048 - Liquidated Damages: The Price Tag on Being Late
Architect Exam Podcast
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. How much revenue did that hotel lose? What would that retail store have earned during the...
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047 - Architect Fees: Show Me the Money (The Right Way)
Architect Exam Podcast
Understanding architect fees and contractor payment structures is crucial for ARE exam success and your architecture career. In this comprehensive episode, we break down every fee structure you need to know, from fixed fees to percentage of construction cost, plus how contractors get paid through lump sum, cost plus, and GMP contracts. Essential knowledge for Practice Management, Project Management, and Construction & Evaluation exams. Resources & Links: - Want to master architect fees and contract administration? Check out our comprehensive article: - Practice Management...
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046 - Building Code History: Famous Fires That Shaped Modern Codes
Architect Exam Podcast
Building code history isn't about memorizing rules. It's about understanding why those rules exist. These 7 famous fires changed building codes forever. Every building code requirement exists because something went wrong. In this episode, we walk through seven historic fires and building disasters that shaped modern life safety codes. From the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire of 1911 to the Grenfell Tower Fire of 2017, you'll learn the real stories behind egress requirements, sprinkler systems, fire rated walls, and more. Whether you're studying for the ARE exam or working as a...
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045 - ARE Procrastination - Time is Your Most Valuable Resource
Architect Exam Podcast
Are you procrastinating on your ARE exams? You're not alone. Most candidates delay their license for months or years Learn why time is your most valuable resource and how to stop making excuses that delay your architecture license. In this episode, Michael shares his personal journey through the excuse trap and the moment everything changed when he realized the real cost of procrastination. Getting your architecture license is a 700-1500 hour investment that will be the most important project of your career. Yet many candidates spend months making excuses about money, experience, or...
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044 - MasterFormat: Your Guide to Not Getting Lost in Specs
Architect Exam Podcast
Confused about CSI MasterFormat and how it applies to your architecture exams? This episode breaks down everything you need to know about construction specifications organization for the ARE exam and CDT certification. We explain the 50-division system, specification structure, and why understanding MasterFormat is crucial for exam success. Key exam topics covered: - CSI MasterFormat vs UniFormat differences (critical for ARE Practice Management) - 50-division organization system and major division groups - Three-part specification format (General, Products, Execution) - Real-world...
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043 - NCARB’s 2026 ARE Exam Changes: What You Need to Know
Architect Exam Podcast
NCARB has officially announced the 2026 ARE exam changes affecting AXP, case studies, and 12 exam objectives across five divisions. This comprehensive breakdown explains what's actually changing, when these changes take effect, and exactly how they'll impact your path to licensure. After analyzing all the objective changes NCARB didn't want to discuss in their webinar, I'm walking you through every detail you need to know. 🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS: Want the complete written analysis with all objective numbers and deeper details? Read the full blog post for this ARE...
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042 - ARE Exam Prep: Study Materials vs The ARE Boot Camp
Architect Exam Podcast
ARE Bootcamp is the only coaching program for the Architect Registration Exam, and it works completely differently than study materials like Amber Book or Black Spectacles. In this episode, we break down exactly how ARE Bootcamp actually works and why it's not just another study resource. Michael explains the fundamental difference between coaching and study materials, shares the strategy behind both Pro Practice and Technical Bootcamp, and answers the most common questions about cost, time commitment, and success rates. You'll learn why ARE Bootcamp focuses on creating great...
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041 - Construction Cost Estimates: Getting the Numbers Right
Architect Exam Podcast
Understanding construction cost estimates is critical for architects at every stage of a project. From early conceptual estimates using square footage costs to detailed quantity takeoffs during construction documents, each estimate type serves a specific purpose and provides different levels of accuracy. In this episode, we break down when to use each estimate type, what information you need to prepare them, and how they’re tested on the ARE exam. Whether you’re studying for the PjM, PA, PDD exams or even working on real projects, this knowledge is essential. 🔗 Links &...
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040 - ARE Panic Notes: Your Test Day Survival Guide
Architect Exam Podcast
Test day anxiety can derail even the most prepared ARE candidate. Learn proven strategies to stay calm and focused during your architect exam. Ever felt your heart racing during an exam? You’re not alone. Test anxiety affects countless ARE candidates, but it doesn’t have to derail your path to licensure. In this episode, we dive deep into practical strategies for managing test day panic and maintaining focus when it matters most. We cover the critical 7-day rule for exam scheduling, how to handle unexpected questions without spiraling, techniques for stopping negative self-talk, and...
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039 - Construction Specs Nightmares: 8 Myths That Wreck Projects
Architect Exam Podcast
Think specs are just boring boilerplate documents that nobody reads? Think again! In this episode, I reveal 8 dangerous myths about construction specifications that are costing architects time, money, and professional credibility. As someone who used to believe these myths myself, I'll share the painful lessons I learned the hard way - like when my copied-and-pasted specs nearly tanked a small commercial project. Whether you're studying for the ARE, pursuing CDT certification, or just trying to deliver better projects, understanding the truth about specifications isn't just academic - it's...
info_outlineTest day anxiety can derail even the most prepared ARE candidate. Learn proven strategies to stay calm and focused during your architect exam.
Ever felt your heart racing during an exam?
You’re not alone. Test anxiety affects countless ARE candidates, but it doesn’t have to derail your path to licensure. In this episode, we dive deep into practical strategies for managing test day panic and maintaining focus when it matters most.
We cover the critical 7-day rule for exam scheduling, how to handle unexpected questions without spiraling, techniques for stopping negative self-talk, and why persistence beats perfection every time.
These aren’t just feel-good tips - they’re battle-tested strategies from thousands of successful ARE candidates.
✅ Want to learn more about test day strategies? Check out our in-depth article for a complete analysis: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-test-day/
🔗 Resources & Links:
- 📝 Free ARE Panic Notes Download: https://youngarchitect.com/panicnotes
- 🎯 ARE 101 Course Membership: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/ncarb-are-101/
- 🚀 ARE Boot Camp Program: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/
👍 Like this video if it helped calm your test anxiety! Subscribe for more ARE exam prep content, and share your own test day experiences in the comments below.