ARCHITECTURAL | Professional Practice | 12 Questions (EASY)

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

(12 Questions, Difficulty Level: EASY)

by Raison John J. Bassig

Q#1: Under the Civil Code of the Philippines, the architect who drew up the plans and specifications for a building is liable for damages if the building collapsed due to defects in the plans or specifications or defects in the ground. How long, from the completion of the building, is this liability period?
a. 20 years
b. 10 years
c. 15 years
d. None, architects do not have liabilities when the building collapses due to defects in the ground.

According to the 1949 Civil Code of the Philippines (RA386),

"The engineer or ARCHITECT who drew up the PLANS and SPECIFICATIONS for a building is LIABLE for damages if within FIFTEEN YEARS from the completion of the structure, the same should COLLAPSE by reason of a DEFECT in those PLANS and SPECIFICATIONS, or due to the DEFECTS in the GROUND.  The contractor is likewise responsible for the damages if the edifice falls, within the same period, on account of defects in the construction or the use of materials of inferior quality furnished by him, or due to any violation of the terms of the contract.  If the engineer or ARCHITECT supervises the construction, he shall be solidarily LIABLE with the contractor.

Acceptance of the building, after completion, does NOT imply waiver of any of the cause of action by reason of any defect mentioned in the preceding paragraph.

The action must be brought ten years following the collapse of the building."
(Art. 1723 of RA386)

This is also reiterated in the 2004 Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the National Building Code of the Philippines (PD1096), on Terms and Conditions of Permits,

"That under Article 1723 of the Civil Code of the Philippines, the engineer or ARCHITECT who drew up the PLANS and SPECIFICATIONS for a building/structure is LIABLE for damages if within FIFTEEN (15) YEARS from the completion of the building/structure, the same should COLLAPSE due to DEFECT in the PLANS and SPECIFICATIONS or DEFECTS in the GROUND.  The engineer or ARCHITECT who supervises the construction shall be solidarily LIABLE with the contractor should the edifice collapse due to defect in the construction or the use of inferior materials."
(Rule III, Sec. 304.5.a of the 2004 IRR of PD1096)

Therefore, the correct answer is c. 15 years.

Q#2: General term understood to mean "Purchase and/or fabricate and deliver to the jobsite or other location when so designated." in construction specifications.
a. Manufacture
b. Install
c. Provide
d. Furnish

According to the 1984 United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) Document 301 (General Conditions of the Contract),

"INSTALL: The word "install" shall mean to build in, mount positions, connect or apply any object specified ready for the intended use."
(Sec. 1.31 of the 1984 UAP Doc. 301)

"PROVIDE: The word "provide" shall be understood to mean "furnish and install"."
(Sec. 1.32 of the 1984 UAP Doc. 301)

"FURNISH: The word "furnish" shall be understood to mean "Purchase and/or fabricate and deliver to the jobsite or other location when so designated."
(Sec. 1.30 of the 1984 UAP Doc. 301)

So, in short,

Manufacture = Fabricate only.
Install = Mount/apply only.
Provide = Purchase/fabricate, deliver, AND mount/apply.
Furnish = Purchase/fabricate AND deliver only.

Therefore, the correct answer is d. Furnish.

Q#3: The following are the responsibilities of the Owner in an Owner-Architect Agreement for Architectural Services, except:
a. Arrange and pay for such legal, auditing, insurance, counseling, and other services as may be required for the project.
b. Pay for all reimbursable expenses incurred in the project and all other taxes including Value-Added Tax and Income Tax that the government may impose on the Architect as a result of the services rendered by the Architect on the project.
c. Pay for the design and consulting services of acoustic, communication, electronic, and other specialty systems for the project.
d. Pay for scale models, 3D models, and/or walk-thru presentations of the Architect's design as may be necessary.

