Domain 3 - Design Process

Question 1

Describe the purpose of the schematic design documents.

Answer 1

1.) The architect/engineer reviews and evaluates the owner’s
program and budget requirements and offers alternative approaches to the design of the project.
2.) The architect/engineer prepares schematic design documents for the owner’s approval.

Question 2

What the types of drawings are prepared for the schematic design
phase?

Answer 2

preliminary sketches, small-scale schematic plans, elevations, sections, diagrams, renderings, digital models, and other graphic and written documents that illustrate the general extent, scale, and relationship among the project components.

Question 3

Describe the purpose of the Preliminary Project Description (PPD)

Answer 3

The PPD describes the scope and relationships of major elements organized in terms of building systems and components. The PPD should include information suitable for preliminary cost estimates, time schedules, and initial value analysis studies. A PPD may include both performance criteria and some major product identification depending on the progress of the design and the decision-making process.

Question 4

Which of the following CSI classification standards
is recommended for organizing a PPD?

MasterFormat®
UniFormat®
OmniClass

Answer 4

UniFormat

Question 5

Which of the following cost estimating techniques is most appropriate during the schematic design phase?

Order of Magnitude
Unit of Measure
Assemblies/Systems
Unit Price

Answer 5

Unit of Meaurement

Question 6

Describe the purpose of the design development documents.

Answer 6

The design development phase follows the owner’s approval of the schematic design and any necessary program or budget adjustments. The emphasis shifts from overall relationships
and functions to more technical issues of constructability and integration of systems and components. Aesthetic concerns move from massing arrangements to materials, surfaces, and details.

Question 7

Identify the types of drawings prepared for the design development phase.

Answer 7

• Site plan
• Floor plans
• Elevations
• Building sections
• Perspective and renderings
• Digital modeling
• Structural plans
• Fire protection plans
• Landscape plans
• Mechanical plans
• Grading and drainage plans
  *any specialty consultants’ drawings

Question 8

Describe the purpose of outline specifications.

Answer 8

Outline specifications can help the owner become more familiar with and understand building elements, products, and standards. They also serve a variety of purposes for other entities,
including lenders, estimators, construction managers, and code officials. Outline specifications are more than a table of contents for the final project manual; they are a record of decisions
about specific materials, equipment, systems, methods, manufacturers, and special fabrication requirements.

Question 9

Which of the following CSI classification standards
is recommended for organizing outline specifications?

MasterFormat®
UniFormat®
OmniClass®

Answer 9

Masterformat

Question 10

Describe the type of information provided within outline
specifications.

Answer 10

Outline specifications typically include information about manufacturers, materials, manufactured units, equipment, components, and accessories. If the information is unique
to the project, they may also describe material mixes, fabrications, and finishes, along with installation, erection, and application procedures.
*Reference standards involving products and installation may be listed.
*Special submittal requirements beyond the norm, such as unusual samples, mockups, special testing requirements, and maintenance materials, should be listed.
*Special qualifications for manufacturers, fabricators, or installers may also be included, as well as a description of any extended or special warranty requirements.
*Fabrication and workmanship requirements are only included when such information has an impact on product
or installation grades, cost, or time schedule

Question 11

Which of the following cost estimating techniques is most appropriate during the design development phase?

Order of Magnitude
Unit of Measure
Assemblies/Systems
Unit Price

Answer 11

Assemblies/Systems

Question 12

There are several estimating techniques that can be used during the design stage. Each technique requires different information, will require different amounts of time to complete,
and will produce a greater or lesser degree of accuracy.

What are the 4 methods of cost estimation?

Answer 12

Order of Magnitude
Unit of Measure
Assemblies/Systems
Unit Price

Question 13

Order of Magnitude

Answer 13

Per unit of Occupancy, “a ballpark” estimation, uses database costs.
Most often used during Programming or Schematic Design. Least accurate at 20 to 25% of the actual cost

Question 14

Unit of Measure

Answer 14

Per unit of area or volume. Cost per square ft. Usually applied during the Schematic Design Phase. Accuracy at 15 to 20% of the actual cost

Question 15

Assemblies/ Systems

Answer 15

A cost per unit of assembled construction is used to form the estimate. Accuracy at 10% of the actual cost
Use CSI Uniformat
Used during the Design Development Phase

Question 16

Unit Price

Answer 16

A unit price estimate uses a complete, detailed list “take-off” of the project materials, components, and other cost items for the entire project. Most accurate at 3 to 5 % of the actual cost
Uses CSI Masterformat
Used during Construction Document Phase

Question 17

Describe the Aim of Aesthetic Design.

Answer 17

Aesthetic design aims to communicate the owner’s values and the facility’s purpose by incorporating components that elicit sensory responses in anyone who may have contact with the project. “ The WOW factor!

