NCIDQ COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION
TEST 2026 FULL QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS
◉A design concept. Answer: is a statement of a specific physical
responce indicating how a programmatic concept can be satisfied
◉Existing Conditions. Answer: relationship to surrounding areas,
size of existing space, views, special features (atriums, architectural
features), structural considerations, plumbing
◉Organization concepts. Answer: used to satisfy the clients needs
and then test them against criteria to find the best one to develop in
more detail
◉Linear. Answer: consists of a series of spaces or rooms that are
placed in a single line (usually a path of circulation) very adaptable
◉Axial. Answer: consists of 2 or more major linear segments about
which spaces or rooms are placed. Usually have a featured
termination at one or more ends of the axis
,◉Grid. Answer: consists of 2 sets of spaced element, can be
perpendicular to each other or at angles and irregularly spaced. Can
be very monotonous and confusing. Usually defined by circulation
paths, it is more appropriate for very large spaces.
◉Central. Answer: Based on one space or point about which
secondary elements are placed. Very formal- hotel lobby
◉Radial. Answer: When more than one linear organization extends
from a centralized point. Radial plans have a central focus but also
extend outward to connect with other spaces or rooms
◉Circulation patterns. Answer: one of the primary ways of
organizing a room, an open space, or an entire project. They are vital
to the efficient organization of space and provide people with their
strongest orientation with in an environment.
◉Linear Dumbbell. Answer: simplest and one of the most flexible.
Spaces are laid out along a straight path that connects 2 major
elements at the ends
◉Doughnut Configuration. Answer: Provides a double-loaded
corridor and automatically makes a continuout exitway so two exits
are always available. Appropriate for larger groups of spaces
,◉Radial Layout. Answer: oriented on one major space with paths
extending from this central area. Generally used when there is a
major space that serves as the focal point for secondary spaces
◉Furnishing Layouts. Answer: 1) determine the types and numbers
of individual pieces required 2) Consider the space between the
pieces and their orientation to each other 3) Think about the general
access to the grouping and its relationship to existing elements
within the room
◉Initial Budgets. Answer: can be set in several ways: 1) the client
has already estimated the amout of money available and simply
gives this figure to the designer 2) Budgets can be set thru public
funding or legislation 3) The client will describe the scope of work
and intent and ask the designer to develop an anticipated budget
◉Cost Influences. Answer: 1) Construction cost 2) Furniture,
Fixtures and Equipment 3) Contractor's overhead and profit 4)
Professional Fees 5) Taxes 6) Moving Costs 7) Telephone and data
system installation 8) contingencies
◉Construction costs. Answer: the moneys required to build or
remodel the interior including such things as demolition, partitions,
ceilings, millwork funishes and plumbing, electrical and mechanical
, work. Generally anything that is attached to and becomes part of the
structure
◉General Overhead. Answer: the cost of running a contracting
business and includes such things as office rent, secretarial help,
utilities, etc.
◉Project Overhead. Answer: the money it takes to complete a
specific job, not including labor, materials or equipment. ex-
temparory offices, project telephones, trash removal, insurance,
permits.
◉Total Overhead. Answer: 10-20% of the total costs for the
contractors labor, materials and equipment
◉Profit. Answer: one of the most highly variable parts of a budget.
Typically ranges from 5 to 15% of the total cost of the job. Depends
on the type, size of job, amount of risk involved, general market
conditions, whether the job is being bid on or negotiated and how
much money the contractor wants to make
◉Contingencies. Answer: should always be added to the budget to
account for unforeseen change requests by the client and other
conditions that will add to the total cost of the job. Normally 5 to
10% of the total budget
TEST 2026 FULL QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS
◉A design concept. Answer: is a statement of a specific physical
responce indicating how a programmatic concept can be satisfied
◉Existing Conditions. Answer: relationship to surrounding areas,
size of existing space, views, special features (atriums, architectural
features), structural considerations, plumbing
◉Organization concepts. Answer: used to satisfy the clients needs
and then test them against criteria to find the best one to develop in
more detail
◉Linear. Answer: consists of a series of spaces or rooms that are
placed in a single line (usually a path of circulation) very adaptable
◉Axial. Answer: consists of 2 or more major linear segments about
which spaces or rooms are placed. Usually have a featured
termination at one or more ends of the axis
,◉Grid. Answer: consists of 2 sets of spaced element, can be
perpendicular to each other or at angles and irregularly spaced. Can
be very monotonous and confusing. Usually defined by circulation
paths, it is more appropriate for very large spaces.
◉Central. Answer: Based on one space or point about which
secondary elements are placed. Very formal- hotel lobby
◉Radial. Answer: When more than one linear organization extends
from a centralized point. Radial plans have a central focus but also
extend outward to connect with other spaces or rooms
◉Circulation patterns. Answer: one of the primary ways of
organizing a room, an open space, or an entire project. They are vital
to the efficient organization of space and provide people with their
strongest orientation with in an environment.
◉Linear Dumbbell. Answer: simplest and one of the most flexible.
Spaces are laid out along a straight path that connects 2 major
elements at the ends
◉Doughnut Configuration. Answer: Provides a double-loaded
corridor and automatically makes a continuout exitway so two exits
are always available. Appropriate for larger groups of spaces
,◉Radial Layout. Answer: oriented on one major space with paths
extending from this central area. Generally used when there is a
major space that serves as the focal point for secondary spaces
◉Furnishing Layouts. Answer: 1) determine the types and numbers
of individual pieces required 2) Consider the space between the
pieces and their orientation to each other 3) Think about the general
access to the grouping and its relationship to existing elements
within the room
◉Initial Budgets. Answer: can be set in several ways: 1) the client
has already estimated the amout of money available and simply
gives this figure to the designer 2) Budgets can be set thru public
funding or legislation 3) The client will describe the scope of work
and intent and ask the designer to develop an anticipated budget
◉Cost Influences. Answer: 1) Construction cost 2) Furniture,
Fixtures and Equipment 3) Contractor's overhead and profit 4)
Professional Fees 5) Taxes 6) Moving Costs 7) Telephone and data
system installation 8) contingencies
◉Construction costs. Answer: the moneys required to build or
remodel the interior including such things as demolition, partitions,
ceilings, millwork funishes and plumbing, electrical and mechanical
, work. Generally anything that is attached to and becomes part of the
structure
◉General Overhead. Answer: the cost of running a contracting
business and includes such things as office rent, secretarial help,
utilities, etc.
◉Project Overhead. Answer: the money it takes to complete a
specific job, not including labor, materials or equipment. ex-
temparory offices, project telephones, trash removal, insurance,
permits.
◉Total Overhead. Answer: 10-20% of the total costs for the
contractors labor, materials and equipment
◉Profit. Answer: one of the most highly variable parts of a budget.
Typically ranges from 5 to 15% of the total cost of the job. Depends
on the type, size of job, amount of risk involved, general market
conditions, whether the job is being bid on or negotiated and how
much money the contractor wants to make
◉Contingencies. Answer: should always be added to the budget to
account for unforeseen change requests by the client and other
conditions that will add to the total cost of the job. Normally 5 to
10% of the total budget
