Ahhhhhh!!!!!

Almost here... !!!

I don't even know WHAT to feel right now. I mean, I obviously have expected this for the past several months (since I registered!), but holy butterflies!

Pass or Fail, I promise to share.  Oh, and Pass or Fail, I will be back to share updates and tips and help any future test-preppers.  

This is the official shout-out: "Keep interacting and following - I'll be here for you!"

Good luck!
Carolyn

Don't Study Tonight, Just Re-Read This...

Go back and read this post.

And make your own version. 

Best wishes to everyone tomorrow. I know you'll pass if you channel your effort, keep it simple, and follow the directions. And a special thank you to everyone who interacted and were able to benefit from my TMI-Prep Fest. Setting out to help myself, I'm so happy I was able to succeed in doing so while inspiring and sharing with others along the way. 

Good Luck and Kind Thoughts,
Carolyn

TIP: Swap Base Plans

This time around, I purchased TWO PDP's instead of one and I highly recommend it. Heck, I probably would have loved THREE. The nice thing about 2 or more tests is the ability to do the following (TIP Alert!):

Swap exercises and double your practice!

That is, if your entire space square footage is close. If it's off by quite a bit - make your own "extension" or take away some area. 

I have a commercial space and a residential space. For instance, if the SF is close enough (within 200 SF), trace your commercial base plan and use your residential program requirements. (I'm adding a few windows since the commercial space only has windows at the entrance.

Go for it!
Carolyn

Space Planning: Combination Tip

If you're like me, no matter how much you practice Space Planning, you still have a frozen moment or two in the fast paced 3 hour exercise. In an effort to replace bad habits with good, I've been trying new tricks and strategies. 

I find that maintaining balance while trying to accomplish the following is tough...

• a list of spaces
• square footages for spaces in list
• adjacency requirements for spaces in list
• specific location requirements for spaces in list (i.e. fireplace as a feature in the living room will mean that's the only place for that room, foyer/entry should be AT the main entrance)
• plumbing trench 
• plumbing trench extension limits
• fitting FFE requirements in said spaces
• fitting clearances around and in said spaces
• dimensions
• electric
• notes

{ Challenge }

Meeting square footage requirements with a layout that makes the best use of the space is where I get stuck. AKA, the transition from somewhat-to-scale-but-not-really bubble diagram. I'm guilty of not feeling comfortable until my plan is hard-lined, so I rush this step. I'm then left with a bedroom without a walk-in closet and no choice but to take SF from the bedroom itself. 

TIP: Combine spaces where possible. The walk-in closet is obviously going to be in the bedroom, right? Chances are, the master bath too, right? 

Try adding the bedroom SF + master bath SF + walk-in closet SF together. You might have (1) large rectangle like this:

Let's say your Walk-in Closet is to be 40SF, your Master Bath 120, and your Master Bedroom 240. Add them up:

40 SF + 120 SF + 240 SF = 400 SF

Next, if it helps, draw a rectangle on trace which equals 400 SF. See how the one above is 17'-0" wide? Divide 400 by 17 to get your approx length = 23'-6". Move this around on your plan (as you would in AutoCAD) to find it's best place. TIP: The toilet/shower will need to be on the plumbing trench or an extension. 

TIP: Don't forget to share plumbing walls where possible! Back to back or side by side. 

Other spaces this will help with:

• Kitchen+Break Room
• Workroom+Storage
• Kitchen+Pantry
• Kitchen+Laundry
• Kitchen+Pantry+Laundry (whoa!)
• Accessible Bedroom+Closet+Bathroom
• Public space vs. Private space

Hope this quick tip helps! I plan to practice it tonight with both a commercial exercise and residential. Though from research and experience, I'm confident the space planning with be residential (usually is for Spring). 

Happy prepping!
Carolyn

Transition time...

... Less prep, more nature. It's officially the ONE WEEK mark! 

{ Part 1: Butterflies and Swimming }

I've found a calming way to nearly eliminate my test anxiety and after practicing it for about 3 weeks, I can confidently say it has healed me! Remember what I said in this post about test anxiety being a habit? Well, to break a bad habit, we must replace it with a good one. Can't quite shake it completely? Begin by following a negative feeling with a positive thought. 

I've been getting random bouts of butterflies in my stomach (nerves, anxiety, surges of bad energy). I thought back to my days as a competitive swimmer. I got butterflies before every race and they were GOOD butterflies. And another thing? Whether I won or not, I would kick some serious booty and usually improve my time. Silly worry. 

Every time I get butterflies, I think of my swim meets. And the memory makes me smile. I find these butterflies to be a surge of strength and happiness now instead of doubt and fear. 

