Archive for category Study Questions

How do you intend to keep your knowledge of codes, products and technologies current?

By participating in continuing education activities including AIA, ICC and CalBO conventions, seminars and events; as well as meeting with product reps to understand new products and technologies, as well as ways these products are used in this state. Also, keeping up-to-date reference material, codes and industry magazines in the office.

When faced with a compressed schedule on a project what are your office’s options?

The owner should be informed that the schedule that they are requesting will require additional services to be achieved, and verify that this schedule can not be adjusted to be feasible without additional services. If the schedule can not be adjusted options may include hiring more staff, working client-approved overtime, forming a joint-venture with another [...]

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How will you manage the liability of an architectural practice? Who will you consult with regarding these decisions?

• Set a high standard for product quality control; including internal and peer reviews as well as consultation with experienced professionals. • Make sure all company records are complete and up-to-date; • Be sure employees are properly trained; • Get safety tips for your type of business from your insurance company. Consult with an attorney [...]

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How will you organize your office in terms of delegation of responsibilities? How will your responsibilities differ as a licensed architect? How will your ensure quality control?

My office will be organized into project teams. Project managers will be responsible for day-to-day communications with clients and consultants as well as delegation of tasks to draftsmen and architectural interns. As the licensed architect I will act as the principle-in-charge and ultimately be in responsible control of all instruments of service produced by the [...]

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What different forms of business entities are available for you to choose from in forming an architectural practice in California? List one positive and one negative aspects of each?

a. Sole proprietorship i. Positive – simplifies decisions and allocation of responsibilities ii. Negative – personal liability b. General partnership i. Positive – no local or state filings are necessary to create ii. Negative – personal liability c. Limited Liability Partnership i. Positive – limited personal liability ii. Negative – limited partner can’t make management [...]

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After this project is complete, your firm decides to seek more historic preservation projects. What 3 parts of your business plan would you modify?

a) Mission statement – “Our firm will strive to protect and restore the historic fabric of our city” b) Marketing strategy – Experience in historic preservation – design and consulting c) Portfolio – Demonstrate extent and quality of services provided http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/plan/writeabusinessplan/index.html

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You read in the newspaper during construction that the bond issue that will raise money to complete the facility has not passed. What do you anticipate the GC will do?

The GC will probably prepare to file a stop notice, and halt work on the project. He will probably file a claim for the retainage for unpaid work.

After substantial completion and prior to occupancy, the owner receives an electric bill they do not wish to pay because they do not occupy the building. What do you recommend?

Utilities are transferred to the owner at substantial competition (AIA 201/9.8.4). Once the date of substantial completion is determined by the architect, the project is presumed to be ready to be occupied whether the client wants or not.

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The GC files a claim against the owner, due to an unstoppable stoppage of work. What is the procedure the architect should follow?

Sometimes owners proceed with the contract and the construction prematurely, before having in hand all such essentials as clear title to the land, lessor’s permission, legal rights of way, adequate construction financing, or all necessary governmental approvals. The lack of any of these indispensable elements at the appropriate time could result in a work stoppage. [...]

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After substantial completion, the GC gives warranties to the owner. A defective window is then found. Who’s responsibility is this, the owner or GC?

Contractor’s warranty extends after substantial completion until expiration of applicable statue of limitations period — in addition, one year correction period exists. Thus Owner must give prompt notice to Contractor and opportunity to fix. The one year period is extended by work after substantial completion but not by corrected work. (ch 12, A201)

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