Author: Mai

After reading and evaluating this situation thoroughly, some of my immediate thoughts were 

1. Cheating on the cement portion of the concrete is wrong, considering that I designed this multi-family housing based on specific calculations.
2. How did the superintendent convince my client to follow along with their idea?
3. Why wouldn’t my client consult with me before approving this idea?
4. Does the client know what is at risk?
5. The concrete work that has been installed will have to be removed and replaced with the correct concrete. This will cause a delay in project completion.
6. This was not in the contract that I and my client have agreed to. Therefore, this would be considered a violation.
7. Do not certify anything without it being corrected.

My approach to this situation would be to first speak with my client. From what I know, my client seems to already have knowledge about the situation and does not seem to have an issue with it. I would further explain to my client that the result of changing something that may seem small to them, could cause something bigger to happen. At that point, I would explain that using a cement portion that is less than the required that is needed for a certain strength, will cause the concrete to be weak. Therefore, resulting in a weak building. With this knowledge, I would hope that my client will come to their senses and realize that it would be unethical to go with a weaker concrete. I would also remind my client that we signed a contract with each other. According to the AIA-201: General Conditions of the Contract, “The document describes what each party is to do and spells out the remedies should any party fail in its obligations.” With this in mind, I would consider it a clear violation of the agreement between us. But I would try to reconcile and get everything back on track. To do that, we would have to remove the existing concrete and replace it with the correct concrete. This would cause a delay when it comes to project completion. 

My next step would be to speak to the General Contractor. I would ask the Contractor if they knew about the situation and if it was approved considering that the superintendent is employed by them. According to the A201 article 3.4.3,” The Contractor shall enforce strict discipline and good order among the Contractor’s employees and other persons carrying out the Contract. The Contractor shall not permit the employment of unfit persons or persons not skilled in tasks assigned to them.” Knowing this information, I would have hoped that the Contractor would have hired a superintendent that knows his job a bit more. If the Contractor did know of this, then I would consider them liable for this mistake. If not, then I would expect that the Contractor would take the superintendent off the job due to a lack of knowledge and misleading the client. Hoping that the contractor agrees with me, we get back on track to finish the project.

My final step would be to have a time extension if it is needed. According to A201 article 8.3,” An extension of time can be granted if the C is delayed by 

· act of negligence by O, A, or other contractor 

· changes in the W 

· labor disputes 

· fire 

· unusual delays in deliveries 

· other events beyond the C’s control 

· also, if delay is authorized by O 

· if arbitration is pending 

1. A determines a delay is OK.”

Based on this information, I have the right to extend the time if it is necessary to do so. Once everything is corrected, I would then be able to certify the Contractor’s request for payment.

When I think of office buildings, I always think of natural light, and space for employees to work freely, comfortably, and be able to concentrate well. From reading what the client wants, I understand that they would want to use as much space as possible. But, cramming a lot of people together just to fit as many employees as possible does not seem smart. It has been proven that employees work better and more efficiently if there is a lot of natural light, fresh air, and a comfortable amount of space between them and their colleagues. A big box store and a headquarters building are two different environments. Therefore, they should not be given the same conditions. My approach would be to try to convince the client that not all work environments are the same. Also, to prove to them through statistics that giving employees a better work environment will equal to more progress which means more $$$.  

When it comes to information from the client, I would ask how many employees he plans on having to work in this space. That way I can accurately calculate how much space would be needed to occupy that many people. I would also ask besides office space, what other spaces do you specifically need for your company? I ask that just because it varies with different companies. From there, I should be able to confirm the space capacity and cost. These issues should defiantly be discussed before even signing a contract. I feel that both I and the client should be on the same page with changes that would be done to what they wanted before. We should also have a clear understanding of what can be legally done and what cannot. And I say that just because if they try to change the plan into something else, they should know what can and cannot be done considering the area and zone that their building is in. It’s always important to talk about the things that may seem boring to a client just because it makes them aware of just how important it is. 

For the final project, I have to say that I am interested in two topics. The first topic would be about starting your own business. In my “Dream Career” essay, I said that I would like to open my own company. So, evaluating the steps I would have to take to eventually reach that goal would be interesting. The second topic would be about diversity in Architecture. This topic has always interested me just because as a woman who is visibly Muslim, I do expect people to doubt and judge me based on my looks. Even though I shouldn’t have to worry about something like that happening because if I can do the job then looks shouldn’t matter. These two topics interest me the most just because I feel like I can learn from both and improve in knowledge about both.  

When I think about opening a business, I think about all the steps that I would have to take to get there. My approach to this topic would be to ask myself and research what goes into starting a business from scratch? Would I need an Architect’s license to open my own company? How much money and time I will have to put into it to get it open? What about the people that will be joining my company? How will I expand and reach out to others? I feel like there should be a plan and certain steps you must put into place to start your own company. Then to get it started and making actual money takes time. It is known that the first five years of a business are the most difficult. Taking on this topic would be interesting to help explain and maybe plan out something for any of our classmates that do want to open a business as well.  

Diversity in Architecture is a topic that interests me because there are so many people from different backgrounds joining this career. They add more to our community rather than lessen it. When Professor Mishara showed us the photo of the NCARB, I honestly was not shocked that they were all white males. But I just felt sad because other people of different backgrounds could add more knowledge and perspective to this very important organization. I understand that tradition is important but sometimes change, can allow that organization to grow. So, my approach to this topic would be to research what happens when you go for a job interview. What factors matter and what do not? Do firms follow the rule of “we do not discriminate against any person of color or ethnicity”? We should be promoting different ethnicities, sexes, religions, etc. in the workplace while sharing our love for Architecture.