You notice that concrete on a job site seems to be cracking excessively. Should you order testing if none was noted in the contract documents?

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) [...]

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What is the significance of substantial completion and what is the architect’s role in this project milestone?

a. The significance of substantial completion is:
– it is the end of the contract time (owner-contractor agreement)
– it begins the warranty/correction period
– it begins the period for statute of limitations on professional liability
– it signifies the work is complete enough for the [...]

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How would you limit your client’s potential exposure to liens or other encumbrances on their property?

By using the AIA G700-series documents, or similar documents, to properly record the contractor’s schedule of values, provide site observation to verify validity of contractor’s applications for payment, and to ensure that consent of the bond surety is secured prior to the release of any retainage or final payment to the contractor, as well as [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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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