Architect Exam Prep: Recent Episodes

Architect Exam Prep

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In this podcast, we discuss a frequent fuzzy topic, the difference between a control joint and an expansion joint.

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In this podcast, we discuss whether nuclear energy is making a comeback and the pros and cons of this carbon free energy source.

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In this podcast, we discuss a frequent fuzzy topic, albedo. Listen in as we discuss what albedo is and how best understand it and apply it in our practice as well as taking the ARE.

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In this podcast, we discuss the Stockdale Paradox which is a concept that involves having faith in the ability to prevail while also facing the harsh realities of the present and how this applies to our mindset during our ARE journey.

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Please rate us on iTunes!If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a review. It would really help us spread the word about the ARE Podcast. Thanks!

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In this podcast, we introduce what we mean by a “fuzzy topic” and Plan Efficiency as our first of several planned Fuzzy Topic podcasts.

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In this podcast, we discuss the ARE journey as a marathon and not a sprint.

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In this podcast, we discuss the only 3 ways to change the contract for construction using the Architects Supplemental Instruction, Change Order, and Construction Change Directive.

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In this podcast, we discuss a step by step plan for a two retake plan.

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In this podcast, we discuss the struggle that can come with telling extended family when it comes to gatherings.

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In this podcast, we discuss 9 tips to get your confidence back.

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In this podcast, we discuss the use of the word “just” and the impression it leaves on others.

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In this micro podcast, we discuss our fear of being afraid to ask questions and dive into the why behind it.

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In this micro podcast, we discuss the traditional project delivery method of design bid build.

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In this micro podcast, we discuss the common issue many candidates face and that is whether to round up or round down.

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In this micro podcast, we discuss the common phenomenon known as imposter syndrome.

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In this micro podcast, we discuss how candidates can successfully prepare for a retake.

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In this micro podcast, we discuss why candidates often feel they missed it by one question.

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In this micro podcast, we discuss whether our tendency to second guess our answers helps us or hurst us.

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In this micro podcast, we discuss why there is no PA question.

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In this micro podcast, we discuss the phenomenon known as “bombing the case studies”.

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In this micro podcast, we discuss the investment in your architecture career and education and ask the question “Is it worth it?”

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Please rate us on iTunes!If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a review. It would really help us spread the word about the ARE Podcast. Thanks!

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In this micro podcast, we discuss which side of the house the breakfast room should be located and the reasons behind it. Listen to the Audio Click to Watch  Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on iTunes! If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on [...]

The post Episode 56: What Side of the House Does the Breakfast Room Go On? appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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In this micro podcast, we discuss an old Cherokee story and the wisdom to be gained from it. Listen to the Audio Click to Watch  Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on iTunes! If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a [...]

The post Episode 55: Which Wolf Do You Feed appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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In this micro podcast, we discuss how studying is not like exercise. It requires a different mindset and strategy. Listen in as we discuss some tips that will benefit your study habits. Listen to the Audio Click to Watch  Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on [...]

The post Episode 54: Studying Is Not Like Exercise appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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In our Call Of the Week, we discuss Eric's conversation with a candidates about failing 5 years ago and walking away from the process and how she can get back on the horse. Listen to the Audio Click to Watch  Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us [...]

The post Episode 53: Call Of the Week: Failed 5 Years Ago appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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In this micro podcast, we discuss the strategies necessary in racking up as many points as possible on exam day. Listen to the Audio Click to Watch  Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on iTunes! If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and [...]

The post Episode 52: Rack Up As Many Points As Possible appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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In this micro podcast, we discuss the 5 top reasons you're failing the ARE®. Listen to the Audio Click to Watch  Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on iTunes! If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a review. It would really [...]

The post Episode 51: 5 Reasons You’re Failing the ARE® appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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In this micro podcast, we discuss how this entire process is designed to be hard. It's designed to test your meddle, to weed out those who don't really want it. Listen to the Audio Click to Watch  Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on iTunes! If [...]