{ Part 2: Swimming and Test Prep }

Because my connection to swimming helped so much with my test anxiety, I've adapted my test prep plan to mimic my pre-championship meet training schedule (which always yielded best times and great swims!). 

Before a big meet, we'd train hard for months (with the hairiest man legs you've ever seen) and taper down two weeks before the meet. I'm entering my "taper week" and doing a lot more relaxing, exercising, and spending time with family/friends/nature. 

Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming,
Carolyn

Sim Day Results: Systems Integration

Today's Sim Day Results comes in the form of a few tips/reminders, rather than a list of rights and wrongs. This pretty much sums up my common mistake with this exercise. I only got one wrong, so I'm thinking I passed ;) 

TIP: Don't forget the P of MEP! Most of the problems in this exercise will have to do with the ceiling, but in a rare (and possibly phased-out) instance, we must look down. Conflicts with plumbing trenches and structural portions of the floor may arise. In addition to looking down, reference the building section provided. 

TIP: As I shared in this post, it's very important to use the building section provided. You might not need to solve every problem, but there will definitely be one or two which will prove difficult without it. See below. 

{ What the section clarifies }

Structural beams, joists, and columns (Sizes and locations)
What this means: you cannot run a duct, sprinkler line, or plumbing trench through these solid (usually concrete or steel) building components.

Ceiling height changes 
What this means: If a ceiling pops up, you cannot run duct work at the same height or it would continue through the wall and *exposed* across the pop-up. Same goes for sprinkler lines. If a beam is running across your ceiling plan, the section might also show this - it would be the opposite of a pop-up and because it's structural, you still cannot run components through it (see above).

Happy Prepping,
Carolyn

Dimlabelgram!!

It's not a spelling error, friends. It's a word I invented that makes both me and my husband laugh. And sticks in my brain. And it holds a strategy which I think will help anyone avoid mark-downs for "small" errors. Let's say it together now: Dimlabelgram.

... { Meaning }...

Dimlabelgram: (v) [dim-LAY-bull-gram] the act of checking one's Practicum exercises for proper dimensions & clearances, labeled  FFE & mounting heights, and compliance with the provided program.

Example:
Halt! 10 minutes to go! Time to dimlabelgram my solution! Oops... didn't label my mirror. Oops again, forgot a 5'-0" turning circle. 

I found that pretending I'm a grader for the last 10-15 minutes of each exercise forces me to scrutinize the details. This isn't a good time to catch something big and irreversible. This is why it's important to evaluate your plan of attack early on - see one of my strategies "The Three Phases" of Space Planning in this post. To avoid 3 to 4 little mistakes is valuable to me. I have even considered writing it on my test booklet in big red letters. But then again, you hand those booklets back in. And I wouldn't want the graders thinking I've got a few screws loose. Which I suppose is true. Per this post. But whatever it takes to pass... have some fun along the way. 

Should I "Add this to dictionary" per Spellcheck?

Happy DLG-ing,
Carolyn

Sim Day Results: Egress

Grade: Borderline Pass

How I felt during: A little confused at first, but determined

Why confused? I couldn't figure out what the furthest travel distance was in the existing space and I was taking a ton of time trying to measure different routes. Well, it didn't matter anyway, because along with all THREE solution examples, I got it wrong. In fact, I still disagree and I'm sure many other candidates would as well. Another pre-revamp, I suppose. Also, the restrictions really left only one reasonable layout, which took me a while to figure out. 

{ How I Did }

• I chose the incorrect "furthest common path of travel" in the existing suite. (All three examples also got this wrong and 2 passed despite)
• Because of the above, my calculations for Travel Distance to Stair 1 and Travel Distance to Stair 2 were off, but correct for what I had. (Again, still doesn't constitute a failing solution)
• Where I would say I tipped into Borderline Pass was this: I miscalculated my Occupancy for one of the 4 suites, which affected my occupancy load per stair.

2287 SF / 50 (Exercise Room) = 46

I *somehow off in la-la-land* got 12...

However, I noticed this same mistake on several sample tests and graders would note that despite a math error, if the candidate still demonstrated knowledge of how to actually apply the correct method of determining load per stair, they were not automatically FAILED.

Now, combine these errors... I don't know what to take away as far as correct grading, but I will learn from it!

I am happy that I have overcome the hurdles of laying out my spaces and understanding the difference between "common path of travel" and "distance to stair 1 & 2."

Now exiting, 

Carolyn

Door Hardware: Rules of Thumb

Anyone else struggle with door hardware? In my almost-7 years of working experience (and 4 years of college), I've never really had to assign it. Architects always did, while I checked all materials, heights, and frame types. 

