AIA Contracts for ARE Exam Prep
Master AIA Contracts and Unlock ARE Success
We transform complex AIA Contracts like B101 and A201 into straightforward knowledge that unlocks success across multiple ARE exams.
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Our Students Are Now Registered Architects at These Firms:
Finally Understand AIA Contracts And Pass Your ARE Exams
Our proven method transforms complex AIA documents into foundational knowledge you can use right away.
You’ll know exactly how owner-architect agreements work, what your responsibilities are during construction administration, and how to handle scope changes, payment applications, and consultant coordination.
Walk into your ARE exams with complete contract mastery.
That’s exactly what happens.
What You'll Learn in AIA Contracts 101:
Breaking down B101 with 3.5 hours of detailed explanation and practical examples
Decoding A201 General Conditions for construction administration success
Exploring C401 architect-consultant agreements and specialized contract forms
Understanding AIA G-series forms for payment, change orders, and project closeout
Mastering delivery methods including IPD and construction manager approaches
Your Complete Contract Mastery Toolkit
The only AIA Contracts course built specifically for the ARE.
Comprehensive Video Training
18+ hours of expert-led instruction breaking down every contract document
Real-World Applications
Learn how contracts connect to payment applications, change orders, and certificates
Complete PDF Contract Library
Full access to all AIA documents referenced in the course for easy study
Integrated Project Delivery Coverage
Deep dive into IPD and CMGC with GMP delivery methods
ARE-Focused Teaching
Contract instruction specifically designed for PcM, PjM, and CE exam success
Virtual Tutor Support
24/7 instant help when you need clarification on complex topics
What Our Customers Our Saying About Contracts 101
AIA contract knowledge unlocks everything.
Get AIA Contracts Plus Every ARE Course
Your access extends far beyond AIA contracts. The membership unlocks everything because understanding AIA documents is essential across the entire ARE.
Why This Matters for Your ARE Prep
Contract knowledge supports your entire ARE journey. Here’s everything included:
All ARE 101 Courses - See how contract knowledge is fundamental across all ARE 5.0 exam divisions
Building Codes 101 - Understand how code requirements and contractual obligations work together
Integrated Learning System - Master AIA documents once and apply them throughout every ARE division
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- Access all ARE 101 Courses
- 1000’s of Practice Questions
- Interactive Video Lessons
- In-Depth Case Studies
- 24/7 Virtual Tutors
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ARE 101 Course Membership
Over 100 hours of video lessons, 1,400+ practice questions, and everything you need to pass all ARE exams.
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Meet Your ARE Prep Instructors
Learn from licensed architects who’ve mastered AIA Contracts and helped thousands pass NCARB’s ARE Exams.
Michael Riscica
RA, CSI, CDT
A registered Architect in Florida and Oregon, Michael is the founder of Young Architect Academy and ARE Boot Camp. His passion is demystifying the Architect Registration Exam.
Lorenzo Franchina
RA
A registered Architect in New Jersey, Lorenzo has over thirty years of experience in architecture practice and has a natural talent for making complex topics simple.
Your Contract Mastery Starts Here
Join thousands of ARE candidates who’ve used this comprehensive approach
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Contracts 101 Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about the AIA Contracts course.
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About AIA Contracts 101
Understanding AIA Contracts
Why Young Architect Academy
ABOUT AIA CONTRACTS 101
What's included in AIA Contracts 101?
You get 18+ hours of expert instruction breaking down every AIA contract document referenced on the ARE.
Here’s what’s covered:
B101 (Owner-Architect Agreement) – We spend 3.5 hours just on this one contract because it’s that important. You’ll understand every article, what services you’re agreeing to provide, how fees work, and what happens when scope changes.
A201 (General Conditions) – The contract that governs the relationship between owner, architect, and contractor during construction. This is critical for understanding construction administration.
C401 (Architect-Consultant Agreement) – How you work with your consultants and coordinate their services.
A101 (Owner-Contractor Agreement) – Understanding the owner-contractor relationship and how it affects your role during construction.
G-Series Forms – Payment applications (G702/G703), change orders (G701), ASIs (G710), construction change directives (G714), and RFIs (G716). These are the documents you’ll use constantly during construction administration.
Integrated Project Delivery & CMGC – Alternative delivery methods that are increasingly common and tested on the ARE.
Plus you get PDF downloads of all these documents for easy reference while you study.
Do I get access to just AIA Contracts or all the ARE courses?
You get access to all our ARE courses, not just Contracts. Over 120 hours of video lessons and 1,400+ practice questions covering every ARE exam. We only sell one membership.
