Architectural Design Practice Flashcards
7 cards from real Architecture practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Architectural Design Practice flashcards as text
A contractor submits a substitution request for a specified product during bidding. Who has the authority to approve it?
Answer: The architect, typically via addendum with owner concurrence
Substitutions during bidding are evaluated by the architect and, if accepted, communicated to all bidders through an addendum.
Which contract structure gives the owner a single point of responsibility for both design and construction?
Answer: Design-build
In design-build, one entity holds responsibility for both design and construction under a single contract with the owner.
An architect's certificate for payment indicates that work has progressed to the level claimed. What does it NOT certify?
Answer: That the contractor has paid its subcontractors
The architect certifies observed progress and conformance, not how the contractor disburses funds to subcontractors.
A building site slopes steeply and lies partially within a 100-year floodplain. Which early design response is most appropriate?
Answer: Elevate occupied floors above the base flood elevation
Locating occupied space and critical systems above the base flood elevation is the fundamental floodplain design strategy required by code.
What is the primary purpose of a project kick-off meeting with consultants at the start of design development?
Answer: Align scope, schedule, and coordination protocols across disciplines
Kick-off meetings establish shared expectations for deliverables, schedules, and communication before coordinated work begins.
Under standard AIA general conditions, who is responsible for construction means, methods, and jobsite safety?
Answer: The contractor
AIA A201 assigns means, methods, techniques, sequences, and safety programs exclusively to the contractor.
A client asks the architect to reduce the project budget by 15% after design development approval. Which approach best preserves design intent?
Answer: Value engineering that prioritizes cuts by impact on program and quality
Systematic value engineering evaluates each potential cut against program needs so essential quality and function are preserved.