Architectural Design Practice Test 2 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A specification that specifies the precise quantities and grades of materials that must be supplied.

Reference specs
Descriptive specs (Correct answer)
Propriety specs
Specifications

Correct answer: Descriptive specs

Descriptive specifications provide a detailed written description of the required properties, characteristics, and quality of materials, products, or workmanship without naming specific brands or manufacturers. They outline the precise quantities, grades, dimensions, and installation methods, allowing contractors to select suitable products that meet the specified criteria. This contrasts with proprietary specs (naming specific products) or reference specs (referring to standards).

Question 2: The construction drawings and specifications specify the criteria for a project's construction in great detail.

Construction Drawings
Contract Docs
Construction Docs (Correct answer)
Uniform documents

Correct answer: Construction Docs

Construction Documents (often abbreviated as CDs) are the comprehensive set of drawings, specifications, and other written documents that define the scope of work, materials, methods, and quality standards for a construction project. They serve as the legal and technical basis for bidding, permitting, and actual construction, providing all necessary information for contractors to build the project according to the architect's design.

Question 3: Parts or elements are arranged in suitable proportion or relationship to make a unified whole.

Diagram
Composition (Correct answer)
Pattern
Organization

Correct answer: Composition

In architecture and design, 'composition' refers to the arrangement and organization of various parts or elements within a design to create a cohesive, harmonious, and unified whole. It involves considering principles like balance, rhythm, proportion, and hierarchy to achieve a desired aesthetic and functional outcome. The effective composition ensures that all elements work together rather than appearing disparate.

Question 4: After passing the board exam, architecture graduates are eligible to take the Board Exam on a conditional basis.

False
In some Occasion
True (Correct answer)
Maybe

Correct answer: True

In many jurisdictions, architecture graduates are allowed to begin the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) on a conditional basis, often referred to as 'concurrently,' while they are still accumulating their required supervised experience hours. This means they can take parts of the board exam before fully completing all experience requirements, making them conditionally eligible to sit for the exam sections.

Question 5: For a project, the architect is chosen using the ______

Referral (Correct answer)
Bidding
Non-listed
% Construction cost

Correct answer: Referral

Architects are frequently chosen for projects through referrals, which are recommendations from previous clients, contractors, or other industry professionals. This method emphasizes trust, reputation, and proven performance, as clients often rely on the positive experiences of others when selecting a professional for their design and construction needs. While other methods exist, referrals are a very common and effective way architects secure new projects.

Question 6: The main focus of Architect's services is .

Billing
Design Services (Correct answer)
Design & Build
Construction

Correct answer: Design Services

The primary and most fundamental service provided by an architect is design. This encompasses conceptualization, space planning, aesthetic development, and the creation of detailed drawings and specifications that translate a client's vision into a buildable project. While architects may also be involved in construction administration or project management, their core expertise and unique contribution lie in the creative and technical aspects of design.

Question 7: Consultants, technical staff, and architects are paid according to the number of hours they spend

Multiple of direct personnel expense (Correct answer)
Fixed fee
Professional fee plus expenses
% of construction cost

Correct answer: Multiple of direct personnel expense

The 'Multiple of Direct Personnel Expense' (MDPE) is a common method for calculating professional fees, especially for architects and consultants. Under this method, the direct salary or hourly wage of the personnel working on the project is multiplied by a predetermined factor. This factor accounts for overhead costs (such as office space, utilities, administrative staff) and a profit margin, ensuring that the firm covers its expenses and earns a reasonable return.

Question 8: Is a set of instructions that supplements or modifies a set of drawings or specifications & the contract's general terms and conditions

Specifications
Drawings
Special provisions (Correct answer)
Supplementary specs

Correct answer: Special provisions

Special Provisions, also known as Supplementary Conditions or Special Conditions, are a part of the contract documents that modify or supplement the General Conditions and Specifications to address specific requirements unique to a particular project. They cover items not adequately addressed in standard documents, such as site-specific conditions, unusual materials, or unique legal and administrative requirements, ensuring the contract is tailored to the project's exact needs.

Question 9: The following processes are involved in architecture, with the exception of?

Building (Correct answer)
Structuring
Planning
Designing

Correct answer: Building

Architecture primarily involves the processes of planning, designing, and structuring buildings and other physical structures. While architects oversee and guide the construction process, they typically do not perform the actual 'building' or physical construction themselves. That role falls to contractors and construction workers. Architects provide the blueprints and specifications, but the execution of the physical construction is distinct from their core services.

Architectural Design Practice Test 2

A specification that specifies the precise quantities and grades of materials that must be supplied.