Here’s why contracts can’t be isolated: You need to understand B101 and A201 to pass PcM, PjM, and CE. But those exams also test how you apply that contract knowledge in specific situations.
We spend 3.5 hours explaining B101 in AIA Contracts 101. Then in PcM, PjM, and CE, we only spend 10-15 minutes on it because we’re showing you how to apply what you already learned here. Same with A201 and all the other contracts.
Contracts are the foundation. The exam courses show you how to build on that foundation. That’s why everything is included. You can’t properly understand construction administration without understanding the contracts. You can’t properly understand project delivery methods without understanding how contracts structure those relationships.
Here’s the thing: You won’t use all this information at once. Our 10 years of data shows it takes 700 to 1,300 hours of studying to pass all six ARE exams. Some people do it in 6 months, but most take 2 to 3 years.
Why do I need a separate contracts course?
Because AIA contracts are the foundation for passing PcM, PjM, and CE. And honestly, they come up on every ARE exam in some way.
Here’s what happens when you skip this foundation: You’re studying for PcM and hit questions about scope changes, additional services, or fee negotiations. You don’t really understand what the B101 says, so you’re guessing based on what seems right. Same thing happens in PjM with consultant coordination and project management. And CE with payment applications and construction administration.
Without understanding the contracts, you’re trying to apply knowledge you don’t actually have.
But when you understand how the B101 structures the owner-architect relationship, how the A201 defines everyone’s roles and responsibilities during construction, and how the G-series forms document everything that happens on a project, suddenly all those exam questions make sense. You’re not guessing anymore. You’re applying knowledge you actually understand.
Most other prep companies give you summaries of contracts and tell you to memorize them. We teach you how to actually read the contracts and understand what they mean. There’s a huge difference.
How long does it take to complete AIA Contracts 101?
It depends on how much you already know about contracts and delivery methods. Some people need more time than others, and that’s completely fine.
The course includes 18+ hours of video instruction, plus time to actually read through the contract documents and let everything sink in. We’re not racing through this. We’re reading the contracts together, breaking down every article, explaining what it means in real situations.
This isn’t something you cram in a weekend. Contracts take time to digest. But here’s what makes it worth it: Once you understand contracts, they make every pro practice exam easier. You’re not learning contracts three separate times for PcM, PjM, and CE. You’re learning them once here, then applying them three different ways.
Which AIA contract documents are covered?
We cover all the major AIA documents that NCARB tests on the ARE. Here are the heavy hitters:
B101 – Owner-Architect Agreement (we spend 3.5 hours just on this one because it’s fundamental to understanding everything else)
A201 – General Conditions of the Contract for Construction (this governs the relationship between owner, architect, and contractor during construction)
C401 – Architect-Consultant Agreement (how you work with and coordinate consultants)
A101 – Owner-Contractor Agreement (understanding the owner-contractor relationship and how it affects your role)
A701 – Instructions to Bidders (the procedures that govern how bidding works)
G-Series Forms – The key documents you’ll use during construction administration, including payment applications, change orders, and certificates of substantial completion
Alternative Delivery Methods – We cover Construction Manager as Constructor contracts (A133), Design-Build agreements (A141, B143), and Integrated Project Delivery contracts (A195, A295, B195)
The course also includes instruction on additional contract forms and procedures that support these main documents. Lorenzo breaks down how each contract works, what situations they’re used in, and how they all connect to each other.
Should I take this before or after my exam-specific courses?
Take AIA Contracts first or study it alongside your first pro practice exam (PcM, PjM, or CE).
Think of it this way: Contracts are the foundation. The exam courses show you how to apply that foundation to specific scenarios. If you skip the foundation and jump straight into PcM, you’re going to spend a lot of time confused about contract questions.
Most successful students follow this path:
- Start AIA Contracts 101
- Begin studying for their first exam (usually PcM, PjM, or CE)
- Reference back to Contracts whenever exam material touches on B101, A201, or delivery methods
You don’t have to finish Contracts before starting an exam course. But having that foundation makes everything easier.
How long do I have access to the course materials?
As long as you’re subscribed to the ARE 101 membership. Our membership is month-to-month, so you stay subscribed as long as you need access.
Can I cancel my membership anytime?
Yes. You can cancel anytime. There are no contracts or long-term commitments.
Your membership stays active until your next billing date.
What's your refund policy?
We want you to feel confident in your purchase. If within the first 7 days you decide the ARE 101 membership isn’t right for you, reach out to us immediately and we’ll work with you.
