category III

Question 0

You are asked to design an aviation museum next to an airport. Besides SMEP engineers, name four consultants you need.

Answer 0

// parking consultant

// lighting consultant with FAA lighting regulations knowledge or experience/lighting consultant with museum exhibition knowledge of experience

// acoustic consultant

// museum consultant

// kitchen consultant

// traffic consultant

// landscape consultant

Question 1

When are consultants required?

Answer 1

// consultants are required when the architect does not have the in-house expertise to provide all the necessary services for a particular project

// under the aia b102/b201 owner architect agreement, the architect is responsible for providing SMEP engineering services

// however, certain projects may require specialist consultants as well

// for example, the design of a commercial kitchen might require the use of a kitchen consultant and the design of an auditorium the user of a theater and lighting consultant

Question 2

What types of services does a civil engineer typically provide?

Answer 2

// civil engineers typically provide engineering services for areas of the project outside the footprint of the structure:

// grading

// retaining walls

// swimming pools

// drainage

// sewer and water lines and connections

// civil engineering services are not standard services under the aia b102.b201 owner architect agreement

Question 3

When are the services of an acoustical consultant required?

Answer 3

// the design of theaters, auditoria, and assembly halls

// defensive acoustical design for buildings in high noise areas (e.g. sites adjacent to freeways, airports, etc.)

// general building acoustics for projects when low ambient noise levels are required (e.g. hospitals, schools, apartment complexes, condominiums, etc.)

// to determine compliance with noise regulations when a project produces excessive noise (e.g. outdoor mechanical or process equipment). noise levels are measured at the property line

Question 4

What are the initial steps an architect should perform to ensure proper project team coordination?

Answer 4

// conduct an initial team meeting to:

// review project requirements as developed by the owner and architect

// review the project work plan. discuss critical tasks, responsibilities, uncertainties, and potential problems

// review the schedule and coordination deadlines

// review project policies regarding responsibilities, identifying and resolving problems, team meetings, project reports, and management issues

Question 5

How should communications procedures be coordinated for project delivery?

Answer 5

// establish and maintain policies for routine communications including the use of transmittals, telephone logs, dating of correspondence, RFIs, submittals, and note taking

// prepare agendas and minutes for consultant and client meetings

// document and distribute key decisions in writing

Question 6

Why is it important to establish project deadlines and milestones?

Answer 6

// by breaking the project into discrete tasks and phases, it is easier to assess project progress according to the project schedule and to take remedial action if necessary

// the creation of project milestones allows for better understanding of task sequencing as well as improved coordination between client, team members, and consultants

Question 7

When is the use of a milestone chart preferable?

Answer 7

// for short design projects with few participants and tasks

// in presentations and proposals

// for summarizing complex schedules

Question 8

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a Gantt chart?

Answer 8

// the Gantt chart delineates each project task against a time line with a bar indicating task start and stop dates

// its advatage lies in visual clarity and it is often used for simple projects

// the disadvantage of Gantt charts are that they do not show the sequencing relationship between task

// they also give each task equal weight and importance

Question 9

What is the Critical Path method and how is it useful for the coordination of project teams?

Answer 9

// the critical path method is a scheduling technique used in very complex projects where sequencing is essential to project delivery

// CPM charts typically show which tasks must be started first, which tasks cannot begin until others are completed, and which tasks can be started in parallel

// the result is to establish a start and finish date range for each of the project tasks

Question 10

What are the architect’s responsibilities with regard to obtaining agency approvals?

Answer 10

// determine which codes, laws, and regulations apply

// determine the required approvals for the project

// assist the owner in filing the appropriate documents

// attend hearings and meetings as required

// code compliance is a responsibility of the architect and it cannot be delegated

Question 11

Describe effective strategies for communicating and interacting with government agencies.

Answer 11

// communicate early and understand agency’s requirements and particular concerns

// meet with agency officials to discuss possible issues of contention prior to submission

// respond promptly to agency requests for information

Question 12

How can an architect reduce risk of professional liability in the preparation of drawings using in-house methods?

Answer 12

// comprehensively check documents at one or more milestones before they are completed

// have one person check all important dimensions

// have the person responsible for the drawings review the specifications and the person responsible for the specifications review the drawings

// have consultants review documents produced by others

// set up a systematic process to ensure all discipline packages are coordinated and properly integrated

// have a senior firm member not involved in the project check all documents before they are issued

Question 13

Why is it important to know the relationships between different government agencies that have jurisdiction over a project?

Answer 13

// complex projects can involve several agencies with overlapping jurisdiction

// it is important to know the sequence and timing of approvals that must be obtained to avoid project delays

// in addition, some agencies may share jurisdiction over particular aspects of the project

// for example, CEQA can be administered by multiple agencies in the state

Question 14

As a solo practitioners, what types of document checking and review procedures could you use?

