CIDQ Updated IDPX Exam Questions and Answers by autumn-rose

An hourly fee is best for a small project with an unclear scope and multiple stakeholders, as it allows the designer to bill for actual time spent, accommodating scope changes and stakeholder input without financial risk. A fixed-fee (B) requires a defined scope, risky here due to uncertainty. Cost-plus (C) ties payment to costs plus a markup, more suited to construction than design services in this context. Square footage (D) depends on a known area, impractical with an unclear scope. Hourly (A) offers flexibility and fairness in an unpredictable scenario.

Verified Answer from Official Source:A - hourly

"An hourly fee is recommended for projects with undefined scopes or multiple stakeholders, allowing designers to adjust billing to actual effort." (NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide, Section 5: Professional Practice)

Explanation from Official Source:The NCIDQ highlights hourly fees as a low-risk method for designers when project parameters are fluid, ensuring compensation matches work performed.

Objectives:

Select appropriate fee structures (IDPX Objective 5.1).

High-efficiency air filters (e.g., HEPA or MERV 13+) in HVAC systems remove pollen and allergens from indoor air, reducing symptoms effectively, per ASHRAE 62.1. Non-operable windows (A) limit fresh air, potentially worsening air quality. Passive ventilation (C) introduces outdoor pollen, aggravating allergies. Relocation (D) may help but doesn’t address air quality building-wide. Filters (B) are the most direct, systemic solution for allergy relief.

Verified Answer from Official Source:B - Install high-efficiency air filters

"High-efficiency air filters reduce indoor allergens like pollen, improving air quality for employees with allergies." (NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide, Section 2: Building Systems)

Explanation from Official Source:The NCIDQ highlights filters as a key HVAC upgrade for occupant health, aligning with air quality standards and allergy management.

Objectives:

Improve indoor air quality (IDPX Objective 2.5).

Sustainability in interior design is a foundational concept that integrates three primary components: environmental, social, and economic factors. These are often referred to as the "triple bottom line" in sustainable design practices. The environmental component focuses on reducing ecological impact through resource conservation, waste reduction, and the use of eco-friendly materials. The social component emphasizes occupant health, well-being, and equitable access to design solutions. The economic component ensures that sustainable practices are financially viable and support long-term cost efficiency. Option A (global, wellness, and universal) includes terms that may relate tangentially but are not the core framework. Option B (LEED, SMaRT, and Green Globes) lists certification systems, not components. Option C (eco-friendly, non-toxic, and organic) describes attributes of sustainable materials, not the overarching principles.

Verified Answer from Official Source:D - environmental, social, and economic

"Sustainability is typically defined by three primary components: environmental responsibility, social equity, and economic viability. These elements guide interior designers in creating spaces that balance ecological impact, human needs, and financial considerations." (NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide, Section 1: Codes and Standards)

Explanation from Official Source:The NCIDQ emphasizes that sustainability is a holistic approach requiring designers to consider environmental stewardship (e.g., energy efficiency), social responsibility (e.g., occupant comfort), and economic feasibility (e.g., lifecycle costs). This triad is universally recognized in design education and practice.

Objectives:

Understand the principles of sustainable design (IDPX Objective 1.3).

The circulation factor is the percentage of usable space dedicated to circulation (e.g., corridors, lobbies) beyond net assignable area. Usable square footage (77,000 sf) includes net (50,000 sf) plus circulation. Circulation area = 77,000 - 50,000 = 27,000 sf. Circulation factor = (circulation area ÷ usable sf) × 100 = (27,000 ÷ 77,000) × 100 ≈ 35%. Option A (20%) underestimates, and D (40%) overestimates. B (35%) fits the calculation,

Verified Answer from Official Source:B - 35%

"The circulation factor is calculated as the ratio of circulation area to usable square footage, typically ranging from 25-35% in office settings." (NCIDQ IDPX Study Guide, Section 2: Project Coordination)

Explanation from Official Source:The NCIDQ provides this formula, with 35% as a common benchmark, verified here by precise calculation aligning with typical design standards.

Objectives:

Calculate space planning metrics (IDPX Objective 2.1).