Architect Exam Podcast

Michael Riscica
  • 5,0 (40)
  • DESIGN
  • SEMANAL

Free, high-value ARE prep broken into digestible episodes that make studying accessible and actually enjoyable. We translate complex exam content into clear, actionable strategies based directly on NCARB's objectives—not complicated study approaches that miss the mark. Young Architect has guided thousands to licensure since 2013 by simplifying ARE prep to what truly matters and keeping it fresh. Subscribe for practical ARE insights delivered in a format that fits your busy life.

  1. 059 - PA, PPD, and PDD: Know the Difference Before You Study

    HÁ 6 DIAS

    059 - PA, PPD, and PDD: Know the Difference Before You Study

    PA, PPD, and PDD share the same topics but test them from completely different perspectives. Understanding the difference between these three technical ARE exams before you start studying will save you serious time and frustration. In this episode, Layla breaks down what each exam actually covers, how they connect to each other, and why so many candidates study the wrong things for the wrong test.  She walks through the "Define It, Design It, Document It" framework that shows how PA, PPD, and PDD follow the natural progression of a building project from pre-design through construction documents. Plus study strategies for the technical exams and a homework assignment to help you take this deeper. 📖 Key Topics Covered: Why candidates confuse PA, PPD, and PDD content The "Define It, Design It, Document It" framework How PA covers the pre-design and programming phase How PPD covers schematic design and system selection How PDD covers detailing, documentation, and specifications Where codes, site, and building systems overlap across all three The wall assembly test for sorting topics by exam Study strategies including exam sequencing and when to move on from PA ⏱️ Chapters: (0:00) Introduction (4:16) Why These Exams Are So Confusing (5:47) The Flip the Words Trick (7:01) One Project Three Phases (8:39) PA Programming and Analysis (11:44) PPD Project Planning and Design (13:59) PDD Project Development and Documentation (16:32) How They Flow Together (19:21) Study Strategy for the Technical Exams (22:55) Homework Assignment (24:05) Wrap Up 📝 Read the full blog post and grab free study notes: PA, PPD, and PDD: Know the Difference Before You Study 🎯 Download free study notes and the open book homework assignment: Free Study Notes and Homework 🎧 Companion episode: PcM, PjM, and CE: Know the Difference Before You Study 📚 ARE Boot Camp (10-week coaching program) 📚 ARE 101 Membership (all ARE study materials) 📚 Individual ARE Exam Courses: PA 101 (Programming and Analysis) PPD 101 (Project Planning and Design) PDD 101 (Project Development and Documentation) Building Codes 101 Mechanical Systems 101 PcM 101 (Practice Management) PjM 101 (Project Management) CE 101 (Construction and Evaluation) AIA Contracts 101

    26 min
  2. 058 - Division 01 General Requirements: Running Your Project

    16 DE MAR.

    058 - Division 01 General Requirements: Running Your Project

    Division 01 General Requirements is the most skipped section in the project manual. Here's what's actually inside and why every division depends on it. Division 01 is the rulebook that governs every trade on a construction project, and almost nobody reads it. We start by clearing up the number one confusion in specifications: the difference between General Conditions and General Requirements. They're both Contract Documents, but they do very different things. Then we walk through every major section from Summary (01 10 00) to Commissioning (01 91 00). Whether you're studying for the ARE, preparing for the CDT or CCCA, or just trying to write better specs, this episode gives you the full picture of why Division 01 is the global settings for your entire project. 📝 Key topics covered: General conditions vs general requirements: rights vs rules Price and payment procedures vs the actual agreement Submittal processes and administrative requirements Quality requirements, testing, and who pays for what Substitution procedures during bidding vs construction Execution, closeout, and commissioning in construction ⏱️ Chapters: (0:00) Introduction (1:22) Free Study Notes (2:20) What Are General Requirements? (4:38) General Conditions vs General Requirements (8:41) What's Inside Division 01? (18:56) Why Division 01 Matters (20:55) Wrap Up 📖 Read the full blog post 📝 Download the FREE 2-page Division 01 study guide 🎯 Get access to all ARE study materials with the ARE 101 Membership 🎯 Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp 📚 Individual ARE Exam Courses: PDD 101 (Construction Documents and Specs) CDT 101 (Construction Documents Technologist) CCCA 101 (Construction Contract Administration) CE 101 (Construction and Evaluation) PjM 101 (Project Management) PcM 101 (Practice Management) PA 101 (Programming and Analysis) PPD 101 (Project Planning and Design) Building Codes 101 Mechanical Systems 101 AIA Contracts 101

