Podcast
Architect Exam Podcast
Hosted by Michael Riscica · EN
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.
10episodes
Episodes
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066 - Types of HVAC Systems and How to Choose
3d ago00:20:12Tap to summarizeThere are a lot of different types of HVAC systems, and if you're studying for the ARE or coordinating with mechanical engineers, you need to know what each one does and when to use it. In this episode, Layla breaks down every major HVAC system type into four categories: all-air, water-based, refrigerant-based, and packaged systems. She covers VAV, fan coil units, VRF, rooftop units, PTACs, radiant floor heating, chilled beams, DOAS, split systems, and more. Then she walks through how to match each system to different building types, which is exactly how the PPD and PDD exams test this material. If mechanical system questions have been tripping you up, this one's for you. 📝 Key Topics Covered: VAV systems: the workhorse of commercial office buildings Fan coil units: individual room control for hotels and apartments VRF systems: flexible refrigerant-based zoning for mid-rise and retrofit projects Rooftop units and PTACs: simple packaged systems for retail and hotels Radiant floor heating: when forced air can't reach the occupants DOAS: why ventilation gets its own dedicated system Matching HVAC systems to building types for the ARE ⏱️ Chapters: (0:00) Introduction (2:32) How to Think About HVAC (4:17) All-Air Systems (7:47) Water-Based Systems (10:32) Packaged and Refrigerant Systems (13:13) Matching Systems to Buildings (18:22) Wrap Up 📖 Read the full blog post with diagrams and a building-type matching table: Types of HVAC Systems and How to Choose 📝 Download the free HVAC study notes: Free HVAC Study Notes 🎯 Join ARE Boot Camp, our 10-week coaching program: ARE Boot Camp 📚 Get access to all ARE courses with the ARE 101 Membership: ARE 101 Membership Individual ARE and CSI Exam Courses: Mechanical Systems 101 PPD 101 (Project Planning and Design) PDD 101 (Construction Documents and Specs) Building Codes 101 CDT 101 (Construction Documents Technologist) CCCA 101 (Construction Contract Administration) PcM 101 (Practice Management) PjM 101 (Project Management) CE 101 (Construction and Evaluation) PA 101 (Programming and Analysis) AIA Contracts 101
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65.5 - ARE Summer School 2026: Promotion Ends Tues May 26th
1w ago00:22:49Tap to summarizeARE 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 with the architect exam or you've been studying for a while, this is a great time to jump in. 📝 Key topics covered: ARE Summer School 2026 promotion details ARE Boot Camp vs ARE 101 Membership Summer Boot Camp session dates CSI certification pre-order deals Free CDT webinar, study presentation, and 50+ podcast study notes Podcast and community updates ⏱️ Chapters: (0:00) Introduction (0:31) What's New at Young Architect (3:54) ARE Summer School 2026 (5:04) Boot Camp vs ARE 101 (7:23) ARE Boot Camp Summer Deal (8:24) ARE 101 First Month Deal (9:49) CSI Certification Deals (12:51) Free Resources (15:16) Podcast Update (19:24) Wrap Up 📖 Read the full blog post 🎯 Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp 🎯 Get access to all ARE study materials with the ARE 101 Membership 📚 Individual ARE Exam Courses: PcM 101 (Practice Management) PjM 101 (Project Management) CE 101 (Construction and Evaluation) PA 101 (Programming and Analysis) PPD 101 (Project Planning and Design) PDD 101 (Project Development and Documentation) Building Codes 101 Building Systems 101 AIA Contracts 101 📚 CSI Certification Courses: CDT 101 (Construction Documents Technologist) CCCA 101 (Construction Contract Administration)
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065 - How to Study for the Architect Exam - Trailer
1w ago00:02:12Tap to summarizeHow 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 candidates, based on 10+ years of coaching through the ARE Boot Camp. This isn't a regular Architect Exam Podcast episode. The full presentation is a video designed to be watched, not just listened to, which is why it lives on our website instead of in your podcast feed. 📝 Key topics covered in the full presentation: Why getting your architecture license is the most important project of your career The two phases of the ARE and why exam order matters Why NCARB's objectives are your only study roadmap How to use textbooks (and why video courses alone aren't enough) Realistic expectations: 700 to 1,300 hours and 3 years on average The mindset shift that separates people who finish from people who quit 📖 Watch the full free presentation or visit YoungArchitect.com/howtostudy 🎯 Get access to all ARE study materials with the ARE 101 Membership 🎯 Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp
