Terms for Professional Practice in
Landscape Architecture Exam Questions
with Correct Answers
ADA Standards - Answer-Americans With Disabilities Act, which requires designers to
make public buildings (even if they are privately owned) and outdoor spaces accessible
to all people, regardless of age or physical ability
A/E Contract - Answer-The term typically used for a design services
("architectural/engineering") contract for public project (Landscape architects use them
even though their name is not used).
Addendum - Answer-Normally written change(s) made to the drawings, specifications,
and other contract documents prior to receiving bids; all parties receiving the bid
documents should be notified of the change, preferably in writing or else it may be
reason enough to void the bids or contracts.
Accounts Receivable - Answer-An amount due for services rendered which is unpaid at
the present time (an owed amount).
Application for Payment - Answer-A contractor's written request for payment of the
amount due on account of work completed and/or materials suitably stored on site. Also
called payment request.
Arbitration - Answer-Process of negotiation, with one objective party as go-between,
designated to resolve disputes prior to resorting to a court of law, provided both parties
agreed to the "binding" nature of the process in the first place.
As-built Drawings - Answer-Set of drawings, usually recorded by the contractor, refined
by landscape architect and given to owner, reflecting the actual work (including the
changes) after construction is complete.
Basic Services - Answer-Services normally defined in the scope of work as being
standard for the landscape architect to perform while executing a design service
contract (normally includes predesign programming and site analysis, schematic design,
design development, construction documents, bidding or negotiations, construction
contract administration, and post-construction evaluations).
Bid Bond - Answer-Bond guaranteeing the successful bidder will accept the contract;
each bidder normally submits one (or a check), normally for 5% of the bid amount; but
can be any reasonable pre-set amount; bid bonds are returned or voided for
unsuccessful bidders.
,Bid Instructions - Answer-(Or Instructions to Bidders, see the definition of Instructions to
Bidders) Instructions to bidding contractors for properly completing bid documents and
normally including such things as form and date of bit, place to submit, any special
instructions, etc.
Certification vs. Licensure - Answer-Certification is the process by which CLARB
formally recognizes a certificate holder's education, experience, examination and
professional conduct as meeting or exceeding their standards (not national licensure,
but usually makes reciprocity in other states easier); a recognition that the candidate is
"above-average" in competency. Licensure is the process by which a state determines
the minimal competency of an individual in order to protect the public health, safety, and
welfare.
Certificate of Payment (role of Architect) (A201; Article 4) - Answer-The landscape
architect's certification that the work listed in the Application for Payment has been
satisfactorily completed and advises the owner on amounts to be paid at that time for
parts or portions of the work. (See the definition of Application for Payment)
CD's - Answer-Construction Documents (May be in the form of drawings, specifications,
and other written documents).
Change Order - Answer-Written documentation of a change in the time/cost/scope of
the work to be performed in a contract; an amendment AFTER contract award.
- Answer-
Construction Contract Documents - Answer-Documents, including written specifications,
bid forms, contracts for construction, technical specifications, drawings, and any other
documents necessary to complete a project's construction
Construction Proposal Form - Answer-- Form on which the contractors submit their bid;
also known as the bid form, it sets forth the cost, time and scope of the work the
contractor is to furnish for a specific project (It is best for the landscape architect to
furnish this form so all contractors will use the same data and organization).
Contract Administration - Answer-Responsibility of the landscape architect during the
design and construction phases to oversee the process to see that the work is
completed on time, within the project budget and that the design intent is realized;
quality of workmanship and materials is the primary concern.
Construction Easement - Answer-A portion of project property set aside for temporary
access, utility construction and maintenance during the construction process on a site.
Cost Plus Contract - Answer-Contract based on total cost of the work plus a fixed
percentage of the cost as profit (not good for owner, but good for landscape architects
or contractors).
, Cost Overruns - Answer-Amounts exceeding the initial estimated budget for the work;
the difference between the original contract price and the completed costs.
What is CSI - Answer-Construction Specifications Institute; national organization which
has developed a system of organizing specifications into sixteen (16) uniform divisions,
no matter what type of work.
What is CSI Division 1 and Division 2? - Answer-Division 1 describes the general
requirements of all work of a similar nature (e.g., it is more general and generic to most
construction projects. All sections within division 1 are, Summary, Price and Payment
Procedures, Administrative Requirements, Quality Requirements, Temporary Facilities
and Controls, Product Requirements, Execution Requirements, Facility Operation,
Facility Decommissioning). Division 2 specifications involve "Site Work", and normally
include sub-headings such as " landscaping" and "clearing and grubbing". Etc.(These
include Basic Site Materials and Methods, Site Remediation, Site Preparation,
Earthwork, Tunneling, Boring and Jacking, Foundation and Load-Bearing Elements,
Utility Services, Drainage and Containment, Bases, Ballasts, Pavements and
Appurtenances, Site Improvements and Amenities, Planting, Site Restoration and
Rehabilitation)
Davis-Bacon Act - Answer-Enacted in 1931, this law sets the minimum wage rates and
requirements for laborers and mechanics' involved in federally funded construction
projects (rates must be included in project manual for bidding purposes).
Deliverables - Answer-Tangible items to be produced as a part of design services;
drawings, project manuals, planning reports, specifications, etc.
Errors and Omissions Insurance - Answer-Also known as "Professional Liability
Insurance", protects the professional financially in case of mistakes or failure to take
certain required actions in performing a contract for professional services or during
construction contract administration.
Design Development Phase - Answer-A phase of typical design services contract during
which the landscape architect refines the preliminary concepts presented and approved
by the client in the schematic design phase.
Direct Expenses - Answer-Expenses directly attributable to a specific project (hours
spent, materials purchased, travel, phone calls, etc.)
Easement of Support - Answer-The right to maintain support of one's property if a
neighbor wishes to remove part of the shared architecture from their side of the property
line (if the support is removed and your property collapses, the neighbor is liable if you
did not agree to it.)