Answer 14

// internal checking and review procedures can include:

// overlay architectural and consultant plans and section to check for conflicts

// require consultants to perform similar reviews

// external checking and review procedures can include:

// have an experienced architect review the drawings and specifications

// have a contractor conduct a constrductablity review of the drawings

// bring a CM-advisor to review the drawings and specifications throughout the design process

Question 15

What are three methods for reviewing drawings for accuracy?

Answer 15

// have a senior architect at the firm review the drawings

// overlay architectural drawings onto consultant drawings to check for discrepancies

// hold coordination meetings with consultants

// regardless of the particular methods, the architect should have a procedure in place to review drawings at regular intervals

Question 16

Name at least three ways to limit professional liability by practicing within the standard of care.

Answer 16

// do not warrant work. this changes what would be an issue of negligence (did the architect exercise the required standard of care?) to one of a contractual promise (the simple yes/no determination whether the building meets all legal and client requirements)

// do not certify project compliances with all applicable rules and regulations

// do not promise a perfect level or workmanship

// do not get involved in the means and methods of construction

// do not assure a completion date

Question 17

What is the standard of care for architects in California?

Answer 17

// competence is meeting the required legal standard of care

// under the rules of professional conduct the standard of care is “acting with reasonable care and competence, applying the technical knowledge and skill which is ordinarily applied by architects of good standing practicing in California under similar circumstances and conditions”

Question 18

Does California require architects to carry professional liability insurance?

Answer 18

// only for limited liability partnerships

// a bond may be posted in lieu of insurance

Question 19

What are the statutes of limitation that typically apply to architects?

Answer 19

// statute of limitations for professional liability in California is 4 years from the date of substantial completion for patent (visible) defects and 10 years for latent (hidden) defects

// statute of limitations for contractual liability in California is 4 years from the date the right of action accrues

Question 20

Describe three different types of owner/architect relationships.

Answer 20

// partnership/collaboration: premised on the idea that the architect and the owner approach the project with common values, shared goals, and mutually understood expectations. the result is a collaborative process that focuses attention on quality rather than the process

// team builder: the architect, either through in-house or outside consultants, provides expanded services to meet the owners particulatr needs. this type of relationship focuses on client needs and expectations

// trusted advisor: the architect becomes involved in facility decisions at the owner policy making level

Question 21

Name three types of clients and describe the differences between them.

Answer 21

// government: most commissions awarded through public process. client is sophisticated about design and construction

// developer: almost all commissions awarded privately. client typically sophisticated, although degrees of knowledge can vary

// individual: commissions are awarded privately. sophistication is typically low. many clients in this category will only ever work with an architect once

// corporate/institutional: commissions can be awarded based on formal interview. sophistication varies, the client will typically hire a CM-advisor is necessary

Question 22

What are effective client communication methods?

Answer 22

// presentations

// reports

// meetings (including agenda and minutes)

// approval letters

Question 23

How does the type of client affect communication methods?

Answer 23

// the level of client sophistation will determine the proper methods and content of communication. the less sophisticated require more basic information about the design process, while the sophisticated will be interested in more technical issues

// the ability of the client to respond and make decisions in a timely manner will affect the schedule. individuals and developers can typically respond more quickly than institutional or government clients, but each client is different and should be evaluated individually

Question 24

What are the owner’s responsibilities after the start of the project?

Answer 24

// the owner must:

// render decisions in a timely manner

// hire consultants not retained by the architect

// periodically update the budget on the project

// give prompt notice to architect if he or she is aware of any fault or defect in the project

// provide all legal, insurance, and accounting services

// provide tests, inspections, and reports as required by law or the contract documents and tests for air, water pollution, and hazardous materials if needed

// provide to the architect, within 15 days of receipt of written notice, information necessary for architect to give notice or enforce lien rights

// provide access to the site

Question 25

What is project delivery?

Answer 25

// project delivery is the method of organizing and financing the design, construction, operations, and maintainance services for a structure or facility

Question 26

Name the architect’s responsibilities to the client as described in the AIA B102/B201 Owner Architect Agreement.

Answer 26

// the architect must:

// perform services as expeditiously as is consistent with professional skill and the orderly progress of the project

// submit a schedule for the owner’s approval

// maintain the confidentiality of information

// is entitled to rely on the accuracy and completeness of services and information furnished by the owner

// not engage in any activity or accept any employment, interest, or contribution that would reasonably appear to compromise professional judgement

// review laws, codes, and regulations

Question 27

What documents must the owner provide to the architect at the beginning of the design?

