PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

Examination Question Paper Assignment

Name – Atul Mehta

Roll No. – 1915991021

Q.1 What are the major different types of office types that can be formed for architectural practices?
What are the major differences?

1. Proprietory Practice

- Founded and overseen by a single Architect.

- Individual architects gather the entire required capital for office setup.
- One individual makes all decisions across the board, resulting in minimal disagreement.
- Successful projects don't acknowledge individual contributions.

Disadvantages:

- Every person shoulders the entirety of professional responsibilities.

- Managing design and execution becomes challenging in extensive projects.
- Interruptions like illness can significantly impede the practice, and vacations pose difficulties.

2. Partnership Firm

A Partnership firm is established by two or more architects or an architect alongside a professional

specializing in aspects like structural design or project management. A formal agreement specifies each
partner's capital, shares, responsibilities, and liabilities. The partnership typically continues indefinitely
unless dissolved by mutual agreement. It includes an arbitration clause for conflict resolution,
documented on stamped paper and witnessed.

Advantages:

- Shared loss and liability among partners.

- Diverse partners contribute varied skills, temperaments, and competencies, simplifying multiple
project management.

Disadvantages:

- Practice suffers in case of disputes or lack of trust among partners.

- Collective responsibility means partners equally bear consequences for individual errors.
3. Limited Liability or Private Limited Company

An architect establishes a private limited company, enlisting two or more directors, all registered with
COA (Council of Architecture). This structure is seen as a business entity rather than a purely professional
one.

Advantages:

- Allows engagement in various building activities like development and turn-key services.
- Access to capital borrowing from financial institutions.
- Directors can receive salaries or honorariums beyond their profit shares.

Disadvantages:

- Lacks recognition as a professional firm concerning tax, provident fund, gratuity, and other legal
aspects.
- COA registration for all members is mandatory for participation in architectural competitions.

Q.2 What is the role of an arbitrator? Who can become an arbitrator? Elaborate.

When embarking on projects, especially in the realm of construction, involving various stakeholders like
architects, structural consultants, builders, site supervisors, M.E.P consultants, workers, and clients, the
sheer scale and complexity often lead to potential disputes when issues arise.
These conflicts might revolve around construction faults, supervision deficiencies, or payment matters. In
cases where disagreements involve the client and other construction-involved parties, the architect, being
the professional overseeing the project, can act as a quasi-arbitrator. However, if the issue remains
unresolved, an external arbitrator or panel may become necessary.

Courts, as a dispute resolution venue, commonly prove expensive, time-consuming, and detrimental to
the relationships among involved parties. In contrast, arbitration offers a swifter, more cost-effective
alternative, maintaining amicable relations between stakeholders. Under the IIA contract framework, the
project architect can assume a quasi-arbitration role for "excepted matters."

Q.3 Write a short note on the Schedule of fees for an Architect.

Payment Schedule Breakdown

Stage 1: Upon submission of conceptual designs and estimated costs, 10% of the total fees are due.

Stage 2: Upon presenting the preliminary scheme for Client approval, along with the initial cost estimate,
20% of the total fees, less the payment made in Stage 1, are required.

Stage 3: On revising designs incorporating Client suggestions and presenting drawings for Client/statutory
approval, if needed.
Upon necessary approvals for construction commencement, where applicable, 30% of the total fees, less
payments from Stages 1 and 2, are payable.

35% of the total fees, less payments from Stages 1 to 3a, are due.

Stage 4: Upon completion of working drawings, specifications, and quantity schedules for cost estimates
and tender documents, 45% of the total fees, less payments from Stages 1 to 3a, are owed.

Stage 5: On tender analysis, contractor recommendation, 55% of the total fees, less payments from Stages
1 to 4, are required.

Stage 6: Upon submission of detailed drawings for site work commencement, completion of 20%, 40%,
60%, 80% of the work, virtual completion:

65% of the total fees, less payments from Stages 1 to 5, are due.

70% of the total fees, less payments from Stages 1 to 6a, are payable.

75% of the total fees, less payments from Stages 1 to 6b(i).

80% of the total fees, less payments from Stages 1 to 6b(ii).

85% of the total fees, less payments from Stages 1 to 6b(iii).

90% of the total fees, less payments from Stages 1 to 6b(iv).

Stage 7: Upon submission of the Completion Report, drawings for completion/occupancy certificate
issuance by authorities, and provision of as-built drawings, 100% of the fees, less payments from all
previous stages and retainers, are due.

