Help With Interview (and new better design)

[jp2123]

This might be a little off topic. But since some of you have helped me by giving me feedback on my designs now i need a little help.

Today I recieved a letter from the college of architecture where I want to go. And i was selected for an Interview. didnt think i would get it,This is the final step for acceptance. Therefore I would like to know if anyone can give me some tips on what colleges look for in an Interview. Like how should i be dressed, what should i know, basically things that would help me have a better chance of being accepted.

Thanks in advance

In addition here is a new design of a house. I think is better than my old one lol please some feedback again. Im thinking of bringing this one with me to the interview... so please leave as many feedback as u can give me thanks, hope you like this one better than the other one lol
Forgot to mention, this design is not completed, is just lets say a stereotype.






(If you see that little hole, kinda in the middle, is a cascade (if thats how you spell it) is next to the entry door.)

[phansford]

I noticed you posted your question at the Student Forum. You should get the best advice there since most of the posters there recently graduated or are still in school.

But in general - dress nice. Collared shirt, pants that fit..... maybe even dress pants. Then just relax - this isn't a big deal.

The interview is most likely going to gauge your interest in architecture and your committment to study and work hard. There are limited seats in any architecture department and the schools don't want to lose students or give seats to borderline students. Answers like "yeah, I always thought being an architect would be interesting, that or short-order cook." is not going to help you.

Its important for you to remember this........ YOU are INTERVIEWING THEM also. Ask tough questions. What does your faculty do outside of the dept. - do they write, travel, practice. Are they on local boards and commissions .....donating their time to non-profits such as Habitat or the local HUD agency? Is there a central theme or theory to the departments approach to teaching or does every professor just do their own thing? What is the make-up of your alumni - are they licensed, partners in firms, what related professions do they represent? Can I expect to see my professors in the studio and classroom after hours, weekends, will I see them between classes other than their posted office hours? What's your graduation rate? Does the department participate in national conferences and competitions - will I have an opportunity to be involved in those activities. Am I going to be challenged both by my professors and my fellow students..... btw, what is class rank, grade point, and ACT/Sat of your average student.... where do I fall into the mix.

When I market my firm and sell my services - I am interviewing the client as much as they are interviewing me. Is this a good fit? Where will this client and this project take my firm? Will this be a onesy or a continuing client for many years? Do I personally like and trust this person........

For you see, I am making an investment in their project, just as you are about to make an investment in this particular school. You want to make sure you understand what your return will be on your investment - and its not just a piece of paper at the end. Will these people help you become a better designer and a good architect/citizen?

I can guarantee that if you pose as many questions (good questions) as they do - you will be given a seat in the department.

BTW- What School?

[jp2123]

thanks phansford. is UNC at charlotte... comments on the design?

[phansford]

[jp2123]

thanks for all the tips. Thats really cool that you went to UNCC. I havnt been in the campus yet but that building does look nice.

I will see about the Piedmont question and all that, and try to make a house based on that. BTW i will see if i can go buy that book you mention. I havn't found it yet, but im hoping on seeing it today. And about the businees classes. I will try and do that. Actually I was thinking if i didnt get accepted to get some business classes and then maybe aply next year.

BTW what do you mean by well-read?

[phansford]

I did not go to UNCC. I went to Miami University. A friend from Miami went to UNCC for 1 yr to get his B Arch. I worked in the home office of the big E/A firm and had to go to Charlotte on business several times.

Well-read - meaning reading the important books that help you be informed. And reading alot. There are tons of architects who do not read...... and you can tell in there work.

[jp2123]

ohk sorry for the misunderstanding... Well i guess i will need to start reading then lol. I didnt found the book today is there any specific store(library) that might have it?

[lekizz]

Try Amazon.com - they have secondhand copies from $13. You are lucky, there aren't any available on Amazon.co.uk

[phansford]

Amazon and you can always order from Praire Avenue Bookshop . Easily the best Architecture Bookstore in the US.

He does talk about houses in Charleston SC. and you might find that interesting.

[jp2123]

Well im not from NC... I just moved here 2 years ago. Btw when i clicked on that site, there is a thing that talks about tadao ando and for my application i had to talk about him, kinda cool.

Anyways, i have never used amazon but i guess i will have to buy it from there. thanks

[phansford]

Years ago, Ando came to Ohio State to give a lecture. A friend and I went to hear him..... he does not know English and spoke through an interpretor. Great lecture - interesting stuff. He came across as a very modest fellow.

High point of the night was that my friend stepped on Peter Eisennman - the dude is short and my friend took a step back and stepped on Peter.

Poor Peter - his work looks great on paper, but when you have to build out of styrofoam because you don't know how to design within the client's budget it looks like crap. The freaking Wexner didn't last 10-15 years before they had to match the original budget to renovate (fix) it.

[jp2123]

sounds cool. I wish i could know some famous architect even though i dont know any...

BTW Who is peter?

[phansford]

[jp2123]

ohk thanks for the info... I ordered the book, and is supossed to arrive tomorrow or so.

What information do you think i will need to know? Like what question are they likely to ask?

[phansford]

I have no idea.... Why do you want to be an architect? What other interests do you have? What extra currilcular things do you do?

Just have questions prepared for them.... that will shock them.

Let me know when you get place of houses.Maybe we can start a thread for people to read a chapter and then discuss it. I could always read it again. What the hell.