CLA Professional Practice & Ethics Flashcards
6 cards from real CLA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 CLA Professional Practice & Ethics flashcards as text
What is the primary difference between a landscape architect's 'construction observation' and 'construction inspection' role?
Answer: Observation is periodic site visits to general conformance; inspection implies continuous oversight and acceptance of each element
Observation is periodic, professional-judgment visits to assess general conformance; inspection implies a more rigorous, continuous, and often code-required review of each element.
Under ASLA's Code of Professional Ethics, a landscape architect discovers their client is violating environmental regulations on the project site. What is the primary ethical obligation?
Answer: Advise the client of the violation and recommend corrective action
ASLA ethics require professionals to uphold laws and advise clients of violations, giving the client the opportunity to correct the situation before escalating.
What is an 'errors and omissions' (E&O) insurance policy designed to protect against?
Answer: Professional negligence claims arising from design mistakes or omissions
E&O (professional liability) insurance covers claims that a design professional's errors or omissions in their work caused financial harm to a client.
A landscape architect is hired as a consultant by a civil engineering firm. Who typically holds the prime contract with the owner in this arrangement?
Answer: The civil engineering firm (prime consultant)
As a sub-consultant, the landscape architect contracts with the prime (civil engineer), not directly with the owner.
What is the purpose of a 'geotechnical report' in landscape architecture project development?
Answer: To evaluate soil bearing capacity, composition, and groundwater for grading and foundation design
A geotechnical (soils) report provides data on subsurface conditions critical for grading design, retaining wall foundations, drainage, and pavement design.
Under ADA law, who is responsible for ensuring a newly designed public landscape complies with accessibility standards?
Answer: The owner, with the design professional responsible for meeting standards in the documents
The owner bears ultimate legal responsibility for ADA compliance, but the design professional is obligated to produce documents that meet ADA/ABA standards.