The post Episode 50: They Make It Hard On Purpose appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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We deep dive in to NCARB's pass rate statistics to gain a better understanding of trends and the impact of retakes on the candidates' mental mindset. Bad news, you're doing worse on the retake and Eric and I discuss why that's happening and how you can adjust your strategy so you don't become part of [...]

The post Episode 49: NCARB Pass Rate Stats appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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The case studies have been a source of anxiety for candidates since 5.0 launched. They are a small part of the Exam process and we have found that many candidates put too much emphasis on the case studies. In other words, case studies rent too much space in your head! Listen in and find out [...]

The post Episode 48: Case Studies Are Just A Format appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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Eric and I discuss how you might be approaching the breaks all wrong. We continue to hear stories from candidates about getting locked out because they "just peeked" at the case study questions. Don't let this be you! There's no reason you should be getting locked out of questions. Listen in and find out the [...]

The post Episode 47: You’re Doing the Breaks All Wrong appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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Eric and I discuss the pros and cons of at home testing and 5 reasons why you should consider doing it (and 5 reasons you shouldn't do it). Listen to the Audio Click to Watch  Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Please rate us on iTunes! If you enjoyed [...]

The post Episode 46: At Home Testing: The Pros & Cons appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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Eric and I introduce a new "micro" podcast format in which we discuss specific topics in a short amount of time, typically 10-15 minutes. These episodes are hyper focused and easy to consume in a limited amount of time. Today's micro topic is about looking at all 6 tests in a different way and in [...]

The post Episode 45: You’ve Been Looking at These Tests All Wrong appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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We get into the details of the nitty gritty of Eric's XPRIZE experience and discuss how he wants to grow buildings, as in living, breathing buildings.

The post Episode 44: Eric Wants to Grow A Building – XPRIZE appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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Eric recently competed in the prestigious XPRIZE Competition. Tune in as we discuss this once in a lifetime opportunity.

The post Episode 43: Eric Competes for XPRIZE appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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Eric and I discuss 5 Things you should STOP doing right now. I already know we are going to hit on some nerves and not make everyone happy with this episode.

The post Episode 42: 5 Things to STOP Doing Right Now appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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David recently returned from an amazing two weeks in Nepal.

The post Episode 41: Trekking with a Purpose in Nepal appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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Join Eric and I as we discuss how our own cognitive bias may be holding us back from passing the ARE.

The post Episode 40: How Cognitive Bias is Keeping You From Passing the ARE appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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Think practicing without a license is a good idea? Think no one will find out? You might want to think again.

The post Episode 39: Not Really Architect Goes to Jail for Practicing Without a License appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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Apple announced this week that their new Apple campus in Cupertino, CA is the greenest building in the work. It's 3.5 million square feet of office and laboratory space. Green? Say what?

The post Episode 38: New Apple Campus is the Most Green Building in the World. Seriously? appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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Join Eric and I as we discuss what we've learned about 5.0 and the new challenges presented byt the new format.

The post Episode 37: What We’ve Learned From NCARB 5.0 appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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Join Eric and I as we discuss the idea of designing versus buying your own home as well as share our recent experiences with the home buying process.

The post Episode 36: Should An Architect Design or Buy Their Own Home? appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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Join Eric and I as we discuss how you can utilize your architecture training, degree, and experience to make the world a better place, one small step at a time.

The post Episode 35: How to Use Your Architecture Career to Make the World a Better Place appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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Should Contractors simply be treated as hired help or indentured servants? Or do they deserve the same respect as other building professionals?

The post Episode 34: Top 5 Things To Know: Working with Contractors appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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Are you thinking about striking out on your own? Wondering what it's like to work with clients?

The post Episode 33: 5 Key Concepts for Successful Client Relationships appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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What if YOU are the reason you’re not passing the ARE?

The post Episode 32: Get in the RIGHT Mindset to Pass the ARE! appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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Join Eric for a candid interview with Jared Zurn, Director of Examination as they discuss in depth topics related to 5.0. If you're taking 5.0, this is a must listen to episode.

The post Episode 31: A Candid Interview with Jared Zurn, NCARB Director of Examination appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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ARE 5.0 is here! And we're scared as hell! Okay, maybe not THAT scared, but we've learned you're worried so we put together the Top 5 Fears for 5.0 to help calm your nerves. We're back! Eric has been talking on the phone to a lot of you and we've been learning of your fears [...]