According to the 2010 Standards of Professional Practice (SPP), Document 202 on Owner's Responsibilities for Regular Design Services,

"PAY for the DESIGN and CONSULTING services on ACOUSTIC, COMMUNICATION, ELECTRONIC, and other SPECIALTY SYSTEMS which may be required for the project."
(Sec. 6.6, Doc. 202 of the 2010 SPP)

"ARRANGE and PAY for such LEGAL, AUDITING, INSURANCE, COUNSELING and other services as may be required for the project."
(Sec. 6.7, Doc. 202 of the 2010 SPP)

"PAY for ALL REIMBURSABLE EXPENSES incurred in the project...xxx... and ALL TAXES including VAT (but NOT including INCOME TAX) that the government may impose on the Architect as a result of the services rendered by the Architect on the project, whether the services were performed as a natural person i.e. and individual practitioner or a juridical entity i.e. as a sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation."
(Sec. 6.8, Doc. 202 of the 2010 SPP)

"Should a SCALE MODEL, 3D MODELS and/or WALK-THRU PRESENTATION of the architect's design by necessary, they are to be recommended by the Architect for the Owner's approval.  Costs for these services are to be PAID FOR SEPARATELY BY THE OWNER and shall be subject to a COORDINATION FEE payable to the Architect."
(Sec. 7.3, Doc. 202 of the 2010 SPP)

So, under the 2010 SPP, choices a., c., and d., are all responsibilities of the client/owner.  Choice b. is also a responsibility EXCEPT paying for the Architect's INCOME TAX. The Architect's Income Tax is paid for by the Architect himself/herself, while other taxes (such as Value-Added Tax, etc.) are paid by the client/owner.

Therefore, the correct answer is b. Pay for all reimbursable expenses incurred in the project and all other taxes including Value-Added Tax and Income Tax that the government may impose on the Architect as a result of the services rendered by the Architect on the project (NOT the owner's responsibility, as Income Tax should NOT be included).

Q#4: What is a bid bulletin?
a. Printed documents stipulating the procedural aspects of the contract
b. Instructions issued prior to bidding to supplement or modify the contract
c. Instructions stipulating the manner on how bids are to be prepared
d. Additional information on contract documents issued before bidding date

According to the 1984 United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) Document 301 (General Conditions of the Contract),

"BID BULLETIN: is additional information on contract documents issued to bidders before date of bidding."
(Sec. 1.16 of the 1984 UAP Doc. 301)

"INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS: The list of instructions stipulating the manner on how bids are to be prepared and conditions for the award of contract."
(Sec. 1.17 of the 1984 UAP Doc. 301)

"SPECIAL PROVISIONS: are instructions which may be issued prior to the bidding to supplement and/or modify the drawings, specifications, and/or General Conditions of the Contract."
(Sec. 1.20 of the 1984 UAP Doc. 301)

"GENERAL CONDITIONS: are printed documents stipulating the procedural and the administrative aspects of the contract."
(Sec. 1.19 of the 1984 UAP Doc. 301)

So,

Choice a. = General Conditions
Choice b. = Special Provisions
Choice c. = Instructions to Bidders

Therefore, the correct answer is d. Additional information on contract documents issued before bidding date.

Q#5:  Which of the following buildings are classified as Group 3: Buildings of exceptional character and complexity of plan/design?
a. Printing Plants, Manufacturing Plants, Industrial Buildings and Armories
b. Mausoleums, Museums, Exposition Buildings, and Memorials
c. Mall Complexes, Exhibition Halls, Correctional Facilities, and Publishing Plants
d. Breweries, Mortuaries, and Cold Storage Facilities

According to the 2010 Standards of Professional Practice (SPP) Document 202, on Project Classification for Regular Design Services,

Choice a. are all under
"Group 1 - Buildings of the SIMPLEST utilization and character"
(Sec. 4.1, Doc. 202 of the 2010 SPP)

Choice b. are all under
"Group 5 - MONUMENTAL buildings requiring consummate design skill and much precise detailing"
(Sec. 4.5, Doc. 202 of the 2010 SPP)

Choice c. are all under
"Group 2 - Buildings of MODERATE complexity of plan/design"
(Sec. 4.2, Doc. 202 of the 2010 SPP)

Choice d. are all under
"Group 3 - Buildings of EXCEPTIONAL character and complexity of plan/design"
(Sec. 4.3, Doc. 202 of the 2010 SPP)

Therefore, the correct answer is d. Breweries, Mortuaries, and Cold Storage Facilities.

