ARE® Podcast

In this episode, David and Eric focus on the ARE PDD (Project Development & Documentation) exam, framing it as the construction documents phase in contrast to PPD’s schematic design and PA’s programming.

David and Eric discuss five tips for passing the programming and analysis (PA) division of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). They emphasize that PA is about evaluation, not design, and highlight the importance of using highlighting tools for long, wordy questions.

David and Eric discuss five tips for passing the programming and analysis (PA) division of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). They emphasize that PA is about evaluation, not design, and highlight the importance of using highlighting tools for long, wordy questions.

This episode, “The Identity Shift,” is for ARE candidates who are close to finishing but feel stuck or suddenly full of doubt. David reframes that experience as a normal transition from student to licensed architect, where imposter syndrome, fear of passing, and completion anxiety are signals of change—not failure.

This episode of the ARE podcast gives five key tips for passing the ARE Construction & Evaluation (CE) exam. The focus is on thinking like an architect under the AIA contracts, emphasizing standard of care, observation vs. construction, administrative procedures, question-reading strategy, and performance-focused closeout/post-occupancy work.

David discusses how to course correct after failing an ARE exam. He explains why one failed division shouldn’t create a negative narrative and reminds candidates that failure simply means retaking the exam.

If you’re studying for the ARE right now, this episode is for you. In this solo Tuesday episode, David shares why he’s resetting the ARE Podcast, what’s changing, and how this shift is designed to help you build clarity and consistency in your exam journey. Listen to the Audio Show Notes Why the Reset? The ARE Podcast began in 2014. There have been 81 episodes over 12 years. In 2025, only one episode was published. That lack of consistency sparked reflection. David shares openly that consistency has never been his strongest trait — and that it impacted his own ARE journey, which took seven years (back during ARE 3.0 with nine divisions). This reset is about correcting that pattern. Not just for the podcast — but for you. The Real Theme: Consistency Many candidates struggle with: Taking only one exam in a year Losing momentum after a failure Starting strong but drifting off track This episode draws a parallel between podcast consistency and exam consistency. Going forward, there will be two episodes per week: Tuesday: Solo episode (just you and David) Friday: Traditional episode with Eric What’s Changing? The produced intro is gone. No music. No 30-second commercial. No hype. Just direct conversation. The goal is efficiency and clarity. Tuesday episodes are one-on-one conversations — honest, direct, and focused on your journey. These episodes are about encouragement, professional mindset, and helping you stay consistent. Friday episodes continue with David and Eric discussing ARE topics, the profession, and industry trends — with even more clarity and efficiency. A Core Focus Moving Forward Thinking like a professional. This is not about memorizing technical facts. It’s about judgment, risk, ethics, process, standard of care, and protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public. The ARE is not testing whether you’re a student. It’s testing whether you can think like a licensed architect. That mindset shift will be a recurring theme in future Tuesday episodes. The 6-Month Commitment David’s commitment: A new Tuesday episode every week A Friday episode every week Your commitment: Take 3 exams in the next 6 months One exam every two months The same pacing taught inside AEP coaching Structured. Doable. Consistent. This reset isn’t about production value. It’s about rebuilding connection and helping you finish the ARE. If you’re in the process right now, you’re not alone. You can reach out directly at [email protected]. Have a consistent week. See you Tuesday. 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 help us spread the word about the ARE Podcast. Thanks!

In this episode, David and Eric break down what it really takes to pass the Architect Registration Exam (ARE) in 2026. They walk through the six ARE divisions, explain how to sequence exams for momentum, and outline a realistic study approach designed for busy professionals — not full-time students. This episode is about starting, building consistency, and treating the ARE like a professional process instead of an academic mountain to climb. Listen to the Audio Show Notes What you’ll learn in this episode A clear overview of the six ARE divisions: Practice Management (PcM) Project Management (PjM) Construction & Evaluation (CE) Programming & Analysis (PA) Project Planning & Design (PPD) Project Development & Documentation (PDD) Why the first three exams are often grouped as professional practice How the design-focused exams differ in scale and mindset Why consistency beats perfection when studying A realistic study rhythm: about 1 hour a day, 6 days a week Why retaking the same exam repeatedly often leads to worse results How taking a new exam every two months keeps momentum strong Why scheduling exams in advance changes your mindset and outcomes Key takeaways Don’t wait until you “feel ready” — readiness comes from motion Treat the ARE like a professional obligation, not a school test Daily, predictable study habits outperform long, irregular sessions Momentum matters more than any single exam result Recommended next steps Set up your NCARB Council Record and obtain authorization to test Schedule your first ARE exam for about six weeks out Map out all six exams across the year to create a clear roadmap Use reliable study resources to support consistency, not overwhelm 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 help us spread the word about the ARE Podcast. Thanks!