The post Episode 30: Top 5 Fears for 5.0 appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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There’s still time!!  Become eligible for ARE 4.0 by October 31, 2016 to take advantage of the 5.0 Transition Plan!! If you’ve heard of the transition plan from ARE 4.0 to 5.0, then you know if you play your cards strategically, you could finish the ARE’s in only 5 exams.  Since NCARB announced the launch [...]

The post ARE 4.0 Registration Deadline appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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Our choices of material selection might seem a minimal undertaking. But when you step back and look at the bigger picture, Architects can have a big impact on the environment simply by the material choices we make.

The post Episode 29: Healthy Buildings & Transparency appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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Although we may not realize until years after architecture school, the problem solving skills and the ability to endure criticism is a valuable life skill that few other educational programs are able to offer.

The post Episode 28: Architecture School As A Life Skill appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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The word “intern” usually brings to mind the image of a young kid, maybe still in college or just out, running around an office doing odd jobs, delivering coffee and working for very little to no money.

The post What’s in a name? For an intern, apparently a lot… appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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Eric spent an action packed two days with NCARB a couple of weeks ago to learn all about 5.0 including the new format and the 4.0 transition plan. Tune in as we discuss the highlights of what Eric learned over the two days.

The post Episode 27: 5.0 Insider Access – Eric Visits NCARB appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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If you’ve been following our blogs and podcasts recently, we’ve been talking about ARE 5.0 quite a bit. This change will be the first major overhaul of the ARE since 2008 so it’s important to be aware of the changes and find out the best way to make this change work to your advantage.

The post ARE 4.0 vs. ARE 5.0 – Should I stay or should I go? appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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Version 5.0 of the Architect’s Registration Exam (ARE) is being introduced at the end of 2016. After 20 years in service, the current version (ARE 4.0) will be retired after June 2018. While this is exciting news, it could also upset your carefully planned timeline to studying and passing.

The post The new ARE 5.0 exams: How does 7 exams for the price of 5 sound?! appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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A lot of buzz has been happening within the last couple of months about NCARB's new ARE 5.0 hitting the streets in late 2016. In this episode, we discuss the overview as well as a strategy to transition from 4.0 to 5.0 that includes taking only 5 of the new 6 exams.

The post Episode 26: NCARB Is Updating to ARE 5.0 [Podcast] appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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I’m sure you have likely heard by now that NCARB will be rolling out a brand new ARE 5.0 sometime later this year (if you haven’t heard this news, stick around, it will be a hot topic this month!).

The post ARE 5.0 Overview – Change Is Coming appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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Early on in my journey to become licensed, I had several people ask me “why do you want to be an architect?” For me, the answer was simple – it’s what I’ve always wanted to do. I knew from the time I was about 11 years old that this was my career path, so I did everything I could to make sure I’d see that dream come to fruition.

The post What’s Your Motivation? appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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It's that time of year to look back on where you've been and look forward to where you want to go. The best way to look ahead is create clear and actionable goals. We discuss how to identify and set goals and help you put steps in place to make sure 2016 is a smashing success!

The post Episode 25: Goal Setting For Young Architects [Podcast] appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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The New Year is a good reminder to set and review your goals. A successful career in Architecture doesn’t happen by luck or by chance. It requires a clear vision of what you want, setting tangible goals, and then assigning tasks to work toward those goals. There are 168 hours in a week. Assuming you sleep 7 hours a night (and you should), that leaves around 119 hours.

The post Goal Setting Tips for Young Architects appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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It’s that time of year again. Time to look towards the New Year as a fresh start, a clean slate, and a new beginning. Tradition tells us we should make a list of everything we want to change about ourselves and our lives and make a resolution to follow through in the New Year, to make this year better than the last.

The post Make a New Year’s Resolution… to become licensed! appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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Maybe you're not able to find a full time job. Or maybe you're looking for a change. Whatever your reason, you might want to consider a new role as a Consultant. You can become a valuable asset to several firms at one time and add more variety to your workload. It could be an alternative [...]

