Grasshopper
Grasshopper is a visual programming tool that architects and designers use to create and explore 3D designs. Think of it as a way to draw and modify buildings and structures without writing traditional computer code. It works as an add-on to another popular design software called Rhino. Instead of typing commands, users connect visual blocks (like putting together puzzle pieces) to create complex designs and solve design problems. This makes it easier for architects to test different design ideas and create unique building shapes that would be difficult to design by hand.
Examples in Resumes
Created parametric facades using Grasshopper and Rhino for multiple commercial projects
Developed custom Grasshopper scripts to optimize building energy performance
Led workshop training sessions teaching Grasshopper basics to junior architects
Typical job title: "Computational Designers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Computational Designers
Online Communities
Professional Networks
Learning Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you approach optimizing a complex parametric design for better performance?
Expected Answer: Should discuss methods of simplifying calculations, managing data flow, and organizing components efficiently. Should also mention experience with handling large-scale projects and teaching others best practices.
Q: Can you explain how you would integrate Grasshopper with other design tools in a professional workflow?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of connecting Grasshopper with BIM software, rendering tools, and analysis programs. Should discuss real project examples and workflow optimization.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you organize your Grasshopper definitions for complex projects?
Expected Answer: Should explain methods for keeping designs organized, such as grouping related components, using clear labels, and creating reusable pieces of the design that others can understand.
Q: What experience do you have with creating custom components or scripts in Grasshopper?
Expected Answer: Should be able to discuss creating specialized tools for specific design needs and how they've used them in real projects to solve unique problems.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic components in Grasshopper and how do you use them?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain basic geometry creation, data management, and simple parameter controls. Should demonstrate understanding of how to connect components to create basic designs.
Q: Can you explain what parametric design means and give an example?
Expected Answer: Should explain how designs can change automatically when you adjust input values, like how changing a building's height could automatically update all related elements.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic geometric modeling
- Simple parameter controls
- Understanding of visual programming basics
- Basic 3D modeling in Rhino
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex parametric design creation
- Integration with other design software
- Custom component development
- Project workflow optimization
Senior (5+ years)
- Advanced computational design strategies
- Team leadership and mentoring
- Complex project management
- Custom tool development and optimization
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic 3D modeling concepts
- Unable to explain what parametric design means
- No experience with Rhino (the main software Grasshopper works with)
- Lack of problem-solving skills or logical thinking
Related Terms
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