In this podcast, we discuss the idea of Where's Waldo and how we can better look for answers during the process of the ARE.

In this podcast, we discuss a frequently confusing and fuzzy topic, fire separation and the 4 types.

In this podcast, we discuss a frequent fuzzy topic, the difference between a control joint and an expansion joint. Listen to the Audio 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 help us spread the word about the ARE Podcast. Thanks!

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.  Listen to the Audio 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 help us spread the word about the ARE Podcast. Thanks!

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. Listen to the Audio 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 help us spread the word about the ARE Podcast. Thanks!

In this podcast, we introduce what we mean by a “fuzzy topic” and Plan Efficiency as our first of several planned Fuzzy Topic podcasts. Listen to the Audio 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 help us spread the word about the ARE Podcast. Thanks!

In this podcast, we discuss the ARE journey as a marathon and not a sprint. Listen to the Audio 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 help us spread the word about the ARE Podcast. Thanks!

In this podcast, we discuss a step by step plan for a two retake plan. 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 help us spread the word about the ARE Podcast. Thanks!

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

In this podcast, we discuss 9 tips to get your confidence back. 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 help us spread the word about the ARE Podcast. Thanks!

In this podcast, we discuss the use of the word “just” and the impression it leaves on others. 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 help us spread the word about the ARE Podcast. Thanks!

In this micro podcast, we discuss the traditional project delivery method of design bid build. 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 help us spread the word about the ARE Podcast. Thanks!

In this micro podcast, we discuss the common issue many candidates face and that is whether to round up or round down. 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 help us spread the word about the ARE Podcast. Thanks!

In this micro podcast, we discuss the common phenomenon known as imposter syndrome. 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 help us spread the word about the ARE Podcast. Thanks!

In this micro podcast, we discuss how candidates can successfully prepare for a retake. 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 help us spread the word about the ARE Podcast. Thanks!

In this micro podcast, we discuss why candidates often feel they missed it by one question. 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 help us spread the word about the ARE Podcast. Thanks!

In this micro podcast, we discuss whether our tendency to second guess our answers helps us or hurst us. 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 help us spread the word about the ARE Podcast. Thanks!

In this micro podcast, we discuss why there is no PA question. 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 help us spread the word about the ARE Podcast. Thanks!

In this micro podcast, we discuss the phenomenon known as “bombing the case studies”. 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 help us spread the word about the ARE Podcast. Thanks!

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 iTunes and write a review. It would really help us spread the word about the ARE Podcast. Thanks!

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 review. It would really help us spread the word about the ARE Podcast. Thanks!

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 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!

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 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!

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 write a review. It would really help us spread the word about the ARE Podcast. Thanks!

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 help us spread the word about the ARE Podcast. Thanks!

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 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!

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 statistic. 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 help us spread the word about the ARE Podcast. Thanks!

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 best strategies to tackle the case studies. 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 help us spread the word about the ARE Podcast. Thanks!

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 best strategies to make sure a lock out doesn’t happen to you. 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 help us spread the word about the ARE Podcast. Thanks!

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

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 a much more holistic approach. We’ve seen many candidates continue to look at these tests in a silo and fail to realize the relationship between all 6 exams. We dive in to how you can start looking at all 6 exams in a more holistic way. 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 help us spread the word about the ARE Podcast. Thanks!

We discuss Eric’s amazing proposal for the XPRIZE and how he wants to grow a building. Listen to the Audio 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 help us spread the word about the ARE Podcast. Thanks!

Eric recently competed in the prestigious XPRIZE Competition. Tune in as we discuss this once in a lifetime opportunity. Listen to the Audio 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 help us spread the word about the ARE Podcast. Thanks!

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. With that said, this is one of the most important episodes we have recorded to date. It’s the “Tough Love” episode. Listen to the Audio 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 help us spread the word about the ARE Podcast. Thanks!