Q.4 Examine the detailed role and objectives of the Architects Act of 1972.

The Council of Architecture (COA) holds the pivotal role of overseeing architectural education and practice
across India, inclusive of the management of architects' registration. Governed by the approval of the
Indian Government, the COA has established Rules, in tandem with the Architects Act, with the
Government's sanction, establishing Regulations.

The primary responsibilities of the Council of Architecture encompass:

- Enrollment of individuals possessing "recognized qualifications" in the field.

- Oversight and regulation of the professional conduct exhibited by architects.
- Evaluation and maintenance of educational and training standards for architects nationwide.
- Appointment of inspectors tasked with periodic assessments of architectural education
institutions, ensuring the maintenance of a high-quality educational framework.
- Facilitation in the establishment of new architectural institutions, extending support and
resources to foster and enhance architectural education.
This mandate empowers the COA to set guidelines, enforce standards, and contribute significantly to the
development, oversight, and enhancement of architectural education and practice across the country. By
ensuring adherence to quality standards, regulating conduct, and aiding educational institutions, the
Council of Architecture plays a vital role in the growth and maintenance of the architectural profession in
India.

Q.5 Define the term Architect, outlining the responsibilities associated with the role, and explore the
ethical obligations an architect holds about their profession.

An architect is a person who plans, designs, and oversees the construction of buildings and other physical
structures. An architect assumes the role of a professional orchestrator, tasked with the intricate process
of conceptualizing, designing, and supervising the realization of diverse physical structures and edifices.
The architect's duties encompass multifaceted responsibilities, commencing with client interactions
aimed at comprehending their aspirations and requisites. Subsequently, they undertake the development
and presentation of design propositions, crafting drawings, specifications, budgets, and comprehensive
construction documents, while efficiently managing project teams throughout the endeavor.

Ethical commitments form an integral facet of an architect's role, signifying their obligation to ensure the
safety and welfare of the occupants interacting with their creations. Adherence to legal statutes and
confidentiality protocols becomes paramount, intertwined with the imperative to conceive designs that
embrace sustainability, social consciousness, and responsiveness to community needs.

The trajectory of our communities, environment, and the planet at large rests significantly upon the
shoulders of architects. This critical juncture stems from the profound impact of the built environment on
our collective quality of life. The architectural domain, constituting the building and construction industry,
wields an unparalleled influence on the planet, exerting enduring effects, both beneficial and detrimental.
These ramifications encompass aspects like carbon footprint, lifestyle choices, and the quality of air, soil,
and water bodies. Architects, therefore, bear the immense responsibility of shaping our environment
positively, advocating for sustainable practices, and mitigating adverse impacts to foster a healthier and
more harmonious coexistence between humanity and its habitat.

Q.6 Enumerate the various forms of valuation and elucidate each category with illustrative examples.

Valuation, an essential technique, involves determining the just and fair price of various properties—
ranging from buildings, factories, and diverse engineering structures to land. This estimation process
navigates through multiple types of valuation methods, each serving distinct purposes in the valuation
spectrum.
Types of Valuations

Assessed Value: This represents the property's value officially recorded with local authorities, serving as
the basis for calculating property taxes.

Monetary or Depreciated Value: Derived by subtracting depreciation from the property's initial value on
a specific date, indicating its current worth.

Book Value or Depreciated Value: Accounts for the diminishing value of assets over time, analogous to
the contrast between the value of a new mobile phone versus an older one.

Salvage Value: Reflects the residual value of a property when its useful life ends but remains saleable,
akin to a newspaper's diminishing value as it is read.

Demolition Value: Denoting the worth of the scrap material post-demolition, calculated as the material's
worth minus demolition expenses.

Replacement or Reproduction Cost: This represents the current market cost of reconstructing a building
or a segment of it.

Potential Value: This signifies a property's inherent worth that might increase over time or due to changes
in usage, as observed in historic properties transformed into high-value entities like hotels.

Distress Value: Occurs when a property sells below its market rate due to the owner's financial urgency,
termed as a distress sale.

Speculative Value: Refers to properties bought at a higher price with the intent to sell quickly for a
substantial profit.

Monopoly Value: Arises from scarcity in a specific locality, enabling builders to demand higher prices due
to increased demand.

Sentimental Value: Represents a value greater than the market worth, attributed to sentimental
attachment, such as valuing an item like a cherished gift book.

Capitalized Value: Determined by a property's income-generating potential, calculated by multiplying net

annual returns by a factor based on the prevailing capitalization rate.

