HKIA/ARB PA Paper 1 key terms

The Hong Kong statute that establishes the Architects Registration Board, controls registration of architects, restricts use of the title "architect", and provides for discipline and removal from the register.

The statutory body constituted under Cap. 408 that maintains the register of architects, administers registration and examinations, investigates complaints, and exercises disciplinary powers over registered architects in Hong Kong.

A person whose name currently appears on the register maintained by the Architects Registration Board and who is therefore entitled to use the title "architect" and to practise as one in Hong Kong.

The statutory restriction under Cap. 408 that prohibits a person from describing themselves as an architect, or implying they are one, unless currently registered; breach is a criminal offence.

The set of ethical and practice standards issued by the Architects Registration Board that registered architects must observe, covering integrity, competence, conflicts of interest, advertising, and relations with clients and the public.

Conduct falling short of the standards reasonably expected of a registered architect, which may be investigated by the Architects Registration Board and lead to disciplinary sanction including removal from the register.

The formal hearing process through which the Architects Registration Board examines a complaint against a registered architect and may impose penalties such as reprimand, conditions on practice, suspension, or removal from the register.

A situation where an architect's personal, financial, or other interest could improperly influence professional judgement, requiring disclosure to and consent from the client before proceeding.

A certificate issued to a registered architect confirming current entitlement to practise, typically renewed annually and linked to continuing professional development and compliance with registration requirements.

Structured learning that registered architects undertake throughout their careers to maintain and update competence; many registration regimes require a minimum number of hours or credits each year.

The competitive process by which a client invites contractors to submit priced offers for carrying out specified works, usually on the basis of tender drawings, specifications, bills of quantities, and conditions of contract.

A document, usually prepared by a quantity surveyor, that itemises and measures the work required under a contract so that tenderers can price each item on a common basis.

The chosen route for obtaining design and construction services, such as traditional design-bid-build, design-and-build, management contracting, or construction management, each allocating risk differently between client and contractor.

A procurement arrangement in which a single contractor is responsible for both design and construction under one contract, giving the client a single point of responsibility but reducing direct control over design detail.

The transfer of a party's rights and obligations under an existing contract to a third party by agreement of all concerned, commonly used to move the client's designer to the design-and-build contractor.

The stated period during which a tenderer's offer remains open for acceptance, allowing the client time to evaluate tenders and decide without the prices lapsing.

A security, often a bank guarantee, provided with a tender to deter withdrawal before award and to compensate the client if the successful tenderer fails to proceed to contract.

A guarantee, usually issued by a bank or insurer, that secures the contractor's performance of the contract up to a stated percentage of the contract sum, callable if the contractor defaults.

A percentage of each payment withheld by the client during the works as security for defects and other defaults, released in stages after practical completion and the end of the defects liability period.

A periodic payment made during construction for work executed and materials supplied to date, usually following certification by the architect or other contract administrator.

A written certification by the contract administrator stating the amount due to the contractor in a payment cycle, which then forms the basis for payment and for any adjudication dispute.

A statutory or contractual process for rapid interim resolution of payment disputes by an independent adjudicator, producing a binding decision pending final settlement by litigation or arbitration.

The written decision of an adjudicator on a payment dispute, which is binding on the parties on an interim basis and enforceable as a debt unless challenged through the agreed final dispute mechanism.

An independent person appointed under the applicable security of payment regime or contract to decide a payment dispute within a short statutory time limit, acting impartially rather than as an arbitrator.

A change to the works authorised by the contract administrator, such as altering design, quality, or quantity, which is valued and added to or deducted from the contract sum under the contract.

A written direction issued by the architect under the building contract requiring the contractor to carry out work or comply with an obligation, which the contractor is generally bound to obey.

The person named in the building contract, often the architect, who issues instructions, certifies payment and completion, values variations, and administers the contract between employer and contractor.

The stage at which the works are complete for their intended purpose except for minor items and defects, triggering handover, release of part of retention, and the start of the defects liability period.

A defined period after practical completion during which the contractor must remedy defects notified by the client or contract administrator, often backed by retention or a bond.

The extent to which a design can be constructed efficiently, safely, and economically with available methods and materials, a key consideration in detailing and construction planning.

A structured assessment of design documents by designers and builders to identify construction difficulties, sequencing problems, and safety risks before work starts on site.

A document describing how a particular construction activity will be carried out, including sequence, plant, labour, temporary works, and safety controls, often required before work starts.

Works needed to execute the permanent works but not forming part of them, such as scaffolding, formwork, falsework, and excavation support, requiring design and checking for safety.

The temporary moulds and supports used to shape and hold wet concrete until it gains sufficient strength, designed for pressure, stability, and safe striking.

The thickness of concrete between the outer surface of embedded reinforcement and the nearest concrete face, protecting steel from corrosion and fire and ensuring bond.

Steel bars or mesh embedded in concrete to resist tensile and shear forces, detailed for anchorage, lap lengths, spacing, and cover in accordance with structural design requirements.

The process of resolving and drawing construction information at a scale that shows how components fit together, including junctions, materials, tolerances, and fixing sequences.

A written description of the materials, workmanship, and performance standards required for the works, complementing drawings and forming part of the contract documents.

The architect's and contractor's on-site monitoring of work for conformity with drawings, specification, programme, and safety requirements, including inspection and record keeping.

The reasoned exercise of an architect's knowledge and experience in making decisions where rules are incomplete, always documented and consistent with the duty to act in the client's and public interest.

Pressure or inducement that improperly affects an architect's professional decisions, such as a client or contractor pushing for certification or design choices contrary to standards or safety.

The exam technique of reading a factual scenario, identifying the governing legal and ethical issues, applying the relevant rules and standards, and reaching a reasoned professional conclusion.