California Supplemental Exam
Questions and Answers
According to AIA 201, name three services other than architectural services, that are
part of the Scope of Architect's Basic Services. - ANS-Structural
Mechanical
Electrical Engineering Services
According to the Architects Practice Act, how are Architects who perform voluntary
building inspection at site of an emergency protected from liability exposure? - ANS-
Architects who perform voluntary building inspection at the site of an emergency at the
request of a local official shall not be liable in negligence for any damage caused by
good faith but negligent inspection (only within 30 days of emergency)
According to the California Code of Regulations, how must the term "architect" be
used? - ANS-It is considered unlawful for any person to use a business name that
includes as part of its title or description of services the term "architect", "architecture" or
"architectural" or abbreviations or confusingly similar variations thereof, unless that
person is a business entity where an architect is owner, employee, or in management
control of the professional services provided
According to the California Geological Survey, what is a fault and how are they defined
on fault zone maps? - ANS-A fault is a fracture in the crust of the earth along which
rocks on one side have moved relative to those on the other side. An active fault is one
that has ruptured in the last 11,000 years. Earthquake Fault Zones are plotted on
topographic maps at a scale of 1" equals 2,000 feet and typically average about one-
quarter mile wide
According to the California Green Building Code, what environmental controls are
required in a workplace? - ANS-1. In a single occupant space (office, cubicle)
- 90% must have individual task lighting, daylight controls, or both
- 50% must have thermal comfort controls, operable windows or both
2. In multiple occupant spaces (classrooms, conference rooms) all spaces must have
overall lighting and thermal comfort controls
An Owner has a site with a historical building and gardens located adjacent to the
property. Name three consultants who may be needed to evaluate his project - ANS-1.
Historical Preservation consultant - to evaluate any requirements to the California
Historic Building Code
2. Landscape Designer - to determine which landscape would best complement the
existing historical garden
,3. Biologist - to determine if the proposed project would adversely affect the existing
gardens and wildlife on site
Can an architect demonstrate responsible control even if a project drawing set is
produced outside of his/her office? - ANS-Yes as long as the architect is maintaining
responsible control, drawings can be produced in another office or in another part of the
workd
Can architects form a Limited Liability Company (LLC)? - ANS-No, According to the
Corporations Code, a domestic or foreign limited liability company is not permitted to
render professional services, which means that architects cannot legally forma limited
liability company
Define "flora" and "fauna" and describe how your design may be affected by their
presence on the site - ANS-Flora is plant life such as trees, vegetation, and shrubs
Fauna refers to any animal life present, particularly any endangered species
Site design may be affected by needing to designate no disturbance zones, replanting
disturbed areas, minimizing effect on food and water supply, and minimizing night site
lighting and wildlife use corridors.
Define a Master Plan - ANS-A Master Plan implements the General Plan through the
use of maps and designated zones for allowable land uses, identifies open space, and
sets restrictions on building use
Define an ARchitect as set forth in Architects Practice Act. - ANS-An Architect is a
person who is licensed by the California Architects Board to practice architecture in the
State of California under authority of Architects Practice Act
Define the five different construction types - ANS-Type I - Steel, reinforced concrete,
masonry construction, non-comnustible structure required and fire-resistive.
Type II Steel, reinforced concrete, masonry construction, non-combustible structure
required and fire-resistive
Type III - same as I and II but can include wood except in the structural frame
Type IV - Heavy Timber
Type V - Steel reinforced concrete masonry or wood construction
Differences in COnstruction Type typically refer to the fire ratings of components such
as structural systems, exterior bearing walls, interior bearing walls, shafts, floors and
floor/ceiling assemblies, and roof and roof/ceiling assemblies
Delegating tasks is an important function of a Project Manager. How can this be
accomplished? - ANS-1. Identify team member most capable of doing task
2. Give that person the responsibility and authority he/she needs
3. Establish the level of performance required
4. Define the completed activity or results
5. Define the suitable completion date
6. Agree on the level of effort and time required
, 7. Check progress
Describe four different types of projects and the specific requirements of each. - ANS-1.
