DESIGN + DOCUMENTATION

Question 1

1. What does the term Quality Assurance mean? How does this term apply to the practice of architecture?

Answer 1

Administrative and procedural activities implemented in a quality system so that requirements and goals for a product, service or activity will be fulfilled. This applies to the practice of architecture where systems are in place to ensure that the design and documentation of a building is effective and efficient, which allows the practice to produce a high quality design while not compromising the running of that business (so that it can continue to produce good work)…

Question 2

2. Before commencing the design of any building what information do you require from your client?

Answer 2

Proof of ownership of the property, Section 149 (planning certificate), Certificate of Title, any previous documentation of the building (if applicable and if so with copyright information), client approval.

Question 3

3. What other information must you obtain before starting any work?

Answer 3

Land survey, signed CAA

Question 4

4. What is a brief and what will it contain?

Answer 4

A written statement which details the client’s expectations and functional requirements. It should describe activities to be conducted in the building and facilities required. A budget should be included to assess how realistic the client’s requirements are.

Question 5

5. What is the difference between Concept/Schematic Design and Design Development?

Answer 5

Schematic Design: Explores ideas and options based on the information given to the client and by some consultants (i.e. survey). Usually it terms of space planning and building form (may take the form of sketches, models, etc. And legible to allow the client to select a favoured scheme to proceed to Design Development.
Design Development: takes the selected schematic scheme and works it up into more detailed and realistic design drawings, usually to be turned into drawings for Development Application stage.

Question 6

6. What documents will be required for a town planning application in NSW?

Answer 6

Depending on scope and size of the project: Site plan and analysis, plans (existing and proposed), elevations, sections, visualisations (if required), shadow diagrams, survey, consultant drawings and/or reports (as listed in the DA checklist), completed DA application form, DA fee, Statement of Environmental Effects, Environmental Impact Statement etc.

Question 7

7. How would you ensure a project remained on the agreed budget through the design and documentation and tendering phases of a commission?

Answer 7

Ensure that the client has engaged a QS from the commencement of the project to provide a cost plan which is updated at key stages of the design and documentation process.

Question 8

8. What must be obtained from your client after completing each stage of a commission?

Answer 8

Final payment at the completion of each stage (although you should bill regularly, i.e. monthly) and their written consent to commence to with the next stage of the project.

Question 9

9. What is a specification and how is it difference from the information shown on the drawings?

Answer 9

A specification is a detailed written document that forms part of the building contract, which outlines by trade all the materials and processes required in order to construct a building. The specification makes reference to particular material items selected for the project, and provides a more detailed description of this that what would be included on the drawings (drawings would usually show a symbol or abbreviation for a particular item, and would be referenced back to the spec.). The specification is listed before the architectural drawings in the order of precedence.

Question 10

10. Where would you locate a finishes schedule in the package of documents for tendering the works?

Answer 10

This would be included as part of the specification (usually at the end of the spec).

Question 11

11. Where would you locate a list of provisional sums within the set of contract documents?

Answer 11

In the contract schedules
A sum included in the contract for foreseeable work, which could not be fully described at the date of the contract, because some details were unknown.

Question 12

12. Who decides on the amount to be included for a provisional sum?

Answer 12

Usually a cost consultant (such as a QS) but may be entered by the builder.