Architecture Firm Management and Practice Exam

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal of an architecture examination?

To determine if an applicant has the minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities to practice architecture independently while safeguarding the public health, safety and welfare.

What is essential to ensure the successful start of an architectural firm?

Getting the right experience, building relationships, and starting with the right people.

What is the key to success in architectural project delivery?

The effective delivery of the project.

What is a critical aspect of architectural practice?

The responsibility to protect the public interest through the design of buildings. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three components of architectural design?

Design, structure, and beauty. Signup and view all the answers

Why are written agreements between an architect and the client necessary?

Because they involve large sums of money, months or years of work, and the original scope of work could become confused over time. Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential aspect of managing an architectural practice?

Efficient management of the practice. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between an architect and their practice?

An architect is both a business person and a professional. Signup and view all the answers

What notification is the contractor required to provide concerning representations made by the sub-contractor?

Extensions of time for approval/rejection Signup and view all the answers

What right does the authority have in relation to the sub-contractor's workshops?

Right of access Signup and view all the answers

What direction can the authority give to the contractor regarding payments to the sub-contractor?

Direction on the amount included in certificates Signup and view all the answers

What must the authority ensure before issuing a further certificate to the contractor?

That all amounts due to the sub-contractor were paid Signup and view all the answers

What action can the authority take if the main contractor defaults on payments to the sub-contractor?

Direct the client to pay the sub-contractor directly Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the sub-contractor fails to complete their work on schedule?

The authority certifies and issues a certificate to the contractor and a copy to the sub-contractor Signup and view all the answers

What power does the authority have in relation to nominated suppliers?

Power to nominate suppliers in respect of items with PC or Provisional sum Signup and view all the answers

What must the authority do with regards to the expenditure of PC or Provisional sum?

Issue instructions regarding expenditure Signup and view all the answers

What should be done soon after the site is handed over to the contractor?

Fix a date of commencement of works. Signup and view all the answers

How is the date of completion determined?

By adding the contract period to the commencement date. Signup and view all the answers

What is the engineer's power regarding the postponement of works?

To issue instructions to the contractor without prejudice to the rights of each party. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of liquidated damages?

To deduct from the money due to the contractor if the work is not completed on time. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the contractor applies for an extension of time?

The engineer estimates the length of delay and grants an appropriate extension of time. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the notification for the revision of the completion date?

To inform the contractor and client of the new project deadline. Signup and view all the answers

What is the engineer's role in ascertaining additional payments due to delays?

To instruct the QS to ascertain the additional payments and include them in the next payment certificate. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the contractor defaults and fails to correct the default within 14 days?

The engineer recommends to the employer to determine the employment of the contractor. Signup and view all the answers

What is the power of the person in charge to ensure competence on site?

The power to order the removal of any person who is not competent or does not speak good enough English. Signup and view all the answers

What is the person in charge's role in relation to access to works or workshops?

They have reasonable access to works or workshops where the contractor is carrying out works. Signup and view all the answers

What is the person in charge's role in relation to the Clerk of Works?

They have the power to direct the Clerk of Works and confirm in writing directives issued to the contractor. Signup and view all the answers

What is the person in charge's power in relation to variations?

They have the power to issue instructions requiring a variation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the person in charge's role in relation to unfixed materials and goods?

They may approve storage of materials on site or elsewhere and may pay for such materials. Signup and view all the answers

What is the person in charge's role in relation to practical completion?

They issue the practical completion certificate when satisfied that the works are practically finished. Signup and view all the answers

What is the person in charge's responsibility after issuing the practical completion certificate?

They shall prepare a schedule of defects for the contractor within the defects liability period. Signup and view all the answers

What action can the person in charge take if the contractor refuses to make good a defect?

They shall deduct from the contractor's balance the cost of any defect the contractor refused to make good. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of indicating the type of roof trusses?

To identify the type of roof structure used in the building. Signup and view all the answers

What information should be provided about the floor finish of each room?

