CE: Construction and Evaluation

Architect Exam Podcast - ARE 5.0 EXAM PREP

Find resources on construction administration, bidding, and project closeout for ARE 5.0. This category covers contract administration, construction observation, and payment review. It also includes project completion steps. Materials focus on the architect’s role, including submittal review, quality checks, and conflict resolution. Learn how to evaluate completed work for contract compliance.

Quality Assurance vs Quality Control QA vs QC: One Prevents Problems, One Finds Them

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...

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 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...

preconstruction services

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...

Construction Specification Types

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....

Drawings vs. Specifications

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...

Construction Specifications

Understanding Specifications: An Introduction for ARE/CDT Candidates

Have you ever wondered why architectural specifications matter so much? Or maybe you've been avoiding them altogether because they seem intimidating or boring? I get it. Specs aren't exactly the most exciting part of architecture...

Construction contingency

Construction Contingency: Planning for the Project’s Unknown

In the world of architecture and construction, one truth remains constant: something will always go wrong. No matter how meticulously you plan, how carefully you design, or how thoroughly you prepare your construction documents, the...

2 hand shaking in agreement over a construction bond

Construction Bonds 101: Everything You Need to Know

This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about construction bonds and how they protect your projects. You'll learn the different types of construction bonds (including performance bonds and payment bonds), how surety bonds...

The Client Factor: Public vs Private Architecture Projects

This podcast is also available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts One question can determine the entire course of an architecture project: Is the client public or private? This seemingly simple distinction fundamentally transforms every...