PPI Practice Questions

Question 1

ASTM is:

A) a model code group
B) an industry standard-writing organization
C) a testing lab
D) a federal code writing agency

Answer 1

B) an industry standard-writing organization

Question 2

In order to specify an acceptable type of wall covering, which of the following tests should the designer require that the wall covering pass?

A) methenamine pill test
B) smoke density chamber test
C) Steiner tunnel test
D) vertical ignition test

Answer 2

C) Steiner tunnel test

this the test most often required in the building code

Smoke density test doesn’t measure flame spread

Question 3

Which test is MOST frequently used to evaluate carpet in the US?

A) flooring radiant
B) Steiner tunnel test
C) methenamine pill test
D) methods of fire tests of building construction and materials

Answer 3

C) methanamine pill test

Question 4

Which of the following are the two main factors used to determine whether a space must have more than one exit?

A) travel distance and exit width
B) occupant load and occupancy
C) travel distance and occupant load
D) exit width and occupancy

Answer 4

B) occupant load and occupancy

Question 5

Which of the following is an INCORRECT statement about corridors?

A) corridor construction must be fire rated
B) corridors are part of the exit access
C) corridors must be used exclusively for egress
D) corridors are included in calculating travel distance

Answer 5

A) corridor construction must be fire rated

Corridors are part of the exit access. This means they are used for calculating travel distance but they do not necessarily have to be fire-rated (although they usually are). Also, by definition they must be used exclusively for egress.

Question 6

When doing design work for remodeling toilet rooms to make them accessible, the designer finds that it is impossible to provide adequate clearance on one side of a door. Best course of action?

A) Propose to the client that walls be demolished and replanned to provide the necessary clearances
B) Apply to the building department for a variance because of the remodeling problem
C) Specify a power-assisted door opener that meets accessibility standards and incorporate this into the design
D) Suggest that a unisex toilet be built nearby that complies with all accessibility requirements.

Answer 6

C) Specify a power-assisted door opener that meets accessibility standards and incorporate this into the design

least expensive option and most sensitive to accessibility requirements

Question 7

In developing a signage system for a health care clinic, the designer decides that the room identification signs should be mounted perpendicular to the wall near the door to each room. What would be of LEAST concern in the design work?

A) the color of its lettering and its background
B) that the amount the Braille lettering is raised above the surface
C) whether or not the width of the accessible route was reduced
D) the mounting height to the center of the sign

Answer 7

A) the color of its lettering and its background

FYI- tactile signs must have a 1/32” raised surface

Question 8

What type of locking device is most appropriate for an office building?

A) cylindrical lock
B) unit lock
C) card reader lock
D) mortise lock

Answer 8

D) mortise lock
heavy duty, most durable, and most secure. harder to install.

cylindrical lock is more appropriate for hotel bathrooms or interior private offices (one piece construction). easier to install. less expensive than mortise lock.

Question 9

What type of system would be MOST appropriate in a large commercial remodeling project where a decorative acoustical ceiling and plenum access are required?

A) integrated
B) linear metal strip
C) gypsum wallboard
D) concealed spline

Answer 9

D) concealed spline

cost of integrated ceilings and linear metal strip ceilings are not warranted in a large commercial project

Question 10

To detail a doorframe for a conference room where privacy is critical, which of the following is LEAST likely to be required?

A) automatic door bottom
B) a heavy-duty silent closer
C) neoprene gasketing
D) a solid-core door

Answer 10

B) a heavy-duty silent closer

the noise created by a closer might be objectionable for the short time the door was closing, but it would have no effect on privacy once the door was closed

Question 11

The structure above a small opening cut in a masonry load bearing wall would be supported with a:

A) beam
B) header
C) lintel
D) trimmer

Answer 11

C) lintel

• beam is used for structural framing or to span large openings
• a header refers to a lintel in wood frame construction
• a trimmer is a double thickness of wood around an opening running parallel to the direction of the joists

Question 12

With whom should the interior designer consult to determine where to locate free-standing stacks in a library?

A) mechanical engineer
B) library planner
C) structural engineer
D) fire protection designer

Answer 12

C) structural engineer

all of these people may need to be consulted but the structural engineer needs to be contacted first in early planning.