If you jump in and realize within the first week that our teaching style or approach doesn’t match how you learn best, just let us know. We’d rather process a refund than have you stuck with something that’s not helping you.
Also, it’s your responsibility to unsubscribe when you’re done using the membership or after you pass your last exam. We’re not responsible for refunding months you didn’t use but remained subscribed.
If you realize early on this isn’t the right fit, let us know. We’re reasonable people and want this to be a win-win.
Is this self-paced or are there scheduled classes?
ARE 101 membership is completely self-paced online learning. You study whenever it works for you.
Our other program, ARE Bootcamp, is different. That’s a live coaching program with scheduled meetings and set meeting times.
Do you have an app, or can I study on my phone and tablet?
We have something better than an app: a website that’s heavily optimized for mobile browsers.
We used to have an app, but our website actually worked better. So we got rid of the app and put all our energy into making the mobile browser experience fantastic.
Young Architect Academy works great on Google Chrome and Safari on your phone or tablet. About 75% of our students use the website on their phones.
Can I adjust video playback speed?
Yes, and we highly recommend it.
You can speed up or slow down all our video lessons.
Sometimes Lorenzo talks fast, so you might want to slow things down. Sometimes you’ve already heard a section and want to speed through a review.
All our videos have closed captions, which makes it easy to study while commuting or in any environment.
Can I download videos for offline viewing?
All content must be streamed through the website.
The website works great on mobile browsers though, so you can study anywhere you have internet access.
Are contract PDFs included or do I need to buy them separately?
All AIA contract PDFs are included in the course for easy reference and study.
You get access to B101, A201, C401, A101, and all the G-series forms we reference throughout the videos. We’ll also show you where to get sample contracts from NCARB that are intended to be used for studying for the architect exam.
Do I need work experience to understand contracts?
No. Thousands of recent graduates with zero contract experience have used this course successfully.
We explain everything from the ground up. You don’t need to have negotiated a B101 or managed a construction project to understand how these documents work.
In fact, sometimes having less experience is actually helpful because you don’t have bad habits to unlearn from how contracts are handled (or mishandled) in real offices. Lorenzo starts with the basics and builds from there. We’re literally reading the contracts together, article by article, explaining what everything means.
How often do you update the course content?
Regularly. We’re constantly adding and improving content.
AIA Contracts 101 was created in 2019 specifically for ARE 5.0. Since then, we’ve refined the instruction based on feedback from thousands of students.
The course evolves as we learn what works best for students and as the ARE exam evolves. If you ever find a mistake, typo, or error in our content, we have an easy system for you to submit feedback. We update our materials on a weekly basis to make sure everything is accurate.
We’re not perfect, but we’re very proactive about quality control.
Do you offer any free trial or sample content before I buy?
We don’t offer free trials because we have way too much content to give you a meaningful sample. With over 120 hours of video lessons and 1,400+ practice questions across all six ARE exams, plus additional 101 courses for AIA contracts, building codes, and mechanical systems, a small sample wouldn’t do justice to what you’re actually getting.
Instead, we offer something better: Try ARE 101 Risk-Free for 7 Days.
We’re confident you’ll love our approach to teaching contracts. If you’re not completely satisfied within your first week, just contact our support team and we’ll process your full refund. No questions asked.
This gives you the chance to dive in and experience the full breadth and depth of our ARE 101 membership. Explore the Contracts content, check out how it connects to the exam courses, and see if Lorenzo’s teaching style works for you.
Seven days is plenty of time to know if this is right for you. And if it’s not, you get your money back.
We’ve also published over 50 episodes of our free ARE exam prep podcast, which gives you a great sense of our conversational teaching style and the type of content inside Young Architect Academy.
What happens if NCARB changes the exam while I'm studying?
NCARB typically gives everyone plenty of notice before making changes to the ARE.
NCARB announced they’re planning changes to the architect exam for fall 2025. As of October 2025, we’re still waiting to hear more details about what those changes will look like.
Whatever changes come to the architect registration exam, it will be incorporated into your ARE 101 membership.
We’re not creating a separate new product for the new version of the exam. Young Architect Academy is excited to start working on whatever updates NCARB announces.
UNDERSTANDING AIA CONTRACTS
Why do AIA Contracts matter for the ARE?
Because contracts are the foundation for how architecture actually gets practiced. And NCARB tests whether you understand that foundation.
PcM, PjM, and CE are heavily contract-based exams. You can’t understand practice management without understanding the B101 owner-architect agreement. You can’t manage projects without knowing what services you’re contracted to provide. You can’t handle construction administration without understanding the A201 general conditions.
