29. Describe a time when you had to resolve a technical issue or problem in your design work.

Sample answer to the question

In my previous position as a Junior Architect, I encountered a technical issue while working on a design for a commercial building. The building had a unique shape that required complex structural calculations. However, the software I was using at the time did not have the specific tools to handle such calculations. To resolve this issue, I reached out to the senior architect on the project and explained the problem. After discussing the issue, we decided to seek assistance from a structural engineer who had experience working with similar designs. The engineer provided valuable guidance and suggestions for solving the technical challenge. With their help, I was able to modify the design and ensure its structural integrity. This experience taught me the importance of seeking help and collaborating with experts in order to overcome technical obstacles.

A more solid answer

During my time as a Junior Architect, I faced a challenging technical issue while working on a design for a high-rise residential building. The design included cantilevered balconies that required precise calculations and structural analysis. However, the software I was using did not have the necessary tools to accurately model the complex structural behavior of the cantilevers. To resolve this issue, I conducted extensive research and consulted with senior architects and structural engineers in order to find a suitable solution. After exploring various options, I decided to invest time in learning a new software program specifically designed for structural analysis. I took online courses and attended workshops to familiarize myself with the software. This allowed me to accurately model and analyze the cantilevered balconies, ensuring their structural integrity. Additionally, I created a detailed documentation of the process and shared it with my colleagues, improving the efficiency of future projects. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability and the willingness to learn new skills in order to overcome technical challenges in design work.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides specific details about the technical issue faced and the steps taken to resolve it. It also highlights the candidate's personal contributions in terms of research and learning new software. However, it could be further improved by discussing the outcome of the design project and any lessons learned from the experience.

An exceptional answer

As a Junior Architect, I encountered a complex technical issue while working on a design project for a sustainable office building. The design called for the integration of a green roof, which required careful consideration of structural, water drainage, and planting requirements. While my initial design looked promising on paper, I soon realized that I had overlooked the weight-bearing capacity of the existing structure. To address this issue, I collaborated with the structural engineer on our team and conducted a thorough analysis of the building's load-bearing capacity. We also consulted with experts in green roof technology to ensure the design met all the necessary criteria. Through this iterative process, I identified and implemented structural modifications to support the green roof, including the installation of additional support beams and reinforcement of the existing structure. The final design successfully integrated the green roof, improving the building's sustainability and providing a visually pleasing environment for the office occupants. This experience taught me the importance of holistic thinking and cross-disciplinary collaboration in resolving technical issues in design work.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by presenting a complex and challenging technical issue in the design work. It showcases the candidate's ability to collaborate with different experts and their problem-solving skills. The answer also highlights the impact and outcome of the resolution, emphasizing the candidate's contribution to the project's success. Furthermore, it reflects on the broader lessons learned from the experience. It provides a well-rounded and comprehensive response to the question.

How to prepare for this question

Familiarize yourself with various design software, including AutoCAD and Revit, to demonstrate your proficiency.
Acquire knowledge of construction processes and building codes to showcase your understanding of the industry standards and practices.
Reflect on past experiences where you encountered technical issues in your design work and think about the strategies you employed to resolve them.
Highlight your problem-solving abilities and attention to detail in your past projects during the interview.
Be prepared to discuss your willingness to learn new skills and adapt to new software or technologies.

What interviewers are evaluating

Problem-solving abilities
Attention to detail
Flexibility and eagerness to learn new skills