Question 13

According to the IBC, the LEAST number of continuous treads to constitute a flight in a non residential building is

A) 1 continuous tread
B) 2 continuous treads
C) 3 continuous treads
D) 12 continuous treads

Answer 13

According to the IBC, a continuous run of rectangular treads, winders or a combination thereof, from one landing to another is a flight. Therefore, even one tread between two landings would be considered a flight.

Question 14

In designing a new space, the interior designer can influence life safety the MOST by coordinating with consultants concerning

A) compartmentation
B) fire detection
C) smoke control
D) sprinklers

Answer 14

D) sprinklers

compartmentation and smoke control have already been designed by the architect and the mechanical engineer and the designer would have little influence over these.

smoke detection is governed by the type of the building and occupancy

interior designer would likely be able to influence the design of sprinklers (location and quantity)

Question 15

Which of the following information about gypsum wallboard partitions should be part of a project’s specifications, not its drawings?

A) edge treatment
B) fastener spacing
C) stud depth
D) wallboard thickness

Answer 15

B) fastener spacing

Question 16

Who is responsible for ordering and placing the stone?

A) architect
B) interior designer
C) stone fabricator
D) woodwork fabricator

Answer 16

D) woodwork fabricator

the woodwork fabricator orders minor accessory materials such as stone, metal, and glass from other suppliers and then incorporates them into the woodwork

Question 17

Which of the following plans would show a property’s buildings, walks, driveways, drainage paths, and utility locations?

A) architectural plan
B) city engineer’s plan
C) civil engineering plan
D) site plan

Answer 17

D) site plan

Question 18

A project’s interior designer is developing the interior construction drawings for a laboratory. After the interior construction is complete, extensive built-in equipment will be placed within the laboratory’s work counters. Where should the interior designer document the equipment’s specifications?

A) on an equipment schedule
B) on an enlarged floor plan
C) on descriptive floor plan keynotes
D) on a large-scale elevation

Answer 18

B) on an enlarged floor plan

most floor plans are 1/8” or 1/4” which is too small to for something so complicated.

Question 19

If a client wanted to obtain the most competitive bid price while still being assured that the product was acceptable, what type of specification should be written?

A) open
B) reference
C) performance
D) base bid with approved equal

Answer 19

D) base bid with approved equal

a performance or reference spec would likely result with an acceptable final product, the base bid would ensure it

Question 20

Which of the following is the most legally binding?

A) drawings
B) specifications
C) schedules
D) plans

Answer 20

B) specifications

Question 21

Which of the following is a relatively inexpensive instrument that may be used by one person to take quick and accurate field measurements of a large site?

A) 100 ft tape measure
B) sonic distance measuring device
C) reflector less electronic distance measuring device
D) laser scanner

Answer 21

C) reflector less electronic distance measuring device

accurate enough and less expensive than a laser scanner

tape measures are awkward for one person to use and slow

sonic distance measuring device is less accurate for small spaces

Question 22

To determine the necessary floor area for a project, the interior designer must know all of the following EXCEPT

A) net assignable
B) efficiency factor
C) rentable-usable ratio
D) number of employees

Answer 22

D) number of employees

Question 23

Who would be the least involved in the selection of an underfloor raceway system?

A) electrical consultant
B) structural consultant
C) architect
D) mechanical consultant

Answer 23

D) mechanical consultant

an underfloor raceway system uses metal enclosures buried in the concrete floor slab (needs mechanical)

obi needs architect and electrical consultant

Question 24

All of the following are part of a drawing’s title block EXCEPT

A) north arrow
B) project title
C) copyright notice
D) list of notes or key notes

Answer 24

A) north arrow

title block must have : project title, copyright notice, and a list of notes or key notes

Question 25

A client requires a 100,000 square foot project be completed as quickly as possible. Therefore, which the project delivery method should the designer suggest to the client?

A) construction manager method
B) design-bid-build
C) design-build method
D) multiple contracts method

Answer 25

A) construction manager method

construction managers cost extra but they can put the project on a fast track schedule

design-bid-build=lower cost. slower than construction manager
design-build= fixed price. not the quickest construction completion time
multiple contracts= increased construction time

Question 26

During a routine site visit, the interior designer notices a lack of barricades around a floor openings while interior construction is taking place. What should the designer do?