I spy a panic bar! 

photo: King County Library

Recognizing there are several "acceptable" answers, but usually a "best," I am usually pretty frustrated when I get 3 of 4 hardware selections wrong or "not exact." I learned that the newer tests (since 2011) have really narrowed down correct answers. On my latest test, I only got 2 of 4 wrong, but I had to ask NCIDQ directly. Before clarifying with them, I had 3 of 4 wrong. Heck, I could have only 1 of 4 wrong... 

This isn't a memorization test, it's a test of application, knowledge, and creativity. Therefore we have to LEARN it rather than just memorize a fact and forget it 4 days later. 

{ NCIDQ Partition Rules of Thumb }

• Rated partitions
• Demising walls between tenant suites
• Walls between tenant suite and public space/corridor (i.e. elevator lobby)
• Walls between assembly spaces (>750 SF) and adjacent space or tenant corridor
• Walls of a storage room >50 SF
• Rated partitions must extend to the underside of the deck
• Acoustical partitions must extend to the underside of the deck
• Rated = acoustical 
• Office-to-office or office-to-corridor extend to finished ceiling
• I rarely see 4" Above Finished ceiling as a correct answer. I'm still not really sure why it's an option? Anyone know what instance this would be used (on the NCIDQ)?

{ NCIDQ Door Rules of Thumb }

• Doors in a rated wall assembly (1-hour) must be a minimum 20 min. rating
• Most door frames can be AL unless required otherwise
• Doors are 7'-0" high and commonly 3'-0" wide with a few exceptions
• When "visibility" is required, I like to use either minimal glazing on the door itself, or a frame type with a sidelight. Why? Because rated doors have limits on the amount of glazing. These limits vary per code. Most fire-rated glazing is actually 45-min which is greater than the 20-minute minimum required by NCIDQ.
• I use SCW (solid core wood) doors throughout unless I have a storage or utility room. These are typically utilitarian with louvered vents or are completely solid-faced (but hollow on the inside) HMD (hollow metal doors). 

{ NCIDQ Hardware Rules of Thumb } 

• Rated doors require a closer
• "Controlled access" or "Secured" typically requires a Card Reader or a Code Lock
• Assembly space >750 SF should have a closer and a Lever Passage set typically. A panic bar is also acceptable, but not required.

{ The What and Why of Door Hardware }

What is each set and where would we use it?

To better see the chart, please click on it and it will become larger in your browser.

Good lock luck,

Carolyn

Sim Day Results: Life Safety

Grade: PASS

How I felt during: Strong, efficient, and thorough

{ How I did }

Door/Frame/Hardware Schedule 

(26/28 Selections Correct)

• Got my door heights right this time! All 7'-0"
• Used HM (Hollow Metal) for a storage room door, and SCW (Solid Core Wood) for all others
• Kept it consistent: AL (Aluminum) frames for all
• Kept it consistent: Same door type for all single doors, with the exception of one double door (no visibility requirements)
• Rated all doors requiring it to 20 minutes (not one hour!)
• I selected 2 of 4 locksets incorrectly. Bummer. Well, really - who knows if they could be right? The solutions are not helpful. I'd love to learn this!!
• (X) One was for a rated storage room (TIP: greater than 100 SF must be rated) requiring controlled access. I selected a Lever Passage Set with Maglock and Card Reader. Correct: Lever Passage Set with Maglock, Closer, and Card Reader. TIP: Rated doors (like this one) require a closer. 
• (X) For a rated assembly space, I specified: Lever Passage Set with Closer. Correct: Lockset with Panic Bar and Closer.**
• **Still not sure why a panic bar is required in a training room. Panic bars are typically required on exits from a tenant space, doors to stairways, and exits from stairways/buildings. Anyone know for sure?

Partition Schedule 

(14/15 Selections Correct)

• (X) I got everything right except a Conference Room wall with acoustical properties needed to extend to the deck not 4" above finished ceiling; TIP: Acoustical = to deck. 

Plan

• (X) Missed an Exit sign
• (X) Drew arrows on an exit sign in the wrong direction

I will be featuring a post this week titled "Hardware: Rules of Thumb." I'm determined to get this right!!!

Luck with locks,

Carolyn

Sim Day Results: Space Planning

Take 1. Grade: Borderline Pass
Take 2. Grade: Pass

Here are some sketches on trace... TIP: Embrace color! Color-code your program requirements. Highlight key points. Draw duplex symbols in the room chart where they're required so you don't forget!

