Architect Exam Podcast

Michael Riscica
  • 5.0 (17)
  • DESIGN
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 048 - Liquidated Damages: The Price Tag on Being Late

    5D AGO

    048 - Liquidated Damages: The Price Tag on Being Late

    Liquidated damages are basically a prenup for construction projects. Here's why that protects everyone and what it means for your ARE. Liquidated damages work exactly like a prenup. You sit down before the project starts, when everyone is optimistic and getting along, and you decide what happens if things go wrong. Nobody wants to have that conversation, but it saves everyone a massive headache later. Without liquidated damages, an owner whose project runs late has to prove actual damages in court. How much revenue did that hotel lose? What would that retail store have earned during the holiday season? These are real losses, but they're nearly impossible to quantify. You'd spend years in litigation arguing over hypothetical numbers. Liquidated damages cut through all of that. Both parties agree on a daily dollar amount upfront. The owner gets compensated without a court fight. The contractor knows exactly what they're risking. Everyone has certainty. In this episode, we cover how these amounts get calculated, when the clock starts (substantial completion), and where liquidated damages appear in AIA contracts. We also explain why the A201 protects liquidated damages even when consequential damages are waived. Critical knowledge for CE, PcM, and PjM. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 0:20 - The Kitchen Renovation Story 2:36 - What Are Liquidated Damages? 4:08 - Why Do Liquidated Damages Exist? 5:44 - How Liquidated Damages Work 7:54 - Liquidated Damages vs. Other Types of Damages 9:37 - Where Liquidated Damages Show Up in AIA Contracts 11:50 - What This Means for You 13:04 - Conclusion Episode Resources: Read the full blog post: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/liquidated-damages/ Download free 2-page study notes: https://YoungArchitect.com/Damages 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://youngarchitect.com/PDD101 - 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!

    15 min
  2. 047 - Architect Fees: Show Me the Money (The Right Way)

    DEC 15

    047 - Architect Fees: Show Me the Money (The Right Way)

    Understanding architect fees and contractor payment structures is crucial for ARE exam success and your architecture career. In this comprehensive episode, we break down every fee structure you need to know, from fixed fees to percentage of construction cost, plus how contractors get paid through lump sum, cost plus, and GMP contracts. Essential knowledge for Practice Management, Project Management, and Construction & Evaluation exams. Resources & Links: - Want to master architect fees and contract administration? Check out our comprehensive article: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/architect-fees/  - Practice Management 101 Course:  https://youngarchitect.com/PcM101   - Project Management 101 Course: https://youngarchitect.com/PjM101   - Construction & Evaluation 101 Course: https://youngarchitect.com/CE101   - ARE 101 Course Membership: https://youngarchitect.com/ARE101   - ARE Boot Camp (10-week coaching): https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/ - Young Architect Academy: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/ - The Architect Exam Podcast: https://youngarchitect.com/AREpodcast Subscribe for weekly ARE exam prep content and join thousands of successful architects who've passed their exams with Young Architect!

    23 min
  3. 046 - Building Code History: Famous Fires That Shaped Modern Codes

    DEC 8

    046 - Building Code History: Famous Fires That Shaped Modern Codes

    Building code history isn't about memorizing rules. It's about understanding why those rules exist. These 7 famous fires changed building codes forever. Every building code requirement exists because something went wrong. In this episode, we walk through seven historic fires and building disasters that shaped modern life safety codes.  From the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire of 1911 to the Grenfell Tower Fire of 2017, you'll learn the real stories behind egress requirements, sprinkler systems, fire rated walls, and more. Whether you're studying for the ARE exam or working as a practicing architect, understanding building code history helps you see these requirements as more than rules. They're hard-earned lessons that protect lives. 📚 RESOURCES & LINKS: Free 2-Page Study Guide - Download your Building Code History reference guide: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/building-code-history-famous-fires/ 🎯 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://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/ ✅ TAKE ACTION: Like this Podcast if you found these stories valuable. Subscribe to The Architect Exam Podcast for weekly ARE prep content.

    33 min
  4. 045 - ARE Procrastination - Time is Your Most Valuable Resource

    DEC 1

    045 - ARE Procrastination - Time is Your Most Valuable Resource

    Are you procrastinating on your ARE exams? You're not alone. Most candidates delay their license for months or years Learn why time is your most valuable resource and how to stop making excuses that delay your architecture license.  In this episode, Michael shares his personal journey through the excuse trap and the moment everything changed when he realized the real cost of procrastination. Getting your architecture license is a 700-1500 hour investment that will be the most important project of your career. Yet many candidates spend months making excuses about money, experience, or timing instead of taking action. This episode breaks down why professional development requires prioritizing time management over perfect conditions. 🔗 Resources & Links: - 📝 Beat ARE Procrastination: Read our complete blogpost at https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/procrastination/ - 🎯 ARE 101 Course Membership: Stop procrastinating with our comprehensive ARE prep program at https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/ncarb-are-101/ - 💪 ARE Boot Camp: Join our 10-week intensive coaching program for accountability and community support at https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/ 👍 Like and subscribe for more architect exam preparation content. Share your biggest procrastination challenge in the comments!

