Think specs are just boring boilerplate documents that nobody reads? Think again! In this episode, I reveal 8 dangerous myths about construction specifications that are costing architects time, money, and professional credibility.

As someone who used to believe these myths myself, I'll share the painful lessons I learned the hard way - like when my copied-and-pasted specs nearly tanked a small commercial project. Whether you're studying for the ARE, pursuing CDT certification, or just trying to deliver better projects, understanding the truth about specifications isn't just academic - it's essential for success.

Want to dive deeper into specification myths and avoid making these costly mistakes? Check out the full written blog post at https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/construction-specs-myths/

Resources:

- ARE 101 Course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/ncarb-are-101/

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

- ARE Boot Camp: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/

If this helped you understand specifications better, hit the LIKE button and SUBSCRIBE for more architecture exam prep content. Leave a comment with which myth surprised you the most!

Fire rated walls save lives by buying precious time during emergencies. Learn how these tested assemblies actually work and why every detail matters for building safety.

Learn the essential knowledge every architect needs about fire rated walls, from Type X gypsum board science to UL assembly specifications.

This comprehensive guide covers when and where fire rated walls are required, how they actually work to save lives, and the common mistakes that can compromise their effectiveness.

Whether you're studying for the ARE exam or working on real projects, understanding fire rated walls is crucial for Programming & Analysis, Project Planning & Design, and Project Development & Documentation divisions.

🔗 Links & Resources:

- Master Building Codes for ARE Success: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/building-codes-101-are-5-0-exam-prep/

- ARE 101 Course Membership: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/ncarb-are-101/

- ARE Bootcamp Interactive Coaching: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/

- National Gypsum Resources: YoungArchitect.com/National

Want to learn more about fire rated walls? Check out our in-depth article for a complete analysis: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/fire-rated-walls/

👍 Like & Subscribe: If this helped you understand fire rated walls, give it a thumbs up and subscribe for more ARE exam prep content every week!

Building codes and regulations make up 16-22% of your PA exam. Master them with this complete Section 2 breakdown! Learn the code requirements, zoning regulations, and site-specific standards that shape architectural programming.

In this 32-minute deep dive, we break down all three objectives in PA Section 2, covering the essential code knowledge every architect needs for both exam success and professional practice.

Whether you're struggling with occupancy classification, construction types, or understanding when different building code requirements apply, this episode gives you the complete framework.

What You'll Learn:

- How to identify relevant building codes for any project type and location

- The "Big Three" codes that appear on almost every project (IBC, ADA, local amendments)

- Understanding zoning requirements, setbacks, and FAR calculations

- When variances and conditional use permits are appropriate

- Site-specific requirements like historic preservation and environmental constraints

- The 10 most common mistakes that trip up PA candidates

Want to learn more about codes and regulations? Check out our in-depth article for a complete analysis: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/building-codes-regulations-pa-exam

Ready to master building codes and pass your PA exam with confidence?

Our Programming & Analysis 101 course includes 8+ hours of expert instruction, 260+ practice questions, and detailed case studies.

Combined with Building Codes 101, you'll have the complete foundation needed for PA exam success.

🔗 Links & Resources:

- 📝 Download FREE 2-Page Study Notes: https://youngarchitect.com/PAcodes

- 🎓 Programming & Analysis 101 Course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/programming-analysis-101-are-5-0-exam-prep/

- 🏗️ Building Codes 101 Course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/building-codes-101-are-5-0-exam-prep/

- 🚀 ARE Bootcamp (10-Week Coaching): https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/

👍 Like & Subscribe for more ARE exam prep content every week! Have questions about codes and regulations? Drop them in the comments below.

Want to master the ARE 5.0 exam order strategy? This podcast breaks down the strategic testing sequence that maximizes your chances of passing NCARB's architect exams efficiently.

In this episode, we explore the most effective ARE 5.0 test order based on content overlap, difficulty progression, and real candidate experiences.

You'll learn why starting with certain exams builds momentum and creates knowledge foundations for subsequent tests.

