NCARB practice

Question 1

Is the architect responsible for assisting the owner in determining the lowest and best bid in a Construction Manager as Constructor (CMc)-delivered project?

Answer 1

No, in a Construction Manager as Constructor (CMc)-delivered project, the architect is not responsible for assisting the owner in determining the lowest or best bid. However, in a design-bid-build project, the architect is responsible for providing assistance during the bidding phase.

Question 2

What is the purpose of reducing redundancy in construction drawings?

Answer 2

Reducing redundancy in construction drawings helps manage the duplication of elements, increasing the efficiency of the drawings.

Question 3

What is default scheduling in construction documentation, and how does it improve efficiency?

Answer 3

Default scheduling is the practice of scheduling building components that cover the majority of project conditions. It reduces the size of construction documents by efficiently documenting typical and repetitive items.

Question 4

What are instructional systems in construction documentation, and what is their purpose?

Answer 4

Instructional systems are drawings and notes that graphically guide contractors in understanding the documentation. They define defaults and identify exceptions, reducing the need for extra sheets in a set of documents.

Question 5

How can architects structure fees for projects with repetitive unit types to ensure fair compensation?

Answer 5

Architects can use a fixed fee for preliminary design, a fixed fee for construction documents for each unit type, and a reuse fee for all subsequent units. This method efficiently compensates for the initial design, base construction documents, and repetitive use of designs.

Question 6

Why would a project divided into two construction phases require additional architectural fees?

Answer 6

Additional fees are needed because:

Permit and Bidding Costs: Each phase requires separate permit applications and bidding processes, effectively doubling the workload for these tasks.

Construction Administration Costs: Construction administration services must be performed for each phase, doubling the effort required to oversee and manage construction activities.

Question 7

What does workers’ compensation insurance cover, and is it always needed for construction projects?

Answer 7

Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs for employees injured on the job.

Yes, it is always required by law for construction projects with employees.

Question 8

What does commercial property insurance cover, and is it always needed for construction projects?

Answer 8

Protects physical assets, such as buildings, equipment, and furniture, against damage or loss from events like fire, theft, or natural disasters.

No, it is not always required but highly recommended for contractors with owned property or equipment.

Question 9

What does business income insurance cover, and is it always needed for construction projects?

Answer 9

Covers lost income and ongoing expenses (e.g., rent, payroll) if business operations are interrupted due to a covered loss.

No, it is not typically required but may be helpful for firms with significant overhead costs.

Question 10

What does professional liability insurance cover, and is it always needed for construction projects?

Answer 10

Covers claims related to professional errors, negligence, or failure to deliver services as promised.

Yes, it is essential for architects, engineers, and other design professionals involved in construction projects.

Question 11

What does general liability insurance cover, and is it always needed for construction projects?

Answer 11

Protects against claims of bodily injury, property damage, or personal injury (e.g., slander) caused by business operations.

Yes, it is always required for construction projects to protect against third-party claims.

Question 12

What does employee health insurance cover, and is it always needed for construction projects?

Answer 12

Provides health benefits for employees, covering medical care, prescriptions, and preventive services.

No, it is not required for all projects, but it is mandatory for businesses with 50 or more full-time employees under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Question 13

Why is it reasonable for an employee to agree not to solicit clients from their former firm for a minimum of six months after leaving?

Answer 13

This protects the hiring firm’s client list and provides adequate time for the firm to adjust to the employee’s departure. It is a standard and reasonable practice in professional agreements.

Question 14

Why is creating an accessible, cloud-based, multi-platform virtual studio space beneficial for a firm?

Answer 14

It allows staff to work flexibly from various locations and devices (laptops, digital pads, phones) while accessing all firm resources, including BIM elements, product specifications, and drawing files for design and documentation.

Question 15

When would a Bridged Design-Build delivery method typically be applied?

Answer 15

A Bridged Design-Build delivery method is used when the design team and contractor collaborate, with the architect providing the design and the contractor handling the construction. This method is ideal when the design needs to be fixed early, but flexibility is still needed during construction.

Source: AIA Contract Documents, Construction Management Resources

Question 16

When would an Architect-Led Design-Build delivery method be applied?

Answer 16

An Architect-Led Design-Build delivery method is used when the architect wants to manage both design and construction processes, often in smaller projects or when the architect wants greater control over the entire project. This approach may be challenging when the architect lacks experience in certain areas or lacks sufficient staffing.

Source: Project Delivery Methods Handbook, AIA

Question 17

When is a Joint Venture Design Team with a Landscape Architecture Firm typically used?

Answer 17

A Joint Venture Design Team with a Landscape Architecture Firm is used when a project requires specialized knowledge that the primary architect lacks, such as landscape design. This collaboration allows the architect to focus on their strengths while ensuring that the project meets all technical and design requirements.

Source: NCARB Guidelines, Design-Build Delivery Models

Question 18

Why is it important for architects to explain to the owner that designs are not tangible goods for sale?

Answer 18

It is important because designs, including drawings and other intellectual work, are the intellectual property of the architect, protected under U.S. copyright laws. The architect retains ownership of these designs and cannot be transferred as physical goods. This is typically outlined in the AIA Owner-Architect Agreement to clarify that the architect’s work is not for sale in the same way physical products are.

Source: AIA B101 Owner-Architect Agreement, U.S. Copyright Law

Question 19

Overhead rate =

Answer 19

total indirect expenses / total direct labor expenses

IE / DE

Question 20

Why is “Client type” an important factor in determining the architectural fee for a project?

Answer 20

The type of client (e.g., a client with multiple projects planned, such as a hotel chain) can influence the architect’s fee structure. A long-term client relationship with future projects may lead to discounted or adjusted fees due to the scale and commitment.