Q#6: Which organization has the power to approve, issue, limit, or cancel permits for architects who will be practicing architecture in the Philippines?
a. United Architects of the Philippines (UAP)
b. Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture (PRBoA)
c. Civil Service Commission (CSC)
d. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)

According to the 2004 Architecture Act (RA9266) and its 2004 Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), on Powers and Functions of the Board,

"The BOARD shall exercise the following specific powers, functions and responsibilities:

(a) Prescribe and adopt the rules and regulations necessary for carrying out the provisions of this Act;

(b) Supervise the registration, licensure and practice of architects;...xxx...

(k) APPROVE, ISSUE, LIMIT or CANCEL temporary or special PERMIT to practice architecture;...xxx..."
(Sec. 7 of RA9266 and its IRR)

As used in the Act, the term,

""Board" refers to the Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture;"
(Sec. 3.8 of RA9266 and its IRR)

Therefore, the correct answer is b. Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture (PRBoA).

Q#7: In case of death of the Architect-of-Record, who can give official provisions to reproduce his plans?
a. Nobody
b. The Architect-in-Charge of Construction
c. The Board of Architecture (BOA)
d. The Owner of the Project for which the plans were made.

According to the 2004 Architect Act (RA9266) and its 2004 Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) on Ownership of Plans, Specification and Other Contract Documents,

"Drawings and specifications and other contract documents duly signed, stamped or sealed, as instruments of service, are the INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY and DOCUMENTS of the ARCHITECT, whether the object for which they are made is executed or not.  It shall be UNLAWFUL for ANY PERSON to DUPLICATE or to MAKE COPIES of said documents for use in the repitition of and for other projects or buildings, whether executed partly or in whole, without the written consent of architect or author of said documents."
(Sec. 33 of RA9266 and its 2004 IRR)

"Drawings and specifications duly signed, stamped or sealed, as instruments of service, are the INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES and DOCUMENTS of the ARCHITECT, whether the object for which they are made is executed or not.  It shall be UNLAWFUL for ANY PERSON, without the consent of the architect or author of said documents, to DUPLICATE or to MAKE COPIES of said documents for use in the repetition of and for other projects or buildings, whether executed partly or in whole."
(Sec. 20.4 of RA9266 and its 2004 IRR)

Therefore, the correct answer is a. Nobody.

Q#8: If you were commissioned as an architect to design a small apartment house with a construction cost of P4,230,000.00.  How much will be your recommended professional fee if your contract is on a Detailed Architectural Design Service?
a. P296,100.00
b. P634,500.00
c. P253,800.00
d. P423,000.00

According to the 2016 United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) Document 210 (Methods of Compensationa and Schedule of Fees), on Recommended Professional Fee (RPF) for Regular Design Services,

"Group 4 - Residence (single-detached, single-attached or duplex; row-houses or shop-houses), small apartment houses and townhouses.

RPF for Detailed Architectual and Engineering Design Services (DAEDS) = 10% of PCC
RPF for Detailed Architectural Design Services (DADS) = 6% of PCC"
(Sec. 6.3.4 of the 2016 UAP Doc. 210)

The PCC or Project Construction Cost is already given in my question as P4,230,000. Since the project is an apartment house, then, the structure is categorized under Group 4 (Residences) of the UAP Documents. As the project only involves Detailed Architectural Design (DADS), i.e., excluding Engineering Design Service, then, the RPF or Recommended Professional Fee is computed as,

RPF = 6% x PCC
RPF = 0.06 x P4,230,000
RPF = P253,800

Therefore, the correct answer is c. P253,800.00.