We cover each of the six ARE 5.0 exams and explain how their content connects, helping you understand the logical progression that leads to faster completion and higher pass rates.

🎯 Want to master the ARE 5.0 exam order strategy? Check out our complete analysis and download your free 2-page study notes: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/best-are-exam-order/

🔗 Essential Resources:

- ARE 101 Course Membership: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/ncarb-are-101/

- ARE Boot Camp (10-week coaching program): https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/

- 2 Pager Download: YoungArchitect.com/ExamOrder

👍 Like this podcast if it helped you plan your ARE journey! Subscribe for more architect exam prep content every week.

What happens when a simple construction project turns into a legal nightmare costing hundreds of thousands in attorney fees? Emily breaks down construction claims and disputes - the inevitable reality that every architect needs to understand before it happens to them.

In this comprehensive episode, you'll learn the critical differences between claims and disputes, discover the most common types of construction claims, master prevention strategies that can save your project, and understand resolution methods from negotiation to litigation. Essential knowledge for ARE exam preparation and professional practice.

🔗 Resources:

- 📝 Download FREE 2-Page Study Notes: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/construction-claims-and-disputes/

- 🎓 Young Architect Academy: https://academy.youngarchitect.com

- 🎯 ARE Practice Questions: https://academy.youngarchitect.com

Want to master construction claims and disputes for your ARE preparation?

Download the detailed 2-page study notes that cover everything discussed in this episode: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/construction-claims-and-disputes/

Ready to tackle the ARE with confidence? Join us at Young Architect Academy where our practice questions are aligned precisely with NCARB's objectives: https://academy.youngarchitect.com

👍 Like this episode? Subscribe for weekly architecture and ARE exam prep content and ring the notification bell so you never miss an upload!

Are ARE exam questions tripping you up even though you know the content? Learn the test taking strategies that separate passing from failing.

Do you walk out of ARE exams feeling like you just played a guessing game instead of demonstrating your architecture knowledge?

You're not alone. Many brilliant candidates fail these exams not because they lack knowledge, but because they don't know how to analyze ARE questions strategically.

This episode breaks down the exact test taking strategies used by thousands of successful candidates. You'll learn:

- How to strip away distracting information

- Identify key qualifier words

- Eliminate wrong answers with confidence

Grab our free 2-page study guide so you don't have to take notes - it includes all the key strategies and examples from this episode: https://youngarchitect.com/AREquestions

Resources & Links:

-📝 FREE 2-Page Study Guide: https://youngarchitect.com/AREquestions

-📖 Complete Blogpost on for this podcast: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/reading-are-exam-questions/

-🎯 ARE Bootcamp (10-Week Coaching Program): https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/

-📚 ARE 101 Course Membership: https://youngarchitect.com/ARE101

The Young Architect 101 Courses:

-Practice Management 101 (PcM): https://youngarchitect.com/PcM101

-Project Management 101 (PjM): https://youngarchitect.com/PjM101

-Construction & Evaluation 101 (CE): https://youngarchitect.com/CE101

-Programming & Analysis 101 (PA): https://youngarchitect.com/pa101

-AIA Contracts 101: https://youngarchitect.com/Contracts101

-Building Codes 101: https://youngarchitect.com/Codes101

-Mechanical Systems 101: https://youngarchitect.com/Mechanical101

-CDT 101 Certification: https://youngarchitect.com/CDT101

Take Action: Download our free study guide and start applying these test taking strategies to your ARE exam preparation today!

👍 Like this video if it helped you understand ARE questions better, and subscribe for weekly architecture exam prep content!

Master the three main types of elevators every architect needs to know - from hydraulic systems to high-speed traction elevators.

This episode breaks down elevator selection for different building types and heights. Perfect for ARE candidates studying PA, PPD, or PDD exams where elevator knowledge is essential.

Read the full blogpost for this podcast: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/types-of-elevators/

Key Topics Covered:

- Hydraulic Elevators - best for low-rise buildings up to 65 feet

- Traction Systems - geared vs gearless for mid and high-rise buildings

- Machine Room-Less (MRL) - space-saving designs for modern buildings

- ADA Requirements & Fire Safety Protocols - critical code knowledge

- Common Design Mistakes - avoid these expensive errors

Each system has specific height limits, speed capabilities, and cost implications that directly impact your building design and exam success.