    23 min
  3. 057 - Plumbing Valves: Every Type You Need to Know

    9 DE MAR.

    057 - Plumbing Valves: Every Type You Need to Know

    Plumbing valves explained - every type you need to know for the ARE exam and real-world practice. This episode covers gate valves, ball valves, butterfly valves, globe valves, check valves, backflow preventers, PRVs, pressure relief valves, angle valves, and float valves, organized by function so you understand what each one does. We break down the four categories every plumbing valve falls into: stop valves, regulating valves, one-way valves, and specialty valves. Each valve gets its own custom diagram showing how it works open and closed, plus a simple analogy to make it stick. Visit youngarchitect.com/valves to see all the diagrams and grab free study notes. 📝 Key topics covered: - Gate valve vs ball valve and when to use each - Butterfly valves for large-diameter piping - Globe valves and angle valves for flow control - Check valves vs backflow preventers - Pressure reducing valve (PRV) vs pressure relief valve - Float valves for automatic water level control - How plumbing valves appear on the PPD and PDD exams ⏱️ Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 1:54 - Stop Valves 2:11 - Gate Valve 3:08 - Ball Valve 3:45 - Butterfly Valve 6:00 - Regulating Valves 6:35 - Globe Valve 7:37 - Angle Valve 8:31 - Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) 9:53 - One-Way Valves 10:24 - Check Valve 11:01 - Backflow Preventer 12:31 - Specialty Valves 13:01 - Pressure Relief Valve 14:01 - Float Valve 14:51 - Come Study With Us 15:48 - ARE Study Tip 📖 Full Blog Post With Valve Diagrams: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/plumbing-valves/     📝 Free Plumbing Valves Study Notes: https://youngarchitect.com/valves    🎯 ARE Boot Camp - 10-week coaching program: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/    📚 ARE 101 Membership - All ARE study materials: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-study-materials/    Individual Courses: PPD 101 (Project Planning and Design): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-planning-and-design/    PDD 101 (Construction Documents and Specs): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-development-and-documentation/    Mechanical Systems 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-mechanical-systems-101/    Building Codes 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-building-codes-101/    CDT 101 (Construction Documents Technologist): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/cdt-exam-prep/   CCCA 101 (Construction Contract Administration): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/ccca-exam-prep/    PcM 101 (Practice Management): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-practice-management/    PjM 101 (Project Management): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-management/    CE 101 (Construction and Evaluation): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-construction-and-evaluation/    PA 101 (Programming and Analysis): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/programming-analysis-101-are-5-0-exam-prep/    AIA Contracts 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-aia-contracts-101/

