Free ARE PPD podcast episodes designed to help you pass the Project Planning and Design exam. Each episode breaks down NCARB’s objectives so you know exactly what to study – and what to skip.
PPD is the “design it” exam. Once you’ve analyzed the site and the program in PA, PPD is where you start making design decisions. Topics include:
PPD is one of the bigger exams on the ARE. It pulls from site design, structural systems, mechanical systems, building envelope, and code compliance all at once. Take PA first if you haven’t already – it builds the foundation PPD depends on.
No need to take notes while you listen. For many episodes, we’ve already made a free two-page set of study notes for you – just go to the episode page and grab them.
Ready for more than a podcast? Check out our complete PPD 101 course with 10+ hours of video lessons and 250+ practice questions.
PPD covers design-level decision making across five sections – environmental conditions, codes and regulations, building systems and assemblies, program and systems integration, and project costs. It’s one of the most content-heavy ARE exams because it pulls from so many different technical areas at once.
Most candidates find PPD significantly harder than PA. PA is focused on research and analysis – PPD asks you to apply that knowledge to actual design decisions across structural systems, mechanical systems, building envelope, and code compliance simultaneously. Give yourself extra study time for PPD.
Many episodes include a free two-page set of study notes. Just go to the individual episode page, enter your email, and download them. No note-taking required – just listen.
Understanding liquidated damages is critical for architects, contractors, and ARE candidates preparing for the architect registration examination. This comprehensive guide covers the liquidated damages definition, how a liquidated damages clause works, where they appear in...
QA vs QC is one of the most commonly confused topics in architecture and construction. Quality assurance (QA) prevents problems before they happen. Quality control (QC) finds and fixes them after the fact. This...
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...
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....
Cast-in-place concrete creates monolithic structural systems by pouring a concrete mix into formwork on-site. This guide covers span limitations, rebar sizing, construction defects like honeycombing, and when to choose concrete over steel or pre-tensioned...
CSI® MasterFormat® is the construction industry’s standardized system for organizing specifications and project information. This comprehensive guide breaks down all 50 CSI MasterFormat divisions, explains the numbering system and three-part specification format, compares MasterFormat...
Join Michael and Emily for a free webinar exploring CSI® certifications. Learn how these credentials fit into your ARE or NCIDQ prep and can boost your architecture career while you’re already doing the work. Whether...
Understanding what is a change order in construction is essential for every architect, contractor, and project manager. Construction change orders are formal contract amendments that require agreement from all three parties, and they always cost...
The RFI meaning in construction is straightforward: it stands for Request for Information. An RFI in construction is a formal document used during the building process to clarify unclear, missing, or conflicting information in...
Discover why CDT® certification is becoming the strategic advantage for ARE candidates seeking to accelerate their licensing journey. This industry-recognized credential fills critical knowledge gaps, builds professional confidence, and provides the comprehensive project delivery understanding...
The AIA C401 Standard Form of Agreement Between Architect and Consultant establishes clear relationships, communication protocols, and liability protection between architects and their design consultants. This essential AIA contract document protects all parties through...
Understanding foundation types can save your project from budget-busting surprises. This guide breaks down 7 essential foundation systems, explaining when to use each based on soil conditions, building loads, and site constraints, so you can...
Understanding architect fees and fee structures is crucial for every architecture professional and ARE candidate. This comprehensive guide breaks down typical architect fees, architectural fees per square foot, hourly rates, and contractor pricing methods...
Building code history isn’t written by committees in conference rooms. It’s written in tragedy. Every exit sign, sprinkler head, and panic bar you see exists because someone died when those safety features didn’t. Understanding...
Stop making excuses about getting your architecture license. Every month you delay pursuing your ARE exams costs you more than money – it costs you time, opportunities, and career advancement. This reality check explores...
NCARB announced major ARE exam changes for 2026, including updates to 12 exam objectives, streamlined case studies, and new AXP reporting policies. Here’s what’s actually changing and how it affects your architecture licensing journey....
Unlike ARE prep courses that dump information on you, ARE Boot Camp teaches you how to study effectively, provides ongoing support, and gives you a clear roadmap to licensing success. ARE exam prep coaching...
Test day anxiety affects even the most prepared ARE candidates, but the right mindset strategies can transform your exam experience. This comprehensive guide reveals proven techniques to manage test day panic, overcome exam anxiety,...
Construction specifications may not be the sexiest part of building projects, but they’re often the difference between project success and expensive disasters. In this article, we’ll expose the dangerous myths about these critical documents that...
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...