ARCH 4861 Case study Discrepancy in Concrete Mixture – Jernel Williams

For starters this is a very sticky situation, this could end badly since the concrete itself is being used as a structural member. That is pretty much fragile since it will not be at full strength. Therefore this may be a life threatening matter, that being said it makes me wonder:

If the owner and superintendent are aware of the dangers of cheating a structural member?

Why did the architect have to find out the way he/she did? 

Since there was an agreement, Why didn’t the client consult with the architect?  Therefore, there is a violation in the contract.

Therefore the architect will have to ensure that the concrete is removed and replaced with the original concrete, but the relationship with client/superintendent/architect will be rocky. 

Steps for the Architects:

The architect can not withhold payment since the owner is aware, even if they tried cheating the concrete design. Due to 4.2.2 . However, the Architect will not be required to make exhaustive or continuous on-site inspections to check the quality or quantity of the Work. The Architect will neither have control over or charge of, nor be responsible for, the construction means, methods, techniques, sequences or procedures, or for the safety precautions and programs in connection with the Work, since these are solely the Contractor’s rights and responsibilities under the Contract Documents, except as provided in Subsection 3.3.1.

Therefore the Architect will have to follow:

 4.2.5 Based on the Architect’s evaluations of the Contractor’s Applications for Payment, the Architect will review and certify the amounts due the Contractor and will issue Certificates for Payment in such amounts.

4.2.8 The Architect will prepare Change Orders and Construction Change Directives, and may authorize minor changes in the Work as provided in Section 7.4. The Architect will investigate and make determinations and recommendations regarding concealed and unknown conditions as provided in Section 3.7.4

9.8.5 The Certificate of Substantial Completion shall be submitted to the Owner and Contractor for their written acceptance of responsibilities assigned to them in such Certificate. Upon such acceptance and consent of surety, if any, the Owner shall make payment of retainage applying to such Work or designated portion thereof. Such payment shall be adjusted for Work that is incomplete or not in accordance with the requirements of the Contract Documents. For going against the local building code and specifications, which could have ended poorly. 

 

Case Study # 1 – Jernel Williams

What is your evaluation of the client’s intent? What would be your approach to this design problem?

 My evaluation of the client’s intent concludes that the client is trying to squeeze out as much profit as possible with this new design. They are not only trying to be cost efficient, but the client is showing that they are negligent and self proclaimed. The only thing that I hear is personal long term gain, I do not think it would be a stress free work environment for employees. This will only cause issues in the long run, therefore I would have to meet common grounds with the client. While ensuring everyone’s happy in the long run such as the client, employees, and myself the designer. To approach this, I would start my looking at what the client wants, then work around it by having an efficient space. Meanwhile obtaining a habitable office space with natural sunlight, lighting, windows, fresh air, acoustically pleasing, and privacy. I would think of ways of making sure the room can fit the occupants needs such as, the required number of desks or work space per sqft. I would also add more windows to make the space feel bigger than it actually was, while adding vegetation because not only is it efficient for air quality. It is aesthetically pleasing, and has a positive impact on the body and mind. 

What more information would you request from the client?

  1. How big is the room?
  2. How many people roughly are you planning to occupy this room?
  3. Do you think this is humane to cram a mass amount of people in this space?
  4. What is your long term plan? 
  5. Are you willing to come to mutual ground on this design?
  6. What does efficiency mean to you?
  7. What is your definition of efficiency?
  8. How much are you willing to spend?
  9. How do you feel about a green environment?

At what stage of the contract should this issue be discussed?

  I would discuss this at the very beginning, before the design even started. To ensure that there’s mutual understandings about how the cons outweigh the pros, based on what the client desired. That way we can work around it, and enhance the client’s understanding, and happiness after the end game.

Jernel W.

Proposals for Final Project: Jernel W.

  For the final proposal, I am interested in a few topics from my dream jobs. Although I also wanted to attempt real estate, because it’s a great trait to learn if I ever plan to flip houses in the future. That way I can be my own boss, and do what I love. Also it’s a great job that offers endless learning through experience. To start of the project I would include: 

(I would start with the key components of Real Estate, and different types)

  1. What is Real Estate? 
  2. What is the average salary in NY?
  3. What are the duties of Real Estate developers?
  4. What does it mean to be a Property Developer? 
  5. Is there a difference between Real Estate and Property Development? 
  6. What  is the meaning of Land Development? 

(After that I would show the various types of career opportunities a real estate licenses can offer)

  1. What kind of Real Estate jobs require a license?
  2. What Real Estate job recommends a license?
  3. What Real Estate job requires another license? 
  4. What are the other types of Real Estate jobs?

(Next I would think of it’s impact on my day to day life)

  1. What are the pros of Real Estate? 
  2. What are the cons of Real Estate? 

(Afterwards I would list the general requirements to becoming a real estate)

  1. Where to go to acquire a license?
  2. Is it free to obtain a Real Estate license?
  3. What kind of exam is it?
  4. What is the difference between an Agent and a Realtor?
  5.  What happens when you join a Brokerage?

(Finally I would think about what I would do once everything was finalized. My preference would be to work with houses, then I would proceed to conclude my final answer.)

  1. What are the different kinds of property types?
  2. Which one would you prefer? Why?
  3. What does Real Estate mean to you?

JERNEL W.

 

My Dream Jobs

   As a student studying architecture my dream job would consist of various options, because in life you should always have a back-up plan. That being said, my first dream job (Plan A) would consist of having my own business that would generate passive income. Since I would rather spend time with family, I also do not enjoy long restless nights.This business could possibly consist of blogging my life via YouTube, streaming games, or just selling products online. Hopefully all three will be successful in the upcoming future.

   My second job also known as plan B would consist of design work that correlates between making buildings, and renderings for game Industries. Not only will it be a fun experience, it is something that I wouldn’t mind doing full time. Although this could also include the making of renderings for companies, or  other clients seeking help in this field. I wouldn’t mind being a tutor for those who are seeking knowledge, or experience in general.

   Plan C would definitely include rescuing animals in need, and finding them a home or even a shelter by aiding to encourage their longevity, and overall happiness. This plan could also include repopulating hard hit places with vegetation, animal life, and an efficient plan to ensure it never happens again. Plan D would be drafting houses then building them up, and charging for rent. If that doesn’t work I might move towards flipping houses that are used. Thus by doing so I still get the desire of a semi – passive income as well as a lesser stressed environment potentially.

    My final job if everything else fails would be on-site analysis such as surveying the land, testing soil to widen my knowledge, or construction project manager which is basically ensuring that everything goes perfect within the job site. That could include specifications, such as drawings, details, elevations (typical site drawings) which states dimensions also known as a rule brick for construction workers to follow. It is a vital part of constructing a building correctly, and overseeing to ensure that everything matches, tweaking what needs to be fixed or expanded, removed, etc. Which also means that for the most part it is an important job for a keen eye, and an adaptable person (Plan E).

   As a conclusion, yes I have a lot of things I am interested in, covering multiple fields that are diverse in nature. I don’t like to sell myself short so instead of striving for one goal, I would find it best to strive for all. With multiple options to choose from, the chances of succeeding in one of these fields becomes more favorable. That being said, I have learned to do whatever my heart desires, if you are planning to become a millionaire then make steps, plans, fruition, and follow them wholeheartedly. If you don’t succeed it will still be an accomplishment, because you have moved one step closer to your goal, or gained great knowledge to do something else you may desire. For me that is all that matters, and if I work hard enough, and put my goals out there my dream job will come to life sooner or later.

– Jernel W.