    18 min
  4. 056 - Building Acoustics: How Sound Actually Works in Buildings

    2 DE MAR.

    056 - Building Acoustics: How Sound Actually Works in Buildings

    Building acoustics explained: learn how sound actually works in buildings and the three critical rating systems every architect needs to know. We cover STC, IIC, NRC, decibels, and Hertz, everything you need for the ARE and real-world architecture. Building acoustics is one of those topics that trips people up because there are multiple rating systems that measure completely different things. In this episode, we break down all of them so they actually make sense. STC (Sound Transmission Class) rates how well walls and floors block airborne sound like voices and music. IIC (Impact Insulation Class) rates how well floor assemblies block impact sounds like footsteps. And NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) measures how much sound a material absorbs within a room. You'll learn why the IBC requires both STC 50 and IIC 50 between dwelling units, how to upgrade a basic wall assembly step by step, and why a material can be great at absorbing sound but terrible at blocking it. We also cover flanking paths, common spec mistakes, and when to bring in an acoustics consultant. Key topics covered: - Decibels, Hertz, and how sound is measured - STC ratings: blocking airborne sound through walls - IIC ratings: blocking impact sound through floors - NRC ratings: absorbing sound within a room - IBC Section 1207 requirements (STC 50 and IIC 50 between dwelling units) - Wall assembly upgrades: mass, insulation, decoupling, and sealing - Flanking paths and penetration details - Common acoustic specification mistakes ⏱️ Chapters: (0:00) Introduction (1:28) Free Study Guide (2:34) Why Sound Matters in Buildings (4:17) Decibels: How We Measure Loudness (6:58) Hertz: How We Measure Pitch (8:17) STC: Sound Transmission Class (16:07) IIC: Impact Insulation Class (20:34) NRC: Noise Reduction Coefficient (24:09) Bringing It All Together (26:31) Practical Tips and Common Scenarios (29:33) Acoustics Recap 📖 Read the full blog post: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/building-acoustics/  📝 Download the FREE 2-page Building Acoustics study guide: https://YoungArchitect.com/Acoustics  🎯 Ready to pass the ARE and become a licensed architect? Get access to all our ARE Study Materials with the ARE 101 Membership: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-study-materials/  📚 Individual Courses: - PPD 101 (Building Systems and Design): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-planning-and-design/  - PDD 101 (Construction Documents and Specs): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-development-and-documentation/  - Building Codes 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-building-codes-101/  - Mechanical Systems 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-mechanical-systems-101/  - CDT 101 (Construction Documents Technologist): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/cdt-exam-prep/  - CCCA 101 (Construction Contract Administration): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/ccca-exam-prep/  - PcM 101 (Practice Management): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-practice-management/  - PjM 101 (Project Management): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-management/  - CE 101 (Construction and Evaluation): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-construction-and-evaluation/  - PA 101 (Programming and Analysis): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/programming-analysis-101-are-5-0-exam-prep/  - AIA Contracts 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-aia-contracts-101/

    32 min
  5. 055 - Control Joint vs Expansion Joint: Where the Cracks At?

    23 DE FEV.

    055 - Control Joint vs Expansion Joint: Where the Cracks At?

    Control joint vs expansion joint - what's the actual difference? We break down all four joint types you need to know for the ARE and the job site. Control joint vs expansion joint is one of those topics that trips people up because the terms sound so similar. But these joints are doing completely different things, and understanding those differences matters for the ARE and for real-world construction. In this episode, we break down four types of joints you'll encounter on the exam and on the job site: expansion joints, control joints, isolation joints, and construction joints.  For each one, we cover what it does, where you'll see it in real construction, and how to remember the difference when you're under pressure on exam day. We also give you clear analogies and memory hooks so you're not just memorizing definitions that disappear five minutes later. By the end, you'll know exactly how to tell these joints apart and which ARE divisions they show up on, including PA, PPD, PDD, and CE. Key topics covered: Expansion joints and how they allow material movement Control joints and why you plan for cracks instead of preventing them Isolation joints and when complete separation is required Construction joints and how they relate to the work schedule The rebar test for telling isolation and construction joints apart Which ARE 5.0 divisions test each joint type Chapters:  0:00 - Introduction 1:56 - Free Study Guide 2:51 - Expansion Joints  18:16 - Control Joints  13:44 - Isolation Joints  19:03 - Construction Joints  24:13 - Recapping Our Joints  27:35 - Wrap Up Episode Resources: Download free joint types study guide: https://youngarchitect.com/joints Ready to pass the ARE and become a licensed architect?  Get access to all our ARE Study Materials with the ARE 101 Membership: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-study-materials/ Individual ARE Exam Courses: - Practice Management (PcM 101): https://youngarchitect.com/PcM101 - Project Management (PjM 101): https://youngarchitect.com/PjM101 - Construction & Evaluation (CE 101): https://youngarchitect.com/CE101 - Programming & Analysis (PA 101): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/programming-analysis-101-are-5-0-exam-prep/ - Project Planning & Design (PPD 101): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-planning-and-design/ - Project Development & Documentation (PDD 101): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-development-and-documentation/ - Building Codes 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-building-codes-101/ - Mechanical Systems 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-mechanical-systems-101/ - AIA Contracts 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-aia-contracts-101/ - Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/ - Explore our CDT 101 course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/cdt-exam-prep/ - Pass the CCCA Certification with our course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/ccca-exam-prep/ Subscribe for weekly ARE exam prep content and join thousands of successful architects who've passed their exams with Young Architect!