After listening, test what you learned with our 10 question elevator quiz at the bottom of the webpage. https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/types-of-elevators

Resources:

- Free 2 page Study Guide for this elevator podcast: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/types-of-elevators

- ARE Course Membership (all exams): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/ncarb-are-101/

- Programming & Analysis 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/programming-analysis-101-are-5-0-exam-prep/

- ARE Bootcamp coaching program: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/

Ready to ace your elevator questions on the ARE? Get our free study guide and start mastering building systems today!

LIKE if this helped with your exam prep and SUBSCRIBE for more architecture content!

Understanding the difference between hard costs vs soft costs is essential, whether you're managing client budgets, leading projects, or preparing for the ARE.

In this episode of The Architect Exam Podcast, Emily breaks down these critical cost categories that form the financial backbone of every construction project.

Learn the fundamental differences between tangible hard costs (materials, labor, equipment) and intangible soft costs (design fees, permits, financing) that together create successful projects. We'll explore typical cost ratios, project type variations, and proven management strategies to keep your projects on budget.

✅ Want to learn more about hard costs vs soft costs? Check out our in-depth article for a complete analysis: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/hard-costs-vs-soft-costs/

🔗 Links & Resources:

- 📝 In-Depth Article - Hard Costs vs Soft Costs Guide: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/hard-costs-vs-soft-costs/

- 🎓 ARE 101 Course Membership - Master Construction Economics: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/ncarb-are-101/

- 📚 Related: Construction Contingency Planning: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/contingency

- 📊 Related: Construction Bonds Explained: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/construction-bonds-explained

👍 If this helped clarify construction costs for you, please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more weekly Architect Registration Exam content!

Learn the essential concept that defines professional responsibility in architecture. Michael breaks down what standard of care actually means, why it's not about perfection, and how it protects architects in contracts and practice.

In this comprehensive episode, you'll discover the difference between standard of care and perfection, understand how it appears in AIA contracts, learn to avoid elevated standards that create legal risk, and master practical strategies for demonstrating professional competence. Essential knowledge for ARE candidates and practicing architects alike.

Read the full blogpost for this podcast: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/standard-of-care/

🔗 Resources:

- 🎓 ARE Bootcamp Program: https://Academy.YoungArchitect.com

- 📚 Young Architect Academy Courses: https://Academy.YoungArchitect.com

- 🎯 Practice Questions and Exam Prep: https://Academy.YoungArchitect.com

Want to master professional practice concepts like standard of care for your ARE preparation? Check out our comprehensive ARE Bootcamp program and

Young Architect Academy courses at: https://Academy.YoungArchitect.com

Our ARE Bootcamp provides weekly coaching and accountability to help you push through the exam process, while the Young Architect Academy offers practice questions and courses covering all exam divisions.

👍 Like this episode?

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Learn the essential concepts for the final section of the Construction & Evaluation exam. Michael and Emily wrap up their CE series by covering project closeout procedures and post-occupancy evaluation methods.

In this comprehensive episode, you'll master the difference between substantial and final completion, understand the punch list process, learn about required closeout documentation, and discover how to evaluate building performance after occupancy. This is the conclusion of our four-part CE series covering all sections of this critical ARE division.

🔗 Resources:

- 📝 Download FREE 2-Page Study Guide: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/project-closeout-ce-exam-section-4/

- 📚 Complete Construction & Evaluation Course: https://youngarchitect.com/CE101

- 🎯 ARE Bootcamp Program: https://youngarchitect.com/bootcamp

Want to master Construction & Evaluation project closeout and evaluation? Check out our comprehensive blog post and download the 2-page study notes at: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/project-closeout-ce-exam-section-4/

Ready to tackle the entire CE exam? Our CE 101 course includes detailed case studies, practice questions, and expert guidance for all four sections: https://youngarchitect.com/CE101

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