Question 18

Describe how the Functional requirements of a building are
conveyed to the design team.

Answer 18

The Functional requirements, such as how the building should function and the descriptions of required spaces, are provided to the design team through the Owner’s Program.

Question 19

Identify the types of regulatory requirements that directly influence
the design.

Answer 19

1.) Building Codes (Local, state, Federal)
2.) Land Development regulations/ Zoning Ordinances
3.) Accessibility
4.) FEMA regulations

Question 20

Contrast between codes/regulations and reference standards

Answer 20

In themselves, reference standards are not Mandatory in the same sense as codes and regulations—reference standards are Voluntary. However, some Reference Standards are adopted by Code and Regulations.

Question 21

Explain how sustainability may be required on a project

Answer 21

The owner may have included sustainability as a programming provision by requiring compliance with one of the voluntary sustainability programs, such as LEED® and Green Globes. In some cases, the jurisdictions may have incorporated sustainability requirements into the adopted building code (e.g., the State of California) or provided for it as a code path alternative (e.g., adoption of the International Green Construction Code [IgCC®]).

Question 22

Describe the purpose of a Constructability review.

Answer 22

The simplicity or complexity of a design can have a direct effect on the construction cost and schedule. Constructability is the evaluation of the practical and economic effects of decisions
made during the design. Systems and components are reviewed and evaluated for costs.

Question 23

Explain the importance of working within the project’s budget.

Answer 23

Providing a design that is within the owner’s established budget is as important as complying with the owner’s program. By not providing a design within the owner’s budget, the architect/
engineer could spend a considerable amount of additional work and money revising the design to bring the project within budget.

Question 24

Addresses the actual costs the owner will expect to pay for constructing, operating, and maintaining the project regardless of best price considerations. Life cycle costs may be used in a value analysis to determine which option is best.

Answer 24

Life Cycle Cost

Question 25

Looks at the best value the owner will receive based on a review
of potential options that may be incorporated into the project.

Answer 25

Value Analysis

Question 26

Identify the costs that are included in determining life cycle costs

Answer 26

1.) Design Fees
2.) initial cost of Construction
3.) Operating equipment/energy costs
4.) Maintenance and Replacement costs
5.) Renovations, additions improvements
6.) Salvage

Question 27

Describe the importance of timing in the value analysis process.

Answer 27

The earlier the value analysis process is implemented in the design process, the more efficient and effective it can be.
The later the value analysis process occurs in the project, the more disruptive it can be to design and scheduling, resulting in less value retained in the project.

Question 28

Describe the common recommendations that result from a value analysis.

Answer 28

*Elimination of non-essential items
*Modifications to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems
*Identification of new technologies which tend to be higher
risk alternatives but have greater return potential
*Identification of items that can be eliminated from initial
construction and added later without disruption
*Substituting desired products for less expensive products
*Reduction or elimination of non-essential details

Question 29

Describe the potential benefits and possible drawbacks of value analysis.

Answer 29

Benefits:
* Enhances project value
* Reduces initial or long-term costs
Drawback:
* Can be problematic if used solely for reducing construction costs
* Implementing too late could be disruptive to design and scheduling

Question 30

Value Analysis, Value enhanced Design, Value Management, or Value Engineering

Answer 30

the process of evaluating a design to identify potential alternative methods, systems, or materials that will benefit the project by enhancing the life cycle value.

Question 31

What are three methods that can be used to minimize the impact of unknown project variables?

Answer 31

1.) Allowances
2.) Alternates
3.) Unit prices.

Question 32

A specified monetary sum, or a specified quantity of work not otherwise defined by the drawings and specifications, but which
the contractor is required to include in the bid or price.

Answer 32

Allowance

Question 33

What are two different types of allowances?

Answer 33

1.) cash allowances
2.) quantity allowances

Question 34

A monetary sum specified by the architect/engineer and included in the cost of the work to pay for products that are unspecified at the time of pricing. This type of allowance allows pricing to proceed before all products have been selected and documented in the design.

Answer 34

Cash Allowance

Question 35

A specified quantity of work to be used when the actual quantity is
unknown. Unit prices are established based on the this allowance. Contractor pricing is based on the unit price times this allowance. Once the quantity is determined, the contract sum is adjusted using the unit price and the actual quantity provided.

Answer 35

Quantity allowance

Question 36

What is an alternate?

Answer 36

A defined portion of the work that is priced separately and
thus provides an option for the owner in determining the final
extent (scope) of the project. The alternate provides the
owner with a choice between different products or it can
define the addition or deletion of a portion of the work.

Question 37

What is a unit price?

Answer 37

A stipulated or quoted price for a single, specified unit of work.

Question 38

Describe the advantages/disadvantages of using Allowances?

