Architecture Architectural Design Practice 5

Question 1

A contractor claims a delay caused by unusually severe weather. Under AIA A201, what relief is the contractor typically entitled to?

Accepted Answer

A time extension but not additional compensation

Answer

Abnormal weather is generally an excusable, non-compensable delay warranting a schedule extension only.

Question 2

Which drawing set component legally takes precedence when specifications and drawings conflict, absent a stated order of precedence?

Accepted Answer

Neither; the architect interprets and the more stringent requirement often governs

Answer

AIA documents treat drawings and specifications as complementary, with the architect interpreting conflicts rather than a fixed hierarchy applying.

Question 3

During design development, energy modeling shows the proposed all-glass facade fails the energy code's prescriptive path. What is a viable next step?

Accepted Answer

Demonstrate compliance through the performance (whole-building) path

Answer

The performance path allows trade-offs across building systems to demonstrate equivalent whole-building energy compliance.

Question 4

What is the architect's primary role during the bidding phase of a design-bid-build project?

Accepted Answer

Answering bidder questions and issuing addenda to clarify documents

Answer

During bidding the architect assists the owner by clarifying documents through addenda and evaluating bids.

Question 5

An owner occupies a portion of a building before the whole project is complete. What should the architect recommend first?

Accepted Answer

Issuing a certificate of substantial completion for the occupied portion

Answer

Partial occupancy requires documenting substantial completion of that portion to allocate warranties, insurance, and responsibility.

Architecture Practice Test