MArch Master of Architecture Master of Architecture: Professional Practice 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An architect working in multiple states must hold licensure in each state where they practice because licensure is:
- Federally issued and nationally valid
- Issued by each state independently with its own requirements (Correct answer)
- Transferable automatically via NCARB certification
- Only required for projects over $500,000
Correct answer: Issued by each state independently with its own requirements
Architecture licensure is regulated by individual state licensing boards, and each state has its own requirements; an architect must be licensed in every state where they practice.
Question 2: The 'Spearin Doctrine' in US construction law holds that when an owner provides design documents to a contractor, the owner impliedly warrants that:
- The contractor will complete the project on time
- The documents are accurate and buildable if followed (Correct answer)
- The architect is liable for all field changes
- The contractor assumes all design risk
Correct answer: The documents are accurate and buildable if followed
The Spearin Doctrine (U.S. v. Spearin, 1918) establishes that an owner implicitly warrants the accuracy of owner-furnished plans and specifications, shifting design risk to the owner.
Question 3: Which fee structure best protects an architect when project scope is uncertain or likely to change significantly?
- Lump sum (fixed fee)
- Percentage of construction cost
- Hourly rate (time and expense) (Correct answer)
- Unit cost fee
Correct answer: Hourly rate (time and expense)
An hourly rate fee structure protects the architect when scope is uncertain, ensuring compensation for all actual time spent regardless of project changes.
Question 4: In construction administration, a 'Supplemental Drawing' issued by the architect to clarify original contract documents typically:
- Requires a Change Order to implement
- Does not change scope, cost, or time (Correct answer)
- Must be approved by the building department before use
- Voids the original contract drawing it references
Correct answer: Does not change scope, cost, or time
A supplemental drawing clarifies or provides additional detail to the original contract documents without altering scope, cost, or schedule; it is not a contract modification.
Question 5: Which CSI MasterFormat division typically contains specifications for concrete?
- Division 01
- Division 03 (Correct answer)
- Division 05
- Division 09
Correct answer: Division 03
CSI MasterFormat Division 03 covers Concrete, including cast-in-place concrete, precast concrete, and related materials and methods.
Question 6: An architect who acts as Construction Manager at Risk (CMaR) takes on which additional responsibility compared to traditional design-bid-build?
- Providing a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for construction (Correct answer)
- Obtaining the building permit on behalf of the owner
- Hiring all subcontractors directly as employees
- Waiving professional liability for design errors
Correct answer: Providing a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for construction
In CMaR delivery, the construction manager provides a Guaranteed Maximum Price, assuming financial risk for cost overruns above that price.
Question 7: The standard of care in architectural practice is generally defined as the level of skill and care exercised by:
- The best architect in the world under ideal conditions
- A reasonably competent architect in the same geographic area and time period (Correct answer)
- The architect themselves based on their own past performance
- The most experienced architect on any given project type
Correct answer: A reasonably competent architect in the same geographic area and time period
The legal standard of care is measured against what a reasonably competent architect in the same locality and era would do, not perfection.
MArch Master of Architecture Master of Architecture: Professional Practice 4
An architect working in multiple states must hold licensure in each state where they practice because licensure is: