Sharkitecture.NET

Given the recent spat of discipline actions against those who have posted questions from the ARE, we have decided to do an internal review of all study questions related to the CSE (California Supplemental Exam) to ensure that we are not in violation of Section 123 of the Business and Professions Code (see Security of Examination). We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause but feel this is a necessary precaution to ensure a fare and honest exam experience. As questions are cleared, we will post them again. In the mean time, feel free to post questions on the AREforums.

We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the AREforums.

Well, my exam went well.  I don’t have the results (obviously) but the process went very well.  Even though I live in San Diego and the exam was in Anaheim (less than 2-hour drive), I booked a hotel room in nearby Buena Park.  The hotel was cheap and convenient.  I had dinner with a friend who was also taking her exam.  Afterwards I went to my room and studied some more and went to bed.  Thanks to some Tylenol PM I was able to get a good night sleep and started studying some more.  My exam was right after lunch so I grabbed a bite on the way to the exam.  Studied some more in the parking lot (what else you going to do while you wait?).   I signed in for the 20-min review period and was escorted up to the exam floor.  All the exams are given in the hotel suites on the same floor (5th floor to be exact).  Unfortunately, we had to wait way longer than we should have considering we were the first group of the day, but eventually I was taken to my exam room.   The examiners were friendly and patient and I felt comfortable.  It helps that I felt (and was) well prepared for the exam - unlike the last time.  Obviously I can’t discuss the exam itself but the material here proved to be very helpful in preparing me for the exam.

Read about San Francisco City Hall’s $1 million ramp.

Within 7 days, notify the Owner and Contractor in writing the reasons for withholding the certification in whole or in part.

The Contract Documents are intended to be fully cooperative and to the be complimentary. If the Contractor observes that any documents are in conflict, the Contractor shall promptly notify the Owner in writing.

In case of conflicts between the Contract Documents, the order of precedence shall be as follows:

1) Change Orders or Work Change Directives
2) Addenda
3) Special Provisions (or Special Conditions)
4) Technical Specifications
5) Plans (Contract Drawings)

As the architect in this situation I would report my concern to the contractor, and if they are still unresponsive I would issue written notice of the situation to the owner. Under AIA A201 Owner-Contractor Agreement the owner is entitled to either perform the required work themselves and remove the costs from the contract sum, or terminate the contract with the contractor.

Who pays for this testing?

According to AIA B201 the architect my order testing or inspections of work if they believe it to be in the best interest of the owner. If I had concerns of this nature I would first inform the owner, then consult with the structural engineer (if the problem were structural) before ordering testing as appropriate. This testing would be paid by the owner, however if the test showed a failure the cost of the test and the replacement of the work would be born by the contractor.