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

Space Planning: 64 SF ADA Restroom

Me: Can the turning radius in an ADA restroom - with a closed door, not a stall - overlap the door swing or not?

Dad: It depends on the state and jurisdiction. 

Me: What about PA?

Dad: <insert confusing, but sensible answer(s)>

Me: So, I'm just going to be safe and assume it should not overlap. 

Dad: Yeah, that's a good idea. 

I had to... hehe. 

Reason for asking: the 2010 test did not mark candidates off, but the 2012 test did. 

After a little tweaking, I figured this is a safe layout for an 8x8 Accessible restroom. That's 64 SF, FYI, and required on the Space Planning exercise. It has to do with door placement. It also has to do with a wee bit of common sense. I placed the door in such a way that a person in a wheelchair could not sit on the pull side and actually open the door without trouble. And here's what I came up with... (Click image for larger)

{ Compliant }

{ Non-Compliant }

Incorrect overlay in red...

See how there is no room for the 30 x 48 accessible floor at the sink? And not much room at all to pull the door open if one's in a wheelchair? Even though I drew my toilet a wee-larger (oops), doesn't it seem like there's less room to pull up beside the toilet? 

Keep it spacious,

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

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

Ask and You Shall Learn!

I had some questions for NCIDQ after taking the 2010 practice test (before the test was re-vamped a little). I emailed a contact there and received some helpful answers. I was only asking for myself, but perhaps someone out there was hoping for some clarification as well. 

Q: I know the test can be taken in pen. But what about other colors?
A: As long as it's smear-proof and legible for the graders, it's ok to use color.
Reason for asking: I have a hard time seeing where I've placed Smoke Detectors, Emergency Lights, AV alarms, and FEC's on my Life Safety Plan when I do it in black. I practice with Extra Fine Point Blue Sharpies and I do much better!

Q: I know toilet and shower drains must be on plumbing trenches (*ON!!), but does this limit us to the trench provided or does it include the trenches we extend? 
A: Any trench, yours or provided, as long as the trench is clearly drawn, dimensioned, and the drains are directly on the trench. 
Reason for asking: I felt uncertain, so I assumed only the trench provided - which, as you can imagine, limited me beyond hope.

Q: On the Space Planning exercise for the 2010 PCP, one candidate was marked down for an electrical mistake in a room that didn't require electric. Why?
A: Not sure why, but they are only looking for electric/data in (3) spaces in this exercise. 
Reason for asking: If I go above and beyond, could it count against me? 

A product review...
I may get in trouble for saying this, but I really would not recommend using practice tests from 2010 and earlier. These tests are a bit dated in format and content. Will they help? Sure. However, this test confused me rather than helped me. I was disappointed having spent $130+ for this test for three reasons: 

1. I didn't like trying to de-code conflicting information in the program requirements.
2. Taking the time to email NCIDQ for clarification (it should be straightforward as a standardized licensing exam)
3. The solutions online do not offer as much information as the booklet. 

Keep at it,
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

10 Ways to Relieve Test Anxiety: Weeks Before

1. Identify good and bad inner voices by trying The Angel vs. Devil Exercise.
2. When you find you're having a negative thought, immediately replace it with a positive or comforting one. What if I fail? WHAT IF YOU DON'T?!
3. Cry when you need to along the way. Nothing releases stress and anxiety like a good cry. Embrace your vulnerability. Just like pain is weakness leaving the body, tears are weakness exiting via your eyes. So you're in your late 20's, early 30's, late 30's, early 40's, late 40's, early 50's and so on? Just let your inner-toddler do her thing. And cry. Just, er - do so before the test day. Not on the test day (cough, cough... not that I did that or anything).
4. Seek support from friends and family. Accept it rather than inserting excuses or negativity to counter their truths. No one can encourage us like our most treasured people. Thank them for it and return the support when they need it. 
5. Seek support from yourself. Practice telling yourself how capable you are and how far you've come. Reiterate facts you've remembered. Anxiety is a learned behavior. So is self-esteem. And you're in control.
6. PRACTICE. I will tell you one thing, not doing this is a sure-fire way to reach both test anxiety and probable failure. And let me tell you from experience: a FAIL in the mail is a crap start to summer.
7. #6 again.
8. #6 and #7.
9. Exercise. A healthy physical body enhances a learning mind. Ever hear of endorphins? They're no joke. Endorphins are positive, evoke happiness, and most certainly confidence. Go for a run and let your body's complex chemistry be on your side.
10. See every mistake as an opportunity to grow rather than a setback or flaw. I mean it!
11. Bonus tip: 21. Well, sure think back to when you were finally able to drink. But also, 6 + 7 + 8 = 21. Practice + Practice + Practice = confidence & skill!!

Everything is beautiful!!!

As I was signing this post, I suddenly remembered some wonderful ways my friends see me.  For instance, my coworkers call me "Snow" as in Snow White because I see the positive often and I'm, for the most part, a happy person (obviously, I can also be not happy!). Would "Snow" be scared of the NCIDQ Practicum or would she reason that it is a positive achievement! My mom and others describe me as "Real" and "Inspirational". I've sometimes been self-conscious about putting it all out there on this blog, but I admire people who put it out there and keep it real. 

