Landscape Architect Interview Questions

1. 1.

   Tell me about a time when you had to be critical of a landscaper's work. How did you handle the situation?

   The interviewer wants to see you have conflicting resolutions skills and that you will remain calm and professional in the face of conflicts.
   
   Answer this question by providing an example of your conflict resolution skills in a past position, preferably related to landscaping architecture. Alternatively, provide an example in any other professional capacity, or in a volunteer capacity.
   
   

   

   Rachelle's Answer

   "In my last position as (X position title) for (X company), I was responsible for managing a team of landscapers and one landscaper did not follow the instructions related to a project we were working on (... further information pertaining to the project you were working on and duties this landscaper had and did not complete). I met with him privately to discuss the situation and to understand why he had not followed the instructions. I then reaffirmed the expectations and duties he had to perform, emphasizing that each of us had a set of duties to perform to ensure the project's success (...)."

   Anonymous Answer
   "When working in a project in Kansas City in a series of rental home renovations, the landscape company didn’t install a boxwood hedge correctly. Still, I was able to catch it on a site visit two houses in, and we remedied the problem."
   
   Rachelle's Answer
   This is a good example of your keen eye for detail. Nice work!
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2. 2.

   Why should we hire you?

   Review the job posting before the interview to familiarize yourself with the personality traits and qualifications required for this role. Answer this question by mentioning a few of the traits and qualifications outlined that you also possess, proving you are indeed the best candidate for this role.
   
   

   

   Rachelle's Answer

   "You should hire me as I am a team player, a hard worker and I thrive under pressure. I furthermore have all of the educational qualifications that you require."

3. 3.

   What are your favorite projects to work on?

   Review the job posting and company website/social media pages before the interview to familiarize yourself with the projects you will be working on as a Landscape Architect, or projects the company has or will soon be working on.
   
   Ensure to answer by providing examples included on the posting or company website/social media pages, including your own experience in similar roles, if you have any. Also add the reasons why these were favorite projects of yours - alternatively why some of the projects listed on the job posting or company website/social media pages are projects you look forward to the most.
   
   

   

   Rachelle's Answer

   "My favorite projects to work on are (X projects listed on the job posting) because I have extensive experience completing such projects. For instance, in my last position as (X position title) for (X company), I completed similar project (... detailed information regarding these projects). I thoroughly enjoyed working on such projects because (X reasons why these were your favorite projects, such as enjoying being the leading managing a team, and so on)."

   Anonymous Answer
   "My favorite projects are the ones where we have a bit more leeway and budget than just bare basics; maybe add a seating area or a focal point or some unique feature."
   
   Rachelle's Answer
   It would be more fun to have some room for play and creativity in your design. Good job answering this one! If you have pictures or renderings from your favorite past projects, this is an excellent time to show off your work.
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4. 4.

   What excites you the most about the position you applied for?

   Tell the interviewer about your passion for this career and what you look the most forward to in this position. Review the job posting before your interview to familiarize yourself with the duties involved, and mention one or many duties that you look the most forward to, and why.
   
   

   

   Rachelle's Answer

   "What excites me the most about this position is the opportunity to work with clients internationally. My past experience was extremely exciting, however my clients were all local. I am extremely passionate about this career and look forward to acquiring further skills with clients within different cultures."

   Anonymous Answer
   "What excites me about this position is first the opportunity to grow and hone my skills as a project manager and also to work towards a PMP credential. Second to work on projects that are interested in LEED and SITES certification. Thirdly, I'm very excited about this position because of the growth available right here within the network of my family and friends."
   
   Rachelle's Answer
   These are all excellent reasons to be excited about this position. You are nice and detailed, and your answer is well organized.
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5. 5.

   How do you evaluate success?

   Answer this question by mentioning what constitutes success for you, such as meeting all deadlines, being recognized as a team player by your employer, and so on.
   
   Do not mention monetary incentives. The objective is to show the interviewer you wish to grow as a professional, not simply be rewarded monetarily.
   
   

   

   Rachelle's Answer

   "Success is meeting my daily, weekly, monthly and annual goals and being recognized as a hardworking professional by my employer. The company's success is my success. I also value becoming the best in my field."

