Standardized Forms in Architecture Practice

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is NOT a primary purpose of job descriptions in human resources management?

Assisting in performance evaluation of staff

Clarifying the organization of practices

Identifying human resource overlaps or deficiencies

Determining salary increases for employees (correct)

Which of the following is typically included in a job description?

Recommendations from previous employers

Special conditions of employment related to the position (correct)

Personal interests of the applicant

Mandatory health and safety training

A 'Statement of Account' in financial management is primarily used to:

Document employee performance

Track outstanding invoices and payments (correct)

Record details of job applications

Provide a summary of marketing activities

Which form is primarily utilized in marketing to introduce services to prospective clients?

Letter of introduction Signup and view all the answers

Which item should NOT be included in a job description?

Desired salary range Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the standardized forms in an architectural practice?

To assist in the overall business administration of the practice Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements regarding modern software programs for architectural practices is incorrect?

These programs can only operate individually and cannot integrate with other systems. Signup and view all the answers

Why should all employees be familiar with the forms adopted by the practice?

To effectively manage business operations and administration Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant trend in practice management related to the use of forms?

Integrating instructions for the use of forms within the forms themselves Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect does the Handbook emphasize regarding architectural practice forms?

Forms should reflect a basic level of information necessary for understanding practice fundamentals. Signup and view all the answers

What type of expenses is it preferable to issue separate invoices for?

Fees for basic and additional services and reimbursable expenses Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a fee calculation sheet?

To determine payroll and other costs of providing the service Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary to effectively utilize the fee calculation method?

Access to historical data on actual effort hours Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following phases is NOT mentioned as part of the life cycle phases for fee calculation?

Permit acquisition Signup and view all the answers

What kind of projects benefit from breaking down life cycle phases into subdeliverables?

Complex projects Signup and view all the answers

What information should be included in a fee calculation sheet?

Project name, construction value, and list of services required Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key result of maintaining a project cost control chart?

Enhanced tracking of payroll costs specific to the project Signup and view all the answers

What role do blended hours’ rates play in fee calculation?

They provide an average rate for different services provided Signup and view all the answers

Why might a project require separate invoices for additional services?

To simplify the payment process for the client Signup and view all the answers

What does the calculation of fees typically rely on aside from projected costs?

An estimate of effort hours required for each life cycle phase Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Standardized Forms in Architectural Practice

Architectural firms utilize standardized forms for business administration and management.
Forms help manage the operations of the practice, including financial, project, and human resources information.
Practices often customize forms to suit their specific needs.
Software programs or platforms can integrate various aspects of firm's operations, allowing for planning, monitoring, and control of resources.
These systems often include features for financial, operational, and project information.
The forms provided in this chapter represent a basic level of information needed for understanding fundamental aspects of architectural practice.

Office Manual

All employees should be familiar with the forms adopted by the practice.
Architects should include the forms in an office manual.
Directions for using specific forms should be provided in the office manual.

Practice Forms

The text outlines various forms for different aspects of an architectural practice.
Forms for human resources management include: job descriptions, application forms, interview evaluation forms, job acknowledgement letters, and job regret letters.
Financial management forms include: statements of accounts, record of drawing reproductions, record of telephone calls, and purchase orders.
Marketing forms include: letters of introduction, resumes, project data sheets, and client contact data sheets.

Forms for Human Resources Management

Job descriptions are useful for recruiting, understanding responsibilities, clarifying organizational structure, evaluating performance, and identifying human resource needs.
Job descriptions should include: job title, employment status, reporting structure, duties and responsibilities, educational requirements, experience requirements, professional association requirements, and specific conditions of employment (skills, travel, languages).

Forms for Financial Management

Fee calculation sheets are used to determine the costs of providing services, identifying personnel and consultants, scheduling work, and assisting with client negotiations.
The sheet should include: project name and number, construction value, required services, and fee forecast (payroll costs, consultant's fees, overhead, and profit).
Project cost control charts can track payroll costs related to a specific project.
These charts include: employee name, time period, project name and number, type of work activity, tabulation of daily and weekly activities, and signatures from employee and supervisor.

Forms for Project Management

Expense claim forms serve as accounting records, records for invoicing, and project budgeting tools.
They include: claimant name, time period, approval signature, purpose of expense, project name and number, itemized list of expenses (travel, parking, meals, lodging, other expenses), amount of any advances, total amount claimed, and claimant's signature.
Purchase orders are not typically used by architectural firms but may be used in larger organizations..

Stamps

Stamps are used for various purposes in written communication.
Received/routing stamps are used to register the date of receipt of incoming documents and indicate their routing or circulation.
Other common stamps include: "For Deposit Only," "Day File," and "Copy".

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the essential standardized forms used in architectural firms for business administration and management. This quiz covers how these forms help in managing financial, project, and human resources, and the importance of including them in an office manual for employee familiarity.