Free Master of Architecture: Standard Professional Practice Of Architects Questions and Answers

Question 1

Who governs architecture?

Accepted Answer

PRC-PRBoA

Answer

In the Philippines, the practice of architecture is governed by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) through its Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture (PRBoA). The PRBoA is responsible for regulating the architectural profession, including the examination, registration, and licensing of architects, as well as enforcing ethical standards and professional conduct.

Question 2

Are registered and licensed architects the same?

Accepted Answer

Yes, an architect must be both licensed and registered.

Answer

In many jurisdictions, including the Philippines, 'registered' and 'licensed' are often used interchangeably or refer to a combined process. To legally practice architecture, an individual must typically pass a professional licensure examination and then be officially registered and issued a license by the regulatory body. Therefore, an architect must hold both the registration and the license to practice legally.

Question 3

Are "Architect" and "Architect-of-Record" interchangeable?

Accepted Answer

No, the Architect is a generic word while AoR is a specific function of a professional architect.

Answer

'Architect' is a general term for a qualified professional who designs buildings. An 'Architect-of-Record' (AoR), however, refers to the specific architect who signs and seals the architectural plans and documents, thereby taking legal responsibility for their content and compliance with building codes. While an AoR is always an architect, not every architect involved in a project holds the specific legal designation of AoR.

Question 4

Will the Architect-of-Record be criminally liable for plans, projects, and contracts he signed and sealed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the AoR assumes the civil liability.

Answer

The Architect-of-Record (AoR) assumes significant legal responsibility for the architectural plans and specifications they sign and seal. This includes civil liability for damages or defects arising from errors or omissions in the plans, as well as potential administrative and, in some cases, criminal liability if gross negligence or professional misconduct leads to serious consequences like structural failure or harm.

Question 5

Who is responsible if a building collapses with two architects, the Architect-of-Record and the Architect-in-Charge?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the investigation

Answer

In the event of a building collapse, determining liability is a complex process that requires a thorough investigation. While the Architect-of-Record (AoR) bears primary legal responsibility for the design, the Architect-in-Charge (AIC) or supervising architect also has responsibilities related to construction oversight. The investigation would examine the specific causes of the collapse, the scope of work and contractual obligations of each architect, and whether the collapse resulted from design flaws, construction errors, or other factors, to assign appropriate liability.

MArch Master of Architecture Practice Test

MArch Master of Architecture Practice Test

Free Master of Architecture: Standard Professional Practice Of Architects Questions and Answers