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Architect Exam Podcast

Architect Exam Podcast

Written by: Michael Riscica
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 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.©2025 Art
Episodes
  • 050 - AIA C401: Protecting Your Practice from Consultant Chaos

    050 - AIA C401: Protecting Your Practice from Consultant Chaos
    Jan 5 2026

    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 responsibilities.

    Whether you're studying for PcM, PjM, or CE exams, understanding consultant coordination will protect your practice and help you deliver better projects.

    Read the full blogpost for this podcast: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/aia-c401/

    🎯 Get Your Free C401 Study Guide: Want to master the AIA C401 for your ARE exams? Download our comprehensive 2-page study guide that breaks down all the key provisions and exam concepts: https://youngarchitect.com/c401

    🔗 Resources Mentioned:

    • AIA Contracts 101 Course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/aia-contracts-101-are-5-0-exam-prep/

    • ARE Bootcamp 10-Week Program: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/

    • PcM 101 Practice Management: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/practice-management-101-are-5-0-exam-prep-pcm-101/

    • PjM 101 Project Management: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/project-management-101-are-5-0-exam-prep/

    👍 Found this helpful? Like this podcast and subscribe for more ARE exam prep content!

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    23 mins
  • 049 - Understanding Foundation Types: From Soil to Structure

    049 - Understanding Foundation Types: From Soil to Structure
    Dec 29 2025
    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, continuous footings, combined footings, and mat foundations. Then we move into deep foundations for when surface soil can't support your building: pile foundations, caissons, and grade beams. For each foundation type, you'll learn what it is, when to use it, real-world examples, and specific exam tips for the ARE. We also cover how foundation choice affects your structural system, construction costs, and project schedule. Whether you're studying for the PA, PPD, or PDD exam, or just want to understand foundation selection better, this episode gives you the foundation knowledge (pun intended) you need. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 2:22 - Foundation Type #1: Spread Footings (Isolated Footings) 4:39 - Foundation Type #2: Continuous Footings (Wall Footings) 6:49 - Foundation Type #3: Combined Footings 8:46 - Foundation Type #4: Mat Foundations (Raft Foundations) 11:25 - Transition: Moving from Shallow to Deep Foundations 12:31- Foundation Type #5: Pile Foundations 15:08 - Foundation Type #6: Caissons (Drilled Piers) 18:29 - Foundation Type #7: Grade Beams 20:59 - Wrap-Up: How Foundation Choice Affects Design Episode Resources: - Read the full blog post: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/foundation-types/ Ready to pass the ARE and become a licensed architect? Get access to all our ARE Study Materials with the ARE 101 Membership: https://youngarchitect.com/ARE101 Individual ARE Exam Courses: - Practice Management (PcM 101): https://youngarchitect.com/PcM101 - Project Management (PjM 101): https://youngarchitect.com/PjM101 - Construction & Evaluation (CE 101): https://youngarchitect.com/CE101 - Programming & Analysis (PA 101): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/programming-analysis-101-are-5-0-exam-prep/ - Project Planning & Design (PPD 101): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-planning-and-design/ - Project Development & Documentation (PDD 101): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-development-and-documentation/ - Building Codes 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-building-codes-101/ - Mechanical Systems 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-mechanical-systems-101/ - AIA Contracts 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-aia-contracts-101/ - Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/ - Explore our CDT 101 course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/cdt-101/ Subscribe for weekly ARE exam prep content and join thousands of successful architects who've passed their exams with Young Architect!
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    25 mins
  • 048 - Liquidated Damages: The Price Tag on Being Late

    048 - Liquidated Damages: The Price Tag on Being Late
    Dec 22 2025
    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 holiday season? These are real losses, but they're nearly impossible to quantify. You'd spend years in litigation arguing over hypothetical numbers. Liquidated damages cut through all of that. Both parties agree on a daily dollar amount upfront. The owner gets compensated without a court fight. The contractor knows exactly what they're risking. Everyone has certainty. In this episode, we cover how these amounts get calculated, when the clock starts (substantial completion), and where liquidated damages appear in AIA contracts. We also explain why the A201 protects liquidated damages even when consequential damages are waived. Critical knowledge for CE, PcM, and PjM. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 0:20 - The Kitchen Renovation Story 2:36 - What Are Liquidated Damages? 4:08 - Why Do Liquidated Damages Exist? 5:44 - How Liquidated Damages Work 7:54 - Liquidated Damages vs. Other Types of Damages 9:37 - Where Liquidated Damages Show Up in AIA Contracts 11:50 - What This Means for You 13:04 - Conclusion Episode Resources: Read the full blog post: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/liquidated-damages/ Download free 2-page study notes: https://YoungArchitect.com/Damages Ready to pass the ARE and become a licensed architect? Get access to all our ARE Study Materials with the ARE 101 Membership: https://youngarchitect.com/ARE101 Individual ARE Exam Courses: - Practice Management (PcM 101): https://youngarchitect.com/PcM101 - Project Management (PjM 101): https://youngarchitect.com/PjM101 - Construction & Evaluation (CE 101): https://youngarchitect.com/CE101 - Programming & Analysis (PA 101): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/programming-analysis-101-are-5-0-exam-prep/ - Project Planning & Design (PPD 101): https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-project-planning-and-design/ - Project Development & Documentation (PDD 101): https://youngarchitect.com/PDD101 - Building Codes 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-building-codes-101/ - Mechanical Systems 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-mechanical-systems-101/ - AIA Contracts 101: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/are-aia-contracts-101/ - Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp: https://youngarchitect.com/arebootcamp/ - Explore our CDT 101 course: https://academy2.youngarchitect.com/join/cdt-101/ Subscribe for weekly ARE exam prep content and join thousands of successful architects who've passed their exams with Young Architect!
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    15 mins
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