BLArch Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Practice And Ethics 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A landscape architect is hired directly by a contractor rather than by the owner. Which ethical concern is most significant in this arrangement?
- Increased project liability for the landscape architect
- Potential conflict of interest compromising independent professional judgment (Correct answer)
- Reduced fee negotiating leverage for the designer
- Inability to coordinate with engineers on the project
Correct answer: Potential conflict of interest compromising independent professional judgment
When hired by a contractor, the landscape architect may face pressure to favor contractor interests over owner welfare or public safety.
Question 2: In a design-build delivery method, what is a primary ethical consideration for the landscape architect?
- Ensuring the contractor receives the highest possible profit margin
- Maintaining design quality and public welfare even when cost pressures from the builder arise (Correct answer)
- Limiting communication with the owner to avoid confusion
- Deferring all design decisions to the engineer of record
Correct answer: Maintaining design quality and public welfare even when cost pressures from the builder arise
In design-build, the landscape architect must balance commercial integration with their independent duty to uphold design quality and public welfare.
Question 3: Which type of contract most clearly ties landscape architect compensation to actual costs incurred plus a fixed fee?
- Lump sum contract
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (Correct answer)
- Percentage of construction cost contract
- Unit price contract
Correct answer: Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract
A cost-plus-fixed-fee contract reimburses all documented expenses and adds a predetermined fee, aligning compensation with actual effort.
Question 4: A landscape architect's construction observation role primarily involves:
- Supervising laborers and directing daily work sequences
- Visiting the site periodically to observe whether construction conforms to contract documents (Correct answer)
- Taking responsibility for contractor means and methods
- Approving all contractor material submittals before purchase
Correct answer: Visiting the site periodically to observe whether construction conforms to contract documents
Observation means periodic visits to assess general conformance with documents; the landscape architect does not supervise construction means and methods.
Question 5: An owner wants to reduce project costs by eliminating erosion control measures during grading. A landscape architect should:
- Accept the change since cost decisions are the owner's prerogative
- Advise the owner of regulatory requirements and environmental risks, then document the decision in writing (Correct answer)
- Immediately withdraw from the project
- Instruct the contractor to install controls anyway without telling the owner
Correct answer: Advise the owner of regulatory requirements and environmental risks, then document the decision in writing
The landscape architect must inform the owner of legal requirements and consequences, then document the outcome to protect all parties.
Question 6: Which form of business entity provides landscape architects the most personal liability protection?
- Sole proprietorship
- General partnership
- Limited liability company (LLC) or corporation (Correct answer)
- Joint venture without a formal agreement
Correct answer: Limited liability company (LLC) or corporation
LLCs and corporations limit personal liability of members or shareholders, unlike sole proprietorships or general partnerships.
Question 7: A landscape architect advertises their services claiming specific outcomes they cannot guarantee. This violates which ethical principle?
- Stewardship of natural resources
- Honesty and truthfulness in communications (Correct answer)
- Obligation to advance the profession
- Duty to report code violations
Correct answer: Honesty and truthfulness in communications
Advertising that makes unwarranted guarantees is deceptive and violates the profession's ethical standards for honest communication.
BLArch Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Practice And Ethics 3
A landscape architect is hired directly by a contractor rather than by the owner.
Which ethical concern is most significant in this arrangement?