and passed them with good marks. Other designing skills include miniature art and minimalist designing. Though I have not done any specific course in designing, my experience extends to two years. This is inclusive of both interior and exterior designing.
20. Which Pattern Do You Prefer – Traditional Or Modern? Why?
Sample Answer
I prefer the traditional pattern. Tombs and arches are my forte. In terms of pillars, circular designs provide more surface area. Nothing against the modern pattern but I feel that the traditional styles provide added stability to the structures. Patterns are essential because they enhance the overall look. The reason I prefer traditional styles is that they must be preserved for future generations.
21. What Attracts You To This Field?
Sample Answer
To be specific, job security is one of the most major attractions of the field of architecture. Though I wish to keep on trying new things, a stable career will add much more to the plate.
References
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1531-314X.2008.00187.x
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/080370600300055832
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