ARC PPE cheat sheet

Fee = (Direct labor × multiplier) + reimbursables; typical multiplier 2.5–3.5 for overhead and profit.

Break-even rate = annual overhead ÷ annual direct labor; used to set billing rates.

Profit = (Fee − direct labor − overhead) ÷ fee; target 10–20% for architectural services.

Standard AIA B101: Owner-Architect agreement; basic services include schematic design through construction administration.

Additional services require written authorization; track via ASI or supplemental agreement.

Professional liability statute of limitations: typically 2–6 years from substantial completion; varies by state.

Employee vs. independent contractor: IRS common-law test; misclassification risks payroll taxes and benefits.

Utilization rate = direct billable hours ÷ total paid hours; target 65–75% for architectural staff.

Critical path method: longest path through network; zero float; any delay extends project completion.

Float (slack) = late start − early start = late finish − early finish; shared float belongs to project.

Fast-tracking = overlapping design/construction phases; increases risk and coordination effort.

Crashing = adding resources to critical path; cost slope = (crash cost − normal cost) ÷ (normal time − crash time).

Earned value: CPI = EV ÷ AC; SPI = EV ÷ PV; CPI < 1 means over budget.

Change order: written modification to contract; must be signed by owner and contractor; architect prepares.

Request for information (RFI): formal question from contractor; response becomes part of contract documents.

Submittal review: architect reviews for design intent only; contractor responsible for means and methods.

Net assignable area (NASF) vs. gross building area (GBA); efficiency = NASF ÷ GBA; typical 65–80%.

Space program: list of rooms, areas, occupancy, adjacency requirements, and equipment needs.

Adjacency matrix: weighted diagram showing required proximity between spaces; used to test bubble diagrams.

Occupant load factor: square feet per occupant by use; e.g., office 150 gross, assembly unconcentrated 15 net.

Egress width: 0.2 inches per occupant for stairs; 0.15 inches per occupant for other egress components.

Daylight factor = (indoor illuminance ÷ outdoor illuminance) × 100; target 2–5% for offices.

Acoustic separation: STC 50+ for privacy; background noise NC 25–35 for offices.

Universal design: 7 principles; at least one accessible route from site arrival to all spaces.

Schematic design deliverables: site plan, floor plans, elevations, sections, and outline specifications.

Design development: fixed layout, materials, and systems; cost estimate within 10% of budget.

Zoning envelope: FAR = gross floor area ÷ lot area; setback, height, and lot coverage limits apply.

Building code occupancy classification: A (assembly), B (business), E (educational), F (factory), M (mercantile), R (residential), S (storage), U (utility).

Type of construction: Type I (fire-resistive) to Type V (wood frame); determines allowable height and area.

Allowable area increase: frontage increase up to 75% for open perimeter; sprinkler increase up to 200% for Type IIB–V.

Accessible route: minimum 36 inches clear width; 60-inch turning space; slope max 1:12.

Solar orientation: long axis east-west for passive solar; south glazing with overhang for winter sun.

Construction documents: drawings and specifications; must be sealed by licensed architect.

Specification divisions: CSI MasterFormat 50 divisions; Division 01 General Requirements.

Drawing scale: 1/8" = 1'-0" for plans; 1/4" = 1'-0" for details; 1/2" or 3/4" for sections.

Door and window schedules: type, size, material, fire rating, hardware group.

Fire-rated assembly: 1-hour wall typically 5/8" Type X gypsum each side on steel studs.

ADA clear floor space: 30" × 48" minimum; accessible parking space 8'-0" wide with 5'-0" access aisle.

Stair design: riser 4–7 inches; tread 11 inches minimum; handrail 34–38 inches above nosing.

Roof slope: minimum 1/4" per foot for drainage; 2% for flat roofs with drains.

Construction administration: architect observes progress, reviews submittals, certifies payments, issues change orders.

Application for payment: contractor submits monthly; architect certifies within 7–10 days; retainage typically 5–10%.

Substantial completion: work is sufficiently complete for intended use; starts warranty and punch list.

Final completion: all punch list items corrected; final payment and lien waivers exchanged.

Field report: daily log of weather, manpower, equipment, visitors, and work performed.

Testing: concrete slump test ASTM C143; compressive strength ASTM C39; soil compaction ASTM D698.

Punch list: list of incomplete or defective work; contractor must correct before final payment.

Post-occupancy evaluation: assess performance against program; conducted 6–12 months after occupancy.

Contour lines: interval indicates elevation change; closer lines = steeper slope.

Grading: cut and fill balanced to minimize hauling; swell factor 10–20% for excavated soil.

Stormwater: rational method Q = CiA; C = runoff coefficient (0.9 pavement, 0.2 lawn).

Parking: typical 300–350 sf per space including aisles; accessible spaces per ADA table.

Setback: distance from property line to building; front, side, and rear yards per zoning.

Solar access: shadow length = height ÷ tan(solar altitude); winter sun angle lower.

Erosion control: silt fence, sediment basin, and stabilized construction entrance.

Landscape: native plants require less irrigation; xeriscaping reduces water use 50%+.

HVAC: cooling load in tons (1 ton = 12,000 BTU/hr); rule of thumb 400–500 sf/ton for offices.

Duct sizing: velocity method; supply trunk 1000–1500 fpm; branch 600–900 fpm.

Electrical: load in watts/sf; office 1–2 W/sf for lighting; receptacle load 1 W/sf.

Plumbing: fixture units (FU); 1 FU = 1 gpm; water closet = 2.5 FU; lavatory = 1 FU.

Fire suppression: sprinkler coverage max 225 sf per head for light hazard; 130 sf for ordinary hazard.

Structural: live load office 50 psf; corridors 100 psf; roof 20 psf (reducible).

Concrete: 28-day strength 3000–5000 psi; slump 4–6 inches; water-cement ratio 0.4–0.5.

Daylighting: window-to-floor ratio 15–20% for adequate daylight; glare control with blinds.

Architect's seal: required on construction documents; only licensed architect may seal.

Conflict of interest: architect must disclose any financial interest in contractor or supplier.

Standard of care: architect performs with reasonable skill and care of similar professionals.

AIA Code of Ethics: obligations to public, client, profession, and colleagues.

Lien rights: contractor may file mechanic's lien if unpaid; architect must certify payment accurately.

Copyright: architect owns design; client receives license for project; reuse requires permission.

Bidding: competitive bidding requires addenda issued to all bidders equally; no oral changes.

Record retention: keep project records 7–10 years after completion; statutes vary.