Here’s what people don’t realize: The ARE isn’t testing whether you memorized contract clauses. It’s testing whether you understand how contracts structure the relationships between owner, architect, contractor, and consultants. It’s testing whether you can apply that knowledge when situations come up on projects.
When you know your contracts, you can answer questions about scope changes, additional services, payment applications, consultant coordination, and construction observation with confidence. You’re not guessing based on what seems right. You’re applying knowledge you actually understand.
Contracts unlock understanding across every pro practice exam. That’s why we created an entire 18+ hour course just for this.
Which ARE exams test AIA Contracts the most?
PcM, PjM, and CE test contracts heavily. But honestly, contract knowledge appears on every ARE exam in some form.
Practice Management tests B101 extensively. How do you negotiate services? What’s included in basic services versus additional services? How do fees work? What are your responsibilities to the owner?
Project Management is all about executing a project according to your contract. Managing scope, coordinating consultants, controlling budget and schedule, maintaining quality control. All of this flows from understanding what you’re contractually obligated to do. PjM focuses on all the contracts
Construction & Evaluation focuses on B101 A201, A101, and the G-series forms constantly. Payment applications, change orders, submittals, construction observation. You need to know what the general conditions say about your role during construction.
Even the technical exams reference contracts when discussing phases of service, consultant coordination, and architect responsibilities. Everything on the ARE connects back to how contracts structure architectural practice.
Here’s the thing: You can’t properly learn B101 without understanding A201. The two documents work together. When you’re negotiating what services you’ll provide in a B101, you need to understand how those services will be executed during construction under A201. The piecemeal approach doesn’t work.
That’s exactly why we created a separate foundational course for AIA Contracts. Instead of trying to teach you bits and pieces of B101 in PcM, bits of A201 in CE, and hoping you figure out how they connect, we teach you the complete system first. Then when you get to the exam courses, you already understand the foundation.
What makes AIA Contracts so intimidating and how do you make them accessible?
Contracts feel intimidating because they’re dense legal documents written in formal language. When you open a B101 or A201 for the first time, it’s overwhelming. Where do you even start? What parts matter most? How does this connect to actual projects?
Here’s how we make contracts accessible: We read them together. Article by article. We break down what each section means, why it matters, and how it applies to real situations.
Instead of just telling you “here’s what B101 says about additional services,” we show you what happens when scope starts creeping beyond your contract. We explain why those clauses exist and how they protect both you and the owner.
We don’t assume you have contract experience. We start from the basics and build your understanding progressively. By the time you finish the course, you’ll be comfortable reading and interpreting these documents yourself.
Most people discover that contracts are actually fascinating once they understand what they’re reading. These documents explain the rules of the game. Once you know the rules, everything else makes sense.
How do AIA Contracts help my actual career, not just passing exams?
Understanding contracts protects you from liability and helps you manage projects more effectively.
When you know what your B101 says, you can identify when a client is asking for work outside your contracted services. You know when to negotiate additional services instead of just doing extra work for free. You understand what deliverables you’re responsible for and what falls outside your scope.
During construction administration, knowing the A201 protects you. You understand the difference between reviewing submittals versus approving them. You know what authority you have and what decisions belong to the owner or contractor. You can handle payment applications, change orders, and construction issues correctly.
This knowledge prevents you from taking on liability you’re not supposed to have. It helps you communicate clearly with owners and contractors about roles and responsibilities. It makes you more valuable to your firm because you actually understand how projects are supposed to work contractually.
The ARE tests this stuff because it’s fundamental to practicing architecture safely and effectively. You’re not just learning to pass a test. You’re learning how to protect yourself and run projects properly.
What's the relationship between B101, A201, and project delivery?
B101 and A201 work together to structure the entire project. You can’t understand one without understanding the other.
The B101 is your agreement with the owner. It defines what services you’re providing, how you’ll be paid, what phases the project will move through, and what deliverables you owe. It’s the contract that gets you to the point where you have construction documents ready to go to a contractor.
The A201 governs what happens during construction. It defines the relationship between owner, architect, and contractor. It explains your role during construction administration, the contractor’s responsibilities, how the owner makes decisions, and how everyone works together to get the building built.
Here’s what makes this powerful: When you understand both documents, you see how the entire project delivery system works. The B101 gets you from contract signing through construction documents. The A201 takes you from bidding through project closeout. Together, they show you the complete picture of how buildings actually get delivered.
