Practice Question - Concrete Column Dimension
The slab depth is changing and potentially intruding on duct space. This would be the job of the architect to coordinate. To me, chasing down all the structural ramifications from a change given by the structural engineer is outside the role of the architect. Right? 
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All other factors (ductwork, sprinklers, and ceiling height) have to account for the concrete beam depth as the lowest point of the structure, which is remaining the same. The increased depth of the slab impacts the structural requirements and reinforcement of the two-way slab. The size of the columns will need to be analyzed to account for the increase in weight of the slab and how that ripples through all four floors of the building.
It's also indicated that this is an A/E firm, implying that engineering services (structural, mechanical, etc.) are designed in-house with the architectural. The architect should also understand how the changes in design from an engineering perspective will impact the integrity of the building and design overall.
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Hey there!
Your instinct is not wrong in real-world practice. If slab depth starts eating into plenum space, the architect absolutely coordinates with mechanical. But for the exam, specifically this question, the changed variable is extra slab weight/load, which pushes you toward columns. hope this helps!
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