OAA Admission Exam cheat sheet

Standard of care: the degree of skill and care ordinarily exercised by architects performing similar services in the same locality - not a guarantee of perfect results.

Contract formation requires offer, acceptance, and consideration; a signed proposal becomes binding when the client accepts it and consideration (fee) is exchanged.

Compensation methods: hourly (time × rate), fixed fee (lump sum for defined scope), percentage of construction cost, and cost plus fixed fee.

A lien is a statutory claim against property for unpaid services; architects' lien rights vary by jurisdiction and usually require prior notice and timely filing.

Statute of limitations sets the deadline to file suit; statute of repose sets an absolute bar regardless of discovery, often 6–12 years after substantial completion.

Errors and omissions (professional liability) insurance is claims-made: coverage applies to claims reported during the policy period, with retroactive dates.

Conflict of interest arises when the architect has a personal or financial interest in a supplier, contractor, or property; written disclosure and client consent are required.

Copyright in drawings vests with the author (architect) unless assigned in writing; the client typically receives a license for the specific project only.

Unauthorized practice: an architect may seal only work they personally prepared or directly supervised; stamping another's work is a disciplinary violation.

Thermal resistance: R = thickness ÷ k (thermal conductivity); total assembly R is the sum of layer R-values plus surface film resistances.

U-value = 1 ÷ total R; lower U-value means better insulation. Heat loss Q = U × A × ΔT.

Dead load is the static weight of structure and finishes; live load is occupancy, furniture, and movable equipment per code tables.

Concrete: compressive strength f'c governs design; typical 28-day strengths are 3,000–5,000 psi (20–35 MPa). Steel reinforcement resists tension.

Structural steel: yield strength Fy (commonly 36 or 50 ksi); allowable stress design uses a safety factor, LRFD applies load and resistance factors.

Beam deflection limits typically L/360 for floors under live load and L/240 or L/180 for roofs, depending on finishes supported.

HVAC sensible heat Q = 1.08 × CFM × ΔT (°F); latent heat Q = 0.68 × CFM × Δgrains for moisture removal.

Fire-resistance ratings of assemblies are expressed in hours (1, 2, 3, 4) and tested per ASTM E119; sprinkler systems may allow rating reductions.

Daylight factor = interior illuminance ÷ exterior horizontal illuminance × 100; recommended 2% or more for occupied spaces.

Occupancy groups (IBC-style): A assembly, B business, E educational, F factory, H high hazard, I institutional, M mercantile, R residential, S storage, U utility.

Allowable building area = base tabular area × frontage increase × sprinkler increase; height and stories are limited separately by construction type.

Construction types I–V: Type I is noncombustible, highest fire resistance; Type V is wood frame, least restrictive. Types I–II use noncombustible materials.

Means of egress has three parts: exit access, exit, and exit discharge. Travel distance and common path limits depend on occupancy and sprinklers.

Egress width: capacity is computed from occupant load × factor (e.g., 0.2 in per occupant for stairs, 0.15 in for level components in many codes).

Occupant load = floor area ÷ occupant load factor (e.g., 100 sq ft per occupant for business, 15 for assembly unconcentrated).

Fire separation distances and opening protectives are rated in hours; exterior walls are classified by fire separation distance to lot lines.

Accessibility: accessible route must connect all accessible spaces; clear width typically 36 in, with 32 in minimum at a doorway.

Zoning controls use, floor area ratio (FAR = gross floor area ÷ lot area), height, setbacks, and lot coverage.

AIA-style delivery methods: design-bid-build (linear, low architect-contractor coordination), design-build (single entity), and construction management (CM at risk or CM as agent).

Bid documents include drawings, specifications, addenda, and the agreement; addenda issued during bidding become part of the contract.

A change order is a written modification signed by owner, architect, and contractor; a construction change directive directs work before price is agreed.

Requests for information (RFIs) clarify documents; responses that change scope or price should be handled through a change order.

Submittals (shop drawings, samples) are reviewed by the architect for design intent only, not for dimensional accuracy or construction means.

Pay applications: architect certifies the amount due based on observed progress; retainage commonly 5–10% is withheld until completion.

Substantial completion is when the work is sufficiently complete for its intended use; it starts warranty periods and the punch list.

Liquidated damages are a pre-agreed amount per day for late completion; they must be a reasonable forecast, not a penalty.

Critical path method (CPM): the critical path is the longest sequence of dependent activities; float is the slack on non-critical activities.