I break this exercise down into THREE phases (not unlike the Process of Design):

1. Conceptual - After reading the program, Develop 3-4 Adjacency/Bubble Diagrams (as close to scale as you can, draw loose squares/circles for spaces) placing required spaces in different layouts that work. Then, still in the conceptual phase, develop them further - if you choose 1 of your 4 layouts, sketch what I call a "Detailed Bubble Diagram" in which you start to sketch straight walls ROUGHLY. Then, move on to #2.
2. Soft-to-hard line drawing. Place your walls, doorways, millwork, and plumbing using pencil. This is a critical phase where you're scaling each space per required square footage. You might run into "reality checks" here, where you're rough layout from #1 might not fit as perfectly as you envisioned. During this phase, you're sketching in big furniture, etc. to make sure they fit (and fit well!!). 
3. Dimensions & Details. This is where I transition from pencil to extra-fine-point black Sharpie. I've established my walls and I can confidently solidify my drawing. Once walls are set, I add room names and SF. During this phase, I'm drawing in all required FFE, adding my WC turn-circles, dimensions, electric, appliances, details, and notes. 

This exercise is 3 hours, but while it might make sense to spend 1 hour per phase above, it doesn't always work out that way. Sometimes I've only spent 30 minutes on Phase one, which might not have been enough because Phase 2 would take the next 1.5 hours - me fixing problems stemming from a hasty start.

{ The Most Turrrrible Layout }

You might have noticed above that I took this twice. Exactly one week apart. Why? Because I HATED my first plan. It was compliant, met the program requirements, and only had about 6 omissions & errors, but it was terribly laid out. I felt I needed more practice in space planning in an empty space. Normally, I'm partially planning the space. And I'm almost never aware of a plumbing trench (not because I don't care about it, but because laying out offices, conference rooms, and workstations rarely involves kitchens/bathrooms). 

{ Take 1 }

• Did not label built-in bookshelves, just drew 'em. 
• One of my doors was less than 36"W.
• My storage room was long and narrow and not truly functioning efficiently, even though the SF was met.
• The program stated "storage nightstands" and I just drew circles. I didn't draw drawers/knobs, nor did I label it as "storage". I might be a little strict here as I did not notice others being marked off for this. 
• I did not include single-pole hanging in a closet. Hello? A woman's closet needs hanging space for long dresses! My own closet ONLY has single pole storage!
• My master bathroom is super long and narrow. And while it meets the requirements, I would certainly mark me down for it.

{ Take 2 }

• Missed a dimension designating the width of my corridor. 
• Did not label the wall-mounted mirror in the Master Bathroom.
• Did not label my pantry shelving. 

NCIDQ isn't looking for the perfect and ideal floor layout. They're looking for ADA compliant, accurate SF, somewhat sensible layout, adjacency attention, dimensions, details, notes, and properly scaled FFE, etc. However, while I'm not determined to provide some award-winning floor plan, I find that the layout takes the longest for me. Hence, my spending extra time practicing this. My space plan in TAKE 2 is not only compliant, it's clever, functional, and desirable. I'd want to live there! I'm happy I took the time to practice because my confidence is elevated. 

Make the most of the next 2 weeks!
Carolyn

Sim Day Results: Lighting

Grade: PASS!

not my plan, but photo from: Katy Higley

I've really come through on this exercise. My practice has paid off, as I only made (2) mistakes on the plan. Hooray! Happy dance!

• I designated a night-time security light (a 2x4 Fluorescent fixture) as required, but I switched it. It should not have the ability to be switched off. Lesson learned! (Though, I believe this requirement has been omitted in the new format of the test.)
• I miscalculated one of my fixture wattage totals: a 4-piece under-cabinet task light (4-piece meaning 4x9" segments). I entered it as 4 x 20W per fixture = 100W. Oops.  It didn't affect my totals much at all (20 Watts) and I was still within wattage allowed. 

Strategies Employed

• First off, I started with my entire hour available. No space planning spill-over. Good start!
• I read the directions thoroughly and wrote down key points on the side of my plan.
• I started by calculating my wattage allowed. 
• 1.5W/SF x Total SF = Total Watts Allowed
• Lightly (in pencil) drew in small lights with symbols, adding roughly as I went.
• Adjusted my plan a few times until it was right, rather than rushing into the "pretty pen drawing" stage.
• I wasn't familiar with the "NL" night light requirements, so I did spend some time trying to find limits or restrictions in the Code information. No such luck!
• Included any fixtures the exercise provided.
• Checked thoroughly.

Good Luck,

Carolyn

Why I Moved My Test Simulation Day

My simulation test day was supposed to be today. After taking my Space Planning exercise yesterday (sour, sour procrastination... bad, bad fear... oh, and working late this week when I was planning on an after-work 7-10pm Space Planning test post-wedding-weekend), I was exhausted. I realized I would be exhausted for certain after the Test Simulation day. That meant that I wouldn't even want to be in the same room as my testing materials.