    5 min
  5. 044 - MasterFormat: Your Guide to Not Getting Lost in Specs

    NOV 21

    044 - MasterFormat: Your Guide to Not Getting Lost in Specs

    Confused about CSI MasterFormat and how it applies to your architecture exams? This episode breaks down everything you need to know about construction specifications organization for the ARE exam and CDT certification. We explain the 50-division system, specification structure, and why understanding MasterFormat is crucial for exam success. Key exam topics covered: - CSI MasterFormat vs UniFormat differences (critical for ARE Practice Management) - 50-division organization system and major division groups - Three-part specification format (General, Products, Execution) - Real-world applications in project delivery and construction administration - Specification organization principles for CDT certification Read the full blogpost for this podcast: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/masterformat/ This content directly applies to ARE 5.0 divisions including Practice Management, Project Management, and Construction & Evaluation. For CDT candidates, we cover fundamental specification principles that appear throughout the certification exam. 🎯 Download Your Study Guide: Get our FREE 2-page MasterFormat reference guide at https://YoungArchitect.com/MasterFormat - perfect for quick review before exams! 🎓 Master CDT Certification: Our CDT 101 course covers MasterFormat in detail: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/cdt-101/ 💡 Study with us: Explore more exam prep resources at https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/ Ready to tackle construction specifications with confidence? Give this video a thumbs up and subscribe for more ARE and CDT exam preparation content!

    26 min
  6. 043 - NCARB's 2026 ARE Exam Changes: What You Need to Know

    NOV 11

    043 - NCARB's 2026 ARE Exam Changes: What You Need to Know

    NCARB has officially announced the 2026 ARE exam changes affecting AXP, case studies, and 12 exam objectives across five divisions.  This comprehensive breakdown explains what's actually changing, when these changes take effect, and exactly how they'll impact your path to licensure.  After analyzing all the objective changes NCARB didn't want to discuss in their webinar, I'm walking you through every detail you need to know. 🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS: Want the complete written analysis with all objective numbers and deeper details?   Read the full blog post for this ARE podcast: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/2026-are-exam-changes/ Come study with us! - Check out our ARE 101 Courses - https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-study-materials/  - Check out our PcM 101 Course - https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-practice-management/  - Check out our PjM 101 Course - https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-management/  - Check out our CE 101 Course - https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-construction-and-evaluation/  - Check out our PA 101 Course - https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/programming-analysis-101-are-5-0-exam-prep/  - Check out our Mechanical Systems 101 Course - https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-mechanical-systems-101/  - Check out our Building Codes 101 Course - https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-building-codes-101/  - Check out our AIA Contracts 101 course - https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-aia-contracts-101/  - Check out our ARE Boot Camp Interactive Coaching (10-week program): https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/ ✅ NEXT STEPS:  If you found this breakdown helpful, SUBSCRIBE to The Architect Exam Podcast for weekly ARE prep content.

    39 min
  7. 042 - ARE Exam Prep: Study Materials vs The ARE Boot Camp

    NOV 3

    042 - ARE Exam Prep: Study Materials vs The ARE Boot Camp

    ARE Bootcamp is the only coaching program for the Architect Registration Exam, and it works completely differently than study materials like Amber Book or Black Spectacles.  In this episode, we break down exactly how ARE Bootcamp actually works and why it's not just another study resource. Michael explains the fundamental difference between coaching and study materials, shares the strategy behind both Pro Practice and Technical Bootcamp, and answers the most common questions about cost, time commitment, and success rates.  You'll learn why ARE Bootcamp focuses on creating great architects rather than just passing exams. Want to learn more about ARE Bootcamp and see if it's right for your architect exam journey? Check out our full in-depth blogpost at: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/architect-exam-prep-are-bootcamp/ Check out all the details and frequently asked questions at: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/ 👍 If this helped clarify how ARE Bootcamp works, please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more architect exam insights every week!

    21 min
  8. 041 - Construction Cost Estimates: Getting the Numbers Right

    OCT 27

    041 - Construction Cost Estimates: Getting the Numbers Right

    Understanding construction cost estimates is critical for architects at every stage of a project. From early conceptual estimates using square footage costs to detailed quantity takeoffs during construction documents, each estimate type serves a specific purpose and provides different levels of accuracy. In this episode, we break down when to use each estimate type, what information you need to prepare them, and how they're tested on the ARE exam.  Whether you're studying for the PjM, PA, PDD exams or even working on real projects, this knowledge is essential. 🔗 Links & Resources: - 📝 Read the Complete Guide: Want to learn more about construction cost estimates? Check out our in-depth article for a complete analysis with examples, exam tips and a 2 page study guide. https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/construction-cost-estimates/ - 🎓 ARE Practice Management Course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/practice-management-101-are-5-0-exam-prep-pcm-101/ - 🎓 ARE Project Management Course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/project-management-101-are-5-0-exam-prep/ - 🚀 JOIN ARE Boot Camp: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/   ✅ Subscribe to The Architect Exam Podcast for weekly episodes on passing the ARE exam and advancing your architecture career.

    32 min
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5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

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.

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