EXAC QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
How much liability insurance is an architect in Canada required to have? - Answer -
AIBC Bulletin 66, AIBC Bylaw 16.3 & Architect's Act
Depends on the province; in BC Architects are not required to have any liability
insurance according to AIBC Bylaw 16.2d but Bulletin 66 requires that (before entering
into an agreement to provide architectural services) a Certificate of Practice holder must
notify the client in writing whether or not professional liability insurance is held and
under what terms.
Section 24.2h in the Architect's Act states that an institute's bylaws may or may not
include requirements for liability insurance; in BC, there is no requirement.
What resources are available to an architect to produce a project cost estimate? -
Answer -CHOP 2.3.3, Techniques
There are various types of cost consultants and/or resources available to the architect
to produce a reliable estimate if they do not have the expertise or resources to produce
one in-house.
Quantity Surveyors - provide professional service at hourly rates, or at a fixed or
percentage fee of the construction budget.
Construction Managers and other Development/Construction Experts - Other sources of
expertise directly from the construction industry include construction managers,
contractors, design-builders, and developers.
Construction Price Index - data usually published by government agencies and private
companies. These publications are useful only as a guide to show trends; usually some
months out-of-date; often presented in graph form for ease of communication.
Publications - available from government agencies, private interest groups, private
companies, and quantity surveyors. The
information comes in printed or electronic form, and the cost varies considerably
depending on the amount of detail, completeness, and ease of use. Data from
government agencies are more useful for identifying trends and differences in national,
regional, and local costs than for calculating the cost of a specific building.
What Factors influence construction cost? (12 answers... If you dare!) - Answer -CHOP
2.3.3, Factors Affecting Cost
1. Type of project
2. Overhead
3. Profit
4. Market Conditions
5. Difficult Access
6. Fast schedule
,7. Escalation/Inflation
8. Tax
9. Season and Weather
10. Change in functional program
11. Contingency
12. Regulations
What are 3 different methods of construction estimation? - Answer -CHOP 2.3.3,
Methods of Preparing Cost Estimates & Hanscomb Yardstick for Costing, 2004
1. Composite unit rates (broken into specification sections)
Uses very simplified historic data as a basis for calculating cost. Only reliable if the
historic data is comparable.
2. Gross building costs or area calculation (least accurate)
Cost per m2 or per ft2. Architects should limit the use of this basic information by using
it only as a general guide at the pre-design stage.
3. Elemental building costs (most comprehensive)
Quantity surveyors often use this method as the standard format for presenting cost
information. It divides the building into major elements such as structure, exterior
closure; and then applies relevant cost information from similar projects.
What is the purpose of progressive release of holdbacks? - Answer -This allows the
release of holdbacks to subcontractors or suppliers in advance of the substantial
performance of the work.
what are 5 examples of additional services not covered under RAIC document 6? -
Answer -1. feasibility studies
2. business cases
3. functional programming
4. submissions to authorities
5. life cycle cost studies
What are three advantages of air heat distribution? - Answer -1.quick response
2.can also perform ventilation, cooling, humidity control and filtering.
3. no equipment in rooms
What buildings require the services of an architect? - Answer -AIBC Bulletin 31
Under Section 60 of the Architects Act...
Group A (Part 3) - Public Assembly:
-- any one-storey building with an unsupported span exceeding 9 m or gross area
exceeding 275 m²;
-- any building of more than one storey with gross area exceeding 235 m²; and
-- all schools, any size
,Group B - (Part 3) - Hospital, Sanatorium, or Home for the Aged, Institutional:
-- any building (excluding veterinary hospital) with a
capacity exceeding 12 beds
-- any building with gross area exceeding 470 m²
Group C - Residential, Hotel or similar occupancy:
-- any building containing 5 or more dwelling units
-- any building containing 11 or more guest rooms
Group D & E - Commercial:
-- any building with gross area exceeding 470 m²
Group F (F1: Part 3) - Industrial:
-- any building with gross area exceeding 470 m²
Is an architect required for all Part 3 buildings under the BC Building Code? - Answer -
AIBC Bulletin 31
Yes. In addition to the requirements of the Act, all projects must also satisfy the current
BC Building Code and local building bylaws. Under these building codes, architects are
required to be engaged for design and field review and to provide corresponding
assurances on all Part 3 buildings (of any occupancy or size) and any Part 9 buildings
with common egress systems and firewalls. It is important to understand that the Part
3/Part 9 distinction is immaterial under
the Act.
What is RAIC Document Six? - Answer -CHOP 2.1.10 - Client-Architect Agreements
Canadian Standard Form of Contract for Architectural Services Between Client and
Architect. It is the accepted national standard contract used by architects.
