Do you know the difference between all the different construction specification types? 🤔

In this podcast episode, Emily makes construction specification types easy to understand! She breaks down the classification systems (MasterFormat®, UniFormat®, OmniClass®) and explains the crucial differences between prescriptive vs. performance specifications, proprietary vs. reference specifications, open vs. closed specifications, and more.

Why is this important? If you're studying for the ARE or pursuing CDT® certification, understanding specification types is crucial. These concepts show up throughout the Architect Registration Exam and are essential for practice.

For years, ARE candidates have been told that specifications always take precedence over drawings if there is a conflict. But this widespread belief is completely wrong—and it could cost you on both the exam and in practice.

In this eye-opening episode, Michael Riscica debunks the dangerous misconception that "specs always win" and explains what AIA documents actually say about the relationship between drawings and specifications. Learn why these documents are complementary rather than competing, and discover how this knowledge impacts everything from contract administration to payment approvals.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• The exact language in AIA A201 about drawings and specifications
• Why the complementary relationship properly allocates risk and responsibility
• Real-world examples of how this misconception can cause serious problems
• The contractor's contractual obligation to report discrepancies
• Practical approaches to resolving conflicts between documents
• How understanding this concept helps you on the ARE and in your career

Whether you're studying for the ARE or practicing architecture, this essential information will change how you think about construction documents. At the Young Architect Academy and our ARE Boot Camp, we emphasize this complementary relationship in our training because it's fundamental to good practice.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Young Architect Academy: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/
• ARE Boot Camp: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/
• ARE 101 Course Membership: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/ncarb-are-101/
• CDT 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/cdt-101/

Layla Qarout had a unique journey to becoming a licensed architect, transitioning internationally from Palestine, adapting to ARE 5.0, and facing multiple exam setbacks along the way. Through persistence, structured practice, and the supportive community of Young Architect, Layla overcame these challenges, achieved licensing, and now helps others navigate their own architect exam journeys.

In this insightful episode, Layla and Michael discuss her story, highlighting the importance of running your own race, the power of structured studying with a partner, and the value of embracing the exam process—even through failures. Layla also shares her experiences co-creating impactful courses, including the Young Architect Building Codes Course and the CDT 101 Course.

This conversation offers valuable insights and motivation for anyone tackling the ARE and aspiring toward architectural licensing.

🎯 Helpful Links:

• Young Architect Academy: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/ 

• ARE Bootcamp Info: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/ 

• Building Codes 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/cdt-101/ 

• PA 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/ncarb-are-101/ 

 Emily, a registered architect and specifications expert, breaks down the often-overlooked world of construction specifications in this approachable introduction. Discover why specifications are the unsung heroes of every successful building project and how mastering them can improve your exam success and professional practice.

In this episode, Emily shares:

• The essential differences between drawings and specifications

• Why specifications serve as crucial legal documents

• How properly written specs prevent costly mistakes and change orders

• A real-world example of how specifications saved a project from a missing railing

• Practical analogies that make specifications instantly understandable

Whether you're studying for the ARE, preparing for the CDT® certification, or simply want to improve your understanding of construction documentation, this episode provides fundamental knowledge in a clear, conversational format.

Ready to master specifications for the ARE exam? Check out our resources:

• CDT 101 Course: https://youngarchitect.com/cdt101

• ARE Bootcamp: https://youngarchitect.com/bootcamp

• Young Architect Academy: https://youngarchitect.com/academy

Something will always go wrong on your architecture projects - it's not a matter of if, but when. In this episode, Michael Riscica shares crucial insights about contingencies, the powerful project management tool that keeps projects moving despite unexpected challenges.

Drawing from years of professional experience, Michael explains why every project needs financial and scheduling safety nets. Learn who should carry contingencies (from owners to subcontractors), how to determine appropriate amounts based on project risks, and why it's always better to have extra time and money than to ask for more later.

Whether you're studying for the ARE or managing real-world projects, understanding contingencies will not only protect your projects but also reduce your stress when the inevitable surprises occur. This episode provides practical strategies for planning for the unknown in architecture and beyond.

Emily Hobbs faced hurricanes, repeated exam failures, and plenty of self-doubt on her journey to becoming a licensed architect. In this episode, Emily shares her inspiring story of resilience, revealing how discovering the Young Architect community transformed her setbacks into opportunities for growth.

Listen as Emily and Michael discuss:

• The reality of failing ARE exams multiple times and the lessons learned.

• The importance of finding community and support through difficult times.

• Building self-confidence to overcome professional obstacles.

• Emily’s experience transitioning from ARE 4.0 to 5.0, and her insights into why failure can be essential to success.

• Her journey of starting her own architecture practice in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.

This episode will leave you inspired and equipped with practical insights to tackle your own Architect Registration Exams (AREs) and professional challenges.

🎯 Helpful Links:

• Young Architect Academy: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/ 

• ARE Bootcamp Info: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/ 

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

Construction bonds can be confusing, but understanding them is crucial for both passing your ARE exams and protecting your projects. In this straightforward episode, Michael breaks down the fundamental differences between bonds and insurance, using easy-to-understand analogies that make this complex topic accessible.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why bonds are like co-signed loans, not insurance policies

• The six essential types of construction bonds and when each is used

• Real-world examples of how bonds protect owners when contractors default

• Common misconceptions architects have about bonds

• How to answer bond-related questions correctly on the ARE exam

This knowledge is particularly relevant for the Construction & Evaluation (CE) exam, but appears throughout the ARE. Michael's practical approach makes it easy to understand which parties bonds actually protect (hint: not the contractor).

Many of these crucial specifications concepts are covered in our CDT 101 course at the YA Academy, and understanding bonds is part of the comprehensive ARE preparation in our Bootcamp program.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Young Architect Academy: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com 

• ARE Bootcamp: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp 

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

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

In this episode, we dive into one of the most fundamental distinctions in architecture: public versus private clients. Understanding this difference is crucial not only for passing the ARE but for successfully navigating real-world projects.

Michael shares insights from his experience working with both government entities and private clients, breaking down how this single factor affects everything from contracts and procurement to project timelines and documentation requirements.

What You'll Learn:

• The fundamental differences between public and private clients

• How contract types vary based on client type

• Why procurement processes differ dramatically

• The impact on project delivery methods

• How decision-making processes affect project timelines

• Documentation requirements and why they matter

• Strategies for applying this knowledge to the ARE

Resources Mentioned:

• Young Architect Academy: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/ 

• ARE Bootcamp Info: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/ 

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

Welcome to the first episode of The Architect Exam Podcast with Michael Riscica! In this episode, Michael introduces this new ARE-focused podcast.

Perfect for listening during your commute or study breaks. Find us everywhere you listen to podcasts and at The Young Architect Academy. 

Ready to make studying for the ARE less of a chore? Subscribe now and start your journey to becoming a licensed architect!