This DIY Couple (I'm a super-fan) always keeps it real!

And so does this modern-day Ethel Merman!

And last but not least, this sweet, southern beauty guru who keeps it real by appreciating the small things, struggles and all. 

Love and happy thoughts,

Carolyn

Angel vs. Devil Exercise: Conquering Test Anxiety

As I mention in just about every post, I'm struggling with a poisonous habit I've formed known as test anxiety. I'm still guilty of letting it cloud my mind, drain my energy, and squash my focus. I did some research on test anxiety and found several causes, but the solutions didn't resonate with me. I wanted to know what caused ME personally to doubt myself, freeze, and cry mid-practice test. So in my latest in-home-with-patient-husband therapy session, I voiced a little exercise.

I did some soul-searching and identified a list of things the devil keeps telling me as well as a list of angelic encouragements. Just recognizing what thoughts were not only poisonous, but sadly repetitive, really helped me to find solutions and positive words.

{ We'll start with Ms. Devil }

• You failed this last year. And you could fail it again this year.
• I bet your classmates in design school would think it's pretty funny that you failed. (Ok, me.. really?)
• Doesn't it suck thinking back on the parts of the test during which you couldn't breathe? When you were shaking? 
• Wouldn't that be so ironic if you put your heart and soul into studying and made this encouraging blog and then FAILED???
• This test is super expensive. Do you want to pay for it again?!
• Wouldn't that suck if you forget everything you learned come test day?
• Relentless stomach pains.
• I think you should keep picturing the location you took the test in last year. Remember how unprepared you were?
• My personal favorite: "Oh, you'll be fine." As if I'm not allowed to be a little scared and this is getting me to shut up already. 
• When someone says: "Calm down."
• 10. Long. Hours.
• Countdown!!!
• Heh. Remember that time you were unemployed?
• Text anxiety - drama queen much?!

{ And Ms. Angel }

• You went to a CIDA-accredited university and graduated at the top of your design class. Your resume isn't bad either. Even when you were unemployed, you started your own design business. 
• You passed the LEED CI test. The first time. On your birthday.
• You passed the first two sections of the NCIDQ without the special Part 1 and Part 2 Ballast books. 
• You were a swimmer for 12 years for crying out loud! You survived BOB!
• This blog you started is such a good thing. For you. For others. So what if you don't pass and you wrote this blog? Blog about it! But you will pass, so blog about THAT!
• You are a talented designer with solid and varied experience. 
• You're capability level is only growing.
• If you go in with the mindset that you're going to pass, you WILL.
• So what if you fail? Take it again. It won't be the worst thing in life you'll experience.
• You've prepared so diligently this time around. Just think of how you rocked the lighting exercise and just last year you failed it?
• Same with Egress. And Life Safety. Aren't you much more confident now?!
• No matter where the test is, you have all the supplies you need this time around.
• You are already starting off better by making sure you EAT that day!
• So many people believe in you.
• Prayer will give you strength. 
• Remember the triumphs you've experienced along the way.
• Remember the candidates who are where you are or have been there. You're not alone .
• Never underestimate the power of closing your eyes and taking 10 slow, deep breaths.

I encourage anyone who suffers from this learned habit (nope, not a mental disability, illness, or innate behavior - you're in control!) to use this exercise. Write down your "dark & twisty" (yeah, Grey's Anatomy shout-out!) thoughts and then write down the happy, encouraging thoughts you don't think nearly enough.

I'm thinkin' we're all truly underestimating the strength and focus that comes from simply thinking positively.

I know you don't think so, but YOU CAN,

Carolyn

PS. A note of encouragement from my gentle, compassionate, and sweet mother: 

Harden the F*#% up! 

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

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

Millwork Exercise: How I Did!

PASS!

MILLWORK EXERCISE

(1) Hour is Recommended for this Portion

I used my entire hour for this exercise and was feeling great until I realized I only had 14 minutes to create my section. Eeep! I did pretty well despite. Before taking this, I reviewed last year's practice test and pooled some problems I remembered from my actual test day so I was more careful and knowledgeable going in.

The Right Stuff:

• Divided the counter as shown (standard and ADA), dimensioned the depth on the plan, provided adequate knee-space per the program for each user.
• Met all ADA codes for clearance below the worksurface, proper height, met 44" maximum reach height for wall-mounted receptacles and shelves.
• Met all program requirements for the components and sizes. 
• Drew Elevation marker in plan.
• Drew Section marker in elevation.
• Correctly dimensioned/labeled the standard height counter and the ADA height.

Oops, missed these:

• Did not dimension mobile peds (one test-taker was marked down for this, another was not) in plan.
• I drew a dashed rectangle indicating clear space for accessible pull-up but I drew it too large at 42x48 instead of 30x48. Even though I know this, I shouldn't have made it bigger than the minimum.
• I did not place a "2" and a "3" in my elevation & section titles (below the plans). Um, how easy is that!?
• I didn't include the wall and blocking within the wall in my *hurried* section.
• I didn't include the depths of the shelves and the counter in my *hurried* section.