What is the purpose of the Schedule A? - Answer -Guide to the Letters of Assurance in
the B.C. Building Code
Schedule A - Confirmation of Commitment by Owner and Coordinating Registered
Professional
Schedule A is a confirmation of commitment by the owner and coordinating registered
professional to coordinate design work and field reviews of the registered professionals
of record required for the project. The Schedule A is submitted before the issuance of
the building permit, to the authority having jurisdiction.
what are 3 advantages of water heating distribution systems? - Answer -1. compact,
easily hidden
2. can be combined with domestic hot water systems
3. good for radiant floor heating.
what are 4 advantages of electric heating systems? - Answer -1. most compact
, 2. quick response to temperature changes
3. easily zoned
4. low initial cost
What is the purpose of the Schedule B? - Answer -Guide to the Letters of Assurance in
the B.C. Building Code
Schedule B - Assurance of Professional Design and Commitment for Field Review &
Summary of Design and Field Review Requirements
The Schedule B is to provide assurance of professional design and commitment for field
review, and is submitted by each professional of record, including the coordinating
registered professional. The Schedule B is submitted before the commencement of
construction activities.
What is the purpose of Schedule C-A? - Answer -Guide to the Letters of Assurance in
the B.C. Building Code
Schedule C-A - Assurance of Coordination of Professional Field Review
Schedule C-A is to provide assurance of coordination of professional field review (by the
architect). It is submitted after completion of the project, but before the occupancy
permit is issued or final inspection made by the authority having jurisdiction.
What is the purpose of Schedule C-B? - Answer -Guide to the Letters of Assurance in
the B.C. Building Code
Schedule C-B - Assurance of Professional Field Review and Compliance
Schedule C-B is to provide assurance of professional field review and compliance (by
each professional of record). It is submitted after completion of the project, but before
occupancy permit is issued or final inspection made by the authority having jurisdiction.
What is Functional Programming (or design brief)? Is it part of an architect's basic
services? - Answer -CHOP 2.3.4, p.3 & 8
Functional Programming can be described as the decision-making process that clearly
defines the problem and scope of work for design. The functional program describes the
requirements which a building must satisfy in order to support and enhance human
activities. Architectural fees for functional programming are not part of "basic services."
Which of the following buildings require an architect in
BC?
1. 1-storey movie theatre with a span of 8m and gross area of 200s.m.
2. Small, 100s.m. 2-classroom school
3. 2-storey, 400s.m. hospital with 10 beds
4. 3-storey, 550s.m. motel with 10 guest rooms
5. 4-storey, 500s.m. 5-unit townhouse
6. 1-storey, 450s.m. doughnut shop
7. 2-storey, 530s.m. warehouse, medium hazard
How much liability insurance is an architect in Canada required to have? - Answer -
AIBC Bulletin 66, AIBC Bylaw 16.3 & Architect's Act
Depends on the province; in BC Architects are not required to have any liability
insurance according to AIBC Bylaw 16.2d but Bulletin 66 requires that (before entering
into an agreement to provide architectural services) a Certificate of Practice holder must
notify the client in writing whether or not professional liability insurance is held and
under what terms.
Section 24.2h in the Architect's Act states that an institute's bylaws may or may not
include requirements for liability insurance; in BC, there is no requirement.
What resources are available to an architect to produce a project cost estimate? -
Answer -CHOP 2.3.3, Techniques
There are various types of cost consultants and/or resources available to the architect
to produce a reliable estimate if they do not have the expertise or resources to produce
one in-house.
Quantity Surveyors - provide professional service at hourly rates, or at a fixed or
percentage fee of the construction budget.
Construction Managers and other Development/Construction Experts - Other sources of
expertise directly from the construction industry include construction managers,
contractors, design-builders, and developers.
Construction Price Index - data usually published by government agencies and private
companies. These publications are useful only as a guide to show trends; usually some
months out-of-date; often presented in graph form for ease of communication.
Publications - available from government agencies, private interest groups, private
companies, and quantity surveyors. The
information comes in printed or electronic form, and the cost varies considerably
depending on the amount of detail, completeness, and ease of use. Data from
government agencies are more useful for identifying trends and differences in national,
regional, and local costs than for calculating the cost of a specific building.
What Factors influence construction cost? (12 answers... If you dare!) - Answer -CHOP
2.3.3, Factors Affecting Cost
1. Type of project
2. Overhead
3. Profit
4. Market Conditions
5. Difficult Access
6. Fast schedule
,7. Escalation/Inflation
8. Tax
9. Season and Weather
10. Change in functional program
11. Contingency
12. Regulations
What are 3 different methods of construction estimation? - Answer -CHOP 2.3.3,
Methods of Preparing Cost Estimates & Hanscomb Yardstick for Costing, 2004
1. Composite unit rates (broken into specification sections)
Uses very simplified historic data as a basis for calculating cost. Only reliable if the
historic data is comparable.
2. Gross building costs or area calculation (least accurate)
Cost per m2 or per ft2. Architects should limit the use of this basic information by using
it only as a general guide at the pre-design stage.
