MArch Master of Architecture Master of Architecture: Professional Practice 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which Architect's Supplemental Instruction (ASI) scenario would be appropriate for a change that involves NO cost or time adjustment?
- Substituting a lower-cost material at the contractor's request
- Clarifying ambiguous dimensions on a drawing without changing scope (Correct answer)
- Adding a new program element requested by the owner
- Changing structural systems mid-construction
Correct answer: Clarifying ambiguous dimensions on a drawing without changing scope
An ASI is used to clarify or interpret contract documents without changing scope, cost, or time; it is not a vehicle for scope changes that affect cost or schedule.
Question 2: Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which term describes the minimum standard for accessibility modifications required in an existing facility undergoing alterations?
- Full compliance
- Path of travel requirements (Correct answer)
- Reasonable accommodation
- Universal design standard
Correct answer: Path of travel requirements
When alterations are made to an existing facility, the path of travel to the altered area (including restrooms, entrances, and parking) must also be made accessible to the extent feasible.
Question 3: A contractor submits a Request for Information (RFI) asking for clarification on a conflict between the specifications and drawings. Which specification section division takes precedence in most standard contracts?
- Drawings always govern over specifications
- Specifications always govern over drawings
- The more stringent or expensive requirement typically governs (Correct answer)
- Contract documents are ambiguous and must be resolved by the owner
Correct answer: The more stringent or expensive requirement typically governs
When conflicts arise between drawings and specifications, most contracts state the more stringent or higher-quality requirement governs, though this varies by contract language.
Question 4: Which business structure offers architects the greatest personal liability protection while allowing pass-through taxation?
- Sole proprietorship
- General partnership
- Limited Liability Company (LLC) (Correct answer)
- C-Corporation
Correct answer: Limited Liability Company (LLC)
An LLC provides personal liability protection for its members while allowing profits to pass through to individual tax returns, avoiding double taxation.
Question 5: The AIA Code of Ethics prohibits architects from doing which of the following with respect to compensation?
- Charging hourly rates for construction administration
- Accepting compensation from a material supplier for specifying their product without disclosing it (Correct answer)
- Billing the owner for reimbursable expenses
- Charging a percentage of construction cost as a fee
Correct answer: Accepting compensation from a material supplier for specifying their product without disclosing it
Accepting undisclosed compensation or gifts from contractors, suppliers, or others in connection with a project violates AIA's Canon VI on obligations to the profession.
Question 6: During programming, a client's stated needs and wishes are called 'wants,' while their non-negotiable operational requirements are called:
- Aspirations
- Needs (Correct answer)
- Goals
- Constraints
Correct answer: Needs
In architectural programming, 'needs' are the essential functional requirements for the project to succeed, distinct from 'wants,' which are desirable but not critical.
Question 7: A change order that increases the contract sum and extends the contract time must be signed by which parties under AIA A201?
- The architect only
- The owner and contractor only
- The owner, contractor, and architect (Correct answer)
- The contractor and architect only
Correct answer: The owner, contractor, and architect
Under AIA A201, a Change Order modifying cost or time requires signatures from the owner, contractor, and architect to be valid and binding.
MArch Master of Architecture Master of Architecture: Professional Practice 3
Which Architect's Supplemental Instruction (ASI) scenario would be appropriate for a change that involves NO cost or time adjustment?