The post Episode 24: Have You Ever Considered Becoming A Consultant? [Podcast] appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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We are productivity nerds. In fact, if you’re reading this, you probably are as well. Any professional that takes their work seriously would naturally want to find new tools and software to help them do their job faster and to remove repetition from their day. So we’ve put together a list of our best kept secrets that put more time back into our day and free us up to focus on more important things: like design!

The post Our 18 Favorite Productivity Tools For Architects appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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At some point in our young architecture careers, we will be faced with an opportunity to moonlight. It may come from mom or dad, a cousin, or long lost relative. When you're in architecture, word travels among your family and you'll soon hear from Uncle Al who needs a new deck designed. But the question is, should you do it?

The post Episode 23: Moonlighting: Is It For You? [Podcast] appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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The second vignette for the Schematic Design exam, administered by NCARB, is the Building Layout vignette.  For this vignette, you will need to layout spaces within a building based on the required adjacency, views and level requirements of the program. It is fairly easy to say of all the NCARB vignettes, this is the one [...]

The post 5 Must Know Tips For the Building Layout Vignette SD appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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For some of us, becoming an Architect is something we have envisioned since we were beginning to walk. For others, we don't realize it until later in life. Becoming an Architect can be one of the most rewarding experiences in your life.

The post Episode 22: So You Wanna Be An Architect? Here’s Your Roadmap [Podcast] appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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Asking for more money can be a stressful and awkward experience.  In fact, nearly two-thirds of employees don’t ask for a raise (instead they just wait for it to happen).  But by not asking for a raise, you could be hurting your career, as well as your financial future. As architects, we don’t make as much [...]

The post How to ask your Boss for a raise (or to pay for your ARE Exams) appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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It can be quite daunting when we start our first job in a real architecture firm. There's people running around and we're not quite sure what they do. But we don't have to remain in the dark any longer.

The post Episode 21: What Are The Main Job Titles In An Architecture Firm? [Podcast] appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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Passing the California Supplemental Exam is a major accomplishment. Us mere mortals require years of studying and practice before we even begin to conjure up the confidence to "sit" for the exam. But Rosannah did it at 23 years old. Wow.

The post Episode 20: I’m 23 and Passed the CSE (and the ARE)! [Podcast] appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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The first vignette for the Schematic Design exam, administered by NCARB, is the Interior Layout vignette. For this vignette, you will need to layout an interior space with furniture, partition walls and doors.

The post 5 Tips To Improve Your SD Interior Layout appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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Deciding between working in a small firm versus a big firm is always a difficult choice, especially when we only have experience in one and not really sure how the other one works. How do you know if you should make the switch?

The post Episode 19: Is Working In A Big Firm Better Than Working In A Small Firm? [Podcast] appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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Preparing for the Architect Registration Exam is a difficult undertaking. We need tools that will us understand this process better and give us an edge on exam day. One of the best tools you can have is a better understanding of your Personality Type. Yup, it's time to get to know YOU!

The post Episode 18: Understanding Your Personality Type and How It Affects Your ARE Experience [Podcast] appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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The final vignette for the Building Design & Construction Systems exam, administered by NCARB, is the Roof Layout vignette. For this vignette, you will need to layout a roof plan showing all the elements required by the program.

The post 5 Tips You Need To Know For The Roof Layout Vignette appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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Continuing on in the Building Design & Construction Systems exam administered by NCARB, next we will discuss the Stair Layout vignette. For this vignette, you will need to connect three levels in a building with a stair that meets the program requirements.

The post 5 Awesome Tips For the Stair Layout Vignette appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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Charlie Klecha, President of aias.org recently took all 7 Exams for the Architect Registration Exam in 7 days as the culmination of his 7 in 7 campaign came to a close. Let's find out how he did. We are excited to be joined again by Charlie Klecha @charliechuck, President of AIAS, to discuss the 7 in 7 campaign and find out his results. You'll be amazed at what he accomplished in so little time.