    29 min
  6. 054 - PcM, PjM, and CE: Understanding the Difference Before You Study

    16 DE FEV.

    054 - PcM, PjM, and CE: Understanding the Difference Before You Study

    PcM, PjM, and CE are three different exams, but most people study them without understanding what makes each one unique. This episode breaks down exactly what NCARB is testing on Practice Management, Project Management, and Construction and Evaluation so you can study smarter, not harder. Too many ARE candidates jump into prep materials without ever looking at what each exam actually focuses on, and that leads to wasted time and confusion. PcM zooms out to the firm level. It's about business operations, finances, risk, and how an architecture practice stays profitable.  PjM zooms into one project. You've got a signed contract, a team, and a schedule to manage through the design phases.  CE picks up after the documents are done and construction begins. It's about administering the construction contract and making sure what gets built matches what was designed. We also cover where these exams overlap (contracts, risk, insurance, quality control, and project delivery methods all show up on all three), and why that overlap is actually good news for your study plan. Plus, there's a free homework assignment that ties it all together. Download the free study notes and homework assignment: https://youngarchitect.com/understandingpropractice Chapters:  0:00 - Introduction  4:18 - Study Notes and We Need Your Help  5:21 - Why Start with the Pro Practice Exams?  6:30 - The Big Picture: What Ties These Three Exams Together  8:17 - PcM: Practice Management - Running the Firm  9:57 - PjM: Project Management - Managing the Project  12:13 - CE: Construction and Evaluation - On the Job Site  16:53 - How They Flow Together  18:06 - Study Strategy for the Pro Practice Exams  20:24 - Homework Assignment  21:41 - Conclusion Episode Resources: - Read the full blog post: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/understanding-pcm-pjm-and-ce Ready to pass the ARE and become a licensed architect?  Get access to all our ARE Study Materials with the ARE 101 Membership: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-study-materials/ Individual ARE Exam Courses: - Practice Management (PcM 101): https://youngarchitect.com/PcM101 - Project Management (PjM 101): https://youngarchitect.com/PjM101 - Construction & Evaluation (CE 101): https://youngarchitect.com/CE101 - Programming & Analysis (PA 101): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/programming-analysis-101-are-5-0-exam-prep/ - Project Planning & Design (PPD 101): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-planning-and-design/ - Project Development & Documentation (PDD 101): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-development-and-documentation/ - Building Codes 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-building-codes-101/ - Mechanical Systems 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-mechanical-systems-101/ - AIA Contracts 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-aia-contracts-101/ - Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/ - Explore our CDT 101 course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/cdt-exam-prep/ - Pass the CCCA Certification with our course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/ccca-exam-prep/ Subscribe for weekly ARE exam prep content and join thousands of successful architects who've passed their exams with Young Architect!

    23 min
  7. 053 - Concrete Slab Types: A Guide to Structural Systems

    9 DE FEV.

    053 - Concrete Slab Types: A Guide to Structural Systems

    Six concrete slab types explained with span ranges, load capacities, and the decision framework you need to pick the right system every single time. Every concrete slab question on the ARE comes down to two things: the shape of your bay and the loads it needs to carry. But with six different systems to choose from, it's easy to second-guess yourself when the clock is ticking. In this episode, we break down all six structural slab systems from one-way solid slabs to waffle slabs.  You'll learn the span ranges for each, the load conditions that drive your selection, and the visual cues that show up in exam questions.  We cover why bay geometry matters more than anything else, how to tell the difference between a one-way joist and a waffle slab, and what punching shear has to do with flat plates vs flat slabs. Key topics covered: - One-way vs two-way classification using the aspect ratio test - One-way solid slabs (6-18 ft) and one-way joist slabs (20-30 ft) - Two-way slab with beams for square bays (15-40 ft) - Flat plate vs flat slab: when drop panels matter - Waffle slabs for long spans and architectural expression (24-54 ft) - Formwork cost comparison across all six systems - A quick decision framework for exam day This content is especially relevant for the PPD and PDD divisions of the ARE 5.0. Chapters:  0:00 - Introduction  2:10 - One-Way vs Two-Way: The Shape Test 4:45 - One-Way Slab  6:02 - One-Way Joist Slab  7:56 - Two-Way Slab With Beams  9:28 - Two-Way Flat Plate  12:04 - Flat Slab With Drop Panels  14:56 - Waffle Slab  17:46 - Putting It All Together  19:26 - Wrap-Up Episode Resources: - Download the free 2-page study guide: https://youngarchitect.com/slabs Ready to pass the ARE and become a licensed architect?  Get access to all our ARE Study Materials with the ARE 101 Membership: https://youngarchitect.com/ARE101 Individual ARE Exam Courses: - Practice Management (PcM 101): https://youngarchitect.com/PcM101 - Project Management (PjM 101): https://youngarchitect.com/PjM101 - Construction & Evaluation (CE 101): https://youngarchitect.com/CE101 - Programming & Analysis (PA 101): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/programming-analysis-101-are-5-0-exam-prep/ - Project Planning & Design (PPD 101): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-planning-and-design/ - Project Development & Documentation (PDD 101): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-development-and-documentation/ - Building Codes 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-building-codes-101/ - Mechanical Systems 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-mechanical-systems-101/ - AIA Contracts 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-aia-contracts-101/ - Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/ - Explore our CDT 101 course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/cdt-101/ Subscribe for weekly ARE exam prep content and join thousands of successful architects who've passed their exams with Young Architect!