David recently returned from an amazing two weeks in Nepal. He discusses his work with Trek Relief and raising money to rebuild a school in a rural village in Nepal, trekking in the Langtang Valley, and how you can get involved and learn to “travel with a purpose.” Listen to the Audio 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 help us spread the word about the ARE Podcast. Thanks!

Is your brain baggage keeping you from achieving your goal of passing the ARE? Join Eric and I as we discuss how our own cognitive bias may be holding us back from passing the ARE. Listen to the Audio 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 help us spread the word about the ARE Podcast. Thanks!

Think practicing without a license is a good idea? Think no one will find out? You might want to think again. Join Eric and I as we discuss the recent sentencing of an unlicensed individual who claimed to be an Architect. He’s been convicted of several felonies and is now going to jail. Listen to the Audio 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 help us spread the word about the ARE Podcast. Thanks!

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? Join Eric and I as we discuss Apple’s announcement this week about their new headquarters is the most green building in the world. Listen to the Audio Click to Watch Show Notes: Apple says its new headquarters is the greenest building in the world. Designed by Foster + Partners, known as the Spaceship. STATISTICS: 2.8 million square feet of office space over a 175 acres campus 1 mile circumference 2 miles of walking running paths $5 billion construction cost (+ $160 million cost for the land) more interior space than the Empire State Building clad in the world’s largest panels of curved glass planted more than 6,000 trees world’s largest naturally ventilated building require no heating or air conditioning for nine months of the year net zero energy with a 17 megawatt solar array LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (pending) 4 stories above ground – 3 below 4,400: number of hollow concrete slabs that act as the building’s floors, ceilings, and HVAC system 60,000: how much some of these slabs weigh, in pounds 800: number of parking spaces on North Tantau for the Steve Jobs Theater 2,600: number of parking spaces in the subterranean parking garage (6,000 spaces above ground) 1,000: on-site car-charging stations 1,500: number of bikes on campus for employees to use to get around 20,135: size of the North Tantau Avenue Visitor Center, in square feet 30: the inner part of the circular building, in acres Seven: number of cafes 3,000: how many people can be seated in the largest cafe, which is three levels 20,000: the size of the mezzanine, in square feet 1,750: number of seats on outdoor terraces 15,000: number of lunches that the on-site kitchens can crank out each day 58: height of the large doors on the main restaurant, in feet It’s a marvel of architecture, engineering and landscape architecture, but is it green? DETAILS: Apple is remarkably dedicated to minimizing car use among its employees. main Apple campus currently has a 28% transportation demand management rate, which means that 28 percent of employees at that campus use an alternate mode of transportation, other than a single-occupancy vehicle, to get to work hoping to ultimately see it rise to 34%. One third of workers are finding alternative methods to reach a suburban office park next to a major highway? The fire suppression systems come from yachts. Craftspeople harvested the wood paneling at the exact time of year the late Steve Jobs demanded—mid-winter—so the sap content wouldn’t be ruinously high. YouTube Drone Video IMPACTS: 11,000 Parking Spaces New headquarters will contain 3.4MM square feet of offices and laboratories. BUT:  the car parks will occupy 3.5MM square feet It’s 1.8 million square feet for the parking spaces alone How green can a building be if it forces its employees to drive to work? one space for every 1.35 projected employees. That is an insanely great parking ratio, if you love parking Audis and Porsches. In other green buildings i have admired, the ratio is 0 per employee from Lloyd Alter in Treehugger:  the average commute time in the area is 30 minutes and the average speed a roaring 14.3 MPH, and the average passenger-miles per gallon is 34.3. That crunches out to 6,300 gallons of gasoline per day, burned just getting all those apple engineers to and from work..  …there are bike lanes. For all the cyclists who can afford (or want) to live in Cupertino. SOURCES/FURTHER READING: One Thing Silicon Valley Can’t Seem to Fix Apple Park: How many cafes, parking spaces, bicycles … Apple Says Its New Headquarters Could Be the Greenest Building in the World. Not With 11,000 Parking Spaces! Tim Cook calls the new Apple headquarters “the greenest building on the planet”. It’s not. New Apple Park Drone Video Shows Off Steve Jobs Theater as Lobby Lights Up Houses Near Apple Park Met With Increased Tourism and Rising Real Estate Values What’s Wrong with Apple’s New Headquarters 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 help us spread the word about the ARE Podcast. Thanks!

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

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.

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.

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