Professional Practice Architecture Practice Test

After the Owner agrees to the Architect's Plans/Drawings, what is the next logical step?

1. Bidding

2. Design-Build

3. Construction Management

4. Project Closeout

The correct answer is: Design-Build

The next logical step after the Owner agrees to the Architect's Plans/Drawings is typically the bidding process. When the architect’s plans are finalized and approved, contractors are invited to submit proposals to carry out the construction work described in those plans. This bidding process allows the Owner to compare costs and services offered by different contractors before selecting one to carry out the project. Design-build is a method where both the design and construction services are provided by a single entity. While this approach can streamline the process, it usually requires a different project delivery method from the onset, not as a subsequent step after the plans are agreed upon. Construction management involves oversight of the construction process, but it comes into play after the bidding and contractor selection stages, as it is focused on managing the project during the construction phase rather than the preparation and selection stages. Project closeout refers to the final steps of the project, such as concluding contracts, ensuring all work is completed to satisfaction, and preparing for occupancy. This phase is the final stage in a project’s lifecycle, occurring long after the bidding process. Thus, the sequence of steps following the approval of plans naturally leads to the bidding phase to move forward with the construction process.