The type of floor finish used in each room. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of indicating the type of flashing used in the roof?

To ensure water tightness and prevent water seepage. Signup and view all the answers

What information should be provided about the wall finish of each room?

The type of wall finish used in each room. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of dimensioning the floor to ceiling height?

To determine the vertical clearance of the room. Signup and view all the answers

What information should be provided about the size of doors and windows?

The width and height of each door and window. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of indicating the type of door or window hardware?

To specify the type of hinges, handles, and other fittings used. Signup and view all the answers

What should the letter of award include?

The awarded sum, completion period, and demand for a letter of acceptance. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Architectural Firm Management

There is no single secret to running a successful architectural firm, but several tips can ensure success:
- Get the right experience before setting up a firm
- Build relationships with clients and stakeholders
- Start with the right people and team
- Balance creativity with commerce
- Be distinctive and innovative
- Focus on effective project delivery
- Don't be afraid to market yourself
- Be cautious with growth and only employ when necessary
- Put proper systems in place for management and operations
- Set aside time for design and creative work

Scope of Architectural Practice

The practice of architecture is a business that requires both professional and business skills
Architecture involves designing spaces that meet human needs, including planning, structure, and beauty
Architects have a responsibility to protect the public interest through their designs
Efficient management of their practice is crucial to success

Conditions of Practice

Written agreements between architects and clients are necessary and desirable to cover services, scope, and payment
Architects have the power to order the removal of incompetent persons on site
Architects have access to works and workshops for inspection and monitoring
Architects have the power to direct clerks of works and issue instructions to contractors

Variations, Provisional, and Prime Cost Sums

Architects have the power to issue instructions requiring variations
Architects must seek client approval for variations exceeding set limits
Architects have the power to issue instructions for expenditure of prime cost and provisional sums
Architects may approve contractor's applications for direct loss and expenses

Unfixed Materials and Goods

Architects may approve storage of materials on site or off site
Architects may approve or refuse contractor's applications to remove materials
Architects may pay for stored materials

Practical Completion

Architects issue practical completion certificates when satisfied that works are complete
Architects may consider contractor's applications for practical completion
Architects prepare schedules of defects for contractors within the defects liability period
Architects may deduct costs of defects from contractor's balance

Liquidated and Ascertained Damages

Architects certify in writing if contractors ought to have finished works
Architects deduct liquidated damages from money due to contractors

Extension of Time

Architects estimate length of delay upon receiving contractor's applications for extension
Architects grant contractors appropriate extensions of time
Architects issue notifications for revision of completion dates

Loss and Expenses Caused by Disturbance

Architects instruct quantity surveyors to ascertain additional payments due to contractors
Architects include such amounts in the next payment certificate

Determination by Employer

Architects issue 2-week notices to defaulting contractors
Architects recommend to employers to determine the employment of defaulting contractors
Architects instruct sacked contractors to remove materials and goods from the site

Nominated Sub-Contractors and Suppliers

Architects have the power to nominate sub-contractors and suppliers with client consent
Architects ensure nominated sub-contractors are not objectionable to main contractors
Architects direct contractors on amounts included for sub-contractors in certificates
Architects notify sub-contractors of amounts included for them in certificates

Certificates and Payments

Architects issue certificates stating the amount due to contractors
Architects issue certificates for practical completion and release of retention sums
Architects issue final certificates and release of balance of retention sums

Fluctuations

Architects state the type of roof trusses, flashing, roofing sheets, and other materials
Architects indicate functions, finishes, and dimensions of rooms, walls, floors, and other elements

Contract Administration

Architects prepare schedules of elevations, openings, and dimensions
Architects prepare contract documents, including the preamble and letter of award
Architects demand a letter of acceptance within a time frame

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Description

This quiz assesses the knowledge and skills required to manage an architectural firm and practice architecture independently, ensuring public health, safety, and welfare.