Calendar by Terrain

Not wanting to waste a valuable weekend day due to burn-out, I decided to move my test sim to Sunday (tomorrow). That way, I don't have to think about or look at the test on Monday since I'll be at work! Genius! Looking at it Monday night will allow me to get something out of this practice exam with a steady pace. I must remember, I have 21 days left! While this could be perceived as excuses and procrastination, I look at it as better time management. I'm deciding to do what's best for me. Can I do this on April 6th? No. And I know that. Can I move my Test Sim any further into the future. No way!!

The only thing that will differ on actual test day is this:

• 8:00 - 8:30 AM: Proctor reads directions*, **
• 8:30 - 12:30 PM:  Part A
• 12:30 - 1:30 PM: Lunch Break
• 1:30 - 2:00 PM: Directions*, **
• 2:00 - 6:00 PM: Part B, Part C

* Shhh. Sometimes, if the proctor has clearly read the directions (they're routine, but necessary) in only 10-15 minutes, he or she will get you started early. Also, if everyone is back from lunch by 1:15, he or she will make sure every candidate is seated and ready and start early. But every candidate must be there and willing to start! Normally, we just want it to be over! 

** Listen while they're giving directions. Very important. I'm not kidding!

• I'll be starting at 8 AM and finishing Part A at 12
• 12:00 - 1:00 PM break
• 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Part B, Part C

I will then spend the rest of the night eating Rita's water ice and watching re-runs of 30 Rock if I'm feeling happy or Gilmore Girls if I need my mama. Probably the latter with my track record.

{ Things I accomplished today }

• Organized my test supplies (tools, trace, etc.)
• Ordered my drafting board, dots, and fresh pens
• Checked my space planning exercise (so happy I was able to do this! It would have been a waste of a pre-simday learning opportunity if I had not)
• Posted my results here!
• Organized my testing materials (test, test solutions, blog print-outs, etc.)
• Relieved some test-taking angst by identifying bad and good in this post...

Over and out,

Carolyn

Space Planning Exercise: How I did!

FAIL

Funny, I passed this in the Spring 2012 Practicum. Here's how it went down:

I took the test yesterday during late afternoon 3:45-6:45 after a day of working from home. Working from home is, as you can imagine, delightful - the silence, the alone-time, productivity is amazing and my two 45-minute drives were eliminated. I didn't really take a lunch break, which - maybe I should have because I was low on fuel when I started my test. 

I started with confidence and an open mind. What the worst that could happen? I make mistakes and learn? Alas, I froze during the transition from bubble-diagram to hard-lining walls. This ate up the entire first 2 hours, leaving me just one hour to add FFE, electric, and notes. I also took a backwards approach to bubble-diagramming which I'll explain below. I finished everything in time, but my brain was whirling.

Despite, I felt really good about it. Until about 2:36 am when I woke up and started thinking of where I made mistakes. 

After making a *spoiler alert* organization device this morning (will post in detail later on), which took some anxiety off my shoulders, I intended to sit down and check my exercise. Instead, I took a(nother) 30-minute therapy session with my oh-so-patient husband. This, despite feeling like wasted time, really helped. 

This transitioned into him sitting with me to check my test together. Holy mistake-town (the test, not team-checking). Despite my  initial letdown, frustration, and embarrassment, I was able to reason the following and pep-talk myself into sharing my horrible solution with all of interested internet-land. 

• This is a practice test. This is where I'm supposed to make these mistakes so that I don't make them on test day. I now know exactly what I need to work on. In my experience, mistakes make us better, stronger. I will never forget that the infamous Daisy and Gatsby were drinking mint juleps in the garden with friends on a summer afternoon. Why such a strange detail? Because I got it wrong on a pop quiz in high school. I also now know that the 42" grab bar goes beside the toilet and the 36" goes behind. 
• How can I incorporate my lessons learned in the future to relieve anxiety rather than feed it?
• I'm not dumb. I'm not a bad designer. I don't get to do this as often as I want to. I just need to practice to be better, just as anyone must do in any field of work. 

A nice little note from Andrew ;)