Answer 27

// a written program setting forth: (a) the owner’s objectives, constraints and criteria, including space requirements, (b) programmatic relationships, flexibility, expendability, special equipment, systems, and site requirements

// a schedule

// a survey

// a construction budget

Question 28

During design the owner wants to change a steel framed wall to a glass curtain wall system. What effects will this have on the project?

Answer 28

// the increase in glass area may increase solar heat gain/loss possibly requiring a higher capacity HVAC system

// due to the removal of a steel stud wall, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and communications systems may be to be restructured

// if the structural system is concealed, there may be a need to redesign it

// there may be a need to change the lighting system to adjust to new conditions

Question 29

During design, the owner wants to eliminate a building entrance. What is the architect’s response?

Answer 29

// the architect must first check if the entrance is part of a required means of egress

// if it is, and the occupants cannot be rerouted to another exit and meet code requirements, the architect must state the entrance is required by code

Question 30

The tenant wants to move the location of the bathrooms in the project. What do you do?

Answer 30

// the architect may not make material changes in the design without the consent of the owner

// the tenant should direct his or her request to the owner

// if the owner agrees, then the architect should submit a request for additional services and schedule a coordination meeting to make the design change

Question 31

During design a group of users tells you that the owner approved building form will not accommodate the program. What is your response?

Answer 31

// because this raises the issue of functionarlity, the architect should inform the owner of the user concerns

// if the concerns are accurate the owner must then either:

// agree to change the building form, or

// adopt a new program compatible with the building form

Question 32

Who is responsible for hiring the geotechnical engineer?

Answer 32

// the owner

Question 33

What are the different types of project delivery methods?

Answer 33

// design/bid/build

// construction management

// design/build

// integrated project delivery

Question 34

When is the architect entitled to compensation for additional services?

Answer 34

// the architect is entitled to compensation for additional services if:

// mutually agreed to in writing by the architect and owner, or

// they are required by circumstances beyond the architect’s control,

// under contractually enumerated circumstances, e.g. revisions of codes, owner initiated changes, significant change in the project, preparation and appearance at public hearings, etc.

// under last two circumstances the architect must provide written notice to the owner prior to providing the additional services

Question 35

What are five non-structural systems that affect the building’s structure?

Answer 35

// the mechanical system
// the electrical system
// the plumbing system
// the curtain wall system
// vertical transportion system such as stairs, escalators, or elevators

Question 36

What documents must be submitted with an application for a building permit?

Answer 36

// a survey

// architectural drawings

// structural drawings

// structural calculations

// accessibility drawings

// life safety drawings

// mechnical, electrical, and plumbing drawings

// california energy code compliance forms

// if required, a soils report

Question 37

When submitting for building plan check, what should the architectural drawings include?

Answer 37

// at a minimum the drawings should contain a site plan, building plans, elevations, sections, and wall sections

// the drawings should have sufficient detail to demonstrate compliance with all applicable provisions of the california building code

Question 38

Name at least four architectural components that are considered non-structural and must meet seismic design requirements.

Answer 38

// storage racks or shelving

// partitions

// raised access floors

// exterior veneer surfaces (e.g. precast or stone panels)

// glazing (must be designed to alloow for drift)

// suspended ceilings

Question 39

What types of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems must be seismically braced?

Answer 39

// sprinkler systems

// boilers and pressure vessels (including domestic hot water heaters)

// elevators and escalators

// HVAC ductwork

// electrical equipment (e.g. transformers, generators)

// mechanical equipment (e.g. package units, fan coils)

Question 40

Your design features suspended acoustical tile ceilings. How will this affect the design of non-structural elements in the building?

Answer 40

// all suspended tile ceilings larger than 144 sf must be protected with compression struts and laterally braced with splay wires at 8’ max. each way

// in addition, every 2,500 sf of continuous suspended ceilings must be interrupted by seismic separation joints

// for structures governed by the field act of the hospital facilities seismic safety act, the ceiling must be braced horizontally as well. in addition:

// lighting fixture must be directly supported and laterally braced from the structure above

// the suspended ceiling grid must be designed to provide lateral bracing for ceiling height partition walls not connected to the structure above

Question 41

ou are designing a one story office building with full lot coverage near Lake Tahoe. The neighboring structures are two stories high and also have full lot coverage. How might this affect the roof design?

Answer 41

// due to the prevailing winter weather patterns in lake tahoe, the roof must be designed to resist 50 year snow loads

// because the neighboring buildings are higher, the design must also account for additional loads due to snow drift accumulation next to the adjacent buildings

Question 42

What are the structural implications of concentrated loads?

Answer 42

// all building floors must be designed to resist uniformly distributed, concentrated and impact live loads

// concentrated loads are those created by objects with high weight/area load ratios

// examples are items such as heavy machinery or book stacks

// the floor design may require increased depth of horizontal structural members or the support of additional vertical columns or structural walls

Question 43

What are environmental control systems?

