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Architect Exam Podcast - ARE 5.0 EXAM PREP
Architect Michael Riscica points to a Venn diagram showing a huge overlap between ARE Exam study topics and CDT Certification content to an audience of ARE Candidates.

ARE Candidates: Why CDT Certification Is Your Next Win

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...

Architect caught between a builder and client arguing over a collapsed building, symbolizing liability and the need for architect insurance.

Architect Insurance: The Designer’s Guide to Risk Management

Without proper insurance as a practicing architect, a single claim could devastate your business financially. This guide explains professional liability coverage essentials, insurance requirements for all project participants, and proven risk management strategies that will...

Overwhelmed architect buried in paperwork, panicking over unclear documents, symbolizing the chaos of poor construction specification writing.

Top 10 Construction Specification Writing Errors & Solutions

Construction specification writing might not be the sexiest part of architecture, but it’s absolutely critical to bringing your designs to life correctly. Despite its importance, most architects repeatedly make common mistakes when writing specifications—often because...

Group of people urgently exiting a burning building through a doorway, illustrating the importance of a clear means of egress during emergencies.

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...

Client happily demands a construction change order mid-project, while the architect and contractor react in stress and frustration over revised plans.

Construction Change Orders: Your Project’s Plot Twist

Construction change orders can make or break your project’s budget and timeline. This comprehensive guide explains what a change order in construction is, how it affects contract specifications, and walks you through the complete change...

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...

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...

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...

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...