Architect Exam Podcast

Michael Riscica
  • 5.0 (24)
  • 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. 052 - Cast-in-Place Concrete: From Spans to Slump Tests

    JAN 26

    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
  2. 051.5 - Free Webinar: Career Advancement Hiding in Your ARE Studies

    JAN 19

    051.5 - Free Webinar: Career Advancement Hiding in Your ARE Studies

    The CDT certification overlaps 80% with your ARE pro practice studies. Here's how to earn real credentials while preparing for your architect exam. If you're studying for the ARE, you're already doing most of the work needed to earn the CDT certification.    Join Michael and Emily for a free webinar where they'll break down exactly how CSI certifications fit into your architecture license path, share CDT study strategies, and answer your questions live. Chapters:  0:00 - Introduction 2:28 - Quick Callback to Episode 26 3:59 - The Bigger Picture: CSI Certification Ecosystem 10:05 - Why This Matters for ARE Candidates 11:08 - The CDT Schedule Reality 12:49 - What We're Covering in the Webinar 16:12 - Call to Action  Episode Resources: Register for the FREE CDT Webinar: https://youngarchitect.com/cdt-panel-discussion/ Read the full blog post: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/free-webinar-csi-certifications/ Get CDT 101 Course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/cdt-101/

    17 min
  3. 051 - What is an RFI in Construction? Everything You Need to Know

    JAN 12

    051 - What is an RFI in Construction? Everything You Need to Know

    What is an RFI? A Request for Information is the official way to get answers during construction. Here's everything you need to know about them. On a large project, you might see 500 to 1,000 RFIs before construction wraps up. That's 500 to 1,000 opportunities for miscommunication, delays, and finger-pointing if they're not handled properly. In this episode, we break down the RFI meaning in construction, when to use them, when NOT to use them, and the critical differences between RFIs and other construction documents. You'll learn why an RFI is the "nuclear option" for getting answers, not your first step. We cover the difference between RFIs vs change orders, RFIs vs submittals, and RFIs vs ASIs. Plus, we talk about what makes a good RFI versus what I call a "Zombie RFI" that creates more problems than it solves. This is essential knowledge for the Construction and Evaluation (CE) division of the ARE, but these concepts show up across multiple exams. Chapters:  0:00 - Introduction  1:46 - What is an RFI? 3:23 - When DO You Use an RFI?  5:32 - When DON'T You Use an RFI?  7:40 - RFI vs Other Documents  11:23 - What Makes a Good RFI?  14:59 - Timing and the Architect's Responsibilities  17:03 - How This Shows Up on the ARE  18:56 - Conclusion Episode Resources: Read the full blog post: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/what-is-an-rfi-construction/ Download free RFI study notes: https://youngarchitect.com/RFI 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!

    21 min
  4. 050 - AIA C401: Protecting Your Practice from Consultant Chaos

    JAN 5

    050 - AIA C401: Protecting Your Practice from Consultant Chaos

    The AIA C401 Standard Form of Agreement Between Architect and Consultant is one of the most critical contract documents you need to master for ARE exam success and professional practice.  In this comprehensive episode, Emily breaks down everything you need to know about consultant agreements, from relationship structures to liability protection. Learn how the C401 connects with your B101 Owner-Architect agreement and A201 General Conditions to create a complete chain of professional responsibilities.  Whether you're studying for PcM, PjM, or CE exams, understanding consultant coordination will protect your practice and help you deliver better projects. Read the full blogpost for this podcast: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/aia-c401/ 🎯 Get Your Free C401 Study Guide: Want to master the AIA C401 for your ARE exams? Download our comprehensive 2-page study guide that breaks down all the key provisions and exam concepts: https://youngarchitect.com/c401 🔗 Resources Mentioned: AIA Contracts 101 Course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/aia-contracts-101-are-5-0-exam-prep/ ARE Bootcamp 10-Week Program: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/ PcM 101 Practice Management: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/practice-management-101-are-5-0-exam-prep-pcm-101/ PjM 101 Project Management: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/project-management-101-are-5-0-exam-prep/ 👍 Found this helpful? Like this podcast and subscribe for more ARE exam prep content!

    23 min
  5. 049 - Understanding Foundation Types: From Soil to Structure

    12/29/2025

    049 - Understanding Foundation Types: From Soil to Structure

    Foundation types explained: 7 systems from spread footings to pile foundations. Learn when to use each based on soil conditions and building loads. Every building you'll ever design depends on something you'll never see: the foundation. And on the ARE, understanding that invisible piece is what helps you make the right decisions early in design. This episode breaks down the 7 most popular foundation types, organized from simple to complex. We start with shallow foundations like spread footings, continuous footings, combined footings, and mat foundations. Then we move into deep foundations for when surface soil can't support your building: pile foundations, caissons, and grade beams. For each foundation type, you'll learn what it is, when to use it, real-world examples, and specific exam tips for the ARE. We also cover how foundation choice affects your structural system, construction costs, and project schedule. Whether you're studying for the PA, PPD, or PDD exam, or just want to understand foundation selection better, this episode gives you the foundation knowledge (pun intended) you need. Chapters:  0:00 - Introduction 2:22 - Foundation Type #1: Spread Footings (Isolated Footings)  4:39 - Foundation Type #2: Continuous Footings (Wall Footings)  6:49 - Foundation Type #3: Combined Footings  8:46 - Foundation Type #4: Mat Foundations (Raft Foundations)  11:25 - Transition: Moving from Shallow to Deep Foundations  12:31- Foundation Type #5: Pile Foundations  15:08 - Foundation Type #6: Caissons (Drilled Piers)  18:29 - Foundation Type #7: Grade Beams  20:59 - Wrap-Up: How Foundation Choice Affects Design Episode Resources: - Read the full blog post: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/foundation-types/ 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!

    25 min
  6. 048 - Liquidated Damages: The Price Tag on Being Late

    12/22/2025

    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
  7. 047 - Architect Fees: Show Me the Money (The Right Way)

    12/15/2025

    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
  8. 046 - Building Code History: Famous Fires That Shaped Modern Codes

    12/08/2025

    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
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Riscica
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    54
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©2025
  • Show Website
    Architect Exam Podcast

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