A) point out the situation to the contract and write a letter to the client stating what was observed
B) tell the contractor to correct the situation
C) write a letter to the contractor stating the concerns, and copy the owner on the letter
D) have the contractor stop the work until the problem is corrected

Answer 26

A) point out the situation to the contract and write a letter to the client stating what was observed

Question 27

The risk for furniture being damaged during shipment is assigned by the:

A) FF&E General Conditions
B) Owner-Designer Agreement
C) Owner-Vendor Agreement
D) Uniform Commercial Code

Answer 27

D) Uniform Commercial Code

The UCC assigns risks by allowing the factory and vendor to use “FOB” Factory or “FOB destination” to determine at what point title is transferred and who is at risk for shipping damage

Question 28

If during construction, the contractor notices that a handrail does not meet the local building codes, what action could the designer reasonably expect the contractor to take?

A) the contractor should notify the designer of the discrepancy in writing
B) the contractor should correct the situation and submit a change order for the extra work
C) the contractor should building the handrail according to the contract documents because conformance to building codes is the designer’s responsibility
D) the contractor should notify the designer of the problem and suggest a remedy

Answer 28

A) the contractor should notify the designer of the discrepancy in writing

this is stated in the AIA General Conditions for the Contract for FFE

Question 29

Which of the following is the designer PROHIBITED fro doing under the terms of A251?

A) prepare change orders and authorize minor changes in work
B) determine the date of substantial completion
C) reject work that does not meet the requirements of the drawings
D) demand that a special inspection be made to determine if the work conforms to the specifications

Answer 29

C) reject work that does not meet the requirements of the drawings

AIA Document A251 states the designer may only suggest to the owner that the work be rejected, but not actually reject the work

Question 30

Which standard form includes contract information about the owner’s right to perform work separate from the main construction contract?

A) instructions to bidders
B) Owner-Contractor agreement
C) General Conditions of the Contract
D) Supplementary Conditions of the Contract

Answer 30

C) General Conditions of the Contract

general conditions states that the owner has the right to perform work separate from the main construction contract

Question 31

Under what circumstances does the owner have to provide the contractor with evidence of the owner’s financial resources to complete the project according to AIA Document A201, General Conditions of the Contract for Construction?

A) whenever the contractor asks for such evidence
B) if the project is a public project
C) on request of the contractor if the job is being competitively bid
D) the owner does not have to offer any such proof

Answer 31

A) whenever the contractor asks for such evidence

AIA A201 clearly states a contractor may ask for the owner’s financial resources for completing a project

Question 32

Two weeks before bids are due on a large restaurant project, one of the contractors asks if he can price a type of ceiling tile that was not listed in the specifications. What action should the interior designer take?

A) advise the contractor that he should submit backup proof with the bid that the proposed change is equal to what was specified
B) refer the contractor to the owner, who will make the final determination and then notify the other bidders that this has been done
C) tell the contractor to request approval in writing
D) issue an addendum stating that one o the contractors has asked of permission to price an alternate and that all contractors may do this

Answer 32

C) tell the contractor to request approval in writing

Question 33

Bid openings are typically attended by the contractor and the

A) owner
B) interior designer
C) owner and interior designer
D) subcontractors, owner, and interior designer

Answer 33

C) owner and interior designer

typically they’re open to anyone who wants to attend. typically the general contractors, oner, and interior designer are the parties commonly in attendance. on particularly large projects, the major subcontracts such as mechanical and electrical, may also attend

Question 34

To avoid veins against a project, the interior designer should suggest that the owner require the contractor to submit a

A) bid bond
B) bid security
C) performance bond
D) labor and material payment bond

Answer 34

D) labor and material payment bond

Question 35

Which of the following is the interior designer’s BEST source for determining a piece of furniture’s net price?

A) showroom manager
B) manufacturer’s price list
C) furniture dealership
D) representative’s line chart

Answer 35

C) furniture dealership

Question 36

A client has requested that she be able to look at a sofa the interior designer is proposing to use. What is the BEST course of action for the designer?

