HKIA/ARB PA Paper 1 flashcards
HKIA/ARB PA Paper 1 · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Architects Registration Ordinance
- Cap. 408 establishes the Architects Registration Board, provides for registration of architects, and regulates professional conduct and discipline in Hong Kong.
- Protected title 'Architect'
- Under Cap. 408, only registered architects may use the title 'Architect' or hold out as such; unauthorized use is a criminal offence.
- Architects Registration Board
- Statutory body under Cap. 408 that maintains the register of architects, sets registration requirements, and handles disciplinary inquiries into misconduct.
- Code of Professional Conduct
- ARB-issued code setting standards of integrity, competence, confidentiality, and conflict avoidance; breaches may lead to disciplinary sanctions including suspension or removal.
- Conflict of interest
- A situation where personal or financial interest could influence professional judgement; the architect must declare it and avoid or obtain informed consent.
- Continuing professional development
- Ongoing learning expected of registered architects to maintain competence; records of CPD hours should be kept for audit by the Board.
- Professional indemnity insurance
- Insurance covering the architect's liability for negligent design or advice; a practical requirement for practice and often a condition of appointment.
- Secret commission prohibition
- An architect must not accept undisclosed payments or benefits from contractors or suppliers in connection with a project; such conduct is a disciplinary matter.
- Traditional procurement
- Design-bid-build route where the architect designs fully, then tenders are invited and a contractor builds; design responsibility rests with the client's consultant team.
- Design and build
- Procurement route where a single contractor is responsible for both design and construction, shifting design coordination risk to the contractor.
- Tender evaluation criteria
- Pre-stated factors such as price, programme, method, and resources used to compare tenders fairly; changing criteria after receipt undermines fairness.
- Lump sum contract
- Contract where the contractor agrees a fixed price for defined scope; suitable when design is complete, with variations valued separately.
- Security of payment adjudication
- Statutory mechanism under Cap. 652 allowing rapid resolution of payment disputes by an adjudicator, binding pending final arbitration or litigation.
- Payment claim and response
- Formal claim for payment served by a party, answered by a payment response within the statutory period; failure enables adjudication referral.
- Extension of time
- Contractual adjustment of the completion date for excusable delay; the architect assesses and certifies it per the contract conditions.
- Variation order
- Written instruction changing the works; it must be valued and recorded, and oral instructions should be confirmed in writing promptly.
- Order of precedence
- Contract clause ranking documents (e.g., agreement, conditions, specification, drawings) to resolve conflicts when documents are inconsistent.
- Reinforced concrete grade
- Concrete grade denotes characteristic cube strength (e.g., C30); adequate cover and curing protect reinforcement from corrosion and fire.
- Shallow versus deep foundations
- Pad, strip, or raft foundations suit adequate bearing strata; piles and caissons transfer loads to deeper, stronger soil or rock.
- Means of escape
- Fire safety requirements governing travel distance, exit width, and protected routes, set under the Buildings Ordinance and fire safety codes.
- Barrier-free access
- Design Manual - Barrier Free Access 2008 requirements for ramps, lifts, door widths, and accessible facilities in buildings.
- Damp-proof course
- Layer in construction resisting moisture movement; combined with flashings and correct laps it controls water penetration through the building envelope.
- Buildings Ordinance supervision
- Plans require approval, and works must be supervised by an Authorized Person, Registered Structural Engineer, or Registered Geotechnical Engineer.
- Occupation permit
- Approval issued by the Building Authority permitting occupation after works comply with approved plans and relevant requirements.
- Unauthorized building works
- Works carried out without approval or contrary to the Buildings Ordinance; the Building Authority may order removal or rectification.
- Case study method
- Identify parties, contractual relationships, obligations, timeline, and the precise issue before proposing a reasoned professional resolution.
- Independent certification
- The architect must certify honestly and independently, not favouring the client who pays the fee; bias is professional misconduct.
- Confidentiality duty
- Client information must not be disclosed without consent except where required by law or to prevent serious harm.
- Negligence liability
- The architect owes a duty of care to the client; breach causing loss gives rise to liability, so records and clear advice are essential.
- Written confirmation
- Verbal instructions and decisions should be confirmed in writing promptly, and meeting minutes circulated, to preserve an accurate record.
- Gifts and hospitality
- Modest hospitality may be acceptable, but gifts capable of influencing decisions must be declined or disclosed under the Code of Conduct.
- Examiners' report themes
- Recurring weaknesses include unwritten instructions, poor supervision, late certification, unclear scope, and inadequate communication with parties.