Architecture Architectural Design Practice 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An architect receives an RFI revealing a conflict between the structural and architectural drawings. What is the proper response?
- Issue a written clarification or supplemental instruction resolving the conflict (Correct answer)
- Tell the contractor to build whichever is cheaper
- Wait until the punch list to address it
- Instruct the contractor verbally on site
Correct answer: Issue a written clarification or supplemental instruction resolving the conflict
Document conflicts must be resolved in writing, typically through an architect's supplemental instruction or clarification drawing.
Question 2: Which insurance protects an architect against claims of negligent errors or omissions in professional services?
- Workers' compensation insurance
- Professional liability insurance (Correct answer)
- Builder's risk insurance
- General liability insurance
Correct answer: Professional liability insurance
Professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance covers claims arising from negligent performance of professional services.
Question 3: During site analysis, an architect studies solar orientation primarily to inform which design decisions?
- Selection of interior paint colors
- Elevator cab finishes
- The plumbing riser layout
- Building massing, glazing placement, and shading strategies (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Building massing, glazing placement, and shading strategies
Solar orientation drives passive design decisions such as massing, window placement, and shading to control heat gain and daylight.
Question 4: A change order differs from a construction change directive (CCD) in that a change order requires what?
- Only the architect's signature
- A new building permit
- Agreement of the owner, contractor, and architect on cost and time (Correct answer)
- Approval by the building official
Correct answer: Agreement of the owner, contractor, and architect on cost and time
A change order is a fully agreed modification signed by all parties, while a CCD directs work to proceed before agreement on cost or time.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of a punch list at project closeout?
- To establish the construction schedule
- To calculate liquidated damages
- To release the contractor from all warranty obligations
- To document incomplete or nonconforming work requiring correction (Correct answer)
Correct answer: To document incomplete or nonconforming work requiring correction
The punch list records remaining items the contractor must complete or correct before final completion.
Question 6: An architect designing a mixed-use building must separate the residential and retail occupancies. Which code mechanism governs this?
- Fire-rated occupancy separation assemblies per the building code (Correct answer)
- Zoning setback requirements
- ADA accessibility clearances
- Energy code envelope requirements
Correct answer: Fire-rated occupancy separation assemblies per the building code
The building code requires fire-resistance-rated separations between different occupancy groups in mixed-use buildings.
Question 7: Which fee structure exposes the architect to the greatest financial risk if the project scope is poorly defined?
- Stipulated lump sum (Correct answer)
- Hourly with a not-to-exceed limit favoring the architect
- Percentage of actual construction cost
- Hourly with no cap
Correct answer: Stipulated lump sum
A fixed lump-sum fee absorbs all extra effort from scope growth, making it riskiest when scope is uncertain.
Architecture Architectural Design Practice 4
An architect receives an RFI revealing a conflict between the structural and architectural drawings.
What is the proper response?