A) accompany the client to the nearest designer’s showroom
B) tell the client to visit the local dealership
C) suggest that the client visit the manufacturer
D) request that the manufacturer’s rep have a sample delivered

Answer 36

A) accompany the client to the nearest designer’s showroom

the most common method for showing clients an actual sample of furniture is to visit the nearest showroom. Because showrooms are open to the trade only, the designer must accompany the client

Question 37

Bids have been submitted by four contractors on a midsize restaurant. The lowest bid is 10% over the client’s budget, and the next lowest bid is 12% over budget. What is the interior designer’s BEST course of action?

A) suggest that the client obtain additional financing for the extra 10% and accept the lowest bid
B) accept the lowest bid, and tell the contractor that if he wants the job he should reduce his bid by 10%
C) work with the client to redesign the project to reduce the cost
D) remind the client that the designer is not responsible for construction costs, and tell the client that additional money is needed

Answer 37

C) work with the client to redesign the project to reduce the cost

Question 38

When designing a project in an unfamiliar city, what is the BEST source of cost data?

A) the most current cost data book with prices adjusted for geographical location and inflation
B) a local contractor who builds projects of a similar type
C) a computerized cost database targeted for that city
D) interior designers and architects who practice in that city and design projects of a similar type

Answer 38

B) a local contractor who builds projects of a similar type

Question 39

In addition to construction, what are the major cost components of MOST interior design projects?

A) furnishings, taxes, signal systems, and moving
B) furnishings, professional fees, taxes, and telephone installation
C) fixtures, overhead and profit, moving and telephone installation
D) furniture, fixtures, taxes, and moving

Answer 39

B) furnishings, professional fees, taxes, and telephone installation

must include professional fees, furnishings, professional fees, and telephone installation

Question 40

A window covering that is made from fabric and is generally not intended to be opened is called

A) a curtain
B) an Austrian shade
C) a ventail blind
D) drapery

Answer 40

A) curtain

curtains, by definition, are generally not intended to be opened

Question 41

During the design development phase of design, what method would NOT be used to reduce potential noise problems in a room whose exact size and shape had not yet been determined?

A) design the room to have the largest ceiling surface area possible
B) plan for sound-absorbent material on the walls of the room
C) study ways to increase the transmission loss of the room’s partitions
D) minimize the length of the wall separating the room from noisier areas

Answer 41

A) design the room to have the largest ceiling surface area possible

it may be helpful to have more area for sound absorbing material on the ceiling, but in design development, the size of the room has already been determined

B,C, and D are all important considerations

Question 42

Which of the following is the most accurate statement?

A) a sound of 50 dB is twice as loud as a sound of 25 dB
B) a desirable goal of acoustic design is to eliminate all background noise
C) a 7 dB reaction of the noise within a room would be clearly noticeable
D) a good acoustic material absorbs all frequencies equally

Answer 42

C) a 7 dB reaction of the noise within a room would be clearly noticeable

Question 43

When developing adjacency requirements, the interior designer must consider:

A) contacts between people, transfer of objects, and electronic information
B) outside contacts with service people and visitors, as well as internal contacts
C) shared equipment and transfer of objects between people
D) frequency of required contacts between people and transfer of objects

Answer 43

A) contacts between people, transfer of objects, and electronic information

Question 44

The best way to gather programming info from workers in a large office is through:

A) observation
B) questionnaires
C) interviews
D) benchmarks

Answer 44

C) interviews

Question 45

Which of the following facts about the surrounding neighborhood is NOT relevant to whether a building can achieve LEED CI certification?

A) building is in a high-density, walkable community
B) all surrounding streets are collector or arterial
C) guaranteed tenant parking is the minimum allowed by zoning requirements
D) neighborhood has public transportation within 1/4 miles

Answer 45

B) all surrounding streets are collector or arterial

Question 46

Organic, humanist interior design of houses is BEST represented by the work of

A) Frank Lloyd Wright
B) Le Corbusier
C) Mies van der Rohe
D) Walter Gropius

Answer 46

A) Frank Lloyd Wright

Question 47

An interior designer is creating a color-coding system for use in a housing facility for the elderly. Which of the following color combinations would be the MOST vivid and easily perceived?