6. 6.

   Outside of a professional setting, what has been your favorite landscape design project you have worked on or witnessed, and what made it great?

   Provide an example of your favorite landscape design project in a volunteer capacity or university setting. Mention the reasons why you believed this was a great project.
   
   

   

   Rachelle's Answer

   "My favorite landscape design project I have worked on was (X project in a volunteer or educational setting). It was such a great project because (X reasons, such as the numerous steps involved to complete the project and high level of commitment of all parties involved)."

   Anonymous Answer
   "I'm a big fan of Pulaski park in North Hampton, Ma. I thought Stimson associates did a fantastic job of looking at the city and giving them a space ultra-useful. Also, I enjoyed recreating the front yard of my house. To work with visual alignments is always fun."
   
   Rachelle's Answer
   You give two great examples here - nice work! If you have a visual portfolio to bring with you, you could always include pics of the front yard you created.
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7. 7.

   What is the most difficult situation you have had to face and how did you tackle it?

   Answer this question by providing an example of a difficult situation you overcame. Preferably provide an example in a professional capacity. Alternatively, provide an example in a volunteer capacity or in a university setting. The interviewer wants to see resilience and an ability to move forward in the face of adversity.
   
   

   

   Rachelle's Answer

   "At my last position, I had to complete a project on a very short notice, as revised by the client. Notwithstanding the amount of work involved, I got to work immediately. I used numerous lists to keep track of the daily duties to be performed, and delegated some duties to ensure all expectations could be met. The project was completed by the deadline and the client was highly satisfied."

8. 8.

   Why are you the best Landscape Architect for us?

   Tell the interviewer the reasons why you are the best candidate for this position. Ensure to review the job posting before the interview. In answering the question, mention that you have the qualifications required for this role (educational, professional, personality traits, and so on).
   
   

   

   Rachelle's Answer

   "I am the best candidate for this role as I have the relevant educational qualifications for this role, in addition to numerous years of experience in the field. I furthermore saw on your job posting that you are looking for a serious candidate with strong project management, team management and organizational skills, and I already possess these skills."

   Anonymous Answer
   "I feel like my resume was almost an exact match to your ad."
   
   Rachelle's Answer
   This is a FANTASTIC way to stand out! If you can pull out 2-3 key takeaways for the interviewer, this is always a helpful approach.
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9. 9.

   What would be a dream project of yours?

   Always review the job posting, company website and social media pages before an interview to familiarize with the work involved and services offered by the company.
   
   Answer this question by mentioning a past project completed by the company to demonstrate you wish to go in the same direction the company already went in. Add the reasons this project seems so exciting.
   
   

   

   Rachelle's Answer

   "A dream project would be (X past project you saw on their website or social media pages), because (X reasons why this project seems so exciting, such as ability to work on a project abroad for a given period of time)."

   Anonymous Answer
   "A dream project is one that is similar to Parc Andre Citroen in Paris with its many visual and sensory elements. It would be such a creative venture."
   
   Rachelle's Answer
   This sounds very exciting and creative! Good answer.
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10. 10.

    Tell me about an accomplishment you are the most proud of.

    Tell the interviewer about the accomplishment you are the most proud of, preferably in a professional capacity and related to the position you are applying for. Alternatively, provide any accomplishment in another professional capacity, in a volunteer capacity, or in a university setting.
    
    

    

    Rachelle's Answer

    "The accomplishment I am the most proud of is managing a very large project on a very tight deadline (... detailed information pertaining to this project, such as the company name, and so on). As a result, I developed strong project and time management skills that will undoubtedly enable me to thrive in this role at your company."

11. 11.

    What is your philosophy towards work?

    The interviewer and the employer are looking for commitment towards the company and work to be performed, and respect toward colleagues, members of the team management team and clients.
    
    

    

    Rachelle's Answer

    "i take my work seriously and am committed to performing to be best of my ability. The company's success is my success. I also value respect and as such, am extremely respectful toward all clients and every single individual at the company."

    Anonymous Answer
    "I take my work seriously and am committed to performing to the best of my ability. The goal is to exceed the position expectations and become more of an asset to the firm."
    
