PJM_Study Flashcards
(23 cards)
What does the PJM exam primarily test?
Your ability to independently manage an architectural project according to your client agreement.
What is the first step in managing a project?
Selecting the right internal team based on your firm’s organizational structure.
What are the three common architectural firm organizational structures?
Horizontal, Vertical, Matrix.
How does a horizontal organization structure projects?
By dividing work across departments for each phase (design, production, construction administration).
What is the benefit of a horizontal organization?
Specialization; team members become experts in a specific phase.
What is a major drawback of horizontal organizations?
Information loss during handoffs and limited skill growth across phases.
How are vertical firms structured?
A single team works on a project from start to finish, often in a studio model.
What is a benefit of a vertical organization?
Project intent is maintained, and staff gain experience across all phases.
What is a drawback of vertical organizations?
Harder to find staff who are well-rounded across all project phases.
What is a matrix organization?
A blend of horizontal and vertical structures with core team members supplemented by specialists.
What is a utilization rate?
The percentage of time a staff member spends on billable tasks.
What is the formula for utilization rate?
Billable hours / Total hours worked.
What is a typical utilization rate for technical staff?
75-85%.
What is a typical utilization rate for an entire firm?
60-65%.
Who is the architect of record?
The licensed architect taking responsibility for the project by signing and sealing documents.
What is required of the architect of record?
They must be in responsible control for the duration of the project.
Why is the architect of record role challenging in horizontal firms?
Because no single team works on the entire project, continuity must be maintained by the principal.
What factors should be considered when staffing a project?
Utilization rates, licensure status, skills, experience, and familiarity with the client or project type.
Why does BIM experience matter in staffing?
BIM projects require different skills and often front-loaded staffing for early design phases.
What is included in a staffing plan?
Staff roles, duration on project, and alignment with project fees.
What is an EBD approach?
Evidence-Based Design; requires post-occupancy evaluations and data gathering.
What challenges arise in staffing large projects across multiple locations?
Need for consistent output, travel for site visits, and strong team communication.
Why is staff satisfaction important in staffing decisions?
Unhappy staff may leave the project or firm, disrupting project delivery.
