Tell me about a project you studied in college that impressed you the most.
The interviewer wants to know what motivated and inspired you in college and keeps you passionate about the profession. They are looking for candidates that have developed their own thoughts and ideas on what makes for a good design and planning project.
"One stand-out project that I studied in college was the master plan development for Seaside in Florida. I understand that your company won the competition for this innovative community development. The fact that it was such an environmentally conscious and sustainable project was really impressive to me. Having an opportunity to work on a large, master-planned community focused on creating pedestrian-friendly and walkable streets is a big interest of mine."
The answer that you give will show the interviewer what types of projects are of interest to you the most. Be sure to give examples of why you found the project impressive. If, during college, you studied one of the past projects of this company you are interviewing with, even better! Highlight specific aspects of the project from college that you feel most passionate about. You can also describe how your instructor inspired and motivated you.
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
We worked on a Master Plan for a 100 plus acre site. We worked as a cohort, maximizing our undergraduate degrees' strengths simulating a multi-disciplinary team. I worked closely with another architect to create the 3D model for the project. It impressed me the most because it helped me learn early on that some people are not going to put as much effort as others and will do just enough to get by.
Rachelle's Feedback
I was hoping this answer would end on a positive note! Your example sounded very team-oriented and then...whomp. Try talking positively about what you learned and how you yourself improved rather than focusing on others.