    Rachelle's Answer
    Your philosophy towards work is positive and showcases your willingness to work hard.
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12. 12.

    Why do you want a career as a Landscape Architect?

    Answer this question by mentioning the reasons why you decided to pursue this career, such as your passion for the field, and experience in your childhood.
    
    

    

    Rachelle's Answer

    "I decided to pursue a career as a Landscape Architect because this is the career I've been wanting to pursue for as long as I can remember. My father is a Landscape Architect and introduced me to this field when I was a child."

    Anonymous Answer
    "I’ve always been drawn to outdoor spaces and aware of how different elements affect me. I’m fascinated by how people are drawn to different areas and love opportunities to create those spaces."
    
    Rachelle's Answer
    This is a good start! Perhaps you could also include which outdoor spaces and elements stand out to you, and inspire you the most.
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13. 13.

    What are your goals as a Landscape Architect?

    Tell the interviewer about your goals as a Landscape Architect related to the company you are applying for, and by ensuring to emphasize you wish to grow within the organization. The interviewer wants to ensure you will commit to the employer and will not leave should another opportunity presents itself at another company.
    
    It is mandatory to review the company website and social media pages before the interview to familiarize yourself with the company, industry and services offered.
    
    

    

    Rachelle's Answer

    "I wish to grow within the company and acquire further skills related to architecture. In a few years, I would love to have moved up the ladder, having acquired managerial skills and managing a team of landscapers. I also saw on your website that you (X initiative/program that sparked your interest). This is a program/initiative I would also love to get involved in as I am extremely passionate about this program/initiative."

14. 14.

    There are many steps a Landscape Architect must take before completing projects. What steps do you enjoy the most and what steps do you need to improve upon the most?

    Ensure to review the job posting before your interview to familiarize yourself with the expectations related to the position.
    
    Answer this question by providing an example of a step that you enjoyed taking in a past position (preferably related to landscape architecture), which is a step you will also have to take in this new role. Alternatively, you can mention that you do not have any preference, as all steps matter and contribute to the successful completion of the project, or that the finished product is what you enjoy the most. Add the reasons why to support your position.
    
    Also provide an example of a step related to project management you need to improve on, if applicable.
    
    

    

    Rachelle's Answer

    "I value each step and the importance each has on the finished product. I thoroughly enjoy seeing the successful completion of a finished product, reflecting the work involved and commitment required for this project. I do not believe there are steps
    I need to improve on as I pride myself on my strong project and time management skills, enabling me to complete all projects successfully and in a timely fashion."

    Anonymous Answer
    "I enjoy the progress. I like each step, and I like moving through it on time. I think that this is good for both the office and the client."
    
    Rachelle's Answer
    It sounds like you are methodical and organized. Could you share a bit about the tools or methods that you use to stay on track?
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15. 15.

    Tell me about a time when you created a design, and the client was not pleased with it. How did you change the design and what was the final outcome?

    Provide an example of such a situation by emphasizing your willingness to work tirelessly until the client is highly satisfied with the finished product. The interviewer wants to ensure you are client-oriented and committed to clients' satisfaction.
    
    

    

    Rachelle's Answer

    "While working at (X company) as a/an (X position title), I created (X design), however the client was dissatisfied with it because (X reasons why he/she was dissatisfied, such as miscommunication). I met with the client to determine what his/hers expectations were and committed to provide a new design in a timely fashion. The client wanted (X client expectations, so I modified my old design by (X alterations made) and resubmitted my design to the client. I work long hours to complete the new design as soon as possible. In the end, the client was highly satisfied."

    Anonymous Answer
    "I always try to give the clients options to optimize the result; this usually ends up being 2-3 variations. I think this helps the client get what they genuinely envision."
    
    Rachelle's Answer
    It sounds like you have been able to avoid this situation entirely due to the variations that you offer your clients. This shows great foresight!
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16. 16.

    Describe the most creative work-related project you completed.

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17. 17.

    What duties are the easiest and the most difficult for you to perform?

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18. 18.

    Tell me about your team management skills.

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19. 19.

    Give me a time when you went above and beyond the requirements for a project.

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20. 20.

    How do you handle stress and pressure?

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