Architect Exam Podcast

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.

Browse our complete library of podcast episodes and deep-dive companion articles below. Each episode comes with an in-depth article that expands on the key concepts.

This podcast is also available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts

Means of Egress: Making “OMG RUN FOR YOUR LIFE” Successful!

The difference between life and death during a building emergency often comes down to one thing: means of egress. These critical escape pathways aren’t arbitrary rules imposed by building officials; rather, they’re the result of...

Exhausted visual learner falls asleep studying for the ARE exam, surrounded by prep books and a hypnotic TV screen labeled “ARE PREP.”

Visual Learner Myth: Why You Need Multiple Study Methods

Have you ever spent hours watching ARE prep videos, feeling productive and confident, only to completely freeze when facing actual exam questions? You’re not alone—and contrary to popular belief, being a “visual learner” might be...

Female architect conducting construction observation on-site, reviewing field reports and plans with contractors during a site visit.

Construction Observation: Breaking Down CE Section 2

Understanding construction observation is essential for ARE candidates preparing for the Construction & Evaluation (CE) exam. This comprehensive guide breaks down CE Section 2, explaining the architect’s role during construction observation, how to evaluate construction...

Architect reviewing a construction submittal in a workshop, surrounded by team members preparing detailed documents and samples.

Construction Submittals: No Exceptions Taken

Understanding “no exceptions taken” and mastering construction submittals is essential for ARE success and professional practice. This comprehensive guide explains the submittal process, types, and review actions that translate design intent into construction reality. Learn...

Diagram-style graphic showing people separated from rising flames by distinct fire wall, fire barrier, and fire partition assemblies in a building.

Fire Wall, Fire Barrier, Fire Partition: Key Differences

This comprehensive guide breaks down the critical differences between fire walls, fire barriers, fire partitions, smoke barriers, and smoke partitions in building construction. Understand the specific fire-resistance ratings, continuity requirements, and applications for each system...

Three women sprinting through design, procurement, and construction phases, symbolizing the fast-paced nature of the construction bidding process.

Construction Bidding Process: Navigating Public Projects

Navigating the construction bidding process is essential for all AEC professionals working on public projects. This comprehensive guide breaks down the procurement journey from design completion to groundbreaking, demystifying the rules, timelines, and requirements that...

Two ARE Candidates celebrate passing their architect exams on a virtual call, surrounded by study materials, symbolizing the power of ARE Bootcamp.

Unlock The Power of ARE Bootcamp: How to Maximize Your Success

Ready to conquer the Architect Registration Exam? Whether you're just starting your ARE journey or looking to finish what you've started, understanding how to unlock ARE Bootcamp power can make all the difference in your...

Side-by-side comparison of QA vs QC showing one architect reviewing a quality assurance checklist in an office, and another performing quality control checks on-site.

QA vs QC: One Prevents Problems and The Other Finds Them

Mastering the QA vs QC relationship is crucial for architectural project success. Understanding when to apply quality assurance versus quality control can dramatically reduce errors, improve workflow efficiency, and prevent costly mistakes. This comprehensive guide...

Three construction workers laying concrete masonry units and rebar, illustrating traditional materials used in common construction types.

Construction Types: The 5 Essential Building Classifications

Construction types are fundamental building classifications that determine everything from fire resistance to allowable heights and materials. This guide breaks down all five types of building construction as defined in the International Building Code (IBC),...

Construction worker with boxing gloves punching through a giant checklist, symbolizing the final push to complete a construction punch list.

Who Creates the Construction Punch List? Not Who You Think

Construction punch lists are the final critical step before project completion, yet there's confusion about who creates them. While many assume architects are responsible, the contractor actually creates the initial punch list - a fact...

Architect focused on preconstruction planning, surrounded by drawings, schedules, and bid documents in a high-rise office setting.

Preconstruction Activities For Construction & Evaluation

Understanding preconstruction activities is essential for ARE candidates preparing for the Construction Evaluation (CE) exam. This comprehensive guide breaks down CE Section 1, explaining the architect's changing roles during preconstruction, contractor selection criteria, and cost...

Row of different building types including a house, shop, courthouse, office tower, and hotel, representing various occupancy classifications.

Occupancy Classifications and IBC Compliance Explained

Mastering occupancy classifications are essential for ARE success. This guide breaks down IBC's classification system and shows how it affects design, code compliance, and safety. Learn to confidently classify any project and avoid costly compliance...

Female architect pointing to a massive on-site chart listing construction specification types like MasterFormat, performance, and proprietary.

Construction Specification Types Made Simple: A Complete Guide

This guide demystifies all major construction specification types and helps you understand when and how to use each one. These distinctions will make you more effective at writing, interpreting, enforcing, and managing construction documents....

Rolled construction drawings and a specs book face off in a boxing ring, dramatizing the classic Drawings vs. Specifications debate in architecture.

Drawings vs. Specifications: Why “Specs Always Win” Is Dead Wrong

This guide debunks the common misconception about document precedence and explains how drawings vs specifications work together as complementary contract documents. Understanding this drawings vs specifications relationship is crucial for both ARE success and professional...

Female architect Layla Qarout studying building codes on a laptop labeled “Building Codes 101,” surrounded by floor plans and construction documents.

Persistence, Practice, And Passing The ARE – Meet Layla Qarout

Layla Qarout had anything but a typical journey to becoming a licensed architect. Originally from Palestine, Layla transitioned internationally, navigated through ARE 5.0, and experienced firsthand how challenging and frustrating the exam process can be....