California Supplemental (CSE) Practice Exam

Which responsibility is still held by the architect even when a construction manager is involved?

1. Preparing construction documents

2. Reviewing and approving applications for payment

3. Managing site suitability studies

4. Communicating directly with the contractor

The correct answer is: Reviewing and approving applications for payment

The responsibility of reviewing and approving applications for payment remains with the architect, even if a construction manager is involved in the project. This function is crucial because the architect’s role includes ensuring that the work is in accordance with the contract documents and that the quality of work meets established standards before payments are authorized. The architect must evaluate the progress of the work and whether the financial requests align with the completed or ongoing work, as they have a fiduciary duty to the client regarding the management of funds. While a construction manager can provide insights and manage various aspects of the construction process, the final decision regarding payment approval is fundamentally tied to the architect's expertise and oversight responsibilities in relation to design integrity and compliance. Therefore, this aspect of the architect's responsibility is maintained regardless of the involvement of additional management roles on the project. The other responsibilities listed, such as preparing construction documents, managing site suitability studies, and directly communicating with the contractor, can involve more collaborative roles or may be delegated to the construction manager or other parties involved. However, approving payment applications is fundamentally tied to the architect’s role in ensuring the project remains on track concerning quality and financial agreements.