Public - including requirements of the Public Contract Code.
2 Essential Services Buildings - include provisions of Essential Services Buildings
Seismic Safety Act
Public Schools - include requirements of the Field Act
4. Private - maintain CBC Standards
Describe how a Conditional Use Permit may be beneficial to an Owner - ANS-A CUP
allows a city or county to consider special uses which may be essential or desirable to a
particular community, but may not currently be zoned for that use. This allows flexibility
within a zoning ordinance.
Describe how the Architect gathers programming project information and indicate what
information is collected. - ANS-Architect shall compile and review existing project
related documentation, such as:
- Reports on existing facilities, site surveys, applicable codes, historical documents, and
planning standards
- Architect shall conduct a walkthrough of the existing facilities and/or site with the
Owner to prepare a space inventory identify traffic and circulation patterns and use
levels
Describe the Architect's role during Contract Administration - ANS-1. Review Shop
Drawings
2 Process Change Orders
3. Issue revisions
4. Interpret drawings and specs, revise if necessary
5. Visit job site at appropriate intervals
6. Process applications for payment to Contractor
7. Process Certificate of Substantial Completion
8. Schedule weekly/bi-weekly job meeting with Owner, Contractor and Architect
Describe the Entitlement Phase of approval process for gaining permits from regulatory
agencies. - ANS-1. Submit Design Development drawings with enough information to
illustrate size and scope of project to the local Planning Department.
Drawings will be reviewed for review for compliance with CEQA, ZOning Codes, Local
ordinances, LCP if in coastal zone, and Specific Plan
2. Attend and Design Review Board meetings
3. Submit drawings to state, regional and local agencies as required
Describe the five types of insurance coverage a firm owner should carry. - ANS-
Professional Liability Insurance
Auto Insurance
General Liability
Workmens Comp Insurance
Questions and Answers
According to AIA 201, name three services other than architectural services, that are
part of the Scope of Architect's Basic Services. - ANS-Structural
Mechanical
Electrical Engineering Services
According to the Architects Practice Act, how are Architects who perform voluntary
building inspection at site of an emergency protected from liability exposure? - ANS-
Architects who perform voluntary building inspection at the site of an emergency at the
request of a local official shall not be liable in negligence for any damage caused by
good faith but negligent inspection (only within 30 days of emergency)
According to the California Code of Regulations, how must the term "architect" be
used? - ANS-It is considered unlawful for any person to use a business name that
includes as part of its title or description of services the term "architect", "architecture" or
"architectural" or abbreviations or confusingly similar variations thereof, unless that
person is a business entity where an architect is owner, employee, or in management
control of the professional services provided
According to the California Geological Survey, what is a fault and how are they defined
on fault zone maps? - ANS-A fault is a fracture in the crust of the earth along which
rocks on one side have moved relative to those on the other side. An active fault is one
that has ruptured in the last 11,000 years. Earthquake Fault Zones are plotted on
topographic maps at a scale of 1" equals 2,000 feet and typically average about one-
quarter mile wide
According to the California Green Building Code, what environmental controls are
required in a workplace? - ANS-1. In a single occupant space (office, cubicle)
- 90% must have individual task lighting, daylight controls, or both
- 50% must have thermal comfort controls, operable windows or both
2. In multiple occupant spaces (classrooms, conference rooms) all spaces must have
overall lighting and thermal comfort controls
An Owner has a site with a historical building and gardens located adjacent to the
property. Name three consultants who may be needed to evaluate his project - ANS-1.