Q#9: What document includes instructions that are issued prior to the bidding to supplement and/or modify Drawings, Specifications, and/or the Contract?
a. Bid Bulletin
b. Instructions to Bidders
c. Special Provisions
d. Supplementary Specifications

According to the 1984 United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) Document 301 (General Conditions of the Contract),

"BID BULLETIN: is additional information on contract documents issued to bidders before date of bidding."
(Sec. 1.16 of the 1984 UAP Doc. 301)

"INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS: The list of instructions stipulating the manner on how bids are to be prepared and conditions for the award of contract."
(Sec. 1.17 of the 1984 UAP Doc. 301)

"SPECIAL PROVISIONS: are instructions which may be issued prior to the bidding to supplement and/or modify the drawings, specifications, and/or General Conditions of the Contract."
(Sec. 1.20 of the 1984 UAP Doc. 301)

"SUPPLEMENTARY SPECIFICATIONS: are additional information which may be issued as an addition or amendment to the provisions of the specifications."
(Sec. 1.19 of the 1984 UAP Doc. 301)

Therefore, the correct answer is c. Special Provisions.

Q#10: A standard for organizing specifications and other written information for building construction projects created by the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI). In 2004, the specifications list had expanded from 16 Divisions to 50 Divisions, reflecting innovations in the construction industry. What is this standard called?
a. MasterFormat
b. OmniClass
c. UniFormat
d. Dewey Decimal System

The Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system is a general knowledge organization tool, conceived by Melvil Dewey in 1873 and first published in 1876. The DDC is published by the Online Computer Library Center, Inc. (OCLC), which owns all copyright rights in the Dewey Decimal Classification, and licenses the system for a variety of uses. It is the most widely used classification system in the world. Libraries of every type apply Dewey numbers on a daily basis and share these numbers through a variety of means. Dewey is also used for other purposes, e.g., as a browsing mechanism for resources on the web.
(https://www.oclc.org/en/dewey/features/summaries.html)

UniFormat^TM was made by the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) and Construction Specifications Canada (CSC) providing an arrangement of construction information based on elements of a facility characterized by their functions, without considering the materials or methods used to construct such elements.  These elements are organized by systems or assemblies.
(https://www.csiresources.org/practice/standards/uniformat)

OmniClass^TM (OmniClass Construction Classification System or OCCS) is a system of organizing construction information incorporating the other existing systems such as the MasterFormat^TM (for work results), UniFormat^TM (for elements), and EPIC (Electronics Product Information Cooperation) (for structuring products).
(http://www.omniclass.org/)

The MasterFormat^TM was made by the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) and Construction Specifications Canada (CSC) providing a list of all work done in construction, organized by divisions in the form of section numbers, providing a systematic and detailed arrangement of all requirements and activities related to each work.
(https://www.csiresources.org/practice/standards/masterformat)

Prior to 2004, there were only 16 Divisions of the MasterFormat^TM:

Division 01 - General Requirements
Division 02 - Sitework / Site Construction
Division 03 - Concrete
Division 04 - Masonry
Division 05 - Metals
Division 06 - Wood and Plastics
Division 07 - Thermal and Moisture Protection
Division 08 - Doors and Windows
Division 09 - Finishes
Division 10 - Specialties
Division 11 - Equipment
Division 12 - Furnishings
Division 13 - Special Construction
Division 14 - Conveying Systems
Division 15 - Mechanical
Division 16 - Electrical

The CSI MasterFormat^TM have since been expanded into 50 Divisions:

Division 00 - Procurement and Contracting Requirements
Division 01 - General Requirements
Division 02 - Existing Conditions
Division 03 - Concrete
Division 04 - Masonry
Division 05 - Metals
Division 06 - Wood, Plastics, and Composites
Division 07 - Thermal and Moisture Protection
Division 08 - Openings
Division 09 - Finishes
Division 10 - Specialties
Division 11 - Equipment
Division 12 - Furnishings
Division 13 - Special Construction
Division 14 - Conveying Equipment
Division 15 to 20 - RESERVED FOR FUTURE EXPANSION
Division 21 - Fire Suppression
Division 22 - Plumbing
Division 23 - Heating Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Division 24 - RESERVED FOR FUTURE EXPANSION
Division 25 - Integrated Automation
Division 26 - Electrical
Division 27 - Communications
Division 28 - Electronic Safety and Security
Division 29 and 30 - RESERVED FOR FUTURE EXPANSION
Division 31 - Earthwork
Division 32 - Exterior Improvements
Division 33 - Utilities
Division 34 - Transportation
Division 35 - Waterway and Marine Construction
Division 36 to 39 - RESERVED FOR FUTURE EXPANSION
Division 40 - Process Interconnections
Division 41 - Material Processing and Handling Equipment
Division 42 - Process Heating, Cooling, and Drying Equipment
Division 43 - Process Gas and Liquid Handling, Purification and Storage Equipment
Division 44 - Pollution and Waste Control Equipment
Division 45 - Industry-Specific Manufacturing Equipment
Division 46 - Water and Wastewater Equipment
Division 47 - RESERVED FOR FUTURE EXPANSION
Division 48 - Electrical Power Generation
Division 49 - RESERVED FOR FUTURE EXPANSION

