Archive for category Study Questions

What is your responsibility as the licensed professional stamping documents? How would your responsibility change if a construction manager was involved in the job?

A licensed architect’s responsibilities are outlined in both the California Architect’s Practice Act and the Owner-Architect Agreement, AIA B101. The architect is charged with acting in accordance with the standard-of-care in preparation and administration (responsible control) of the instruments of service in connection with a contracted project. If a construction manager were involved in the [...]

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A project you have contracted is subject to CEQA. What steps can you expect in the CEQA process and how do they impact the project?

a. The lead agency will examine project to see if it qualifies for a categorical or statutory exemption. If so they may issue a notice of exemption. b. If not exempt the lead agency performs an initial study to determine if the project will have any significant negative impacts on environmental quality. If no the [...]

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You have been contracted to design a 12,000 sf multi-family publicly funded housing project one block from the beach in San Diego

What agencies will have jurisdiction on this project? How would these agencies change if the project were located in San Francisco? Authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) will include the Department of Housing and Community Development, the DSA-AC, the SFM and would be subject to CEQA process. In addition the project would be under the jurisdiction of [...]

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You have been contracted to design a 20,000 sf sheriff’s department in Monterey.

What agencies will have jurisdiction on this project? What consultants will be required on this project? What special provisions will a project of this type carry and how will that affect your scope and fee? For an essential services building such as this sheriff’s station the DSA-SS would review structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing provisions. [...]

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You have been contracted to design a 30,000 sf hospital adjacent to a river in Sacramento

What agencies will have jurisdiction on this project? What consultants will be required on this project? For a state-owned hospital the authorities having jurisdiction would include the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development’s Facility Development Division which would be the lead agency in the CEQA process. In addition, the State Fire Marshall, the DSA-AC [...]

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When is a contract for architectural services required?

What items must the contract contain? a. A contract is required for architectural services unless the work is pro-bono, part of an existing on-going agreement with a client, the client has requested that no contract be formed after being informed of the statutory requirement, the work is for a licensed surveyor or structural engineer. b. [...]

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Your office is involved in a project in which the client has not paid for your services, what would you do?

How would your options and response change depending on the stage of the project? Regardless of the stage of the project, the first step would be to contact the owner or owner’s representative to discuss the issue and make sure they are aware. If payment is subsequently not made, I would provide written notice that [...]

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How will you market and present your firm? How will this differ if your firm is large or small?

I will first formulate a clear mission statement and compelling marketing material following a marketing strategy that focuses on specific project-types and client-bases. In a large firm maintaining a consistent business identity will be more challenging as there are more factors and people involved, requiring clear office standards. In a small firm the greater challenge [...]

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You have been contracted to design a 30,000 sf nursing home, which is a project-type you do not have experience designing

What would you do to ensure your design is appropriate? I would consult with a qualified expert in accessibility and barrier-free design, and potentially form a joint-venture with another firm with experience in this project-type. I would consider adding staff with experience with this job type, researching similar projects, meeting with http://www.oshpd.ca.gov/ agency people early [...]

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How would you respond if an employee told you they planned to moonlight on a project outside your office?

I would discourage this activity as it has the potential to create liability as an employer, to reduce productivity, and to compete with my business entity. In no case may any office time or resources by used for moonlighting activities.

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