{ Grading Breakdown }

• The practice test required a Janitor closet with a sink and shelf unit. I drew the sink right at the door and the incorrectly sized shelving to the right of it. Totally not accessible with the sink in the way. Sink location, wrong shelf: -2
• Re: Janitor closet, the door opens way into the corridor -1
• In two spaces I did not have the correct linear footage of upper and lower cabinetry once I accounted for my ADA clearance. For both spaces: -2
• My ADA restroom did not meet the minimum SF requirements -1
• My ADA restroom turning radius overlapped with my door swing -1
• My ADA restroom grab bars were reversed (42"L behind toilet, 36" beside toilet - should be flipped) -1
• My ADA restroom was missing the 30 X 48 designation at the sink -1
• The toilet was not directly on the plumbing trench -1
• A wall-mounted fixture (sorry, can't give specifics) protrudes more than 4" into a corridor -1
• I placed a piece of equipment within the required 18" on the pull-side of a non-accessible server room (not sure if this code applies to non-accessible spaces... anyone know?) -1
• I did not provide an outlet for the refrigerator -1
• I did provide one for the dishwasher, but I could have sworn I did! did not make it dedicated -1
• Didn't label the SF in a storage closet, but dimensioned it (and it met the minimum) -1 (I only saw the candidate get docked for omitting SF on the plan when they did it in a lot of spaces.. still, gotta label!)
• Missed a duplex in the Reception area by the guest seating, though I did provide it at the reception desk -1
• All of the adjacency requirements (as outlined in the test booklet) were met. However, I did not place two pairs of spaces close to each other. I guess I should have known better? But it didn't say to do so, so I did not. This is where general knowledge and reasoning comes in. I'm docking myself -2 for this mistake. 

Total discrepancies: 18

(The borderline pass sample had 17 errors)

{ A note on Bubble-Diagrams }

I only did one. Because for some reason, at the beginning of my 3 hours I was in some sort of crazy hurry. Then, like some sort of weirdo-brain, I went from bubble diagram to drawing in a conference table with chairs to determine my conference room layout. Uh? I had not one single wall drawn in. 

COOL. YOUR. JETS. 

Once I realized this was looney-tunes, I reverted to my bubble-diagram. Which kind of sucked since I only did one. Andrew told me to do at least 5 until I got the adjacency req's right, the plumbing limits in line, and the room sizes approximate. Which is so funny because his advice is how I always approach that first phase of space planning in "real life." So why not on my test? 

I swear I will do at least 5 on test day (I mean, unless my first one is bubbly perfection). 

{ What I'm taking away from this }

• Minimize the amount of corridors (SF) - what would a Realtor, Broker, or potential tenant think of your maximizing their usable square footage? 
• Minimize doors to enhance usable space (not all spaces require a door!) 
• TIP: Keywords like "Private" and "Secure" require a door.
• Pay more attention to the plumbing trench and how you can stretch it. 
• TIP: Not every plumbing fixture needs to be right ON the trench (with the exception of toilets and floor drains). Some fixtures can merely be located on a wall that touches the trench; a wall which overlaps or runs perpendicular to the trench while overlapping. They give you limits to which you can extend a line from the trench. Use this if needed and be sure to dimension your extension. 
• Remember you can share plumbing walls!
• Don't try to smush everything on one wall millwork-wise when you have an opportunity to wrap within a corner. 
• ADA Restroom... I actually rock the individual "ADA Washroom" exercise, but within these bigger scopes, I focus on it less. Bad call. 
• TIP: Symbols Pay attention to the symbols provided and what equipment requires what symbol. Here's a guide:
• Telephone: Telephone & data (the split triangle)
• Printer: Power*, Data (darkened triangle)
• Postage machine: Power*, Data
• Computer: Dedicated Power, Data
• Fax: Telephone & Data 
• Networked copier: Dedicated Power, Data
• Undercounter fridge, standard fridge: Dedicated power
• Dishwasher: Dedicated power
• Microwave, Coffee maker, small appliance: Power*, but provide (1) per appliance
• *Power translates to duplex in most cases, but consider the load. An office with a telephone, computer, and desktop printer requires (2) duplexes, telephone+data, and data.

Not sure why I feel the need to make this next part big, but heck - here goes!

If anything above could be interpreted differently, please feel free to comment below. Also, if you're taking this test for the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th time - OR THE FIRST TIME - and you're struggling or have questions, please reach out. It's very easy to feel alone in this test prep. And remember, you can if you believe you can (and if you practice!).  ;)

Plan some spaces, 

Carolyn

Coming up (Mid-March Edition)...

Hi (anyone still reading my week-long neglected blog?)!!

Despite a heavy workload this week, I have a lot coming up:

• Space Planning Exercise: How I Did!
• Day-of Drafting Supplies: My Picks
• Ten Ways to Relieve Test Anxiety
• ADA Washroom Exercise: How I Did!
• Two Hours of Organizing Well-Spent
• Moved my Simulation Day: Why I Did It
• Simulation Test Day: How it Went

After that, I will have a slurry of "Sim-Day Results" posts.

i.e. Sim-Day Results: Space Planning

These posts will serve as just one more go-round to document how I did on my 10-hour practice day. I will be exercising the techniques I've shared over the past month. They will not have as many "Tips" (still some!). I'm rather hoping these will be the repetition, review, and exposure I need as the test day nears. And for my fellow test-takers, I hope my mistakes and triumphs inspire you. 

I'm not doing a countdown as I find it gives me anxiety.. I mean, I wouldn't say this is the equivalent of a wedding day countdown.. Hehe. 

