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Ben Angle is an architect currently practicing in New Mexico. His best friend's son, Sandy Stevens, has been enrolled in an architectural program at a university on the east coast. Sandy is forced to drop out of the program when his mother becomes very ill and he is now living in New Mexico. Ben hires Sandy to help out with the design and drafting work at his office.

It soon becomes apparent to Ben that Sandy is, indeed, quite a gifted designer. So much so that after Sandy works for Ben for one year Ben decides to make him a junior partner. Ben changes the name of the company to Angle & Stevens, Architecture, and their practice flourishes.

A very wealthy couple, the Grafters, meet with Ben to discuss designing a home they have in mind. They make it clear to Ben that they want an architect to design their home, which is why they've come to him, rather than a residential designer. Ben assures them the firm can satisfy their needs and shows the Grafters several drawings of designs done by his company. The Grafters are very taken with two designs created by Sandy and want to combine the two looks into one 8000 square foot home. A contract is drawn up and signed for completion of the project.

The Grafters inform Angle that they will be living in Europe during the construction of the house and request his firm be responsible of management of the project. Ben discusses the ideas for the project with Sandy and asks him to create the new design incorporating both elements. Sandy does a brilliant job of integrating the two designs. As Ben will be overseeing a project in Japan, he turns the Grafter's project over to Sandy, who agrees to be responsible for all areas of design, client interactions and project management. At the next meeting with the Grafters they compliment Sandy on his work and remark on what a gifted architect he is. He thanks the Grafters and assures them that the plans will be of the highest "architectural" standards. The Grafters approve the design and the project moves forward. When it comes time to submit the plans for permitting Ben signs and seals the documents.

In the construction phase the project runs into several problems and generates large cost overruns. The Grafters file a complaint with the N.M. Board of Examiners for Architects. The Board investigator discovers all of the facts mentioned above and the Board moves to issue a Notice of Contemplated Action.

Before the Board hearing Mr. Angle removes his seal and signature from the original plans. He says he has done this because the Grafters have refused to make the payment required in their contract.


2.1 (a)

In this case of architectural practice through a partnership, the Act clearly states that both partners must be New Mexico registered architects to have their names appear in the title of the firm
True
False

2.1 (b)

Any firm other than a partnership must have an architect in responsible charge. What requirements does the Architectural Act impose on this architect?
[Check all that apply and press Submit. Re-click to remove an incorrect answer. ]
Authority to bind the firm by contract
Construction Administration
Provide an affidavit documenting authority
Seal & sign all plans, designs, drawings, specifications and reports
Notify Board of termination of authority

2.2 (a)

Angle did not inform the Grafters that Stevens was not an architect because they didn't specifically ask him if he was, and in New Mexico a designer may engage in this kind of project. Stevens was never asked by the Grafters if he was an architect and responded appropriately to their compliments about "what a gifted architect" he was. Are both men guilty of any violations of the Act or rules?
Yes
No

2.2 (b)

The NM Architectural Act and board rules and regulations do not contain specific requirements for seismic design.
True
False

2.3 (a)

Although Ben Angle did not participate in creating the new design for the Grafters, as the registered architect for the firm he acted properly in signing and sealing the plans
Yes, if he talked to Stevens every day
Yes, if this was stipulated in the Grafters contract
No, he was in violation of the Act

2.3 (b)

When an architect has technical submissions outsourced, but prepared under the architect's responsible charge, the architect is required to maintain complete records demonstrating the architect's control over the creation of these documents.
[Check all that apply and press Submit. Re-click to remove an incorrect answer. ]
Yes, responsible charge may be exercised through a third party
No, responsible charge cannot be exercised through a third party
The architect must maintain records of this interaction for five years

2.4 (a)

As there are no specific references in either the Act or the rules regarding project management, notifying the Grafters of any additional services or costs for the project
would be dependent on the specifics of the contract.
True
False

2.4 (b)

As Stevens was not a registered architect, his participation in Grafters project could only be addressed by civil authorities.
True
False

2.5 (a)

Angle had the right to remove his seal and signature from the original plans because the Grafters did not make the payment required by their contract.
True
False

2.5 (b)

Understanding the liabilities arising from issuance of construction documents is an area of demonstrated competence listed under Construction Administration.
True
False
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