A) a bright color against a background of a non complementary color
B) complementary colors of high saturation
C) highly saturated warm or cool colors next to a neutral gray
D) the primary colors and white

Answer 47

B) complementary colors of high saturation

Question 48

What type of locking device is most appropriate for an office building?

A) cylindrical lock
B) unit lock
C) card reader lock
D) mortise lock

Answer 48

D) mortise lock

Question 49

An interior designer is looking for independent, third-party information specifically about a carpet’s volatile organic compound emissions. The BEST source would be the

A) Green Label Plus program
B) GreenSpec directory
C) Greenguard Environmental Institute
D) U.S. Green Building Council

Answer 49

A) Green Label Plus program

Question 50

An accurate representation of materials can BEST be shown with a

A) computer rendering
B) full size mockup
C) presentation model
D) study model

Answer 50

B) full size mockup

Question 51

An interior designer typically develops color and materials boards during the

A) design development phase only
B) schematic design phase only
C) programming and schematic design phases
D) schematic design and design development phases

Answer 51

D) schematic design and design development phases

Question 52

What characterizes an isometric drawing?

A) all axes are drawn to the same scale
B) a three-dimensional view can easily be created by tilting a floor plan and extending vertical lines
C) lines of projection are perpendicular to the picture plane
D) the view shows a cut approximately 5 feet above the floor

Answer 52

A) all axes are drawn to the same scale

Question 53

Who would be responsible for ordering and placing a stone top of a custom-built reception desk that includes woodwork, stone, metal, and a light fixture?

A) architect
B) interior designer
C) stone fabricator
D) woodwork fabricator

Answer 53

D) woodwork fabricator

Question 54

When coordinating with a security consultant, the interior designer’s drawings should show

A) a schedule of all security device
B) the emergency backup power supple
C) the positioning of required lighting
D) the wiring of the security devices

Answer 54

C) the positioning of required lighting

all other options would be shown on the electrical drawings or on the security consultants drawings

Question 55

Most building codes in the US are established by

A) federal laws
B) model code-writing agencies
C) state governments
D) local governments

Answer 55

D) local governments

All rights not specifically reserved for the federal government or by the US Constitution revert to individual states. The states, in turn, can delegate control of construction to local jurisdiction. Only a FEW states have a state building code.

Question 56

A designer has calculated the occupant load of a large, sprinklered hotel ballroom, and has determined that three exits are required from the space. The diagonal distance of the room is 160’. According to the IBC, two of the exits must be separated by at least one-third of the diagonal distance of the room. Where does the code required the third exit to be located?

A) a reasonable distance from the others
B) a minimum of 80 ft from the first two
C) as determined by the building official
D) at least one-half the diagonal distance from the first two

Answer 56

A) a reasonable distance from the others

Question 57

When working under the requirements of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), the interior designer will MOST likely use which method to assist in the lighting design of a commercial project?

A) building area method
B) energy cost budget method
C) luminaire efficacy method
D) space-by-space method

Answer 57

D) space-by-space method

Question 58

An occupant load calculation has shown that an office suite requires a total of 71 inches of egress width and two exit access doors. In order to meet all international Building Code (IBC) and accessibility requirements, what are the minimum door widths that should be used?

A) one 36 inch door and one 42” door
B) one 38” door and one 34” door
C) one 36” door and one 44” door
D) two 36” doors

Answer 58

A) one 36 inch door and one 42” door

Accessibility guidelines require a 32” minimum clear width. Subtract about 3” from the total door width to get the clear width. So, a 36” door gives you 33” and a 42” door gives you 39”

36” + 39” = 72” which satisfies the need for 71” clear

Question 59

If a material does not burn, it is considered to be

A) fire retardant
B) fire rated
C) flame resistant
D) noncombustible

Answer 59

D) noncombustible

Question 60

In a fully sprinklered building, how many sprinklers would be required in a room measuring 20 feet by 25 feet?