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064 - OFCI: Owner Furnished, Contractor Installed Simply Explained
2w ago00:23:42Tap to summarizeOFCI (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 including quantity estimation errors, delivery timing, trade coordination, chain of custody, and warranty disputes. Then we break down exactly how OFCI gets documented in Division 01 specifications, individual spec sections, drawings, and contracts. If you're studying for the ARE or CDT exam, this episode covers procurement scenarios you need to understand for PcM, PjM, and CE. 📝 Key topics covered: What OFCI means and how "provide" equals furnish and install in AIA contracts OFCI vs CFCI vs OFOI procurement methods Why owners choose OFCI: cost savings, schedule, quality control, and tax benefits Common OFCI items on construction projects The 5 major OFCI risks: quantity estimation, delivery timing, trade coordination, liability and chain of custody, and warranty disputes How OFCI gets documented in Division 01, specs, drawings, and contracts OFCI scenarios on the PcM, PjM, CE, and CDT exams ⏱️ Chapters: (0:00) Introduction (3:01) What Is OFCI? (5:28) Why Owners Choose OFCI (9:19) Common OFCI Items (10:39) Risks and Coordination Challenges (17:06) How OFCI Gets Documented (20:00) OFCI on the ARE and CDT Exams (22:11) Wrap Up 📖 Read the full blog post: OFCI: Owner Furnished, Contractor Installed Simply Explained 📝 Download the FREE 2-page OFCI study guide: YoungArchitect.com/OFCI 🎯 Ready to pass the ARE? Get access to all our ARE Study Materials with the ARE 101 Membership 🎯 Join the ARE Boot Camp coaching program 📚 Individual Courses: PjM 101 (Project Management) CE 101 (Construction and Evaluation) PcM 101 (Practice Management) CDT 101 (Construction Documents Technologist) PDD 101 (Construction Documents and Specs) CCCA 101 (Construction Contract Administration) PA 101 (Programming and Analysis) PPD 101 (Project Planning and Design) Building Codes 101 Mechanical Systems 101 AIA Contracts 101
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063 - The War of Art: Lessons for Exam Success
3w ago00:20:00Tap to summarizeThe 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 Resistance shows up for ARE candidates, the difference between discipline vs motivation, and the four principles that separate amateurs from professionals. 📝 Key Topics Covered: The War of Art summary and how Resistance works Self sabotage examples on the architect exam Perfectionism and procrastination as forms of Resistance Discipline vs motivation: why consistency beats intensity Fear of failure and fear of success Turning pro: four principles that change everything ⏱️ Chapters: (0:00) Introduction (2:15) Free Study Notes (2:46) The Book That Changed Everything (3:22) My Experience with The War of Art (6:06) What Is The War of Art? (7:18) Understanding Resistance (11:19) Turning Pro (16:25) The Bigger Picture (17:25) Call to Action (19:11) Wrap Up 📖 Read the full blog post 📕 Get The War of Art by Steven Pressfield 📝 Download the FREE Resistance study notes 🎯 Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp 🎯 Get access to all ARE study materials with the ARE 101 Membership 📚 Individual ARE Exam Courses: PcM 101 (Practice Management) PjM 101 (Project Management) CE 101 (Construction and Evaluation) PA 101 (Programming and Analysis) PPD 101 (Project Planning and Design) PDD 101 (Project Development and Documentation) Building Codes 101 Mechanical Systems 101 AIA Contracts 101
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062 - Fire Sprinkler Systems: Wet, Dry, Pre-Action, Deluge