Happy practicing,

Carolyn

A little re-cap (from memory)...

I'm springing a little pop-quiz on myself tonight. 

If you'd like to do this, read through my blog posts to date, let it all gel overnight and tomorrow. Tomorrow night, number a paper (or Word Document) from 1-10. Then write down the (10) tips from my posts that will help you (from memory!!). OR better yet, re-cap from your own test prep!

Directions:

List 10 tips, strategies, and facts that you've identified and retained over the past month. 

1. Lighting: Calculate wattage allowed before going all symbol-crazy on your plan (watts per SF X total SF) and keep track of watts as you add fixtures. 
2. Egress: To determine the travel distance to each stair, remember to add your farthest path traveled within the existing suite to to the common path of travel to each stair. 
3. ADA Restroom: 36H rim std lav, 34H rim ada lav, 15H t.o. seat std toilet, 17H t.o. seat ada toilet, 24H to rim std urinal, 17H to rim ada urinal, 34H t.o. grab bar, 40H to b.o. mirror, 40-44H to operating parts of wall-mounted accessories. Oh, and 30X48 access in front of sink/urinal. 
4. Systems Integration: Pay attention to ceiling height changes with regards to ductwork!
5. Millwork: draw blocking in the wall and OVER-label everything!
6. Egress: use the "grid-block" space planning method to divide your floor into designated spaces (find SF of a grid block and divide each required SF to determine roughly how many grid-blocks). 
7. Life Safety: 1-hour rated walls belong suite-suite, suite-public corridor/lobby, and assembly-suite corridor, should have acoustical properties, and extend to the underside of the deck. 
8. Lighting: Assign DLV (dimmer low voltage) to low-wattage fixtures when laying out switching plan. 
9. Life Safety: You need a Fire Extinguisher both in the shared lobby/corridor AND in the tenant space (usually they'll have a space with enough SF requiring TWO and they should be located no more than 75' from the further occupant. 
10. Space Planning: Pay attention to plumbing trenches, don't forget to locate required electrical outlets/data as required, and highlight the program as you go!

There are more, but these are my faves!

Happy re-capping! 

Carolyn

Life Safety: How I Did!

A few weeks back, I published this helpful post with tips and symbols found in the Life Safety plan. I took this portion of the practice test a week ago and felt stronger than I had last year. I did not pass this portion the first time I took the test.

For this practice test section, my result is FAIL. Boo-hoo. I was a wee hard on myself, but how will I improve otherwise?!

As mentioned in this post, several of the things I missed are in the Codes provided. I've - admittedly a nerd - hash-tagged "RTD" (Read The Directions) beside points I lost for not referencing the Code Section provided. While I know most of these by heart/practice, it's tough to recall everything when you're stressed and timed on test day. TIP: Practice learning ahead of time here: NCIDQ Codes. 

Door / Frame / Hardware Schedule

• My door heights are incorrect at 6'-8" (which is acceptable for residential, but not commercial spaces); minimum is 7'-0". Section 4.5.1 of Codes provided. #RTD
• I used the wrong notation for wood doors: HWD (Hollow Wood Door); SCW (Solid Core Wood) is correct. I'm not sure if they'd mark this down, but I will use SCW in the future.
• I specified a set of double doors which have glass in them, but did not write "SCW/GLZ" or "SCW w/ glazing" under "Material".
• Door types are all acceptable.
• I wrote (1) hour rating rather than 20-minute rating for fire/heat-rated doors. Section 2.4 of Codes provided. #RTD
• All frame materials are acceptable.
• I assigned a "Lever Passage Set" to the double doors to the Conference Room. It should be "Lever Passage Set, (1) Dummy Set with Flush Bolts".
• I assigned "Lever Passage Set, (1) Dummy Set with Flush Bolts" to the single doors of the Training Room. Not sure why because they need only (1) set per door (???). "Lever Passage Set with Closer" is acceptable. 

Partition Schedule

• All of my partition ratings are correctly marked (1) hour rated and non-rated. 
• Partition height: P3 is noted at 4" above finished ceiling; it should be "to finished ceiling"; P4, a (1) hour rated partition between the training room and the corridor should be "to deck" rather than "4" above finished ceiling.  
• P1 should be acoustical as it is a rated corridor wall. 

