Project Management & Collaboration Flashcards

An owner requests a fast-track construction approach to compress the schedule. What is the primary risk the architect must communicate?

Answer: Potential for design-construction conflicts due to incomplete documentation when construction begins

Fast-tracking starts construction before full design completion, creating significant risk of conflicts, costly changes, and rework when later design packages are issued.

Which dispute resolution method is typically the least expensive and fastest for resolving construction-phase disagreements?

Answer: Negotiation between parties

Direct negotiation between parties is the quickest and least costly first step, avoiding the procedural costs of mediation, arbitration, or litigation.

A master architect is transitioning a project to a new project manager mid-design. Which action is MOST important for continuity?

Answer: Conduct a comprehensive project handoff meeting with complete documentation transfer

A thorough handoff with complete documentation ensures the incoming PM understands decisions made, open issues, and client relationships without losing project momentum.

In a public sector project requiring competitive bidding, what is the architect's role regarding substitution requests received during the bid period?

Answer: Evaluate substitution requests and issue addenda to all bidders if approved

Any approved substitution must be communicated to all bidders simultaneously via addenda to maintain fairness and equal bidding conditions.

How does a master architect differentiate between a design contingency and a construction contingency in project budgeting?

Answer: Design contingency covers unknown design scope; construction contingency covers unforeseen field conditions during construction

Design contingency addresses incomplete design definition while construction contingency covers unforeseen field conditions, and they are held and expended at different project phases.

Which project delivery method gives the architect the greatest influence over construction quality by maintaining direct oversight of the contractor?

Answer: Design-bid-build

In design-bid-build, the architect acts as the owner's representative during construction administration, providing direct oversight of contractor performance and quality.

A master architect notices that a subconsultant is consistently missing coordination deadlines. What is the most professional corrective action?

Answer: Document the pattern, meet with the subconsultant to identify root causes, and establish a corrective action plan

Documenting issues and addressing root causes through direct conversation allows for corrective action while preserving the professional relationship and project continuity.