Each valuation type serves as a lens through which different aspects and dimensions of property worth
are assessed, encapsulating financial, sentimental, and strategic considerations pivotal in determining a
property's true value in diverse contexts.
Q.7 Explore and elaborate on the nuances of the professional behavior expected from an architect,
covering various facets of their conduct in the architectural field.

Exhibiting professional conduct stands as a cornerstone in an architect's career, showcasing their core
values, ethical standards, and adeptness within the architectural realm. This professional demeanor
encompasses a spectrum of behaviors, encompassing:

Integrity and Transparency: Architects are duty-bound to uphold truthfulness and transparency in their
interactions with clients, peers, contractors, and stakeholders. Falsifying qualifications, experiences, or
services is prohibited, as is steering clear of conflicts of interest and respecting the intellectual property
rights of others.

Competency: Architects are expected to possess requisite knowledge, skills, and prowess essential for the
effective execution of their responsibilities. Continual updates in line with the latest industry innovations
are imperative, alongside refraining from taking on projects exceeding their expertise or capacity.

Accountability: Architects must shoulder responsibility for their actions and decisions, embracing
accountability for any errors. Adherence to relevant laws, codes, regulations, and architectural standards
is obligatory. Designs must meet criteria for safety, functionality, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal.

Effective Communication: Architectural professionals should engage in clear, respectful, and professional
communication with all project stakeholders. Understanding clients' needs and expectations while
providing honest and constructive feedback is vital. Collaborative engagement with fellow professionals
and resolution of conflicts or issues in an amicable manner are pivotal aspects.

Societal and Environmental Impact: Architects shoulder the responsibility of considering broader
impacts—environmental, societal, and cultural—resulting from their designs. Striving to create designs
that enhance life quality, conserve heritage, and celebrate community diversity is paramount. Awareness
of the ethical and social ramifications of their work mandates architects to act by these principles.

The demonstration of these professional behaviors not only signifies an architect's commitment to
excellence but also shapes their contribution to the greater societal fabric. By upholding integrity,
competence, responsibility, effective communication, and considering wider impacts, architects elevate
their profession's stature while positively influencing the communities they serve.

Q.8 Outline the procedures for initiating an architectural competition for an urban project, providing a
comprehensive breakdown of the steps involved and specifying the requisite information that must be
included.

Organizing an architectural competition for a project involves a meticulously structured process,

incorporating several pivotal steps and specific requisites. Here's a comprehensive breakdown delineating
the procedural essentials:

Defining the Objective: Commencing the process entails a clear articulation of the competition's
objective. Whether it revolves around seeking the most fitting design for new premises or urban
development, defining this primary aim forms the foundation of the competition.
Crafting Competition Guidelines & COA Submission: The formulation of comprehensive guidelines is
imperative. These guidelines should encompass internationally recognized standards for architecture and
urban planning competitions. They serve as a guide detailing the competition's structure, aiding the client
in determining if a competition is an ideal approach to their architectural needs, the appropriate
competition type, organizational specifics, and the promoter's duties and liabilities.

Registration Process: Prospective competitors undergo an application process for registration,

completing necessary forms and submitting them within the stipulated timeframe along with any required
fees. Registration is confirmed upon the promoter's acceptance, officially listing competitors on the
competition register and notifying them in writing.

Selection of Assessors and Technical Advisors: The appointment of qualified assessors and technical
advisors assumes paramount importance. Clarifying their qualifications, roles, and responsibilities is
crucial to ensure a robust and unbiased evaluation process.

Crafting the Project Brief: An intricately detailed project brief is prepared, outlining the competition's
conduct procedures, finalizing competition conditions, delineating the report/award structure, specifying
prize distributions, determining remuneration for assessors, and defining the promoter's responsibilities
and liabilities.

Evaluation Process: Evaluation of entries is conducted by proficient professionals capable of

comprehensively interpreting competitors' submissions while aligning with the promoter's requisites.

Announcement of Results: Upon completion of the evaluation, the competition results are publicly
announced, and prizes are awarded accordingly.

Throughout the competition, guiding principles must safeguard the interests of both the promoter and
competitors, ensuring equitable conditions and fostering high-quality designs. Principles of anonymity,
transparency, equal treatment, and non-discrimination are pivotal, fostering an environment that
promotes fair competition and guarantees a level playing field for all participants. These guidelines fortify
the integrity of the competition, fostering a conducive atmosphere where innovative designs can flourish,
benefiting both the promoter and the architectural community at large.