MArch Master of Architecture Master of Architecture: Professional Practice 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under AIA Contract Document A201, which party is responsible for reviewing and certifying contractor pay applications?
- The Owner
- The Architect (Correct answer)
- The Construction Manager
- The Contractor's Surety
Correct answer: The Architect
The Architect reviews and certifies contractor pay applications under AIA A201, issuing Certificates for Payment based on observations and schedule of values.
Question 2: A client asks an architect to stamp drawings prepared entirely by an unlicensed drafter with no architect oversight. This practice is known as:
- Design-build delivery
- Responsible charge delegation
- Plan stamping (Correct answer)
- Sub-consulting
Correct answer: Plan stamping
Plan stamping (or 'rubber stamping') refers to an architect sealing drawings they did not prepare or supervise, which is illegal and an ethical violation.
Question 3: The concept of 'substantial completion' in construction contracts is best defined as:
- When all punch list items are resolved
- When the project is sufficiently complete for its intended use (Correct answer)
- When the contractor submits the final pay application
- When the certificate of occupancy is issued
Correct answer: When the project is sufficiently complete for its intended use
Substantial completion occurs when the work is sufficiently complete so the owner can occupy or use the project for its intended purpose, even if minor items remain.
Question 4: Which type of professional liability insurance specifically protects architects against claims arising from errors or omissions in their design work?
- General liability insurance
- Workers' compensation insurance
- Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance (Correct answer)
- Umbrella liability insurance
Correct answer: Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance
Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, also called professional liability insurance, covers claims resulting from mistakes or negligence in professional services.
Question 5: An architect discovers during a site visit that a contractor is installing structural steel in a manner inconsistent with the contract documents. The architect's FIRST action should be to:
- Stop the work immediately and call the building department
- Issue a written Field Report and notify the contractor and owner (Correct answer)
- Redesign the connection detail to match what was installed
- File a complaint with the state licensing board
Correct answer: Issue a written Field Report and notify the contractor and owner
The architect should document the nonconforming work in a written Field Report and promptly notify both the contractor and owner to allow corrective action.
Question 6: In a Design-Build project delivery method, the primary contract for design and construction is between the owner and:
- The architect of record
- A single design-build entity (Correct answer)
- The general contractor and architect separately
- The construction manager
Correct answer: A single design-build entity
In Design-Build, the owner holds a single contract with one entity responsible for both design and construction, reducing the owner's coordination burden.
Question 7: NCARB's Architectural Experience Program (AXP) requires candidates to document experience across how many practice areas?
- 4
- 6 (Correct answer)
- 8
- 10
Correct answer: 6
The AXP requires candidates to document experience across 6 practice areas, including Practice Management, Project Management, Programming, Site Analysis, and more.
MArch Master of Architecture Master of Architecture: Professional Practice 2
Under AIA Contract Document A201, which party is responsible for reviewing and certifying contractor pay applications?