The NCIDQ IDPX exam tests the designer’s understanding of the purpose of shop drawings in the construction process. Shop drawings are detailed drawings prepared by the contractor, subcontractor, or fabricator to show how specific elements (e.g., millwork, systems furniture) will be manufactured and installed.
Option A (Analyze the fabrication method):While shop drawings may include information about fabrication methods, the primary purpose is not for the designer to analyze how the item is made but to verify that the fabrication aligns with the design intent.
Option B (Approve completeness of the details):Shop drawings do provide detailed information, but the designer’s role is not to approve their completeness in terms of fabrication details. Instead, the designer checks whether the drawings meet the project’s requirements, not whether the fabricator’s details are complete.
Option C (Check conformance with the design intent):This is the correct choice. The primary purpose of shop drawings is for the designer to review them and ensure that the proposed fabrication and installation conform to the design intent as specified in the contract documents (e.g., drawings, specifications). This ensures that the final product matches thedesigner’s vision and meets project requirements.
Correction of Typographical Error:
The original question lists only three options (A, B, C), but the NCIDQ format typically includes four options (A, B, C, D). The missing Option D does not affect the answer, as Option C is clearly the correct choice based on the given options. For completeness, a potential Option D might be something like “Verify the quantity of materials needed,” which would be incorrect, as that is not the primary purpose of shop drawings.
Verified Answer from Official Source:
The correct answer is verified from NCIDQ’s official study materials on construction administration and shop drawing review.
“The primary purpose of shop drawings is to allow the designer to check conformance with the design intent, ensuring that the fabricated elements align with the contract documents.” (NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide, Construction Administration Section)
The NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide specifies that the main role of shop drawings is to ensure that the fabrication and installation align with the designer’s intent. This review process helps catch discrepancies before construction, making Option C the correct answer.
Objectives:
Understand the purpose of shop drawings in construction (NCIDQ IDPX Objective: Construction Administration).
Apply review processes to ensure design compliance (NCIDQ IDPX Objective: Contract Administration).
[References:, NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide, Construction Administration Section., National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ), IDPX Exam Blueprint, Section on Contract Administration., ]
