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.
The ARE technical exams (PA, PPD, and PDD) test your ability to define, design, and document a building project. This guide breaks down what each exam actually covers, how they connect, and why understanding...
When you open a set of specifications, you probably flip straight to the division you care about. Concrete? Division 03. Steel? Division 05. Finishes? Division 09. But general requirements, the very first division in...
Plumbing valves are one of those topics that sounds intimidating until someone actually breaks it down. Whether you’re studying for the ARE, preparing for the CDT, or just trying to understand the different types...
Building acoustics is one of those topics that affects every person inside a building, but most architects don’t think about it until something goes wrong. This guide breaks down everything you need to know...
Understanding the difference between a control joint vs expansion joint is one of those things that trips up almost everyone. This guide breaks down all four joint types, expansion joints, control joints, isolation joints,...
Construction cost estimates are essential tools that help architects provide accurate budget guidance and make smart design decisions throughout every project phase. These estimates evolve from broad conceptual estimates with 25-50% accuracy to precise...
Understanding concrete slab types is one of those topics that shows up constantly on the ARE and trips up a lot of candidates. This guide breaks down six structural systems, from one-way solid slabs...
Fire rated walls are tested and certified wall assemblies specifically designed to resist fire and heat for a certain time period. Built with fire rated drywall like Type X gypsum board, these fire rated wall...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Choosing the right ARE 5.0 test order can save you hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars in retakes. The sequence you choose isn’t just about convenience – it’s about building the foundation knowledge...