Sources: AIA B101 Owner-Architect Agreement, Practice Management Best Practices.

Question 21

How does “Project delivery method” affect the architect’s fee?

Answer 21

The project delivery method (such as design-bid-build, design-build, etc.) impacts the architect’s level of involvement, responsibility, and risk. These factors should be accounted for in the fee, as different methods require varying amounts of work and coordination.

Sources: AIA B101 Owner-Architect Agreement, Project Delivery Methods.

Question 22

Why is “Standard of care expectations” important in determining an architect’s fee?

Answer 22

Higher expectations for the quality and level of service provided by the architect can increase the scope of work. As a result, fees may need to be adjusted to account for the additional time, effort, and resources required to meet these standards.

Sources: AIA B101 Owner-Architect Agreement, Practice Management Best Practices.

Question 23

Why does “Contractor’s GMP” (Guaranteed Maximum Price) not directly affect the architectural fee?

Answer 23

The GMP is related to the contractor’s budget and risk but does not directly impact the architect’s compensation. The architect’s fee is generally determined based on factors such as scope, services, and complexity of the design, rather than the contractor’s budget.

Sources: AIA B101 Owner-Architect Agreement, Construction Management Practices.

Question 24

How does “Jurisdiction of construction” influence the architectural fee?

Answer 24

While the jurisdiction affects the legal and regulatory environment, it does not directly determine the architect’s fee. Factors like local codes, permits, and compliance requirements may influence the work involved, but the fee is more heavily influenced by scope and complexity.

Sources: AIA B101 Owner-Architect Agreement, Project Management Best Practices.

Question 25

Why doesn’t “Owner-consultant coordination” directly affect the architect’s fee?

Answer 25

While coordination between the owner and consultants is important, it does not directly affect the architect’s fee. Fees are typically based on the architect’s scope of services, project complexity, and delivery method rather than the coordination tasks with consultants.

Sources: AIA B101 Owner-Architect Agreement, Practice Management Best Practices.

Question 26

Why is implementing a standard detail library of material assemblies important?

Answer 26

A standard detail library helps save junior staff time by preventing the need to redraw or recreate details for construction documents. It also reduces the potential for errors and omissions, improving overall efficiency and accuracy.

Sources: Best Practices in Architecture, Project Management Guidelines.

Question 27

When should general business coverage be applied?

Answer 27

General business coverage should be applied to protect against risks such as property damage, theft, or injury related to day-to-day operations of the business, regardless of the specific profession. This is a standard insurance policy for any business.

Question 28

When should professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance be applied?

Answer 28

Professional liability insurance should be applied when offering professional services like architecture or engineering, as it protects against claims of negligence, errors, or omissions in the performance of professional duties. It is often required by clients or contracts, especially in construction and design.

Question 29

When should worker’s compensation insurance be applied?

Answer 29

Worker’s compensation insurance is required when a business has employees. It covers medical expenses and lost wages for employees who are injured or become ill due to their job. It is legally required in most jurisdictions for companies with employees.

Question 30

When should health insurance be applied?

Answer 30

Health insurance may be provided to employees as a benefit but is not typically a requirement to fulfill contractual obligations unless specifically stated in a contract or required by law, depending on the jurisdiction and the firm’s size.

Question 31

When should director’s insurance be applied?

Answer 31

Director’s insurance (Directors & Officers Liability Insurance) is used for businesses with a formal board of directors. It protects directors and officers from legal actions taken against them for their decisions. This is generally applied to larger companies or those with complex governance structures.

Question 32

When should umbrella insurance be applied?

Answer 32

Umbrella insurance should be applied when a business needs extra liability coverage beyond what is offered by other policies like general liability or professional liability. It can be used to cover large claims or incidents that exceed regular coverage limits, but it’s not always a requirement unless specified in a contract.

Question 33

What is the standard of care expected in an architecture contract?

Answer 33

The standard of care refers to the level of professional skill and care typically provided by architects in the same or similar locality under similar circumstances. It ensures the architect’s services meet industry expectations but does not guarantee that the project will meet financial targets unless explicitly stated in the contract.

Source: AIA Contracts, Architecture Professional Practice Guidelines

Question 34

What happens if there is a cost overrun on a project with a specified construction cost limit?

Answer 34

If cost overruns occur, the architect may be held responsible if they failed to meet their contractual obligations, such as providing cost estimates within the agreed-upon limit. The contract’s terms will govern, and any cost increases outside of the architect’s control need to be well-documented.

Source: AIA B101, Owner-Architect Agreement

Question 35

What role does the written agreement play in determining architect responsibility for cost overruns?

Answer 35

The written agreement between the owner and architect sets clear terms for the project, including budget limits. If cost overruns exceed those limits, the architect may be found liable if they failed to manage the project according to the contract, regardless of the standard of care.

Source: AIA B101, Owner-Architect Agreement

Question 36

How does arbitration impact the resolution of a cost overrun dispute?

Answer 36

In arbitration, the focus will be on whether the architect fulfilled the terms of the contract, including managing costs within the specified limits. If the architect provided services consistent with professional care but failed to meet contractual terms, they could be found responsible for the overrun.

Source: AIA Contract Documents, Dispute Resolution Methods

Question 37

Why might an architect be held accountable for cost overruns despite following standard procedures?

Answer 37

An architect could be held accountable if the cost overruns occurred due to their failure to adhere to specific contractual terms, such as the agreed-upon budget. Even if they performed to the professional standard of care, breaching the contract’s financial conditions can lead to liability.

Source: AIA B101, Owner-Architect Agreement