Different delivery methods change how these contracts work. Design-Bid-Build uses them differently than Design-Build or Construction Manager approaches. Understanding the traditional structure first makes it much easier to understand how alternative delivery methods modify these relationships.
Why can't I just figure out contracts on the job?
Because by the time you figure it out through trial and error, you’ve already made expensive mistakes.
Here’s what happens in the real world: Most firms don’t teach you contracts. They hand you a B101 to review or ask you to process a payment application, and they assume you’ll figure it out. But if you don’t know what the contract actually says, you’re making decisions based on assumptions instead of knowledge.
You might take on scope that’s outside your basic services without realizing it. You might approve something during construction that you’re only supposed to review. You might miss additional services opportunities because you don’t understand what’s included versus what’s extra.
These aren’t just exam questions. These are real situations that expose you and your firm to liability or lost revenue. Learning contracts properly before you need them protects your career.
And here’s the practical reality: You need to know this stuff to pass the ARE anyway. So why not learn it correctly now, understand it deeply, and have that knowledge serve you for the rest of your career?
How do contracts structure the owner-architect-contractor relationship?
The contracts create a framework where everyone knows their role and responsibilities.
The B101 establishes the owner-architect relationship. The owner is paying you for specific services. You’re providing professional expertise, design documents, and construction administration. The contract spells out exactly what that means, what you’re responsible for, and what you’re not responsible for.
The A201 and A101 establish the owner-contractor relationship. The contractor is responsible for means and methods of construction, building according to the contract documents, coordinating subcontractors, and maintaining the construction schedule. The owner makes decisions, provides payments, and has final authority.
Here’s where it gets interesting: As the architect, you’re not part of the owner-contractor contract, but the A201 defines your role during construction. You observe the work, review submittals, process payment applications, and help the owner make informed decisions. You’re not supervising construction or directing the contractor’s work. You’re representing the owner’s interests as outlined in the general conditions.
Understanding these relationships prevents confusion about who’s responsible for what. It helps you navigate construction administration correctly. It protects you from taking on responsibilities that aren’t yours or avoiding responsibilities that are.
What's the difference between reading contracts alone versus learning with us?
Reading contracts alone is like trying to learn a foreign language without a teacher. You’ll eventually figure some things out, but you’ll miss a lot and develop bad habits along the way.
Our instructor has been working with AIA Contracts for over 30 years. He knows which articles matter most for the ARE, which concepts trip people up, and how everything connects to real project situations.
When we say “we read the contracts together,” that’s literally what happens. We walk through each article, explain what it means in plain language, show you how it applies to actual projects, and connect it to NCARB’s exam objectives.
We catch the things you’d miss on your own. We explain why certain clauses exist and what problems they’re solving. We show you how seemingly separate articles actually work together to create a complete system.
Most importantly, we make dry legal documents interesting. Once you see how these documents structure everything about architectural practice, they become fascinating instead of intimidating.
You could spend dozens of hours reading contracts alone and still be confused. Or you could spend 18 hours learning with someone who’s mastered them and walk away with real understanding.
Do I need to memorize all the contract clauses and articles?
No. NCARB isn’t testing your ability to recite contract language from memory.
They’re testing whether you understand the concepts behind the contracts and can apply them to real situations.
You don’t need to memorize that something specific is in Article 3.6.4.2 of the B101. But you do need to understand what additional services are, when they apply, and how scope changes get handled. You need to know the concept well enough that when you see a scenario on the exam, you can work through what the contract says about that situation.
Here’s what we focus on: Understanding how contracts work, not memorizing exact language. We teach you the structure, the key concepts, and how to think about contract situations. That understanding is what helps you answer exam questions correctly.
Will you need to remember some specific things? Sure. You should know what basic services include, understand the architect’s standard of care, recognize when something is outside your contracted scope. But that’s understanding, not rote memorization.
When you understand how something works, you can apply it. When you’ve only memorized it, you can only recall what you memorized. NCARB writes questions that require application.
How do payment applications, change orders, and certificates work?
These are the G-series forms that document everything happening during construction. Understanding them is critical for CE and comes up in PjM too.
Payment applications (G702/G703) are how contractors request payment for work completed. As the architect, you review these applications, verify the work has been done according to the contract documents, and certify to the owner that payment is appropriate based on your observations. You’re not guaranteeing the work is perfect, but you’re confirming it appears to conform to the contract documents.
Change orders (G701) document agreed changes to the contract. When something needs to be added, deleted, or modified, and everyone agrees on the scope and cost, you process a change order. This formally modifies the owner-contractor agreement.
