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PODCAST

Architect Exam Podcast

Michael Riscica

Free, high-value ARE prep broken into digestible episodes that make studying accessible and actually enjoyable. We translate complex exam content into clear, actionable strategies based directly on NCARB"s objectives—not complicated study approaches that miss the mark. Young Architect has guided thousands to licensure since 2013 by simplifying ARE prep to what truly matters and keeping it fresh. Subscribe for practical ARE insights delivered in a format that fits your busy life.

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All Episodes

22:49

65.5 - ARE Summer School 2026: Promotion Ends Tues...

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2026/05/12

ARE Summer School 2026 is here. Our annual two-week promotion runs May 12th through May 26th, with deals on ARE Boot Camp, the ARE 101 Course Membership, and CSI certification courses. In this episode, Michael breaks down everything included in this year's summer school promotion, explains the difference between Boot Camp and ARE 101, shares some free resources, and gives an update on what's been happening behind the scenes at Young Architect over the past year. Whether you're just getting started

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02:12

065 - How to Study for the Architect Exam - Trailer

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2026/05/11

How to study for the architect exam is the one topic I know more about than anything else. This episode is a trailer for a free 30-minute video presentation covering what actually works and how not to screw it up. I put this presentation together for an NCARB licensing advisor event, and it turned out so well that I decided to release it as a free resource on our website. It includes detailed slides that walk you through the architect exam prep strategies I've seen work over and over again with real

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23:42

064 - OFCI: Owner Furnished, Contractor Installed...

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2026/05/04

OFCI (owner furnished, contractor installed) is one of those procurement methods that sounds simple until coordination breaks down on a real project. In this episode, Emily explains what OFCI means, how it compares to CFCI and OFOI, and why splitting the furnish-and-install responsibility creates real risks for owners, contractors, and architects. We walk through the most common OFCI items you'll see on construction projects, the coordination challenges that come with owner-furnished materials

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20:00

063 - The War of Art: Lessons for Exam Success

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2026/04/27

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield explains why you keep sabotaging your architect exam prep and how to stop. This episode is a war of art summary applied to the ARE, breaking down Resistance, self sabotage, and what it means to turn pro. If you've ever cleaned your refrigerator instead of studying, researched materials for weeks without opening one, or told yourself you'll schedule the exam "when you're ready," that's not laziness. Steven Pressfield calls it Resistance. I break down the five ways

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23:31

062 - Fire Sprinkler Systems: Wet, Dry, Pre-Action,...

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2026/04/20

Fire sprinkler systems explained: wet pipe, dry pipe, pre-action, and deluge. Learn when to use each one and how to choose the right system. Architects don't design fire sprinkler systems, but you make dozens of decisions that directly affect how they get designed, installed, and coordinated. This episode breaks down all four types of fire sprinkler systems, explains what makes each one different, and gives you a simple decision framework for choosing the right system based on occupancy, climate,

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24:41

061 - Owner's Consultants: Know Where Your Liability...

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2026/04/13

Owner's consultants vs architect's consultants: know the difference before the ARE tests you on it. In this episode, we break down who hires who on a construction project, where the liability falls, and why getting this wrong can cost you your career. Every project has two teams of consultants. The architect's team designs what's going to be there. The owner's consultants deal with what's already there, the land, the soil, the surveys, the environmental hazards. That distinction sounds simple, but

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20:11

060 - How to Become an Architect: What You Need to Know

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2026/04/06

How to become an architect in the US comes down to four steps: education, experience, exams, and fees. In this episode, Michael Riscica breaks down the full path to getting your architecture license, from choosing the right degree to passing all six ARE exams. Most people think architects sit at a drafting table sketching buildings all day. The reality is that design is maybe five to ten percent of the job. The rest is construction documents, code reviews, cost estimates, project management, and

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25:47

059 - PA, PPD, and PDD: Know the Difference Before...

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2026/03/23

PA, PPD, and PDD share the same topics but test them from completely different perspectives. Understanding the difference between these three technical ARE exams before you start studying will save you serious time and frustration. In this episode, Layla breaks down what each exam actually covers, how they connect to each other, and why so many candidates study the wrong things for the wrong test. She walks through the "Define It, Design It, Document It" framework that shows how PA, PPD, and PDD

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22:51

058 - Division 01 General Requirements: Running Your...

