
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


Construction observation is the heart of the architect's role during construction, and it makes up the largest section of the CE exam. This episode breaks down what construction observation actually means and the critical difference between observation and inspection.
We cover why understanding design intent vs means and methods will save you on exam day and on site. We also walk through construction field reports, evaluating work for conformance, identifying non-conforming work, and the most common observation mistakes that create liability problems.
📝 Key topics covered:
Observation vs inspection: why the distinction matters
Design intent vs means and methods
Construction field reports and AIA G711
Evaluating construction conformance
Limits of the architect's authority on site
Non-conforming work identification
⏱️ Chapters:
(0:00) Introduction
(2:44) The CE Exam Structure
(7:27) What Is Construction Observation?
(14:44) Architect's Role on Site
(18:32) Evaluating Conformance
(22:25) Construction Progress
(25:25) Observation Mistakes
(30:29) How to Study Observation
(35:31) Conclusion
📖 Read the full blog post
📝 Download the FREE 2-page CE 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:
CE 101 (Construction and Evaluation)
AIA Contracts 101
CCCA 101 (Construction Contract Administration)
CDT 101 (Construction Documents Technologist)
Building Codes 101
PjM 101 (Project Management)
PcM 101 (Practice Management)
PA 101 (Programming and Analysis)
PPD 101 (Project Planning and Design)
PDD 101 (Construction Documents and Specs)
Mechanical Systems 101
By Michael Riscica5
2323 ratings
Construction observation is the heart of the architect's role during construction, and it makes up the largest section of the CE exam. This episode breaks down what construction observation actually means and the critical difference between observation and inspection.
We cover why understanding design intent vs means and methods will save you on exam day and on site. We also walk through construction field reports, evaluating work for conformance, identifying non-conforming work, and the most common observation mistakes that create liability problems.
📝 Key topics covered:
Observation vs inspection: why the distinction matters
Design intent vs means and methods
Construction field reports and AIA G711
Evaluating construction conformance
Limits of the architect's authority on site
Non-conforming work identification
⏱️ Chapters:
(0:00) Introduction
(2:44) The CE Exam Structure
(7:27) What Is Construction Observation?
(14:44) Architect's Role on Site
(18:32) Evaluating Conformance
(22:25) Construction Progress
(25:25) Observation Mistakes
(30:29) How to Study Observation
(35:31) Conclusion
📖 Read the full blog post
📝 Download the FREE 2-page CE 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:
CE 101 (Construction and Evaluation)
AIA Contracts 101
CCCA 101 (Construction Contract Administration)
CDT 101 (Construction Documents Technologist)
Building Codes 101
PjM 101 (Project Management)
PcM 101 (Practice Management)
PA 101 (Programming and Analysis)
PPD 101 (Project Planning and Design)
PDD 101 (Construction Documents and Specs)
Mechanical Systems 101

91,297 Listeners

43,687 Listeners

26,242 Listeners

159 Listeners

35 Listeners

332 Listeners

55 Listeners

10,331 Listeners

29,272 Listeners

8,037 Listeners

10,660 Listeners