Avoid costly construction mistakes with submittals! This episode reveals how submittals serve as your project's quality control system, preventing expensive errors and delays.

Discover the critical differences between shop drawings, product data, samples, and mock-ups, plus learn the exact submittal workflow from preparation to approval. You'll get insider tips on what "No Exceptions Taken" really means and how to avoid the common pitfalls that trip up even experienced professionals. Essential knowledge for passing your ARE exam and succeeding in real-world practice.

Want to learn more about construction submittals? Download our FREE Two-Page Submittals Study Guide: https://youngarchitect.com/submittal

Get exclusive ARE exam prep discounts during our 14-day Summer School promotion! From May 15-29, 2025, save big on ARE Boot Camp, 101 Courses, and more. 

In this episode, Mike and Emily break down all the limited-time offers to help accelerate your journey to architectural licensure. Just Visit - https://youngarchitect.com/summerschool 

We've also completely rebuilt the Young Architect Academy from the ground up, adding tons of new content and features to help you pass your exams faster.

🔗 Links & Resources:

• 📝 Summer School Deals Hub: https://youngarchitect.com/summerschool
• 🏫 ARE Boot Camp Info: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/
• 💻 ARE 101 Courses: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/ncarb-are-101/
• 📚 CDT 101 Course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/cdt-101/
• 🎙️ More Podcast Episodes: https://youngarchitect.com/podcast

✅ LIMITED TIME OFFER: All deals run for just 14 days - May 15-29, 2025. No promo codes needed! All discounts automatically apply at checkout.

#ARExam #ArchitectLicense #YoungArchitect

Struggling to understand the differences between fire walls, fire barriers, and fire partitions? In this episode, we break down all five fire and smoke separation types in buildings, with clear explanations of their ratings, continuity requirements, and real-world applications. Essential knowledge for the ARE exam and professional practice!

🔗 Links & Resources:

• 📝 Download our FREE 2-page Fire Separations Study Guide: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/fire-wall-fire-barrier-fire-partition/
• 📚 Building Codes 101 Course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/ncarb-are-101/
• 🎓 ARE Boot Camp Registration: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/

Want to master building codes for the ARE exam? Check out our comprehensive Building Codes 101 course with 180+ practice questions and visual guides: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/ncarb-are-101/

If you found this helpful, please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more weekly Architect Registration Exam content!

Learn the complete public construction bidding process from architectural drawings to breaking ground. This step-by-step guide reveals what happens during procurement on government projects and why it matters for architects.

In this episode of the Architect Exam Podcast, I share insights from my experience on both sides of public projects—as an architect and as a government project manager. I'll walk you through the entire 2-3 month process that happens between when drawings leave an architect's office and when construction actually begins.

Understanding this process helps architects prepare better documents, manage client expectations, and navigate public projects more effectively. If you're studying for the ARE exam, this knowledge is essential for several divisions.

Learn how to get the most out of ARE Bootcamp with this insider's guide to the program. Michael Riscica and Emily Hobbs break down what makes the Bootcamp different from just studying alone and share key strategies for success. 

Whether you're just starting your ARE journey or looking to finish what you've started, this conversation reveals why structure, mentorship, accountability, and community make all the difference.

Understanding QA vs QC is crucial for every architect and ARE candidate. In this episode, we break down Quality Assurance and Quality Control systems that appear across ALL ARE exams and the CDT®. Learn the fundamental differences, how they work throughout the project lifecycle, and practical applications.

Discover how quality assurance focuses on prevention through planned systems while quality control concentrates on detection and correction. We'll share practical examples, clear analogies, and exam-focused tips to help you master these concepts for both exam day and professional practice.

Learn all about construction types and how they impact your building designs and ARE exam success! In this comprehensive guide, I break down the five types of building construction from Type I (fire-resistive) to Type V (wood-frame) that every architect needs to master.

Understanding the differences between Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, Type 4, and Type 5 construction is crucial for the ARE exam, especially in the Construction & Evaluation, PPD, and PDD divisions. I'll explain when to use each construction type, their fire ratings, and how they affect building height and area limitations.

The most heated debate in construction finally settled! Discover why contractors—not architects—are responsible for creating punch lists according to official AIA documents. Michael breaks down the connection between substantial completion and punch lists with practical examples that every architect needs to understand.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What substantial completion really means and why it matters

• The official AIA documentation confirming who creates punch lists

• The step-by-step punch list process from start to finish

• How to handle missed items with the one-year correction period

• Best practices for managing punch lists without conflict

Are you studying for NCARB’s Construction Evaluation exam? This comprehensive breakdown of Preconstruction Activities will help you understand exactly what NCARB is testing—and how to pass it on your next attempt.

🔍 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

• NCARB’s hierarchy of ARE exams, sections and objectives

• How delivery methods affect architect responsibilities

• Systematic contractor evaluation techniques

• Value engineering vs. simple cost-cutting

• Contract mechanisms for controlling costs

• Common pitfalls when studying Section 1

📝 FREE RESOURCE: Download our Preconstruction Notes PDF to help with your studying: https://youngarchitect.com/preconstruction

🎓 WANT MORE HELP WITH THE CE EXAM?

• CE 101 Course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/ce-construction-evaluation-101-are-course/

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

If you're preparing for the Construction Evaluation exam or failed CE Section 1, this episode will give you the big-picture understanding you need. Don't forget to subscribe for more ARE podcast prep content!

#Preconstruction #ConstructionEvaluation #ArchitectExam #AREprep

Occupancy Classifications: The foundation of building code that determines safety requirements for every structure. In this comprehensive episode, we break down the 10 major occupancy groups from the International Building Code - from Assembly spaces like theaters to Utility structures like sheds. You'll learn how these classifications impact building size, exits, fire protection systems, and accessibility requirements.