3. Elemental building costs (most comprehensive)
Quantity surveyors often use this method as the standard format for presenting cost
information. It divides the building into major elements such as structure, exterior
closure; and then applies relevant cost information from similar projects.
What is the purpose of progressive release of holdbacks? - Answer -This allows the
release of holdbacks to subcontractors or suppliers in advance of the substantial
performance of the work.
what are 5 examples of additional services not covered under RAIC document 6? -
Answer -1. feasibility studies
2. business cases
3. functional programming
4. submissions to authorities
5. life cycle cost studies
What are three advantages of air heat distribution? - Answer -1.quick response
2.can also perform ventilation, cooling, humidity control and filtering.
3. no equipment in rooms
What buildings require the services of an architect? - Answer -AIBC Bulletin 31
Under Section 60 of the Architects Act...
Group A (Part 3) - Public Assembly:
-- any one-storey building with an unsupported span exceeding 9 m or gross area
exceeding 275 m²;
-- any building of more than one storey with gross area exceeding 235 m²; and
-- all schools, any size
,Group B - (Part 3) - Hospital, Sanatorium, or Home for the Aged, Institutional:
-- any building (excluding veterinary hospital) with a
capacity exceeding 12 beds
-- any building with gross area exceeding 470 m²
Group C - Residential, Hotel or similar occupancy:
-- any building containing 5 or more dwelling units
-- any building containing 11 or more guest rooms
Group D & E - Commercial:
-- any building with gross area exceeding 470 m²
Group F (F1: Part 3) - Industrial:
-- any building with gross area exceeding 470 m²
Is an architect required for all Part 3 buildings under the BC Building Code? - Answer -
AIBC Bulletin 31
Yes. In addition to the requirements of the Act, all projects must also satisfy the current
BC Building Code and local building bylaws. Under these building codes, architects are
required to be engaged for design and field review and to provide corresponding
assurances on all Part 3 buildings (of any occupancy or size) and any Part 9 buildings
with common egress systems and firewalls. It is important to understand that the Part
3/Part 9 distinction is immaterial under
the Act.
What is RAIC Document Six? - Answer -CHOP 2.1.10 - Client-Architect Agreements
Canadian Standard Form of Contract for Architectural Services Between Client and
Architect. It is the accepted national standard contract used by architects.
What is the purpose of the Schedule A? - Answer -Guide to the Letters of Assurance in
the B.C. Building Code
Schedule A - Confirmation of Commitment by Owner and Coordinating Registered
Professional
Schedule A is a confirmation of commitment by the owner and coordinating registered
professional to coordinate design work and field reviews of the registered professionals
of record required for the project. The Schedule A is submitted before the issuance of
the building permit, to the authority having jurisdiction.
what are 3 advantages of water heating distribution systems? - Answer -1. compact,
easily hidden
2. can be combined with domestic hot water systems
3. good for radiant floor heating.
what are 4 advantages of electric heating systems? - Answer -1. most compact
, 2. quick response to temperature changes
3. easily zoned
4. low initial cost
What is the purpose of the Schedule B? - Answer -Guide to the Letters of Assurance in
the B.C. Building Code
Schedule B - Assurance of Professional Design and Commitment for Field Review &
Summary of Design and Field Review Requirements
The Schedule B is to provide assurance of professional design and commitment for field
review, and is submitted by each professional of record, including the coordinating
registered professional. The Schedule B is submitted before the commencement of
construction activities.
What is the purpose of Schedule C-A? - Answer -Guide to the Letters of Assurance in
the B.C. Building Code
Schedule C-A - Assurance of Coordination of Professional Field Review
Schedule C-A is to provide assurance of coordination of professional field review (by the
architect). It is submitted after completion of the project, but before the occupancy
permit is issued or final inspection made by the authority having jurisdiction.
What is the purpose of Schedule C-B? - Answer -Guide to the Letters of Assurance in
the B.C. Building Code
Schedule C-B - Assurance of Professional Field Review and Compliance
Schedule C-B is to provide assurance of professional field review and compliance (by
each professional of record). It is submitted after completion of the project, but before
occupancy permit is issued or final inspection made by the authority having jurisdiction.
What is Functional Programming (or design brief)? Is it part of an architect's basic
services? - Answer -CHOP 2.3.4, p.3 & 8
Functional Programming can be described as the decision-making process that clearly
defines the problem and scope of work for design. The functional program describes the
requirements which a building must satisfy in order to support and enhance human
activities. Architectural fees for functional programming are not part of "basic services."
Which of the following buildings require an architect in
BC?
1. 1-storey movie theatre with a span of 8m and gross area of 200s.m.
2. Small, 100s.m. 2-classroom school
3. 2-storey, 400s.m. hospital with 10 beds
4. 3-storey, 550s.m. motel with 10 guest rooms
5. 4-storey, 500s.m. 5-unit townhouse
6. 1-storey, 450s.m. doughnut shop
7. 2-storey, 530s.m. warehouse, medium hazard
