NCARB Project-Management Exam - Topic 5 Question 8 Discussion

Actual exam question for NCARB's Project-Management exam

Question #: 8
Topic #: 5

During the predesign phase of a project, the architect discovers that the owner's budget is insufficient to meet the program requirements.

Which of the following should the architect do?

AScale down the program to meet the budget.

BRecommend that the owner complete the project in two phases.

CInform the owner that the project as budgeted is not feasible.

DAdvise the owner to increase the budget.

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: C

Comprehensive Detailed Explanation:

During the predesign or programming phase, it is the architect's responsibility to advise the owner when the scope and budget are misaligned. The correct professional approach is to notify the owner that the program cannot be met within the current budget. Solutions (phasing or budget increase) may be discussed after this acknowledgment. The architect should not unilaterally scale down the program without owner input.

NCARB ARE 5.0 Handbook -- Budget evaluation in Programming/Predesign

by Kathryn at Nov 20, 2025, 02:16 AM

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Novella

10 hours ago

Surprised that increasing the budget (D) is even an option!

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Roxanne

6 days ago

Scaling down the program (A) seems like the easiest fix.

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Audry

11 days ago

B) Recommend that the owner complete the project in two phases. Phased approach is the way to go.

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Felice

16 days ago

Haha, the owner's gonna need a bigger piggy bank for this one!

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Tashia

21 days ago

A) Scale down the program to meet the budget. Compromise is key in these situations.

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Merissa

26 days ago

C) Inform the owner that the project as budgeted is not feasible.

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Rueben

1 month ago

I wonder if advising the owner to increase the budget is a viable option. It seems risky, but it might be necessary for the project's success.

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Ivette

1 month ago

I practiced a similar question, and I think recommending a phased approach could help manage costs while still achieving the overall vision.

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Adolph

1 month ago

I'm not entirely sure, but I feel like informing the owner about the budget issue is crucial. They need to know the reality of the situation.

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Edward

2 months ago

I'm leaning towards A or B. Scaling down the program or phasing it seem like the most practical solutions to me. C or D could just lead to the project getting shut down entirely.

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Marnie

2 months ago

I think B might be a good option here. Phasing the project could allow the owner to move forward within their current budget, even if the full program can't be completed right away.

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Jani

2 months ago

Definitely C. The architect has a responsibility to be upfront with the owner about the budget constraints. Trying to hide that or force the owner to increase the budget doesn't seem right.

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Lynette

2 months ago

I think I remember something about prioritizing the program requirements, so maybe scaling down the program could be a good option.

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Vallie

2 months ago

I think B is a smart move. Phasing can help manage costs.

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Tammi

2 months ago

Definitely go with option C. They need to know the truth.

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Phuong

3 months ago

D) Advise the owner to increase the budget. It's the only way to get the project done right.

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Dwight

3 months ago

Hmm, this is a tricky one. I'm not sure if I'd recommend scaling down the program or phasing it. I'd probably lean towards C or D, but I'd want to get more details from the owner first.

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Angelo

3 months ago

I think I'd go with option C - informing the owner that the project as budgeted is not feasible. That seems like the most direct and honest approach.

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Diane

3 months ago

Two phases might be a good compromise too.

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