Construction Change Directives (G714) are different. These happen when the owner and contractor can’t agree on cost or time, but the work needs to proceed anyway. The architect can issue a CCD directing the contractor to proceed, and you figure out the cost and time later.
Certificates (like Certificates of Substantial Completion) document project milestones. Substantial completion marks when the owner can occupy and use the building for its intended purpose, even if minor items remain.
Understanding these forms isn’t just about knowing which form is which. It’s about understanding the process they support and how they protect everyone’s interests during construction.
What's the difference between Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, and CM delivery?
These delivery methods change how the owner, architect, and contractor relationships work.
Design-Bid-Build is the traditional approach. The owner hires you (the architect) to design the project completely. Then you help the owner bid the project to contractors. Then the owner hires a contractor to build what you designed. Three separate contracts: owner-architect (B101), owner-contractor (A101), and architect-consultant (C401). This is what we teach first because understanding the traditional approach makes everything else make sense.
Design-Build combines design and construction under one contract. The owner hires a design-build entity that handles both design and construction. Sometimes you’re employed by the design-builder, sometimes you contract directly with the owner but coordinate with the design-builder. The relationships are different because design and construction happen more simultaneously.
Construction Manager approaches can work several ways. Construction Manager as Advisor (CMa) means the CM helps the owner during design and construction but doesn’t hold the construction contract. Construction Manager as Constructor (CMc) means the CM actually builds the project, more like a general contractor with added services during design.
Each delivery method modifies the standard contracts. That’s why understanding B101 and A201 first is so important. Once you know the foundation, you can understand how these alternative methods change the relationships.
How does understanding contracts help me think about the ARE differently?
Once you understand contracts, you realize that most ARE questions aren’t random. They’re testing whether you know how architectural practice actually works according to the documents that govern it.
When you see a PcM question about negotiating services, you’re not guessing. You know what the B101 says about basic services versus additional services. You understand how scope is defined and when additional compensation is appropriate.
When you hit a PjM question about consultant coordination, you understand the C401 and how it defines your relationship with consultants. You know what you’re responsible for coordinating and what’s outside your scope.
When CE asks about construction observation or payment applications, you know what the A201 says about the architect’s role. You understand the difference between observing and supervising, reviewing and approving.
The exams stop feeling like you’re trying to guess what NCARB wants and start feeling like you’re applying knowledge you actually have. That shift in mindset is huge. Instead of anxiety about tricky questions, you have confidence that you understand the foundation these questions are built on.
Contracts are the rules of the game. Once you know the rules, playing the game gets a lot easier.
WHY YOUNG ARCHITECT ACADEMY
How is this different from other ARE prep resources like Black Spectacles or Amber Book?
We teach you to actually read and understand AIA Contracts.
Sometimes ARE prep companies give you condensed versions of B101 and A201. They pull out what they think are the important parts and say “just memorize this, trust us.” It feels efficient. But when NCARB asks you to apply contract knowledge to a real scenario, you’re trying to recall bullet points from a summary instead of understanding how contracts actually work.
It turns into a game of telephone.
We take a completely different approach. We read the contracts with you. Article by article. We spent 18+ hours breaking down every major AIA document because that’s what it takes to truly understand them. Not skim them. Not get the highlights. Actually understand how they work and why they matter.
Can you pass using summaries? Maybe. But when you understand the actual contracts, you can handle any scenario NCARB throws at you. You’re not limited to what someone else decided was important. You know how to think about contracts yourself.
This approach takes more time upfront than memorizing cliff notes. But it’s the only way that actually prepares you for how NCARB tests this material. And it’s knowledge that protects you throughout your career, not just on exam day.
What makes your teaching style unique?
We make contracts fascinating. And that sounds impossible if you’ve ever tried to read a B101 on your own, but it’s true.
Lorenzo has over 30 years of experience working with AIA Contracts in real practice. He’s negotiated them, executed them, lived with the consequences when things went wrong. That real-world experience shows up in how he teaches. He doesn’t just explain what the contract says. He shows you why it matters and what happens when you don’t understand it.
His passion for contracts is contagious. He genuinely loves this stuff. When someone loves what they’re teaching, it transforms how you learn. What could be dry legal documents becomes a fascinating look at how architecture actually works as a business and profession.
He also has a natural gift for making complex concepts simple. He breaks down intimidating legal language into plain English. He connects abstract contract clauses to real project situations you’ll encounter. He anticipates what confuses people and addresses it before you even realize you’re confused.
