Prior to the contract document phase, a designer should meet with a client for what...

The NCIDQ IDPX exam tests the designer’s understanding of the programming phase, which occurs prior to the contract document phase. During programming, the designer gathers critical information from the client to inform the design process.

Option A (Having the client understand and approve the finalized drawing layout):Finalized drawing layouts are part of the design development or contract document phase, not prior to it. This step occurs after programming, so it is not the correct purpose for a meeting at this stage.

Option B (Determining what the client’s overall budget is for non-fixed furnishings):This is the correct choice. Prior to the contract document phase, during programming, the designer needs to establish the client’s budget, including for non-fixed furnishings (e.g., movable furniture, FF&E). This ensures that the designer can develop a design that aligns with the client’s financial constraints, informing decisions about materials, furnishings, and scope.

Option C (Reviewing and giving the client the written proposals for all items to be purchased):Written proposals for items to be purchased are typically prepared during the FF&E procurement phase, which occurs later in the project timeline, not prior to the contract document phase.

Option D (Submitting copies of the furniture specifications the designer will be sending to vendors):Furniture specifications are developed during the design development or contract document phase, not prior to it. This step is too advanced for the programming phase.

Verified Answer from Official Source:

The correct answer is verified from NCIDQ’s official study materials on the programming phase and client meetings.

“Prior to the contract document phase, during programming, the designer should meet with theclient to determine the overall budget, including for non-fixed furnishings, to ensure the design aligns with financial constraints.” (NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide, Programming Section)

The NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide emphasizes that determining the client’s budget, including for non-fixed furnishings, is a key task during the programming phase, which occurs before the contract document phase. This ensures the designer can develop a feasible design, making Option B the correct answer.

Objectives:

Understand the purpose of client meetings during programming (NCIDQ IDPX Objective: Programming).

Apply budgeting principles to inform design decisions (NCIDQ IDPX Objective: Project Management).