Historical Preservation consultant - to evaluate any requirements to the California
Historic Building Code
2. Landscape Designer - to determine which landscape would best complement the
existing historical garden
,3. Biologist - to determine if the proposed project would adversely affect the existing
gardens and wildlife on site
Can an architect demonstrate responsible control even if a project drawing set is
produced outside of his/her office? - ANS-Yes as long as the architect is maintaining
responsible control, drawings can be produced in another office or in another part of the
workd
Can architects form a Limited Liability Company (LLC)? - ANS-No, According to the
Corporations Code, a domestic or foreign limited liability company is not permitted to
render professional services, which means that architects cannot legally forma limited
liability company
Define "flora" and "fauna" and describe how your design may be affected by their
presence on the site - ANS-Flora is plant life such as trees, vegetation, and shrubs
Fauna refers to any animal life present, particularly any endangered species
Site design may be affected by needing to designate no disturbance zones, replanting
disturbed areas, minimizing effect on food and water supply, and minimizing night site
lighting and wildlife use corridors.
Define a Master Plan - ANS-A Master Plan implements the General Plan through the
use of maps and designated zones for allowable land uses, identifies open space, and
sets restrictions on building use
Define an ARchitect as set forth in Architects Practice Act. - ANS-An Architect is a
person who is licensed by the California Architects Board to practice architecture in the
State of California under authority of Architects Practice Act
Define the five different construction types - ANS-Type I - Steel, reinforced concrete,
masonry construction, non-comnustible structure required and fire-resistive.
Type II Steel, reinforced concrete, masonry construction, non-combustible structure
required and fire-resistive
Type III - same as I and II but can include wood except in the structural frame
Type IV - Heavy Timber
Type V - Steel reinforced concrete masonry or wood construction
Differences in COnstruction Type typically refer to the fire ratings of components such
as structural systems, exterior bearing walls, interior bearing walls, shafts, floors and
floor/ceiling assemblies, and roof and roof/ceiling assemblies
Delegating tasks is an important function of a Project Manager. How can this be
accomplished? - ANS-1. Identify team member most capable of doing task
2. Give that person the responsibility and authority he/she needs
3. Establish the level of performance required
4. Define the completed activity or results
5. Define the suitable completion date
6. Agree on the level of effort and time required
, 7. Check progress
Describe four different types of projects and the specific requirements of each. - ANS-1.
Public - including requirements of the Public Contract Code.
2 Essential Services Buildings - include provisions of Essential Services Buildings
Seismic Safety Act
Public Schools - include requirements of the Field Act
4. Private - maintain CBC Standards
Describe how a Conditional Use Permit may be beneficial to an Owner - ANS-A CUP
allows a city or county to consider special uses which may be essential or desirable to a
particular community, but may not currently be zoned for that use. This allows flexibility
within a zoning ordinance.
Describe how the Architect gathers programming project information and indicate what
information is collected. - ANS-Architect shall compile and review existing project
related documentation, such as:
- Reports on existing facilities, site surveys, applicable codes, historical documents, and
planning standards
- Architect shall conduct a walkthrough of the existing facilities and/or site with the
Owner to prepare a space inventory identify traffic and circulation patterns and use
levels
Describe the Architect's role during Contract Administration - ANS-1. Review Shop
Drawings
2 Process Change Orders
3. Issue revisions
4. Interpret drawings and specs, revise if necessary
5. Visit job site at appropriate intervals
6. Process applications for payment to Contractor
7. Process Certificate of Substantial Completion
8. Schedule weekly/bi-weekly job meeting with Owner, Contractor and Architect
Describe the Entitlement Phase of approval process for gaining permits from regulatory
agencies. - ANS-1. Submit Design Development drawings with enough information to
illustrate size and scope of project to the local Planning Department.
Drawings will be reviewed for review for compliance with CEQA, ZOning Codes, Local
ordinances, LCP if in coastal zone, and Specific Plan
2. Attend and Design Review Board meetings
3. Submit drawings to state, regional and local agencies as required
Describe the five types of insurance coverage a firm owner should carry. - ANS-
Professional Liability Insurance
Auto Insurance
General Liability
Workmens Comp Insurance