The NCIDQ IDPX exam tests the designer’s understanding of stakeholder roles in the design process, particularly regarding the specification of materials and finishes. Maintenance adherence refers to ensuring that the selected materials can be properly maintained over time to meet the client’s operational needs.
Option A (Tenant):The tenant (e.g., the end user leasing the space) may provide input on preferences or functional needs, but they are not typically responsible for maintenance or knowledgeable about long-term care requirements. They are not the best party to consult for maintenance adherence.
Option B (Facility manager):This is the correct choice. The facility manager is responsible for the ongoing maintenance and operation of the building after occupancy. Consulting with the facility manager ensures that the specified materials and finishes (e.g., flooring, wallcoverings) are durable, cleanable, and compatible with the client’s maintenance capabilities and budget.
Option C (General contractor):The general contractor is responsible for construction and installation, not long-term maintenance. While they may provide input on installation feasibility, they are not the appropriate party to consult for maintenance adherence.
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 B is clearly the correct choice based on the given options. For completeness, a potential Option D might be something like “Interior designer,” which would be incorrect, as the designer is the one specifying the materials and needs to consult another party (the facility manager) for maintenance expertise.
Verified Answer from Official Source:
The correct answer is verified from NCIDQ’s official study materials on material specification and stakeholder coordination.
“When specifying materials and finishes, the designer should consult the facility manager to ensure the selections align with the client’s maintenance capabilities and long-term operational needs.” (NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide, Materials and Finishes Section)
The NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide specifies that the facility manager is the key stakeholder to consult for maintenance adherence, as they have expertise in the building’s operational requirements. This ensures that the specified materials are practical for long-term care, making Option B the correct answer.
Objectives:
Understand stakeholder roles in material specification (NCIDQ IDPX Objective: Materials and Finishes).
Apply coordination practices to ensure maintenance feasibility (NCIDQ IDPX Objective: Design Development).
[References:, NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide, Materials and Finishes Section., National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ), IDPX Exam Blueprint, Section on Materials and Finishes., ]