Apr 2000:23:31Tap to summarizeFire 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, and what's inside the space. We cover how wet pipe sprinkler systems work as your default starting point, when to switch to a dry pipe sprinkler system for freezing conditions, why pre-action sprinkler systems exist for museums and data centers, and when a deluge sprinkler system is the only option. We also get into the design coordination that lands on your drawings, including fire department connections, riser rooms, ceiling coordination, and sprinkler head types. This topic crosses PA, PPD, and PDD on the ARE, and understanding the decision framework will help you answer any fire sprinkler question the exam throws at you. 📝 Key topics covered: Wet pipe sprinkler system: how it works and where to use it Dry pipe sprinkler system: solving the freezing problem Pre-action sprinkler system: protecting sensitive contents Deluge sprinkler system: high-hazard flood response Fire department connection (FDC) placement and coordination Fire sprinkler head types: pendant, upright, sidewall, concealed Sprinkler system decision framework for the ARE Mixed systems in a single building NFPA 13 and the architect's coordination role Common sprinkler system mistakes on the exam ⏱️ Chapters: (0:00) Introduction (2:56) Wet Pipe Sprinkler Systems (5:26) Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems (8:10) Pre-Action Sprinkler Systems (11:22) Deluge Sprinkler Systems (13:14) Choosing the Right System (15:48) Design Coordination (18:19) Quick-Fire Scenarios (20:03) Common Mistakes (21:16) Wrap Up 📖 Read the full blog post 📝 Download the FREE 2-page fire sprinkler systems study guide 🎯 Get access to all ARE study materials with the ARE 101 Membership 🎯 Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp 📚 Individual ARE Exam Courses: PPD 101 (Project Planning and Design) PDD 101 (Construction Documents and Specs) Building Codes 101 PA 101 (Programming and Analysis) Mechanical Systems 101 CE 101 (Construction and Evaluation) CDT 101 (Construction Documents Technologist) CCCA 101 (Construction Contract Administration) PcM 101 (Practice Management) PjM 101 (Project Management) AIA Contracts 101
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061 - Owner's Consultants: Know Where Your Liability Ends
Apr 1300:24:41Tap to summarizeOwner'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 the liability implications run deep. We break down the existing versus proposed framework, the hard rules about never hiring a geotechnical engineer or surveyor as the architect, and the difference between basic coordination and supplemental coordination services. We also cover why "coordinate" and "manage" mean very different things in contract language, and how AIA B101 handles reasonable reliance on owner-provided information. 📝 Key Topics Covered: Owner's consultants vs architect's consultants The existing vs proposed framework for identifying consultant responsibility Why architects should never hire the geotech, surveyor, or hazmat consultant Basic coordination vs supplemental coordination The coordinate vs manage vocabulary distinction AIA B101 reasonable reliance on owner-provided information Professional liability insurance exclusions for ground conditions How this shows up on PcM, PjM, and CE exams ⏱️ Chapters: (0:00) Introduction (2:47) Two Types of Consultants (17:24) Owner's Responsibility for Existing Conditions (20:33) How This Shows Up on the Exam (22:41) Wrap-Up 📖 Read the full blog post and show notes: Owner's Consultants: Know Where Your Liability Ends 📝 Download the free study notes: Free Owner's Consultants Study Notes 🎯 ARE Boot Camp (10-Week Coaching Program) 🎯 ARE 101 Membership (All ARE Study Materials) 📚 Individual ARE Exam Courses: AIA Contracts 101 PcM 101 (Practice Management) PjM 101 (Project Management) CE 101 (Construction and Evaluation) PA 101 (Programming and Analysis) PPD 101 (Project Planning and Design) PDD 101 (Construction Documents and Specs) Building Codes 101 Mechanical Systems 101 CDT 101 (Construction Documents Technologist) CCCA 101 (Construction Contract Administration)
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060 - How to Become an Architect: What You Need to Know
Apr 600:20:11Tap to summarizeHow 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 client meetings. We start with what architects actually do on a daily basis, then get into how long the whole process takes. We cover why architecture is a regulated profession, why not everyone who studies architecture needs to become licensed, and then walk through each of the four licensing steps in detail. 