Answer 38

Advantage:
‣ Allowances allow pricing to proceed before all products have been selected and documented in the design or before actual quantities are known.

Disadvantage:
‣ Cash allowances are blindly priced for installation since the installation cost is not included in an allowance.
‣ Allowances may increase project cost since they cannot be
competitively priced.
‣ Too many allowances complicate procurement and awarding activities.

Question 39

Describe the advantages/disadvantages of using Alternates?

Answer 39

Advantage:
‣ Provides the owner with a choice between different
products or it can define the addition or deletion of a
portion of the work.
‣ Allows owners to make use of the funds available for a
project, particularly on public projects where the project
funds must be expended, or the project administrator will
lose the funds.

Disadvantage:
‣ The design team must spend additional time and effort to prepare
the construction documents containing numerous alternates.
‣ Bidders and proposers must also spend additional time and effort to prepare accurate prices for alternates.
‣ Bidders and proposers have to consider the impact on the project that an alternate may have—if it is accepted.
‣ Alternates often increase the complexity of procurement, evaluations, and contracting procedures.

Question 40

Describe the advantages/disadvantages of using Unit Prices?

Answer 40

Advantage:
‣ Unit prices are useful where the type of work is defined,
but the extent of the work is not known or is likely to change.

Disadvantage:
‣ Too many unit prices complicate procurement and awarding activities.

Question 41

What establishes the quality of a project?

Answer 41

The quality of a project is established in the contract documents. The contract documents are prepared as a result of the design process. Since the requirements for the project include the
owner’s program, building codes and other regulations, schedule, and budget, they will establish the requirements to which a quality design must conform.

Question 42

Define Quality Assurance?

Answer 42

Quality Assurance is defined as: The procedures for guarding against defects and deficiencies before and during the execution of the work.

Question 43

Define Quality Control?

Answer 43

Quality Control is defined as: The procedures for evaluating completed activities and elements of the design for conformance with the requirements.

Question 44

Describe how quality assurance and quality control can be concurrent?

Answer 44

Quality assurance and quality control are not exclusive of each other. Quality control for one action may become quality assurance for the next step in a process. For example, the review of documents and preparation of cost estimates at the end of the schematic design phase are quality control processes. However, they also serve as quality assurance processes for the design development phase by ensuring that project requirements are being met before proceeding to the next phase.

Question 45

List the four Quality Assurance activities done during Design.

Answer 45

*Obtaining data indicating performance, properties, and other attributes, which meet the requirements. This may include lists of certified products.
*Developing and using project checklists
to track decisions and tasks.
*Reviewing the building code and performing a code analysis
to ensure compliance.
*Reviewing the owner’s program to thoroughly
understand its requirements.

Question 46

List the three Quality Control activities done during Design.

Answer 46

*Jurisdictional plan reviews of submitted documents for building permits
*Peer reviews or internal reviews of completed documents
*Cost estimates to verify the project is within budget

Question 47

True or False

A total project commissioning is both a Quality Assurance process as well as a Quality Control process which utilizes an independent 3rd party company to provide services that may include monitoring the owner’s project requirements and verifying that the requirements are incorporated into the basis of design.

Answer 47

True

Question 48

A tool that can help document decisions during the design process. Some of these software applications are developed for general project management, whereas others are specifically designed for design teams.

Answer 48

Project management applications: Newforma, BQE Core, Workflow Max, Deltek

Question 49

Describe the purpose for maintaining records during the design
process.

Answer 49

Documentation will usually be examined years after being written because dates and details that may not seem important during the project may be extremely useful later. It is necessary to document important design decisions. Should a problem occur later in design or during construction, a record would provide a means of researching how the problem developed based on previous design decisions.

Question 50

What is The International Organization of Standards (ISO) ISO 9000?

Answer 50

A series of related standards that have become an internationally accepted framework for developing internal improvement procedure based on quality management and quality assurance

Question 51

Name tools that can help to document design decisions.

Answer 51

1.) Building Information Modeling (BIM)
2.) Checklists
3.) Meeting Minutes

Question 52

The overall selection process includes establishing product requirements and identifying and evaluating products for incorporation in the project.

Describe the product evaluation and selection process.

Answer 52

Thorough product evaluation involves the following activities:
* Establish performance requirements for products, assemblies, equipment, and the facility
* Identify types of products with attributes that comply with the performance requirements that are established for the project
* Obtain product information from catalogs, websites, and product representatives
* Select specific products based on their performance history in similar applications,
their compatibility with other selected products, and their life cycle value
* Understand the environmental impacts of product and assembly options
* Consider alternatives
* Present product selections to the owner
* Document selections

Question 53

Describe the five types of products ?