Most importantly, we teach you to think about contracts, not just remember facts about them. That’s what makes our instruction so effective for the ARE.
Why do you teach us to READ contracts versus giving us summaries?
Because summaries teach you someone else’s interpretation. Reading the actual contracts teaches you to interpret them yourself.
Here’s what happens with summaries: You memorize that additional services require written authorization and additional compensation. But when you see an exam scenario about scope creep, you’re not sure if what’s being described counts as additional services or if it’s something the architect should have anticipated in basic services. You’re guessing based on incomplete understanding.
But when you’ve actually read the B101 with us, you understand how basic services are defined, what’s included, what circumstances trigger additional services, and how to identify when something falls outside your contracted scope. You can think through the scenario using the same framework the contract provides.
NCARB writes questions that require this level of understanding. They’re not testing whether you memorized our summary or Black Spectacles’ summary. They’re testing whether you understand how contracts work well enough to apply them to situations you haven’t seen before.
Teaching you to read contracts yourself also makes you self-sufficient. You can reference the B101 on your next project. You can read a C401 consultant agreement and understand what it says. You don’t need someone else to interpret it for you.
That self-sufficiency is exactly what NCARB expects. They want architects who can use their resources effectively, not architects who can only recall what a prep company told them.
How was AIA Contracts 101 created and when?
We created AIA Contracts 101 in 2019 specifically for ARE 5.0.
When ARE 5.0 launched, we realized contract knowledge had become even more critical. PcM, PjM, and CE all test contracts extensively. But most candidates were struggling because nobody was teaching contracts properly. Everyone was giving them summaries and hoping they’d memorize enough to pass.
We knew there was a better way. Our instructor had been teaching contracts for years in practice. We sat down and said “what would it take to truly teach someone how contracts work?” The answer was 18+ hours of detailed instruction, reading every major document article by article, connecting everything to real project situations and NCARB objectives.
That’s exactly what we built. Not shortcuts. Not highlights. Not summaries. A complete, thorough course that treats contracts with the respect and attention they deserve.
Since 2019, we’ve continuously refined the course based on feedback from thousands of students. We’ve added examples, clarified confusing concepts, and updated content as AIA has released new contract editions. But the foundation remains the same: teaching real understanding through careful study of the actual documents.
Why is the membership affordable compared to other ARE prep?
Our customers are the people actually taking these exams. Many other prep companies price their products to sell to firms and AIA chapters, not to the individuals studying.
Keeping our membership affordable has been central to Young Architect’s mission from the beginning. A big part of what we do is help people succeed at every price point. Starting with free podcast content, through affordable study materials, up to ARE Bootcamp as our premium coaching program.
We want contract knowledge accessible to everyone taking the ARE. Not just people whose firms will pay for expensive prep courses. Not just candidates who can afford $1,000+ for study materials. Everyone who’s willing to put in the work should have access to quality instruction.
The single-user agreement is what makes this possible. We’re not selling site licenses to firms. We’re selling memberships to individuals. That allows us to keep prices reasonable while still delivering comprehensive, high-quality content.
Will this help me in my actual job, not just for exams?
Absolutely. This might be the most valuable course you take for your actual career, not just for passing the ARE.
Understanding contracts protects you from liability every single day in practice. When you know what your B101 says, you can identify scope creep before it becomes a problem. When you understand the A201, you know how to handle construction administration correctly without taking on liability you shouldn’t have.
This knowledge makes you more valuable to your firm. You can review owner-architect agreements intelligently. You can coordinate consultants according to your C401. You can handle payment applications and change orders correctly. You understand the difference between reviewing and approving, observing and supervising.
Firms notice when someone actually understands contracts. It means they can trust you with more responsibility. It means you’re less likely to make expensive mistakes. It means you can communicate effectively with owners, contractors, and consultants about roles and responsibilities.
The ARE tests contract knowledge because it’s fundamental to safe, effective architectural practice. You’re not learning this just to pass a test. You’re learning how to protect yourself and manage projects properly throughout your career.
How is this different from the ARE Bootcamp?
Think of the ARE 101 membership as joining a gym. Think of ARE Bootcamp as hiring a personal trainer.
ARE 101 is self-guided access to all our study materials, including AIA Contracts 101. You work through it at your own pace on your own schedule. You have all the content you need, but you’re managing your own study plan.
ARE Bootcamp is our 10-week intensive coaching program with scheduled meetings, personalized guidance, and a strong community element. You’re meeting with me and other candidates multiple times a week. We work through a structured curriculum that’s been tested and refined since 2015. There’s substantial accountability and support.
