HKIA/ARB PA Paper 2 cheat sheet

Case Study questions in HKIA/ARB PA Paper 2 test applied professional judgement: identify the parties (client, architect, contractor, AP/RSE, Building Authority), the contract form, the stage of work, and the governing statutory or contractual duty before evaluating options.

Standard consultancy sequence to anchor any scenario: feasibility and site appraisal, schematic/concept design, AP/RSE submissions to the Buildings Department, detailed design and tender documentation, tender evaluation, construction administration, practical completion, defects liability, final account and certificate of completion.

Statutory gateways in Hong Kong: Buildings Ordinance s.14 (approval of plans), s.16 (refusal and appeal to the Appeal Tribunal), s.21 (consent to commencement), s.25 (occupation permit); unauthorised building works are enforceable under ss.24 and 24C.

Contract decision rule: if the scenario names a lump sum fixed-price contract, design risk stays with the employer unless the architect instructed a variation; under a design-and-build arrangement the contractor absorbs design development risk, so remedy routes differ.

Time rules to apply: certification of practical completion triggers the defects liability period and release of the first half of retention; the maintenance certificate and final payment follow expiry of that period and remedy of notified defects.

Money rules to apply: interim certificates are issued at the interval stated in the contract (commonly monthly); retention is deducted per the stated percentage up to a cap; the final account reconciles measured variations, provisional sums and loss and expense.

Professional-conduct lens for case scenarios: an architect must not certify work they have not inspected, must disclose conflicts, and must not accept instructions that breach the Buildings Ordinance or the registration regime; the case answer should name the duty and the consequence.

Answer structure that scores: state the issue, name the governing rule or contract clause, apply it to the named facts, then give the action and the risk if the action is not taken; avoid describing process without concluding.

Registration pathway in Hong Kong: recognised professional degree, then the HKIA/ARB Professional Assessment (Paper 1 professional knowledge, Paper 2 case study and professional interview), then registration as an Authorized Person (Architect) under the Architects Registration Ordinance.

Architects Registration Board functions: maintain the register, set and administer the Professional Assessment, investigate complaints, and exercise disciplinary powers including censure, suspension and removal from the register.

Core ethical duties: competence within one's scope, integrity in certification and reporting, confidentiality of client information, avoidance of undisclosed conflicts, and fair dealing with contractors and consultants.

Conflict-of-interest rule: disclose in writing as soon as the conflict is known, withdraw from the decision where a personal or financial interest exists, and never use a professional position for undisclosed gain.

Practice structure options a candidate should be able to compare: sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, and multi-disciplinary consultancy; each changes liability exposure, insurance needs and the identity of the contracting party.

Professional indemnity insurance: cover is claims-made, so the policy in force when the claim is notified responds; run-off cover is needed when a practice closes because liability survives completion.

Continuing professional development: HKIA expects registered architects to record structured CPD annually, covering technical, contractual, statutory and ethical topics, with records retained and auditable.

Interview technique that scores: answer in the first person with a concrete example, state the rule applied, the outcome and the lesson; when a question probes an unfamiliar area, say what you would check and with whom rather than inventing a fact.

Contract forms a candidate must recognise: standard Hong Kong building contracts with architect-administered certification, and the Government's standard forms; identify who certifies, who pays, and how disputes escalate before answering.

Architect's dual role: agent of the employer for instructions and design, and independent certifier for payment, extension of time and completion; the scenario usually turns on which hat is being worn.

Variation rule: a variation must be instructed in writing by the architect within the contract's scope; oral instructions should be confirmed in writing promptly, and the valuation follows the contract's rates or a fair valuation.

Extension of time: the contractor must give notice within the stated period and substantiate the delay event; the architect assesses against the contract's listed grounds and certifies the extended completion date.

Payment and set-off: the certifier values work executed and materials on site, deducts retention and prior payments, and must not withhold a certificate to pressure the contractor on an unrelated dispute.

Site safety and supervision duties: the architect inspects for conformity with the contract, not to supervise the contractor's means and methods; safety responsibility rests with the contractor under the construction safety regime.

Dispute ladder: engineer/architect decision, then mediation, then arbitration or litigation as the contract provides; note that the Housing Authority and Government forms may prescribe mediation before arbitration.

Disciplinary exposure: negligence in certification, signing plans not prepared or checked, or practising without registration can lead to ARB complaint, disciplinary inquiry and removal from the register.

Site and planning check: verify the site's zoning under the Outline Zoning Plan, plot ratio and site coverage limits, lease conditions, and whether a planning application or lease modification is required before design proceeds.

Building plan submission: plans must be prepared and signed by an Authorized Person; structural plans by a Registered Structural Engineer; drainage by a Registered Specialist Contractor; the Building Authority may refuse under s.16 and the applicant may appeal.

Means of escape and fire safety: check travel distance, exit width, protected routes and refuge floors against the code applicable at submission date; alterations to existing buildings may trigger upgrading requirements.

Barrier-free access: the design must satisfy the prevailing design manual for accessibility, covering approach routes, entrances, lifts, toilets and signage; exemptions require documented justification.

Sustainable design and energy: the BEAM Plus framework and the Buildings Energy Efficiency Ordinance set the benchmarks a case scenario may test, including the need for energy audits of prescribed central building services installations.

Contractor and consultant selection: the tender report should compare price, programme, method statement and resources; the recommendation must record the evaluation criteria and any departure from lowest price.

Change control: any post-tender change should be valued, time-assessed and authorised in writing before construction; unrecorded site instructions are the most common source of dispute in case scenarios.

Handover and occupation: an occupation permit requires the Building Authority's satisfaction that the building is fit for occupation; practical completion and the occupation permit are separate events with separate evidence.