Emily pulls back the curtain on one of architecture's most underappreciated tools: specifications. Discover why this registered architect genuinely loves specs and how understanding them can transform your projects and exam success.

In this illuminating episode, you'll learn:

- The fundamental difference between drawings and specifications

- Why specs serve as crucial legal documents that protect all parties

- How good specifications directly impact building performance and durability

- Practical analogies that make specifications instantly understandable

Emily shares real-world examples from her career showing how detailed specifications saved projects from costly mistakes and prevented change orders. If you're preparing for the ARE or working in the field, this introduction to specifications provides essential knowledge in a clear, approachable way.

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

Ready to master specifications for the ARE or CDT® 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

#ArchitectRegistrationExam #ARE #Specifications #YoungArchitect #ArchitectureExam #Construction

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.

Read the full blogpost for this podcast: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/drawings-vs-specifications/

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.

Read the full blogpost for this podcast: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/layla-qarout/

🎯 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.

Read the full blogpost for this podcast: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/construction-specifications-101/

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

In architecture and construction, something will always go wrong. No matter how well you plan, unexpected challenges are inevitable - from material delays to unforeseen site conditions, or even acts of God.

In this episode, Michael Riscica breaks down what contingencies are, how they work, who should carry them, and how to determine the right amount for your project.

Learn why contingencies aren't just financial safety nets, but essential project management tools that reduce stress and keep projects on track. Whether you're preparing for the ARE, managing your first project, or simply looking to improve your approach to risk management, this episode offers practical strategies for planning for the unknown.

Read the full blogpost for this podcast at: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/construction-contingency

- What contingencies are and why they matter

- How contingencies work in both time and money

- Who carries contingencies (owners, architects, consultants, contractors)

- How to scale your contingency based on project unknowns

- Real-world examples of contingency planning in action

Subscribe to The Architect Exam Podcast on YouTube for more essential content on passing the ARE, project management tips, and practical architecture career advice. New episodes drop regularly!

Young Architect Academy: academy2.youngarchitect.com

ARE Bootcamp Info: youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp

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

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.

Read the full blogpost for this podcast: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/emily-hobbs/

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.

Read the full blogpost for this podcast: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/construction-bonds-explained/

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.

Read the full blogpost for this podcast: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/public-vs-private-architecture-clients/

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!