All ARE prep study materials talk at you. ARE Bootcamp is the only program that talks with you through dialogue and conversation. That back-and-forth helps you understand how all the pieces fit together.
Many people pass their exams using ARE 101 alone, including mastering contracts through this course. Some people need the extra structure and accountability Bootcamp provides. It really depends on you and how you learn best.
Is AIA Contracts 101 enough or do I need Bootcamp?
Many people master contracts using AIA Contracts 101 without taking Bootcamp. It really depends on you.
Young Architect has never subscribed to a one-size-fits-all approach. We’re not machines. We’re individuals with different learning styles and needs.
Some candidates just need comprehensive study materials like this contracts course. They can work through 18 hours of instruction on their own, read the documents, understand the concepts, and apply them successfully on the exams. If that’s you, AIA Contracts 101 gives you everything you need.
Other candidates benefit from more structure, accountability, and community. They want someone guiding them through what to study when, checking their understanding, and helping them stay on track. That’s what Bootcamp provides.
The contracts content itself doesn’t change. What changes is the level of support and guidance around learning it. Both paths can get you to the same destination. The question is which path works better for how you learn.
What if I want to upgrade to Bootcamp later?
That’s completely fine. Many people start with ARE 101, work through materials like AIA Contracts on their own, and then join Bootcamp later.
Sometimes it’s helpful to explore the content independently first and get the lay of the land. Then when you join Bootcamp, you have context for the structured curriculum and coaching. Other times people jump straight into Bootcamp from the start.
There’s no wrong way to do this. We’re not going to tell you there’s only one path that works. Your membership gives you access to all the materials. How you use them and whether you add coaching on top is entirely up to you.
More information about Bootcamp is available inside your ARE 101 membership if you want to explore it.
How does this course follow NCARB's objectives?
Every section of AIA Contracts 101 connects directly to NCARB’s objectives for PcM, PjM, and CE.
We don’t just teach contracts in isolation. We show you exactly how each contract document relates to specific NCARB objectives. When we cover B101, we explain which objectives it supports and how NCARB tests that knowledge. Same with A201, C401, and the G-series forms.
This approach helps you understand why you’re learning each concept. You’re not just studying contracts because someone told you to. You’re learning them because NCARB has specifically identified this knowledge as essential for practicing architecture.
We also teach you how to read NCARB’s objective statements themselves. The objectives tell you exactly what NCARB thinks you should know. Most candidates ignore them. We teach you to use them as your study roadmap.
When your contract knowledge is aligned with NCARB’s objectives, you’re studying exactly what they’re going to test. No guessing. No hoping. Just systematic preparation based on what NCARB has explicitly told you matters.
What if other prep companies say contracts aren't that important?
I completely disagree. And you’ll see exactly how important they are when you sit down for PcM, PjM, or CE.
Some prep companies downplay contracts because they’re hard to teach properly. It’s easier to give you formulas to memorize or procedures to follow than to teach you how contracts actually work. But that approach leaves you unprepared for how NCARB tests this material.
NCARB doesn’t test contracts in isolation. They test whether you can apply contract knowledge to real situations. Can you identify when scope has changed? Can you handle a payment application correctly? Can you coordinate consultants according to your agreement with them?
You can’t answer these questions by memorizing someone else’s summary. You need to understand how the contracts work. You need to know what they say and why it matters.
Look at the exam breakdowns for PcM, PjM, and CE. Contracts appear throughout every single one. The largest section of PjM is literally called “Contracts.” Multiple sections of PcM test owner-architect agreement knowledge. CE is built entirely on A201 and G-series forms.
If you skip proper contract preparation because someone told you it’s not important, you’re making the exams much harder than they need to be. Contracts are the foundation. Everything else builds on that foundation.
How often do you update the course when AIA releases new contract editions?
We update the course whenever AIA releases significant contract changes, and we monitor for updates continuously.
AIA periodically updates their contract documents. When they do, we review the changes and update our instruction to reflect the current editions. Your membership gives you access to these updates without paying again for a new version.
The fundamentals of how contracts work don’t change drastically between editions. But specific clauses, language, and article numbers can shift. We make sure you’re studying the versions that align with what NCARB references in their exam specifications.
We’re also proactive about quality control. If you find any errors or outdated information, we have an easy system for reporting it. We update materials weekly to maintain accuracy.
The goal is always to give you current, accurate instruction that prepares you for exactly what NCARB is testing right now. Not what they tested five years ago. Not what we think they might test someday. What they’re testing today based on the current contract editions and exam objectives.