Life Safety Equipment

• I placed most* AV Fire Alarms and Wall-mounted Emergency Lights.
• I placed most* smoke detectors properly.
• *I missed (1) smoke detector, (1) AV alarm, and (1) emergency light in one wing of the lobby. There was a portion of the corridor where the AV/Lights were not visible, therefore I should have provided more.
• I only placed AV alarms and smoke detectors in the Restrooms; Emergency lights should also be shown. #RTD (sort of, this was not clear as one could argue by this direction that Restrooms also require Exit signs based on the direction, but they are not, apparently?)
• I missed a Fire Extinguisher in the Elevator Lobby. #RTD

{ TIPS }

• Rated partitions extend to the deck. 
• Partitions between tenants should be rated, extend to the deck, and have acoustical properties. Unless the program notes additional acoustical separation, it is not required.
• (1) Fire Extinguisher should be in the common lobby, in addition to the amount required in the suite. 
• All door heights 7'-0".
• SCW = solid core wood door
• HMD = hollow metal [alum.] door
• MTL or HMF = alum. frame (Use these throughout unless directed otherwise)
• Follow directions for locking / hardware requirements. This is a tough part for me because it could be a few, but there is usually one that is best.
• Make sure your AV alarm has the strobe light (triangle) pointed OUT into the room.
• Make sure your Exit Signs have directional arrows where direction of exit is not obvious (aka, not placed right over the door).
• Make sure your Exit Signs are shaded properly to depict the illuminated side. 

That's all for now... As this is a tough one for me (I don't do it all the time... or ever), I'm focusing on it until I get it right. Andrew told me how he and all of his prep school AP Physics (said to be the hardest of all AP exams) classmates got 5's by doing as many practice problems as it took to get them all right. I was blown away. 

He asked me, "Carolyn, do you know the difference between amateurs and professionals?"

Me: "No.. what is it?"

Andrew: "Amateurs practice till they get it right. Professionals practice till they can't get it wrong."

Live Safely,

Carolyn

Systems Integration Tips and Tricks

Systems Integration focuses on a designer's ability to consider other consultants and building systems while designing both a reflected ceiling plan and a subsequent lighting plan. 

Methinks this might be a leeeetle hard to plan around...

While an architect usually has a heavy hand in the ceiling design and features, it may require aesthetic input from an interior designer. As there are many trades involved once you're above eye level in a space (read: Exit signage, sprinklers, HVAC, lighting, power, and access panels to the plenum), it is important to be well-versed in the integration of every trade. This is an area of design where those involved must not only compromise often, they must be clear and communicate soundly to ensure each system is functioning efficiently. 

Systems Integration 

Time suggested: 1/2 hour

This portion of the test is my personal breather. It's the "easy" part for me where my brain isn't racing, measuring, sketching, and re-reading the program constantly. Reasons why:

• They don't make you go in cold and hunt for conflicts - they bubble them for you. After 6-7 hours of testing, this is much appreciated.
• I love comparing, checking, and considering other trades. I enjoyed it in college (my favorite class was the technical one, oddly) and I enjoy it at work. 
• I have a lot of experience in this area from my time in an architectural firm where I was designing among HVAC and sprinklers often. I worked on many RCP's, sections, and details. 
• I had a lot more exposure to the construction of and components within the plenum than I ever bargained for when I learned Revit. 
• I grew up with an architect for a father who pointed out every code violation anywhere we went. He is always looking up. I was looking at complicated reflected ceiling plans, roof plans, sections, and details asking questions. 

For all this knowledge and enjoyment, this part of the test is worth a whopping 12%.

Boo on that. 

{ TIPS }

1. The lighting schedule and legend: I've found that if you stick to 84" (7'-0") for all mounting heights, you're in the safe range.

• Pendants over a counter: 6'-6" to 7'-6" AFF  - - - - 84" OK here
• Chandelier / pendant over a table: 6'-8" to 8'-6" - - - - 84" OK Here
• Sconces on wall: between 27" and 80" must protrude less than 4"... stick above 80" at 84" and you're good.

Don't over-think this one. They're looking for compliant not creative. 

2. When tackling conflicts, I prefer not to go in numerical order. Why? Because your solution for Conflict #2 might affect Conflict #8. I go by areas or rooms with #'s nearby. It may not always be the case, but personally - it keeps me sharp. 

3. When writing your conflict descriptions, use terms like "interferes" and "conflicts with" even though it's obviously a conflict. Don't just write "recessed down light and sprinkler head." Don't assume the graders know what you mean.

4. When suggesting relocation for your solution, use north, south, east, and west to describe the direction you're recommending an item be shifted. Also, you can write "move one 2x2 ceiling tile to the north" or "shift approx. 6" to the east."

5. Be as descriptive in your drawn solution on the plan. I use arrows and my own revision clouds and I reiterate what my suggestions are there. 

6. Pay attention to ceiling heights and HVAC ducts. Use the section drawing. With the ceiling dropping down in some areas or being vaulted in others, a supply duct could be truncated before it reaches a register!

If anyone has their own trials or tips, please feel free to share in the comments below!!

More tips to come in my "How I Did" Post! 

Happy comparing!

Carolyn