SLIA Part III flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Professional Indemnity Insurance

Insurance covering architects against claims of negligence or breach of professional duty. Typically required for practice, with cover maintained for statute-barred periods (often 6-12 years).

Conflict of Interest

A situation where an architect's personal or financial interests could influence professional judgment. Must be declared in writing to all parties and managed with informed consent.

Continuing Professional Development

Mandatory learning activities to maintain and enhance professional competence. Many institutes require a minimum number of hours annually, including core subjects.

Code of Conduct

A set of ethical standards governing professional behavior, including competence, honesty, integrity, and accountability. Breaches can lead to disciplinary action or erasure from the register.

Whistleblowing

Reporting unsafe, illegal, or unethical practices to relevant authorities. Protected by law in many jurisdictions; architects have a duty to report serious concerns.

Planning Permission

Statutory approval required for development, including building works and material changes of use. Development without permission is a breach of planning control, subject to enforcement action.

Building Regulations

Statutory instruments setting minimum standards for design and construction, covering structural safety, fire, accessibility, and energy efficiency. Compliance is mandatory.

Party Wall Act

Legislation (e.g., UK Party Wall etc. Act 1996) governing works affecting shared walls or excavations near neighboring foundations. Requires notices and dispute resolution via surveyors.

CDM Regulations

Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015: impose health and safety duties on clients, designers, and contractors. Require a Principal Designer for projects with more than one contractor.

Limitation Period

Time limit for bringing legal claims. Contracts: typically 6 years (simple) or 12 years (deed). Tort: usually 6 years from damage, with a 15-year longstop (UK).

Retention

A percentage of contract sum withheld to ensure performance. Common: 5% withheld, half released on practical completion, remainder after defects period.

Listed Building Consent

Required for alterations affecting the character of a listed building. Works without consent are criminal offences; consent is separate from planning permission.

Building Control Approval

Statutory approval via full plans or building notice. Ensures compliance with building regulations; completion certificate issued on satisfactory completion.

Architects Registration Board

UK statutory regulator maintaining the architects' register, setting education and practice standards, and investigating complaints of misconduct or incompetence.

Planning Appeal

Challenge to a planning decision, typically lodged within 6 months. Appeals are determined by the Secretary of State (or equivalent) following a written representation, hearing, or inquiry.

RIBA Plan of Work

Eight-stage framework for design and construction: 0 Strategic Definition, 1 Preparation and Brief, 2 Concept Design, 3 Developed Design, 4 Technical Design, 5 Construction, 6 Handover, 7 In Use.

Contract Administrator

Role (often the architect) responsible for administering the building contract: issuing instructions, certifying payments, assessing extensions of time, and certifying practical completion.

Extensions of Time

Additional time granted to the contractor for delays caused by relevant events (e.g., exceptionally adverse weather, client changes). Requires notice and assessment by the contract administrator.

Liquidated Damages

Pre-agreed sum per period of delay, representing a genuine estimate of loss. Must not be a penalty; enforced if contractor fails to complete by the extended completion date.

Practical Completion

Stage when works are complete except for minor defects. Triggers release of half retention, start of defects period, and transfer of risk/insurance responsibilities.

Defects Liability Period

Period (often 12 months) after practical completion during which the contractor must rectify notified defects. Final certificate issued after expiry.

Variation

A change to the contract scope, instructed in writing by the contract administrator. Valued by agreement, contract rates, or fair valuation; may affect time and cost.

U-value

Measure of thermal transmittance (W/m²K); lower values indicate better insulation. Used to demonstrate compliance with energy efficiency regulations.

Fire Compartmentation

Division of a building into fire-resistant compartments to limit fire spread. Required fire resistance periods (e.g., 30/60/90 minutes) depend on building height and use.

BREEAM

Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method: a sustainability rating system for buildings, assessing energy, health, materials, and ecology.

BIM Level 2

Building Information Modelling maturity level using federated models and structured data. Mandatory on UK public projects; governed by ISO 19650 information management standards.

Approved Document M

UK building regulations guidance on accessibility and use of buildings, covering accessible routes, door widths, and sanitary facilities.

Passivhaus

A rigorous energy performance standard achieving very low heating demand through high insulation, airtightness, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery.

Professional Competence

The duty to only undertake work within one's skills and knowledge, collaborating with specialists where necessary, and maintaining competence through CPD.

Statutory Consultee

Bodies (e.g., Environment Agency, Historic England) that local authorities must consult on certain planning applications before determining them.

Interim Certificate

Certificate issued by the contract administrator at agreed intervals, stating the amount due to the contractor based on valuation of work done.

Final Certificate

Certificate issued at the end of the defects period, confirming all works are complete and releasing the remaining retention. Often conclusive evidence of compliance.