Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a key benefit of maintaining an organized office appearance?
What is a key benefit of maintaining an organized office appearance?
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a factor in promoting workplace health and productivity?
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a factor in promoting workplace health and productivity?
What should architects consider when engaging office maintenance services?
What should architects consider when engaging office maintenance services?
What has increased the specialization of securing data and information systems in architectural practices?
What has increased the specialization of securing data and information systems in architectural practices?
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Which area is a primary concern for an architectural practice regarding security?
Which area is a primary concern for an architectural practice regarding security?
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What is one advantage of having an office manual?
What is one advantage of having an office manual?
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How can an office manual assist in the hiring process?
How can an office manual assist in the hiring process?
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Which aspect should the office premises reflect according to the content provided?
Which aspect should the office premises reflect according to the content provided?
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What form can an office manual take?
What form can an office manual take?
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Why might principals require staff to sign an acknowledgment of the office manual?
Why might principals require staff to sign an acknowledgment of the office manual?
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What should a minimum standard for office security include?
What should a minimum standard for office security include?
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What is a recommended practice for managing office keys?
What is a recommended practice for managing office keys?
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When is it appropriate to re-key locks in an office?
When is it appropriate to re-key locks in an office?
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What does commercial office insurance typically protect against?
What does commercial office insurance typically protect against?
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Which is NOT usually included in a commercial property insurance policy?
Which is NOT usually included in a commercial property insurance policy?
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What additional coverage might a home-based business require?
What additional coverage might a home-based business require?
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Which of the following is an extension to property insurance?
Which of the following is an extension to property insurance?
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Which of the following is a good practice regarding project documentation?
Which of the following is a good practice regarding project documentation?
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What type of liability should a practice consider in relation to automobile coverage?
What type of liability should a practice consider in relation to automobile coverage?
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Why is key control important in an office setting?
Why is key control important in an office setting?
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Study Notes
Office Manual
- An office manual is a guide for both management and staff, outlining the operation of architectural practices.
- It can be a hard-copy binder, digital format, or located on secured networks or intranets.
- The format should be appropriate to the practice's size.
- It promotes consistent treatment of all staff, ensuring fairness.
- The manual is helpful when interviewing and hiring new staff, providing clear answers to questions about firm policies.
- It can also communicate the firm's philosophy, goals, and mission statement.
- Many practices require staff to acknowledge reading and agreement to the manual terms.
Office Premises
- The office premises are a central operational and promotional hub.
- The physical appearance reflects the practice's image and organization.
- It provides opportunities to display built projects and current designs, creating a lasting first impression on visitors and clients.
- The space should be orderly, well-organized, and reflect the firm's philosophy.
- The office should support efficient organization and control of documentation.
- It can showcase design that promotes staff well-being, productivity, and sustainable practices.
Maintenance
- Maintaining the physical appearance and building systems demonstrates organization and enhances public and private image.
- Engage a reliable maintenance person for addressing minor repairs.
- Regular office cleaning is essential, with frequency based on firm size and activity levels.
- Cleaning services may be part of an office lease agreement.
- When engaging service providers, consider security and requirements for bonded companies.
Security
- Two key areas of security concern are data and information systems and perimeter security.
Security of Data and Information Systems
- This area requires specialized management by IT professionals and service providers.
- Threats of data theft and misuse have increased, impacting practice integrity.
- Threats can arise from both internal and external sources.
- A minimum standard should include an electronic alarm system connected to a signal device or a centralized security monitoring office.
- Control of office keys is vital due to staff turnover.
- Maintaining a master log for key distribution and retrieval is important.
- Re-key locks regularly based on staff turnover.
- Many offices replace physical keys with access credentials like swipe/scan cards or fobs.
Office Insurance
- Protect physical assets beyond professional liability insurance.
- Commercial office insurance policies are "package" offerings, covering common threats and losses.
- Extensions included in commercial policy packages:
- Office contents
- Accounts receivable
- Exterior signs
- Personal effects of employees
- Glass coverage
- Valuable papers
- Property off premises
- Property in transit
- Newly acquired location coverage
- Crime coverage
- Policy should include commercial general liability (CGL) protection.
- Consider other insurance protection, like:
- Tenants' legal liability coverage
- Non-owned automobile liability coverage
- Employer's liability protection
- Home-based businesses may require a "home-run business" endorsement on home insurance.
- Insurance brokers can advise on office insurance requirements.
Filing and Retrieval Systems
- Thoroughly document all project activities and communications.
- Documentation minimizes potential conflicts and strengthens defense in case of claims or legal actions.
- Web-based project management solutions provide automated archiving, security, and information management.
Filing Systems
- A successful system provides a central location for project documents and communication, ensuring easy information retrieval.
- Consider printing file numbers on all correspondence to facilitate routing and filing procedures.
- Don't create files unless sufficient documentation or correspondence warrants them.
- If multiple subjects are discussed, copy and place the communication in all relevant files.
- Two main types of filing systems are needed:
- Management of the practice information
- Management of the project information
- Confidential filing systems should be organized for practice management information, including employee records, insurance, and financials.
- Establish a filing system for marketing materials and communications for new commission opportunities.
- Separate files are often established for each project, usually filed by project number.
Retaining Files
- Maintain records beyond project completion due to potential claims.
- Good records facilitate defense preparation.
- Maintaining electronic records is standard practice.
- Review provincial or territorial statutes of limitations to determine record retention duration.
- At minimum, project records should be retained until after the limitation period for pursuing professional errors or omissions claims.
- The time period varies by province or territory.
Archiving Project Records
- Organize records to ensure order, labeling, currency, and easy retrieval.
- This is essential for information retrieval done by individuals not involved in the original project.
- Some firms place a copy of all final reports in the office library for future project reference.
Archiving Electronic Files
- Archive electronic files.
- Cloud-based storage and mass storage devices simplify electronic file archiving.
- Test backups and file storage systems regularly to ensure data integrity.
- Verify compatibility of older files with new software.
The Office Library
- Maintain a reference library for information related to:
- Building design and architectural practice
- Technical information on building products (product literature and samples)
- Standards, codes, and other information like statutes and regulations
- Information and practice bulletins from provincial and territorial architectural licensing authorities.
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