The post Episode 17: Taking the ARE: 7 PASSES in 7 Days. For Real? [Podcast] appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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Mustering up the motivation and courage to take just one of the divisions of Architect Registration Exam can seem daunting. But what if you decided to take all 7 divisions in 7 days? We are excited to be joined by Charlie Klecha @charliechuck, President of AIAS, to discuss the 7 in 7 campaign and find out if he is really nuts in attempting to take all 7 divisions of the ARE in 7 days.

The post Episode 16: Taking the ARE: 7 Exams In 7 Days, Completely Nuts? [Podcast] appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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The Building Design & Construction Systems division is one I consider to be a "cumulative" exam because it touches on a lot of topics from the other 6 AREs. In addition to a very broad range of questions in the multiple choice portion, there are THREE vignettes, the most of all the 7 exams.  First, [...]

The post 5 Cool Tips for the Accessibility Ramp Layout Vignette appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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The Building Systems exam covers a lot of topics that you may not be very familiar with if you are early in your architectural career. Thankfully, the Mechanical and Electrical Layout Vignette for the Building Systems exam is the exception. Like the other NCARB vignettes, no prior working experience is necessary in order to complete this [...]

The post 5 Top Tips For the Mechanical and Electrical Vignette appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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The here are two vignettes in the Site Planing & Design exam - Site Design and Site Grading.  Here we will cover what you should keep in mind for the Site Grading vignette. For this vignette, you will need to grade the topography around a site element that you will place on the site. This top [...]

The post 5 Incredible Tips For the Site Grading Vignette – SPD appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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Becoming a valuable employee is an important goal for those of us who want to advance our career. But how do I get there? How do I stand out from the crowd? Eric and I discuss 10 tips to help you become a more valuable employee. It's important to embrace these 10 tips to help you stand out from your peers and there's a pretty good chance your peers are too lazy to embrace all 10. So be sure to seize the opportunity!

The post Episode 15: 10 Tips To Become A More Valuable Employee [Podcast] appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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Ecology is the study of natural systems and how organisms relate to their physical surroundings. So what the heck does that have to do with architecture and why should I care? Eric and I discuss what exactly ecology is and the benefits of teaching it in architecture school. We also discuss how it is a basic fundamental understanding of the way nature works and why it is beneficial to architects to better understand the core principles.

The post Episode 14: Should Architecture Schools Teach Ecology? [Podcast] appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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The Structural Systems exam can be daunting - but on the plus side there is only one vignette to solve.  The Structural Layout vignette is fairly straight forward and should have a straight forward, simple solution to match. For this vignette, you will need to design the layout for the structural system of a simple building [...]

The post 5 Super Duper Tips for the Structural Layout Vignette – SS appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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You're in the process of looking for your first real job in an architecture office. You're nervous and may have a feeling of being overwhelmed at the whole process. Well have no fear, Eric and I are here to share our thoughts and experiences, both as an employee and an employer. Eric and I each have over 25 years of experience (that's 50 years for the math wizards) in the architecture profession and we have both been on the side of the employee trying to get the job and the employer having to sift through a pile of resumes to find qualified candidates. We discuss 8 Tips that will help you land your first real architecture job.

The post Episode 13: 8 Tips To Help You Land Your First Job In An Architecture Firm [Podcast] appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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It's been a long road for you to get to this point. And you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. These 7 Steps will help you finalize your road map as you head into the homestretch for taking and completing the Architect Registration Exam. Links mentioned in this Video Tip STEP [...]

The post 7 Steps On Your Final Road To Licensure appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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For Construction Documents & Services, one of the seven divisions of the Architect Registration Exam administered by NCARB, you are only required to complete one vignette – the Building Section vignette.  However, much like the Site Zoning vignette in Programming, Planning and Practice, this vignette has only ONE correct solution, so pay attention! In the Building Section [...]

The post 5 Awesome Tips For the Building Section Vignette – CDS appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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Our very own, Eric Corey Freed made a major career move recently and began working with the Living Future Institute because, well, he wants to live in the future. Eric made a major career move last September which also brought him to Portland Oregon. He is now working on what he considers his dream job at the Living Future Institute and heavily involved in the Living Building Challenge. We discuss the benefits of the Living Building Challenge and how there is nothing else like it.