A) 2 sprinklers
B) 3 sprinklers
C) 4 sprinklers
D) 6 sprinklers

Answer 60

C) 4 sprinklers

max sprinkler spacing: 15’
max spacing from wall: 7’ 6”

Question 61

Which of the following are the two main factors used to determine whether a space must have more than one exit:

A) travel distance and exit width
B) occupant load and occupancy
C) travel distance and occupant load
D) exit width and occupancy

Answer 61

B) occupant load and occupancy

Question 62

A residential client with a one-story house wants to remove an 8’ section of a load bearing wall to make an opening between two existing rooms. What is the MOST appropriate advice the designer can give?

A) the opening can be framed, but a structural engineer will be needed
B) an architect will have to be retained to sign the drawings for the building department
C) the opening can be framed with a double 2”x8” header
D) the proposed opening cannot be made because the wall is a load-bearing wall

Answer 62

A) the opening can be framed, but a structural engineer will be needed

Question 63

When a double door with an astragal is included in a fire separation, which of the following is required?

A) automatic door bottom
B) door coordinator
C) panic hardware
D) threshold

Answer 63

B) door coordinator

a door coordinator is needed to automatically close one leaf of the pair of doors before the leaf with the attached astragal closes. this is to prevent incomplete closing of the doors

Question 64

Which of the following are found in the project manual?

A) performance bond
B) testing requirements
C) instructions to bidders
D) cost estimate
E) Owner-Interior Designer Agreement
F) supplementary conditions

Answer 64

A) performance bond
B) testing requirements
C) instructions to bidders
F) supplementary conditions

Cost estimates and agreements are NOT included in the project manual

Question 65

A 216 pitch carpet has

A) a pile height that is almost 1/4” high
B) 8 surface yarns per inch
C) an equivalent gauge of 1/6
D) a commercial-grade stitch rate

Answer 65

B) 8 surface yarns per inch

Pitch is the number of ends of surface yarn in a 27 inches width. To convert this measurement to gauge (the spacing between stitches), divide 27 inches into 216 stitches. This give 8 stitches/in or 8 surface yarns/inch. The equivalent gauge, therefore, is 1/8

Question 66

The client is most typically involved with procurement of furniture through

A) the acknowledgement
B) the freight bill
C) a purchase order
D) a sales agreement

Answer 66

D) a sales agreement

The client must sign the sales agreement, which obligates the client to pay for the purchase of merchandise. The other documents are handled by the interior designer, dealership, or others

Question 67

Which of the following provides the MOST accurate basis for estimating project costs?

A) square footage
B) functional unit
C) parameter
D) quantity takeoff

Answer 67

D) quantity takeoff

Question 68

The flame spread rating of wood panel wainscoting must be

A) a minimum of class A
B) class B if the wainscoting takes up more than 10% of the wall area
C) nothing, because it is not regulated
D) based on location and occupancy

Answer 68

D) based on location and occupancy

Wood wall finishes of paneling or wainscoting are regulated in the same way as other wall and ceiling finishes. The minimum flame-spread rating depends on the occupancy and the location of the building.

Question 69

To avoid liens against a project, the interior diesinker should suggest that the owner require the contractor to submit a:

A) bid bond
B) bid security
C) performance bond
D) labor and material payment bond

Answer 69

D) labor and material payment bond

a labor and material bond is designed to pay subcontractors and vendors in case the general contractor defaults on his or her payments for labor and materials provided. When subcontractor or vendors are not paid for their work, they can file liens against the property. A performance bond provides money for the completion of a project should the general contractor default, but it does not provide for payment of past-due bills on the original construction.

Question 70

The risk for furniture being damaged during shipment is assigned by the

A) FF&E General Conditions
B) Owner-Designer Agreement
C) Owner-Vendor Agreement
D) Uniform Commercial Code

Answer 70

D) Uniform Commercial Code

The UCC assigns risks by allowing the factory and vendor to use “FOB” Factory or “FOB” Destination to determine at what point title is transferred and who is at risk for shipping damage

Question 71

According to AIA Document B152, Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect for Architectural Interior Design Services, the designer must prepare cost estimates for the project during the:

A) schematic design phase only
B) design development phase only
C) schematic design and design development phases
D) schematic design, design development, and construction documents phase

Answer 71

D) schematic design, design development, and construction documents phase