    22 min
  8. 052 - Cast-in-Place Concrete: From Spans to Slump Tests

    26 DE JAN.

    052 - Cast-in-Place Concrete: From Spans to Slump Tests

    Cast in place concrete spans, rebar sizing, slump tests, and when to reject a pour. Everything you need for PPD, PDD, CE, and PA exam questions. Understanding cast in place concrete is essential for multiple ARE divisions. This episode breaks down how concrete and rebar work together as a structural system, why span limitations matter for your architectural design, and what you need to know for construction observation questions. We cover the key concepts that show up on PPD when selecting structural systems, PDD when detailing and sizing components, CE when identifying non-conforming work, and PA when evaluating existing buildings. You'll learn typical span ranges for standard cast in place concrete (20-25 feet), how rebar sizing works in 1/8 inch increments, and why concrete excels in hurricane zones but presents challenges in seismic areas. Key topics covered: Concrete vs. rebar responsibilities (compression vs. tension) One-way slabs versus two-way slabs Honeycombing, spalling, and 45-degree shear cracks Slump tests and Kelly Ball tests CMU block versus cast in place concrete Pre-tensioned vs. post-tensioned systems Chapters:  0:00 - Introduction  4:26 - When to Choose Concrete  7:26 - How Concrete Works  11:19 - Common Mistakes with Concrete  13:49 - Construction Observation 17:39 - Identifying Structural Failures 19:27 - CMU Block vs Cast-In-Place 21:57 - Pre-Tensioned and Post-Tensioned 26:14 - How to Use This on Exam Day 28:43 - Wrap Up  Episode Resources: Full blogpost and free 2-page study notes: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/cast-in-place-concrete/ Want to cast in place concrete and other challenging technical concepts for your ARE preparation?   Get access to all our ARE Study Materials with the ARE 101 Membership: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-study-materials/ 📚 Individual ARE Exam Courses: - Practice Management (PcM 101) https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-practice-management/ - Project Management (PjM 101) https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-management/ - Construction & Evaluation (CE 101) https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-construction-and-evaluation/ - Programming & Analysis (PA 101) https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/programming-analysis-101-are-5-0-exam-prep/ - Project Planning & Design (PPD 101) https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-planning-and-design/ - Project Development & Documentation (PDD 101) https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-development-and-documentation/ -  Building Codes 101 https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-building-codes-101/ - Mechanical Systems 101 https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-mechanical-systems-101/ - AIA Contracts 101 https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-aia-contracts-101/ - Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/ - Explore our CDT 101 course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/cdt-101/ As Emily  mentions, understanding technical concepts like cast in place concrete becomes much clearer when you can discuss them with other candidates and get expert guidance. 👍 Like this episode? Subscribe for weekly architecture and ARE exam prep!

    30 min
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Sobre

Free, high-value ARE prep broken into digestible episodes that make studying accessible and actually enjoyable. We translate complex exam content into clear, actionable strategies based directly on NCARB's objectives—not complicated study approaches that miss the mark. Young Architect has guided thousands to licensure since 2013 by simplifying ARE prep to what truly matters and keeping it fresh. Subscribe for practical ARE insights delivered in a format that fits your busy life.

Informações

  • Criado por
    Michael Riscica
  • Anos de atividade
    2025 - 2026
  • Episódios
    61
  • Classificação
    Livre
  • Copyright
    ©2025
  • Site do podcast
    Architect Exam Podcast

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