The post Episode 12: Living Building Challenge [Podcast] appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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The Programming, Planning and Practice exam, part of Architect Registration Exam has only one vignette to solve – the Site Zoning vignette.  There is one key thing to remember when going in to this exam… this vignette has only ONE correct solution, so pay attention! In the Site Zoning Vignette, you will be required to [...]

The post 5 Important Tips For the Site Zoning Vignette – PPP appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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Architects should be well versed in public speaking as it is another tool that allows us to communicate our ideas to others. It allows us to reach out and inspire our clients and the general public. But we don't always say the smartest things. Eric and I discuss some popular (not necessarily in a good way) quotes that Architects said in 2014 based on an article published by Dezeen magazine. We've selected a couple of our favorites and discussed them in this episode.

The post Episode 11: Architect Quotes of 2014 [Podcast] appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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We recently wrote a post and grouped the exams into the Easier and Harder Exams. We've previously taken a deeper look at the 3 "Easier Exams" and today, we're going to take a look at the 3 "Harder Exams" for the Architect Registration Exam. When deciding upon your approach to the AREs, one thing to consider [...]

The post A Look At the 3 "Harder" Exams for the Architect Registration Exam appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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NCARB just made a major announcement in regards to the ARE. They are reducing the retake period from 6 months down to 60 days! This is not a joke. I repeat, this is not a joke. NCARB has officially announced they will be reducing the current 6 month wait period for retaking a failed exam [...]

The post 5 Reasons Why NCARB’s New 60 Day Retake Rule Is a Game Changer appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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We've all felt the urge at one time or another to say "screw this job I'm going out on my own." But without a carefully laid out plan and clear vision of what lies ahead, we could be doomed before we get started. That's why we interviewed Mark R. LePage, the Entrepreneur Architect to avoid all of those mistakes.

The post Episode 10: How To Become An Entrepreneur Architect [Podcast] appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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So you wanna be a Rock Star. You're ready to enroll in IDP AND start taking the Architect Registration Exam simultaneously. Bravo! But wait... Most candidates assume they must complete their IDP (Intern Development Program administered by NCARB) before they can sit for the Architect Registration Exam (ARE). But wouldn’t it be great if you [...]

The post Do I need to complete IDP before I can sit for the ARE? appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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The use of the term "Architect" has garnered a lot of attention lately. Some say it's misused, others say Architects are too protective of the term and should focus on issues that matter. We've put together a panel for today's discussion including Stephen Hopkins, a recovering Architect, Brandon Kent, a designer in San Francisco, Evan Troxel, host of Archispeak Podcast, and our own Eric Corey Freed. We discuss Stephen and Brandon's article called "Daniel Libeskind is No Architect." We also discuss the legalities of practicing architecture and the perception of the word Architect in global marketplace.

The post Episode 9: So You Wanna Call Yourself an Architect? [Podcast] appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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There was an article published a few months ago called "Why I Left the Architecture Profession" that started a bit of controversy in the architecture community. Is there merit in the article? Or is it all hogwash? We discuss the article written by Christine Outram that appeared in archdaily last fall called "Why I Left The Architecture Profession."

The post Episode 8: Dear Christine, The Profession Of Architecture Doesn’t Suck [Podcast] appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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Get all of your ducks in a row before the big day of taking an Exam for the Architect Registration Exam. In this video, I talk about the most important "duck" to have lined up before arriving at the Testing Center.  Please Subscribe To Our YouTube Channel Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Click [...]

The post Be Sure To Bring a Valid ID to the Testing Center appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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We've all seen how Architects are portrayed by Hollywood, and in many cases it amounts to a superficial brush stroke at best. But is that the case for all of the portrayals? In this episode, Eric and I discuss a few movies that feature Architects in starring roles and we also discuss whether the role of the Architect is central to the story.

