Contract Development/ Project Planning Flashcards
Define an Architect as set forth in the Architects Practice Act
An Architect is a person who is licensed by the California Architects Board to practice architecture in the State of California under the authority of the Architects Practice Act
What are the two codes that make up the Architects Practice Act
- Business and Professions Code - Chapter 3, Division 3.
- California Code of Regulations - Title 16, Division 2.
How does the Practice of Act define the Architects Practice of Architecture?
Offering or preforming, or being in responsible control of professional services which require the skills of an architect in the planning of sites and the design, in whole or in part, of buildings or groups of buildings and structures.
This Appliesto all persons whether licensed or not, whether they are independent consultants, firm principals or employees.
What is the purpose of the California Architects Board and what department is it a subdivision of?
Purpose: to regulate the practice of architecture to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public.
The CA Architects Board(CAB) establishes the minimum professional qualifications and preformance standards for admission to and practice of the profession of architecture.
CAB is a division of the Department of Consumer Affairs.
What is in “responsible control” as defined by the Architects Practice Act?
Responsible Control means the amount of control over the content of all architectural instruments of service during their preparation that is ordinarily exercised by architects applying the professional standard of care.
An architect cannot stamp and sign documents not produced under his/her responsible control.
Can an architect demostrate responsible control even if a project drawing set is produced outside of his/her office?
Yes, as long as the architect is maintaining responsible control, drawings can be produced in another office or in another part of the world.
What are the consequences for practicing without a license or holding one’s self out as an architect?
Misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $100 or more than $5000 or by imprisonment in a county dail not exceeding 1 year, or both.
Must a licensed architect stamp and sign documents? Why?
Yes. All persons preparing or being in responsible control of plans, specifications and instruments of service for others shall sign those documents and all contracts as well as affix a stamp as evidence of the person’s responsibility for those documents.
Does a licensed architect need to stamp and sign documents for structures unlicensed individuals are allowed to design?
Yes. Even though an unlicensed individual can design certain structures, once licensed, an architect must sign and stamp all documents within his/her responsible control.
This requirement applies to all types of projects since it addresses a responsibility imposed on the architect not the project.
What five items are required to be on an architects stamp?
- Name of Architect
- License Number
- Renewal date(not expiration date)
- State of California
- Licensed Architect
Who has the responsibility of verifying a licensed individual has produced project plans and specifications?
It is the responsibility of the agency that issues the permit to determine that the person who signed and stamped the plans and specifications or who submitted the signed statement is licensed to prepare the plans and specifications.
What are three liability factors an architect is not responsible for once project documents are signed and stamped?
- Not responsible for unauthorized hanges to plans, specs, reports or documents as long as approval was note unreasonably withheld.
- No legal duty to observe the construction of fixed works.
- Construction Observation is periodic observation to determine general compliance with plans, specs, etc. Not to supervise construction operations, site conditions, equipment or site safety.
How does the Architects Handbook of Professional practice define standard of cade?
The architect is required to do what a reasonably prudent architect would do in the same community and in the same timeframe, given the s same or similar facts or circumstances.
What does SCANT stand for?
S - Services (Description of services to be performed)
C - Compensation (Basis of Compensation
A - Addresses (Name, address, license number of architect & Name and address of client)
N - New Services (Additional services at hourly rate)
T - Termination (Description of procedure for termination of contract)
Under what conditions is a written contract not requried?
- Professional services rendered when the client will not pay compensation.
- Arrangement as to the basis for compensation is similar to provided in the past for the same client.
- If the client knowingly states in writing after full disclosure that a contract is not required.
- Professional services rendered to a registered professional engineer.
How is the practice of architecture administered and which agency regulates it?
The practice of architecture is administered in three ways:
1. Examination
2. Licensing
3. Enforcement
The California Architects Board(CAB) is the regulating agency.
What type of structures can drawings be prepared for by an unlicensed individual?
- Single family detached dwellings of wood frame construction no more that 2 stories plus basement in height.
- Multiple dwelling units(no more than 4) wood frame construction, 2 stories + basement in height.
- Garages or similar of wood frame construction, 2 stories + basement in height.
- Wood frame agricultural and ranch buildings, unless deemed unsafe by building official.
Name six violations that can result in a license being suspended or revoked?
- Violation of Architects Practice Act.
- Fraud in obtaining a license.
- Impersonating an Architect.
- Negligence or willful misconduct.
- Incompetency or recklessness
- Disciplinary action taken by another public agency.
Can Architects for an LLC?
No.
According to the Corporations code, a domestic or foreign LLC is not permitted to render Professional services, which means that architects cannot legally form an LLC.
When does a license expire and what are the guidelines for renewal of an expired license?
Expire on the last day of the birth month of the license holder in each odd numbered year, following hte issuance or renewal of the license.
Can be renewed anytime within 5 years of expiration. A license which is not renewed within 5 years after its expiration may not be renewed, restored or reissued.
According to the CA code of Regulations, how must the term “ Architect” be used?
It is unlawful for any person to used a business name that includes as part of its title or description of services the term “Architect”, “architecture” or “architectural”, or any abbreviations or confusingly similar variations thereof, unless that person is a business entity where an architect is owner, employee, or in management control of the professional services being provided.
What stipulations are placed on a person who uses the term “Architect” in their business name?
If a person uses a business name that includes as part of its title or description of services the term “ architect”, or any abbreviations or confusingly similar variations thereof, all professional services offered and provided by that person are to be offered and provided by or under the responsible control of an architect.
Name three situations that would be considered a conflict of interest to an architect?
- an architect shall not accept compensation for services from more than one party on a project unless the circumstances are fully disclosed to and agreed by all parties.
- An architect shall not solicit or accept monetary compensation for specifying materials or products.
- An architect shall endeavor to secure faithful performance for all parties to the construction contract and shall not show partiality to any party.
What methods are available for Architects to limit their exposure to professional liability?
- Efficient in-house organization and communication
- Select projects carefully & work within the firm’s capability
- Carry the necessary types & amounts of insurance
- Utilize a written contract
- Documentation and approvals of key decisions.
- Provide contract administration services.
According to the Architects Practice Act, how are architects who preform voluntary building inspection at the site of an emergency protected from liability exposure?
Architects who preform voluntary building inspection at the site of an emergency at the request of a local official shall not be liable in negligence for any damage caused by good faith but negligent inspection (only within 30 days of emergency).
Describe the five types of insurance coverage a firm owner should carry.
- Professional Liability(errors and omissions - protects against damages
- General liability - protects against damages from an architects office operations on a job site.
- Workers Compensation - protection for work related injuries.
- Auto - comprehensive liability policy.
- Property - protection from fire, theft, loss, etc.
Which type of insurance is required by the state of CA?
Auto and workers compensation.