Therefore, the correct answer is a. MasterFormat.

Q#11: Under RA 9266, a firm, company, partnership, corporation or association may be registered or licensed as such for the practice of architecture under the following conditions, except:
a. Shall be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Board of Architecture (BOA).
b. Registered and licensed architects shall compose at least seventy percent (70%) of the owners, shareholders, members, incorporators, directors, executive officers, as the case may be.
c. Only Filipino citizens properly registered and licensed as architects may, among themselves, or together with allied technical professionals, form and obtain registration for the practice of architecture.
d. All of the above are correct.

According to the 2004 Architect Act (RA9266) and its 2004 Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) on Limitation to the Registration of a Firm, Company, Partnership, Corporation or Association,

"The practice of architecture is a professional service, admission to which shall be determined upon the basis of individual personal qualifications.  However, a FIRM, COMPANY, PARTNERSHIP, CORPORATION or ASSOCIATION may be registered or licensed as such for the practice of architecture under the following conditions:

a) Only Filipino citizens properly registered and licensed as architects may, among themselves, or together with allied technical professionals, form and obtain registration for the practice of architecture;

b) Registered and licensed architects shall compose at least SEVENTY-FIVE PERCENT (75%) of the owners, shareholders, members, incorporators, directors, executive officers, as the case may be;

c) Individual members of such firm, partnership association or corporation shall be responsible for their individual and collective acts as an entiry and as provided by law;

d) Such firm, partnership, association or corporation shall be REGISTERED with the SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION and the BOARD."
(Sec. 37 of the 2004 RA9266 and its IRR)

Therefore, the correct answer is b. Registered and licensed architects shall compose at least seventy percent (70%) of the owners, shareholders, members, incorporators, directors, executive officers, as the case may be (NOT a correct requirement; "70%" should be 75%).

Q#12: As per RA 9266, an architect registered and licensed, who is professionally and academically qualified and with exceptional or recognized expertise or specialization in any branch of architecture.
a. Architect-in-charge of construction
b. Project Manager
c. Architect-of-record
d. Consulting architect

According to the 2010 Standards of Professional Practice (SPP), Document 206, on Comprehensive Architectural Services,

"The Project Manager (PM, whether individual or firm) operates as a member of an Owner-Architect-Engineer-Contractor Team.  In the Team Approach, each member of the team will have precedence in his own field of operations or expertise...xxx...The Project Manager (PM)'s primary responsibility is the exercise of overall cost control.  He will plan, program and monitor the various activities, and will act as an adviser on material costs and construction methods."
(Sec. 4.1 and Sec. 4.1.5 Doc. 206 of the 2010 SPP)

According to the 2004 Architect Act (RA9266),

"(a) "Architect-of-record" means the architect registered and licensed under this Act, who is directly and professionally responsible for the total design of the project for the client and who shall assume the civil liability for the plans, specifications and contract documents he/she has signed and sealed;

(b) "Architecture-in-charge of construction" means an architect registered and licensed under this Act, who is directly and professionally responsible and liable for the construction supervision of the project;

(c) "Consulting Architect" means the architect registered and licensed or permitted to practice under this Act, who is professionally and ACADEMICALLY QUALIFIED and with EXCEPTIONAL or RECOGNIZED EXPERTISE or SPECIALIZATION in any branch of architecture;"
(Sec. 3.2 of RA9266 and its IRR)

Therefore, the correct answer is d. Consulting architect.