Architect Exam Podcast

Architectural specification writing is one of the most important skills in practice, and one of the least taught. In this episode, Emily shares the 10 most common specification writing errors architects make throughout their careers, along with practical solutions for each one. Every mistake on this list has real consequences: RFIs, change orders, field failures, and liability exposure. Whether yo...

What is a change order in construction? A change order is a formal amendment to the construction contract that adjusts cost, time, or both when the scope changes after the contract is signed. In this episode, we break down the complete change order process from identification through implementation, walk through the AIA G701 form, and compare change orders to construction change directives, ASIs,...

Construction administration is the documentation backbone of every construction project. This episode breaks down the five key construction administration documents: RFIs, ASIs, change orders, construction change directives, and supplemental drawings. We cover when to use each document type, the schedule of values and how AIA G702 and G703 payment applications work, and the submittal review proces...

Architect insurance is the safety net every design professional needs but nobody wants to think about. This episode breaks down what coverage you need, what it costs, and how to protect your practice from career-ending claims. We cover professional liability and E&O insurance, general liability, and workers' compensation. You'll learn the critical difference between claims-made and occurrence poli...

Means of egress is one of the most tested topics on the ARE exam. This episode breaks down the three components of egress: exit access, exit, and exit discharge. Layla explains how occupant load calculations drive every egress requirement and walks through the physical requirements for egress doors, corridors, and stairs. She also covers travel distance measurements, exit separation rules, and how...

Struggling with the ARE despite watching countless prep videos? In this episode, I break down why passive studying fails and introduce you to the Learning Pyramid - a powerful framework that shows exactly how to transform your studying from passive absorption to active learning that sticks when it matters most. Read the full blogpost for this podcast: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/visual-lea...

Construction observation is the heart of the architect's role during construction, and it makes up the largest section of the CE exam. This episode breaks down what construction observation actually means and the critical difference between observation and inspection. We cover why understanding design intent vs means and methods will save you on exam day and on site. We also walk through construct...

Construction submittals are the quality control checkpoint between design intent and what actually gets built. This episode breaks down what submittals are, the different types, and how the entire submittal process works. We cover shop drawings, product data, samples, mock-ups, and closeout submittals. Then we walk through the full submittal workflow step by step, including the four review actions...

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...

The construction bidding process for public projects is one of the most confusing topics for AEC professionals who've never worked on publicly bid work. In this episode, we break down the entire procurement journey from completed drawings to breaking ground, step by step. Michael Riscica shares first-hand experience from both sides of the process, first as an architect on public projects and then...

ARE Bootcamp Insider's Guide: How to Get the Most Out of the Program 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 conversati...

QA vs QC is one of the most commonly confused topics in architecture and construction. This episode breaks down the difference between quality assurance and quality control, and how they work together across every phase of a project. Quality assurance prevents problems. Quality control finds them. We cover how QA/QC works during design, documentation, and construction administration, with a full c...

Construction types are one of the most fundamental building code concepts you need to understand. This episode breaks down all five IBC construction types, from Type I fire-resistive all the way to Type V wood-frame. We cover how construction types affect building height, area, cost, and material selection. You'll learn the difference between A and B subtypes, why brick veneer doesn't make a build...

The construction punch list process is one of the most debated topics in the industry. Most people get the biggest question wrong: who actually creates the punch list? Spoiler, it's not the architect. We start with why you can't understand punch lists without first understanding substantial completion. Using a simple cake analogy, we explain when a project is "done enough" for the owner to move in...

Preconstruction is the phase between design completion and construction start, and it's the last chance to control costs before the concrete hits the fan. This episode breaks down CE Section 1 and walks through everything that happens during the preconstruction phase. We cover how the architect's role changes depending on the project delivery method, how contractors get selected and evaluated, and...

Occupancy classifications are the foundation of everything in the building code. This episode walks you through all 10 IBC occupancy groups and explains how each one affects building design, fire protection, egress, and life safety. We break down what makes each occupancy group unique with real-world examples. You'll learn the 50-person rule that separates Assembly from Business, why colleges are...

Types of specifications in construction - prescriptive, performance, proprietary, reference, open, closed - this episode breaks down every major spec type so you know what each one does and when to use it. Not sure which type of spec to write for a given situation? That's exactly what this episode is about. Emily walks through all the major construction specification types, explains the liability...

Construction specifications don't automatically override drawings. If you believe they do, it could cost you on the ARE and in real projects. In this episode, I break down what AIA A201 Section 1.2.1 actually says about drawings and construction specifications, why the "specs always win" belief is a myth, and how the complementary documents principle protects architects in the real world. I also s...

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...

Construction specifications are the written instructions that make drawings complete — and as legally binding contract documents, they carry just as much weight as anything shown on the plans. Most people treat specs as an afterthought. In this episode, registered architect Emily Hobbs breaks down what construction specifications actually are, how they work alongside drawings, and why getting them...

Construction contingency is the financial buffer that keeps your project alive when the unexpected hits. This episode breaks down what contingency means in construction, the different types every project team member carries, and how contingency percentages change across project phases. You'll learn the critical difference between a contingency and an allowance, why owners, architects, and contract...

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/ Liste...

Construction bonds explained simply. This episode breaks down what construction bonds are, how surety bonds differ from insurance, and the types of bonds used on building projects. Many people confuse construction bonds with insurance, but they work in completely different ways. We start with a bail bond analogy to build a foundation, then walk through each bond type including bid bonds, performan...

Public works projects and private construction projects follow completely different rules. From procurement and contracts to decision-making and change orders, the type of client you work for changes everything about how you practice architecture. In this episode, we break down 12 key differences between public and private projects. We cover the RFQ vs RFP process, design bid build requirements, l...

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 ar...