013 - Quality Assurance vs Quality Control: The Complete Process

QA vs QC is one of the most commonly confused topics in architecture and construction. This episode breaks down the difference between quality assurance and quality control, and how they work together across every phase of a project.

Quality assurance prevents problems. Quality control finds them. We cover how QA/QC works during design, documentation, and construction administration, with a full curtain wall system walkthrough from specification through final installation.

Emily also clarifies who is responsible for what in the quality process, because the ARE loves testing those role boundaries.

📝 Key topics covered:

• QA vs QC: prevention vs detection and why the distinction matters

• How quality management works during design, documentation, and construction

• Roles and responsibilities: architect, owner, and contractor

• Real-world curtain wall QA/QC example from design through closeout

• Where QA/QC shows up on the ARE and CDT exams

⏱️ Chapters:

(0:00) Introduction to QA/QC

(1:27) Understanding the Basics

(6:16) QA/QC During Design Phase

(12:14) QA/QC During Construction Docs

(15:38) QA/QC in Construction Admin

(19:36) Roles and Responsibilities

(24:36) Real-World Curtain Wall Example

(28:44) Exam Tips and Conclusion

📖 Read the full blog post

📝 Download the FREE QA vs QC study notes

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🎯 Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp

📚 Individual ARE Exam Courses:

• PjM 101 (Project Management)

• CE 101 (Construction and Evaluation)

• PDD 101 (Construction Documents and Specs)

• PcM 101 (Practice Management)

• CDT 101 (Construction Documents Technologist)

• CCCA 101 (Construction Contract Administration)

• PA 101 (Programming and Analysis)

• PPD 101 (Project Planning and Design)

• Building Codes 101

• Mechanical Systems 101

• AIA Contracts 101