Answer 53

Materials
Commodities
Products
Assemblies/fabrication
Equipment (building utility)

Question 54

Naturally occurring substances, compounds, liquids, or resources that are extracted, harvested, recycled, processed, or otherwise converted from a raw state into an asset with desirable physical properties useable for the construction of facilities. Materials are frequently intended for a single purpose or function, whether that be the manufacture of products, or direct installation or incorporation in the work

Answer 54

Material

Question 55

Goods that can be uniformly and consistently produced by
various manufacturers with the same predetermined quality.

Answer 55

Commodities

Question 56

Configurations of various materials that are manufactured
into a self-contained unit that has certain physical properties.
These are intended for a specific purpose or function that can
be installed, applied, or incorporated into the work.

Answer 56

Products

Question 57

Configurations of materials and products that are assembled,
fabricated, built, formulated, or mixed on-site or off-site prior
to being installed or incorporated in the work

Answer 57

Equipment

Question 58

Configurations of materials, products, and assemblies/
fabrications in a self-contained form with an operational
function either within a larger equipment unit or for a single
purpose. This product type can be installed or incorporated
in the work, and it is frequently connected to some form of
building utility service.

Answer 58

Assemblies and Fabrication

Question 59

Standard Products

Answer 59

Standard products are produced in quantity and stacked for shipment on receipt of a purchase order.
Manufacturing equipment is set to fabricate the product expeditiously and efficiently.

Question 60

Custom Products

Answer 60

Non standard products: May require prepayment; submittals; minimum purchase orders, custom colors, Lead time, Testing and certification, and proprietary products

Question 61

Identify the influences on product selection

Answer 61

Product selection can be influenced by one or more of the following factors:
* Project program
* Project budget
* Project schedule
* Regulatory requirements

Question 62

Describe how attributes are involved in product evaluation

Answer 62

An attribute is a characteristic of product performance. Based on project needs for a
particular product, the relevant attributes are established which are then used to determine the Requirements, Criteria, and Tests.

Question 63

Describe the three essential considerations of an attribute

Answer 63

*Requirements: Desired results, usually in qualitative terms. More than one of these may be defined for a single attribute.

*Criteria: Performance criteria for a requirement stated in quantitative or qualitative terms. Must be either measurable or observable. Several of these may be needed to completely and accurately define a requirement.

*Tests: Means of verifying conformance with performance criteria and a measure of actual or predicted performance level.

Question 64

Describe the eight attribute categories used during product evaluation

Answer 64

1.) Physical Properties
2.) Performance
3.) Sustainability
4.) Safety and protection (fire, life, property)
5.) Manufacturers
6.) Installers (manufacturer installation/warranties)
7.) Cost (material, labor, replacement)
8.) Maintenance (cost of Life Cycle of material and equipment)

Question 65

Describe methods for obtaining product information

Answer 65

*Online Resources: Manufacturer websites generally provide the catalogs, datasheets, installation instructions, product declarations, test reports, evaluation reports, drawing details, and guide specifications about their construction products.

*Evaluation Reports: A service offered by model code-writing organizations is the
evaluation of building materials and products. Manufacturers can submit sample units, product information, test reports, and other information for evaluation. If the material or product is determined to be compliant with the model code, an evaluation report will be issued indicating the acceptance.

*Product Representatives: Manufacturer employees or third-party companies that provide product information have access to current information and sometimes provide assistance in selecting the appropriate products for project. Exhibit detailed knowledge, competence, a willingness to consult, and a history of honest and ethical dealings is an important resource to the team.

Question 66

Describe the services that product representatives
provide to the design team.

Answer 66

*Specification Preparation:
Provides generic product descriptions; identifies applicable standards;
assists in determining options and accessories; describes related
work; clarifies questions on delivery, storage, and handling; explains
limitations, compatibility issues, and preparation/installation procedures;
and provides guide specifications.
*Drawing Preparation:
Provides technical assistance and advice in drawing development.
*Cost Estimating:
Knows the differences in product prices and knows the difference in
total installed costs among the various grades, models, and finishes of
the products they represent.
*Representative Construction Costs:
Assists in determining the costs associated with mockups and
field samples.
*Project Conditions:
Willing to visit the project site and make recommendations.
*Manufacturers:
Familiar with the available products from the manufacturer(s) they
represent. Should be able to name other qualified competitive
manufacturers.
*Code Considerations:
Understands local codes and the effect on the products. They should be
able to reference applicable codes and identify requirements that must
be met for the project to comply.

Question 67

Describe how Building Information Modeling (BIM) is utilized during
the design process

Answer 67

BIM is a collaborative technology platform and all design team members with access can update the model. During the design process, the design team will hold BIM planning meetings that may include consultants, the contractor and subcontractors, and other stakeholders who can provide valuable early feedback and input to the design process. BIM provides a record of actions that show what was changed, when it was changed, and by whom it was changed.