This is a shot of my "practice sketch"

{ TIPS }

• I took some time to draw a "perfect" section and I've been studying it. I did it carefully and thoroughly and it didn't take much time. I'm sure if I did it again and again, the practice would make me speedier. I plan to draw this a few more times until I'm fast.
• Think like a contractor - what information would you need to build this? right down to the blocking in the wall. When we hang heavy pictures, mount a toilet tissue holder, or install brackets for shelves, we make sure to hit a stud rather than half-inch GWB.
• Give way more information than you think is necessary. Chances are its still not enough!
• I know it's not required, but poche-ing and hatching my section really helped me to show the different materials and "cut line". It also looks like a true section that way! 

Yours in detail,

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

DIRECTIONS. READ THEM.

Today two important things occurred to me (the first one has occurred to me about 14 times over the past 4 weeks, but now I really GET it):

# 1 - My husband, who has not much knowledge of Interior Design, could take this test and pass it. So could my neighbor. And my brother. And anyone who can read, really. How? They. Give. You. Everything. You. Need. To. Know. To. Pass. Read the directions. Use the resources. I note this here, too. 

# 2 - "Wow, people who are reading my blog probably think I'm a royal idiot for thinking this test is hard and crying about it and having a temper tantrum and test anxiety and blogging about Tips & Tricks like it's such a puzzle." 

Not only does each exercise clearly list everything required, the test booklet has a handy section titled "NCIDQ Section 3 Building Code Requirements" which reiterates codes you already know, but will likely forget when you're racing the clock to finish the equivalent of (7) projects in one 8-hour working day. By hand. On a weekend. 

The things I got wrong on my Life-Safety exercise: in the booklet. 

The things I got wrong on my Lighting exercise: in the booklet.

And for Systems Integration: in the booklet. On the plan. 

And for the Egress: ... 

And for the Millwork: ...

Okay, so the last two are actually tough given the time limits, but the point is - everything is right there for you. Can one pass with this alone? Yes, some can. But most people need to practice, refresh their knowledge, and gain confidence & speed. 

While it's tempting to stop all prep right now and test my theory cold hard facts, I'm going to continue practicing because while it's all there, I'm pretty sure that even my no-knowledge-of-design-husband wouldn't be able to stick within the time limits. In fact, in his showing me how "easy" and "fast" I could lay out my Egress spaces, he forgot an entire space and had to start all over. HaHaHa!!

Just kidding on the laughing up there... he saved me on that one. 

Anyway, it's all there. The hardest thing for me... is remembering that. This all seems so obvious now. And humbling... like really, really humbling. 

Oops, Duh, and Sigh, 

Carolyn

Systems Integration: How I Did!

PASS! 

Yeah, man! Ok, so this being my "easy-breezy" section, I would have cried for days if I didn't succeed. Want to hear a confession? I was afraid to take this section because I forgot they provide the numbered conflicts. I was all like "Wahhh.. I have to search and what if I don't find all of the conflicts?" Eh, it's only my second go-round. Easy mistake. 

Then I'm all taping down the two sheets of vellum like, "Wow, I've got to get over this test anxiety thing. Stat." And little by little, I think I'm doing just that. ;)

So, here goes!

What I did:

84" mounting heights in my table - all the same - not trying to be fancy.. just correct!*
See reasoning in this post.

After checking against the provided solutions, I listed all conflicts and provided sound solutions. I also drew everything on the plan. Room for improvement:

• I used "right, left, up, and down" for my relocation words. I don't think I would have been marked down, but "north, south, east, and west" are more appropriate.
• I didn't look at my section because it was under my "Notes" table. But I missed a supply duct conflicting with a ceiling height change. I could have also referred to the noted ceiling heights on the plan, itself. 
• Duct heights are noted in the "Duct Sizing Chart". I only had 8" for a 10" duct. Oops! It's easy to get caught up in the 2D-ness of the plan, but I need to think vertically.

{ TIPS }

• Speaking of thinking vertically, it is acceptable to suggest a ceiling height change.
• Refer to your test booklet for what can and cannot be moved... chances are you have your own test booklet, so I'm going to forgo reiterating those guidelines here.
• Don't forget to draw in the 2x2 AHU Access panel where directed! Such a simple requirement and so sad if you forget it! 
• Thermostats cannot go on windows or window mullions. The reading will be inaccurate and it's difficult to tie in the thermostat with the system unless it's on a GWB wall. It's also difficult to mount to anything, but, er - a wall...
• Shift small or easily moved items before suggesting that a ceiling feature such as a recessed cove be re-sized or relocated.
• Look for sprinkler heads and recessed downlight conflicts, 2x2 fluorescent lights and register conflicts, ceiling height change and duct conflicts, and thermostat placement.

Integration station! 

Stay positive,

Carolyn