Top Architecture Interview Questions

Architects do not only focus on practicality but aesthetics as well. If you are an architect graduate, you will have to build your portfolio. It will consist of the projects you have been a part of. Apart from that, it would be best if you also sat for interviews to land your dream job. But what are the questions that are generally asked in such interviews? While there are no fixed sets of questions in all architecture-related job interviews, here are some of the most common ones. Read about them to be well prepared for your job interview:

1. Why did you decide to become an Architect?

It would be best if you showed your passion for the field to the interviewer. Tell them more about what makes you feel passionate about this industry. Make sure that your answer is in sync with the work culture of the company. It will help your chances of getting hired. Try to specify what kind of work you want to do in the future. Whether it is just construction or trying out different types of aesthetics – you should be honest. It will help them to assess whether you are the right person for the job or not.

2. What are the qualities of a good architect?

To be a good architect, one needs to have a good design sense. You have to combine functionality with creativity and cater to the needs of the client. It would be best if you also were a good communicator as you have to work on a team with construction workers, engineers, contractors. Your sketching skills must be excellent. You should be able to sketch the design both on the computer as well as on paper. Apart from that, you should have collaborative and visualizing skills.

3. What is the difference between AutoCAD and Revit?

This is a more technical question and is commonly asked in many job interviews. It will help them to assess whether you have the required skills and knowledge or not. The most significant difference between AutoCAD and Revit is the difference in the software used for BIM. Autocad is a generalized drawing tool with a broader application. Revit, on the other hand, is a tool used for design as well as documentation. The latter supports all the steps that are required in creating a project. 

4. Do you have the professional requirements to work as an Architect in the US?

Each state in the US has its own rules and regulations. Even though each jurisdiction is responsible for regulating the rules for working as an architect,  the NCARB (The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards) develops and looks for architectural programs all over the country.  Mostly all jurisdictions require you to get a professional degree from a university credited by NAAB (National Architecture Accrediting Board). You need to specify that you have the necessary degree and may have to show documents to support your claim.

5. What is the importance of keeping the balance between aesthetics and functionality?

If you are asked this question, you need to specify that it is the essential work that every architect is hired to do. It would be best if you highlighted that it is the primary role that you will be playing as an architect. Mention that while both should be given equal preference as it is the key to any designing process. If there is a tip in the balance, the ergonomics and comfort might get compromised. Aesthetic features are equally important. It comprises of texture, appearance, and the finish of the final project. In case aesthetics is disregarded, it won’t provide important information about the functionality and does not appeal to the client. 

6. What are the challenges faced by professionals in the Architecture Industry?

The most common challenges that are faced by Architects are related to the budget, safety, and timeline of the project they are working on. You need to manage all the documents and keep the markups and revisions updated in a project.  Moreover, carrying out the designs in real life can be problematic where there is a high risk of errors and massive costs for a tiny mistake. It would be best to reassure your interviewer that you could tackle all these problems and work in a challenging environment.

7. Name some of the top design software that is used by Architects.

You do not need to know about all the software that is used by architects. However, it would be best if you listed out a couple of design software. Some of them are Rhino 3D, Sketch-up, Maya, AutoCAD, Revit Architecture, Grasshopper, and ArchiCad.

8. What projects of ours did you like the most?

You must conduct enough amount of research before you sit for any architecture job-related interview. Make sure that you go through the projects that the company you want to work for. Apart from the project specifications, try to remember who was in charge of the projects. Ensure that your portfolio has projects that are similar to the company you want to work for. 

9. Can you name some of the iconic architects in America?

You can’t know the names of all the famous architects. However, here are a few that you can look at:

1. William Van Alen – Chrysler Building
2. William F. Lamb – Empire State Building
3. Bruce Grahams – Sears Towers
4. Frank Lloyd Wright – Guggenheim Museum
5. Frank Gehry – Walt Disney Concert Hall
6. Daniel Burnham – Union Station

10. How would you rate your Autocad/ Revit/ Sketchup skills on a scale of 1-10?

It would be best if you were as honest as you can. A dishonest answer might help you get hired, but you won’t be able to match up to your employers’ expectations. Moreover, they can give you tests on the spot to test your skills, and an honest answer will save you from embarrassment. 

11. What trends are significant when it comes to architectural design?

You need to be diplomatic and talk about both classics as well as the new ones. Try to favour the one which is preferred by the organization you want to work for. It would be best if you thought about the fundamentality of any design and why it is essential. You can even choose to list the merits and the demerits of the designs you want to discuss. It will convey that you know your job and have enough knowledge to work with the team.