The post Episode 7: Architect Stereotypes in the Movies [Podcast] appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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A few months ago we took a look at all 7 Exams of the Architect Registration Exam and I grouped them into Easier and Harder Exams. Today, we're going to take a closer look at the 3 "Easier" Exams. The "Easier" Exams consist of: 1. SPD - Site Planning and Design 2. PPP - Programming, [...]

The post A Look At the 3 "Easier" Exams for the Architect Registration Exam appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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Goal setting is very important for those of us who want to accomplish great things. It's a great time to set your goals to help you become a Licensed Architect in 2014. And we're here to help you achieve your goals!

The post Episode 6: Goal Setting to Help You Pass the Architect Registration Exam [Podcast] appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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Greenbuild is the biggest event of the year for many in the green building space. Our very own, Eric Corey Freed had the opportunity of speaking in front of more than 600 people. And he was awesome! In this episode, Eric and I discuss his recent trip to GreenBuild 2013 in Philadelphia.

The post Episode 5: What Happens At Greenbuild, Stays At Greenbuild. Or Does It? [Podcast] appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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A few weeks ago, we talked about all 7 divisions of the Architect Registration Exam on the ARE podcast including which order we recommend you take the exams. Today, I'd like to take a look at grouping the exams and make a recommendation on which ones to start first. When I took the ARE some [...]

The post Want To Understand The 7 Exams Better For the ARE? Group Them. appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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Let's face it. Architects are, by nature, a strange breed and some would consider us an odd sort of creature. Some would even go so far as to write an article about dating an architect, as if it would be a strange experience. On second thought, maybe it would be. In this episode, Eric and [...]

The post Episode 4: Discussion of 9 Things They Don’t Tell You About Dating An Architect [Podcast] appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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Site Design is one of the graphic vignettes in the Site Planning and Design Division of the Architect Registration Exam. Knowing exactly what to look for and practicing solutions before walking into the exam room are keys to passing this exam.  In the Site Design Vignette, you will be required to follow the program and lay out [...]

The post 5 Awesome Tips For the Site Design Vignette appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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The Intern Development Program administered by NCARB is the foundation of starting your architectural career off on the right foot. It's not only your road map for success, but it is also your leverage to prevent your boss from keeping you chained to your desk for three years.

The post Episode 3: 6 Tips For IDP Success [Podcast] appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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In Site Planning and Design, one of the 7 divisions that make up the Architect Registration Exam, you will be required to complete two vignettes, Site Grading and Site Design. Let's take a look at the first vignette, Site Grading.  In the Site Grading vignette, you will be required to properly grade a site around [...]

The post 5 Tips for Success with the Site Grading Vignette appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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Having a plan is crucial to achieving success. Understanding how each division of the Architect Registration Exam relates to the big picture is your first step in creating your plan.

The post Episode 2: Overview of the ARE, What Order Should I Take The Exams? [Podcast] appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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This week, NCARB announced that candidates can now sit for exams in London or Abu Dhabi. You can read their full announcement here.   They also state in the article that they are actively pursuing locations in China. You may be wondering, why would NCARB be working so hard to let people take the exam overseas? [...]

The post NCARB Announces Testing Centers Abroad, But Why? appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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Whoop! Whoop! It's the launch of the ARE podcast, the only podcast dedicated to inspiring and motivating you to help you successfully prepare for and pass the Architect Registration Exam. It's showtime!!!

The post Episode 1: ARE Podcast is Launched! [Podcast] appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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With over a year of development, 27 drafts, 43 meetings, 807 texts and thousands of emails, I am thrilled to announce the launch of both Architect Exam Prep and our premiere product Ultimate Whole Enchilada – SPD.  I know I am biased, but I think it is hands down the best collection of study materials [...]

The post Thrilled to Launch! appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.

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Welcome to the ArchitectExamPrep.com website! I am thrilled to be announcing the launch of this website and Architect Exam Prep.  I created Architect Exam Prep along with my co-founders and fellow architects, Eric Corey Freed and Aubrey Burrachio. We have been working together for over a year putting all the pieces together and the journey [...]

The post Welcome to the Inaugural Post For Architect Exam Prep appeared first on Architect Exam Prep.