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2026/03/16

Division 01 General Requirements is the most skipped section in the project manual. Here's what's actually inside and why every division depends on it. Division 01 is the rulebook that governs every trade on a construction project, and almost nobody reads it. We start by clearing up the number one confusion in specifications: the difference between General Conditions and General Requirements. They're both Contract Documents, but they do very different things. Then we walk through every major section

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17:40

057 - Plumbing Valves: Every Type You Need to Know

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2026/03/09

Plumbing valves explained - every type you need to know for the ARE exam and real-world practice. This episode covers gate valves, ball valves, butterfly valves, globe valves, check valves, backflow preventers, PRVs, pressure relief valves, angle valves, and float valves, organized by function so you understand what each one does. We break down the four categories every plumbing valve falls into: stop valves, regulating valves, one-way valves, and specialty valves. Each valve gets its own custom

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31:55

056 - Building Acoustics: How Sound Actually Works in...

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2026/03/02

Building acoustics explained: learn how sound actually works in buildings and the three critical rating systems every architect needs to know. We cover STC, IIC, NRC, decibels, and Hertz, everything you need for the ARE and real-world architecture. Building acoustics is one of those topics that trips people up because there are multiple rating systems that measure completely different things. In this episode, we break down all of them so they actually make sense. STC (Sound Transmission Class) rates

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28:49

055 - Control Joint vs Expansion Joint: Where the...

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2026/02/23

Control joint vs expansion joint - what's the actual difference? We break down all four joint types you need to know for the ARE and the job site. Control joint vs expansion joint is one of those topics that trips people up because the terms sound so similar. But these joints are doing completely different things, and understanding those differences matters for the ARE and for real-world construction. In this episode, we break down four types of joints you'll encounter on the exam and on the job

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23:07

054 - PcM, PjM, and CE: Understanding the Difference...

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2026/02/16

PcM, PjM, and CE are three different exams, but most people study them without understanding what makes each one unique. This episode breaks down exactly what NCARB is testing on Practice Management, Project Management, and Construction and Evaluation so you can study smarter, not harder. Too many ARE candidates jump into prep materials without ever looking at what each exam actually focuses on, and that leads to wasted time and confusion. PcM zooms out to the firm level. It's about business

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21:38

053 - Concrete Slab Types: A Guide to Structural Systems

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2026/02/09

Six concrete slab types explained with span ranges, load capacities, and the decision framework you need to pick the right system every single time. Every concrete slab question on the ARE comes down to two things: the shape of your bay and the loads it needs to carry. But with six different systems to choose from, it's easy to second-guess yourself when the clock is ticking. In this episode, we break down all six structural slab systems from one-way solid slabs to waffle slabs. You'll learn the

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29:58

052 - Cast-in-Place Concrete: From Spans to Slump Tests

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2026/01/26

Cast in place concrete spans, rebar sizing, slump tests, and when to reject a pour. Everything you need for PPD, PDD, CE, and PA exam questions. Understanding cast in place concrete is essential for multiple ARE divisions. This episode breaks down how concrete and rebar work together as a structural system, why span limitations matter for your architectural design, and what you need to know for construction observation questions. We cover the key concepts that show up on PPD when selecting

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17:25

051.5 - Free Webinar: Career Advancement Hiding in...

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2026/01/19

The CDT certification overlaps 80% with your ARE pro practice studies. Here's how to earn real credentials while preparing for your architect exam. If you're studying for the ARE, you're already doing most of the work needed to earn the CDT certification. Join Michael and Emily for a free webinar where they'll break down exactly how CSI certifications fit into your architecture license path, share CDT study strategies, and answer your questions live. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 2:28 - Quick

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21:03

051 - What is an RFI in Construction? Everything You...

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2026/01/12

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

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22:59

050 - AIA C401: Protecting Your Practice from...

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2026/01/05

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

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24:51

049 - Understanding Foundation Types: From Soil to...

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2025/12/29

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,

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14:44

048 - Liquidated Damages: The Price Tag on Being Late

Architect Exam Podcast ·

2025/12/22

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

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91 results

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