Regulatory Flashcards
What is the definition of an architect and name two examples of practicing architecture?
Architect: A person who is licensed to practice architecture in the state of CA under the authority of the APA
Practicing Architecture: Offering or performing or being in responsible control of professional services which require skills of an architect in planning of sites, & design (in whole or part) buildings and structures.
What are four example topics the architect would discuss with the client during the pre-design phase?
Pre-design services are outside the basic services, and thus this would have to be put into contract as an additional service for architect to perform. As long as this is in contract to perform, four items could be:
- Location
- Program
- Type of Project (hospital, retail, library, etc.)
- Anticipated schedule
What are two methods of cost estimating you could use during the pre-design phase?
Predesign services are considered an add service and must be in (or added in) for architect to perform.
If in the contract, two cost estimating methods would be:
1. Cost per area (ie cost per sf of construction)
2. Cost per unit (ie cost per hotel unit)
List the sources you would research and reference to determine building setbacks, occupancy, height, and allowable footprint. How would these affect the project?
Building Occupancy: CBC & Local zoning ordinance
Setback & Footprint: Local zoning ordinance/code, specific plan, coastal commission req’s, energy code, & planning dept.
Affect: will all impact buildings design & layout by height, massing, proximity to contextual surroundings, access, etc.
Describe open and closed specifications. What is their purpose? Also define alternates, allowances, & substitutions.
Open Spec: Type of proprietary spec. These will typically list 3 items of materials, products, or systems (equal method)
Closed Spec: These will specify on particular material, product, or system (Sole Source Method)
Purpose: Enables the contractor to know the desired resource for project. Will help define the quality of workmanship desired.
Alternate: Material, product, or system of equal quality as the one listed, but only slightly different so as design isn’t affected.
substitution: Similar to an alternate, but this will affect design.
During a construction visit you, as the architect, notice an area that is non-conforming during the construction admin phase. You inform the contractor and he refused to correct the issue. What should you do, and describe the proper course of action.
The architect should make not of the item and issue. Inform the Owner of situation. Schedule meeting between Architect, Contractor & Owner to discuss and come to a collective resolution whether to correct the item or leave it be. If owner wants to correct (and architect concurs) and contractor insists on not correcting, Owner and Architect will issue a construction change directive signed by both. As soon as signed and recorded, contractor must then correct the item.
Why and how does the inspection of an essential services building differ from the inspection of a standards building?
ESB are regulated by the Essential Services Building Act. Thus, the main difference will be the amount or required inspections and their frequency.
‘The building owner shall provide for, & local enforcement agency shall require competent, adequate, & detailed inspection by a qualified inspector.’ (ESBA)
A standard building will have inspections by qualified inspector only when necessary during the construction process.
List 3 items of discussion when you meet with the electrical subcontractor during a construction site meeting.
The architect would not meet with subs during the construction process. Since they are specifically contracted with the GC, It is the GC’s responsibility to coordinate their own subs. The reason for this is that is exposes the architect to more liability if something is directed/said to subs incorrectly with out proper procedure and protocol.
List 3 specific documents that the architect would generate in the construction document phase and explain purpose of each
- Working/Construction Drawings: Will indicate building design/layout & integration of engineered systems through graphic representation of all work to be done with respect to measurements, arrangements, location and quantity of materials, equipment, structure, and building systems.
- Specs: Provide technical info about quality of materials, products, and or systems shown on drawings as well as quality of installation
- Updated Written Program: Ensures the project requirements are met and are up to date with the construction documents and specs.
List 5 items required to be within the contract for architectural services between you and your client
Services Compensation Addresses New Work (add services) Termination
List 2 methods of cost estimating procedures you would use during schematic design phase
- Area method: Base on cost per unit area
- Unit Use Method: Estimate based on the cost of one unit multiplied by the total number of units in the project. (ie a hotel unit costs ‘y’$$, Estimate = (y)x(total units in hotel))
You are finished with the construction docs and are in the permit process and your client wants to bid the job now rather than wait for the approved permit. They explain that this is necessary bc they are loosing time and money while the local agency is reviewing the docs for granting the permit. How would you respond?
Architect should advise owner that unforseen revisions may be forthcoming, & if owner bids the job now the prices could be inflated to account for this contingency. Advise owner to wait, bc it will save money in the long-term of the project
How are inspections different in essential services projects in regard to seismic conditions?
List 3 items of concern
- Non-structural components used for emergency backup & emergency communications systems will require inspections for adequate seismic bracing.
- The buildings structural framing system will need close inspection to ensure the structure is built to remain in operation after an earthquake.
- The buildings foundation will require close inspection to ensure the structural framing is properly attached for seismic load transference to the ground.
The GC finds a discrepancy between the drawings and the specs during the construction phase, which document should the GC follow, and why?
Neither doc would govern. The contractor needs to bring the issue to the Architect’s attention who will inform the owner/client, and a meeting should be set up to resolve issue.
The GC submits an app for payment for work that is not completed and is not decided on which will not cause a delay in the construction schedule. As the project Architect, what would you do?
The architect would reject the invoice until the work is completed and decided on.
The architect would inform contractor, in writing, that the payment will not be approved for this until a final decision is made on the work.
What docs are included in the schematic design phase, and what is the purpose of each?
- Drawings: sketches describing approximate size, shape & relationships of building areas. Client will be presented with design options meeting project requirements, and owner will select the design they want to move forward with into the DD Phase.
- Outline spec: Will begin to define selection of major materials & equipment with a brief description.
- Updated Program: Will include description of project, time, goals & restrictions, space relationships, estimate of probable construction costs. This would be updated as design evolves.