📝 Key topics covered: What architects actually do every day How long it takes to become a licensed architect Why you cannot legally call yourself an architect without a license The four requirements: education, experience, exams, and fees Why architecture degrees open doors beyond licensure The ARE exam process and what to expect ⏱️ Chapters: (0:00) Introduction (2:00) What Architects Actually Do (4:09) Is It Hard to Become an Architect (5:54) How Long Does It Take (10:41) Architecture Is a Regulated Profession (13:57) Architecture Is Bigger Than Buildings (16:34) 4 Steps to Getting Licensed (18:46) Wrap Up 📖 Read the full blog post: How to Become an Architect 📝 Download the FREE 2-page Podcast Notes: YoungArchitect.com/Architect 🎯 Get access to all our ARE Study Materials with the ARE 101 Membership 🎯 Join the ARE Boot Camp - Our 10-week coaching program with ongoing support until you pass all your exams. 📚 Individual ARE Exam Courses: PcM 101 (Practice Management) PjM 101 (Project Management) CE 101 (Construction and Evaluation) PA 101 (Programming and Analysis) PPD 101 (Project Planning and Design) PDD 101 (Project Development and Documentation) Building Codes 101 Mechanical Systems 101 AIA Contracts 101
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059 - PA, PPD, and PDD: Know the Difference Before You Study
Mar 2300:25:47Tap to summarizePA, 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 follow the natural progression of a building project from pre-design through construction documents. Plus study strategies for the technical exams and a homework assignment to help you take this deeper. 📖 Key Topics Covered: Why candidates confuse PA, PPD, and PDD content The "Define It, Design It, Document It" framework How PA covers the pre-design and programming phase How PPD covers schematic design and system selection How PDD covers detailing, documentation, and specifications Where codes, site, and building systems overlap across all three The wall assembly test for sorting topics by exam Study strategies including exam sequencing and when to move on from PA ⏱️ Chapters: (0:00) Introduction (4:16) Why These Exams Are So Confusing (5:47) The Flip the Words Trick (7:01) One Project Three Phases (8:39) PA Programming and Analysis (11:44) PPD Project Planning and Design (13:59) PDD Project Development and Documentation (16:32) How They Flow Together (19:21) Study Strategy for the Technical Exams (22:55) Homework Assignment (24:05) Wrap Up 📝 Read the full blog post and grab free study notes: PA, PPD, and PDD: Know the Difference Before You Study 🎯 Download free study notes and the open book homework assignment: Free Study Notes and Homework 🎧 Companion episode: PcM, PjM, and CE: Know the Difference Before You Study 📚 ARE Boot Camp (10-week coaching program) 📚 ARE 101 Membership (all ARE study materials) 📚 Individual ARE Exam Courses: PA 101 (Programming and Analysis) PPD 101 (Project Planning and Design) PDD 101 (Project Development and Documentation) Building Codes 101 Mechanical Systems 101 PcM 101 (Practice Management) PjM 101 (Project Management) CE 101 (Construction and Evaluation) AIA Contracts 101
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058 - Division 01 General Requirements: Running Your Project
Mar 1600:22:51Tap to summarizeDivision 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 from Summary (01 10 00) to Commissioning (01 91 00). Whether you're studying for the ARE, preparing for the CDT or CCCA, or just trying to write better specs, this episode gives you the full picture of why Division 01 is the global settings for your entire project. 📝 Key topics covered: General conditions vs general requirements: rights vs rules Price and payment procedures vs the actual agreement Submittal processes and administrative requirements Quality requirements, testing, and who pays for what Substitution procedures during bidding vs construction Execution, closeout, and commissioning in construction ⏱️ Chapters: (0:00) Introduction (1:22) Free Study Notes (2:20) What Are General Requirements? (4:38) General Conditions vs General Requirements (8:41) What's Inside Division 01? (18:56) Why Division 01 Matters (20:55) Wrap Up 📖 Read the full blog post 📝 Download the FREE 2-page Division 01 study guide 🎯 Get access to all ARE study materials with the ARE 101 Membership 🎯 Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp 📚 Individual ARE Exam Courses: PDD 101 (Construction Documents and Specs) CDT 101 (Construction Documents Technologist) CCCA 101 (Construction Contract Administration) CE 101 (Construction and Evaluation) PjM 101 (Project Management) PcM 101 (Practice Management) PA 101 (Programming and Analysis) PPD 101 (Project Planning and Design) Building Codes 101 Mechanical Systems 101 AIA Contracts 101
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