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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

Black Friday deals on the best ARE study materials and CDT certification prep! Save $300 on ARE Boot Camp, get bundle pricing on ARE 101, and more.

This is our biggest Black Friday sale ever with exclusive deals on architect exam prep courses, ARE Boot Camp coaching, and CDT certification materials.

These limited-time offers run from Monday, November 18th through Monday, December 2nd, 2025 - just 14 days to grab the best deals of the year.

Whether you're studying for ARE 5.0 exams or pursuing CDT certification, we've got you covered with comprehensive study materials, practice questions, and expert coaching to help you pass your licensing exams.

🔗 Black Friday Deals & Registration:

📍 All Black Friday Deals: https://youngarchitect.com/blackfriday

📍 ARE Boot Camp Details: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/

📍 ARE 101 Membership: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-study-materials/

📍 CDT 101 Course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/cdt-101/

🎁 What's Included in This Sale:

1. ARE Boot Camp: $999 (regularly $1,300) - January & February 2026 sessions
2. ARE 101 Membership: Special bundle pricing on 3, 6, and 12-month options
3. CDT 101 Course: $149 (regularly $199) for Spring 2026
4. FREE CDT Webinar: January 29th, 2026 at 7pm ET
5. FREE Study Notes: Two-pagers for 30+ podcast episodes

💡 Why Choose Young Architect for ARE Exam Prep?

Our ARE study materials include over 130 hours of video content, 1,500+ practice questions, interactive flashcards, and 24/7 virtual tutors.

ARE Boot Camp is the only true coaching program (not just study materials) that provides accountability, community support, and a proven curriculum to help you pass all your exams efficiently.

✅ Don't miss out on these limited-time Black Friday offers! Make 2026 your year to pass your architect licensing exams. Visit YoungArchitect.com/blackfriday for complete details.

👍 If you found this helpful, SUBSCRIBE to The Architect Exam Podcast for weekly ARE prep insights and study strategies!

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.