Answer 43

// environmental control systems are the elements of a building that affect occupant comfort

// they can include lighting, heating and cooling, ventilation, and the systems that control them

Question 44

What are four ways to manage energy consumption with respect to space conditioning systems?

Answer 44

// setback thermostats

// centralized programmable controls

// economizer cycles (which allow the option to utilize outside air to reduce conditioned air needs)

// isolate conditioning zones within the building

Question 45

What are four ways to manage energy consumption with respect to lighting systems?

Answer 45

// programmable time switch control devices

// occupant and motion sensors

// automatic daylighting control devices in daylit areas

// dimmer switches

Question 46

The project is located in a historic district. How does this affect design?

Answer 46

// the project must comply with the local historic preservation plan

// in most cases, demolition, exterior alternation, or extensive repairs of the structure are not permitted without prior permission

// major changes or new structures must be compatible with the existing character of the historic district

Question 47

How can sustainable building practices improve occupant comfort?

Answer 47

// natural ventilation removes air-bourne contmainants and reduces ambient noise levels

// natural light and outdoor views enhance mental and physical health

// localized control over temperature and lighting increases occupant happiness

Question 48

Name at least four methods of using building materials in a sustainable manner.

Answer 48

// utilize pre-finished building materials which do not require additional painting or staining

// use sealed concrete floors instead of other floor coverings

// use recycled or salvaged building materials

// utilize building materials manufactured from renewable resources

// utilize wood products harvested from certified forests

// incorporate sufficient space for recycling containers into the design of the building

Question 49

Who sets the standards for building material characteristics?

Answer 49

// OSHA recognized standards and testing organizations such as the american national standards institute (ANSI) or ASTM international (formerly the american society for testing and materials)

Question 50

Which materials have specified standards in the California Building Code?

Answer 50

// concrete

// masonry

// steel

// wood

// glass

// aluminum

// gypsum

Question 51

When specifying green materials and products, what attributes should an architect consider?

Answer 51

// recycled content

// plant based sources

// low chemical emissions

// natural and minimally processed materials

// low embodied energy

// durability and low maintenance

// recyclable after use

// locally produced/available materials and products

Question 52

What are instruments of service and what is important to know about them?

Answer 52

// instruments of service are drawings, specifications, and other documents prepared by the architect and the architect’s consultants solely with respect to the project

// the architect and the architect’s consultants are owners of the instruments of service and retain all common law, statutory, and other reserved rights

// any unauthorized use for future additions or other projects are at owner’s sole risk and without liability to architect or architect’s consultants

Question 53

What factors should be taken into account when deciding on the level of detail to provide in the construction documents?

Answer 53

// the type of project

// the needs of the owner

// the needs of regulatory and permit issuing agencies to determine regulatory compliance

// the sophistication of the contractor or potential contractors

Question 54

Name four effective methods for managing construction document production.

Answer 54

// the use of CAD or documentation standards

// careful planning, scheduling, and oversight

// creation of a library of construction information and technical standards

// effective coordination with consultants

// obtaining owner approval of the construction documents at various intervals

// thorough review and checking procedures

Question 55

What should construction documents show at a minimum?

Answer 55

// the extent, configuration, locaiton, relationships, dimensions, and the quantity and quality of the work

Question 56

Describe the five methods of specifying materials and products.

Answer 56

// proprietary: calls for specific product(s). closed: single product. open: choice of products, contractor may suggest alternates

// performance: describes required end results

// reference: calls for meeting establish standard(s), e.g. ANSI, ASHRAE

// descriptive: requires a detailed technical description of required product

// cash allowance

Question 57

What are the architect’s responsibilities during the bidding phase?

Answer 57

// the architect should assist the owner with:

// obtaining bidding information, bidding or proposal forms, and preparing the form of the owner/contractor agreement

// assembling a project manual that includes general and supplementary conditions and specifications

// establishing a list of prospective bidders or contractors

// obtaining competitive bids or negotiated proposals

// bid validation or proposal evaluation and determindation of successful bid or proprosal, if any

// preparing and awarding contracts for construction

Question 58

What are alternate methods of selecting a contractor besides bidding?

Answer 58

// direct negotitation with a pre-selected contractor

// utilization of the construction manager project delivery method

// design/build by an architect or engineer

Question 59

Name five components of the project bidding documents.

Answer 59

// advertisement/invitation to bid

// instructions to bidders

// bid forms

// information on bid security or bid bond (if required)

// form of owner-contractor agreement

// performance bond, labor & material payment bond (if required)

// general and supplmental conditions of contract

// drawings and specifications

// addenda issued prior to receipt of bids