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Send us a text In this episode, we focus on understanding and answering a challenging ARE 5.0 question about passive cooling design strategies for a public library in Arizona. The discussion delves into the importance of thermal mass and how different structural systems impact passive cooling. Listeners are encouraged to carefully consider the material properties and their application in real-world scenarios to enhance their design thinking and exam preparation. 00:00 Introduction and Purpose 00:47 Coaching Highlight: Passive Design Principles 01:09 Analyzing Structural Systems for Passive Cooling 01:47 Thermal Mass and Its Importance 02:17 Eliminating Options 02:48 Concrete vs. Wood for Thermal Mass 04:00 Conclusion and Key Takeaways The ABC Club: Join our top ARE resource that's helping thousands of people pass their exams Our free ARE Community is NOW LIVE! Join us today. Sign up HERE. Mind Over ARE is now part of ABC Club Premium! That means you can join us inside our signature program today! Click here to get started. Starting the ARE®? START HERE + ARE Resource Guide FREE download Bring back the FUN in studying architecture + ARE Activity Book Top Tips to PASS the ARE® + 31 Best ARE Tips FREE download FAILING the exams and don't know why? Download the workbook below + FREE Breakthrough Toolkit Workbook Find out more about BYoung Design here Find all my recommended products here Get all our free ARE Resources here Want more? Go HERE If you enj...

Send us a text Join Bryn in this audio recap from a live 'Mind Over ARE' coaching call led by Head Coach Shikha. This deep dive is designed to give you strategic insights on tackling ARE 5.0 questions, focusing on understanding the 'why' behind the questions, not just the right answers. In this episode, discover how to think like the NCARB, recognize important phrasing, and identify key concepts like continuous insulation and thermal bridging in architecture. Learn valuable strategies on how to parse questions efficiently, an essential skill not only for exams but also in everyday complex information processing. Hear real examples from coaching sessions and get motivated to pass your next architecture exam! 00:00 Introduction to the Audio Recap 00:26 Deep Dive into Strategic Thinking 01:39 Understanding the Practice Question 02:11 Analyzing the Answer Choices 04:46 Test Strategy Insights 10:10 Conclusion and Further Resources The ABC Club: Join our top ARE resource that's helping thousands of people pass their exams Our free ARE Community is NOW LIVE! Join us today. Sign up HERE. Mind Over ARE is now part of ABC Club Premium! That means you can join us inside our signature program today! Click here to get started. Starting the ARE®? START HERE + ARE Resource Guide FREE download Bring back the FUN in studying architecture + ARE Activity Book Top Tips to PASS the ARE® + 31 Best ARE Tips FREE download FAILING the exams and don't know why? Download the workbook below + FREE Breakthrough Toolkit Workbook Find out more about BYoung Design here Find all my recommended products here Get all our free ARE Resources here Want more? Go HERE If you enj...

Send us a text In this episode, we dive into a classic ARE 5.0 Practice Management (PcM) practice question on top-down budgeting. Using a real-world style scenario, we break down step by step how to calculate a project’s labor budget from construction costs, gross fee, consultant fees, and contingency. You’ll learn: How to calculate gross fee as a percentage of construction costWhy consultant fees are taken from the gross fee (not the construction cost)How contingency and direct expenses factor into the calculationHow to arrive at the final labor budget available for staffing and project phasesWhere to find the formula in the Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice (AHPP Table 10.4)This breakdown is critical for the ARE 5.0 PcM exam, but it’s also directly applicable in real-world firm management when setting fees and allocating resources. The ABC Club: Join our top ARE resource that's helping thousands of people pass their exams Our free ARE Community is NOW LIVE! Join us today. Sign up HERE. Mind Over ARE is now part of ABC Club Premium! That means you can join us inside our signature program today! Click here to get started. Starting the ARE®? START HERE + ARE Resource Guide FREE download Bring back the FUN in studying architecture + ARE Activity Book Top Tips to PASS the ARE® + 31 Best ARE Tips FREE download FAILING the exams and don't know why? Download the workbook below + FREE Breakthrough Toolkit Workbook Find out more about BYoung Design here Find all my recommended products here Get all our free ARE Resources here Want more? Go HERE If you enj...

Send us a text In this special episode, we go into the complexities of Floor Area Ratio (FAR). Derived from a live Mind Over ARE coaching call, this recap offers crucial insights for navigating the ARE 5.0 exam and understanding key architectural concepts. The episode explores the significance of FAR in architectural practice, provides practical examples, and discusses how FAR impacts design feasibility, zoning regulations, and city planning. This session aims to transform a potential stumbling block into a definitive strength, equipping listeners with the knowledge to confidently tackle FAR-related questions in their exams and professional practice. 00:00 Introduction to the Audio Recap 00:59 Understanding Floor Area Ratio (FAR) 01:46 Practical Application: Chicago Example 03:11 Importance of FAR in Urban Planning 05:51 Advanced Concepts and Economic Implications 07:45 Conclusion and Invitation to keep going The ABC Club: Join our top ARE resource that's helping thousands of people pass their exams Our free ARE Community is NOW LIVE! Join us today. Sign up HERE. Mind Over ARE is now part of ABC Club Premium! That means you can join us inside our signature program today! Click here to get started. Starting the ARE®? START HERE + ARE Resource Guide FREE download Bring back the FUN in studying architecture + ARE Activity Book Top Tips to PASS the ARE® + 31 Best ARE Tips FREE download FAILING the exams and don't know why? Download the workbook below + FREE Breakthrough Toolkit Workbook Find out more about BYoung Design here Find all my recommended products here Get all our free ARE Resources here Want more? Go HERE If you enj...

Send us a text In this Coaching Highlight from our Mind Over ARE sessions (inside ABC Club Premium), we tackle a classic ARE 5.0 Practice Management (PcM) question: 👉 How do architects calculate fees — and what’s the difference between top-down budgeting, bottom-up budgeting, not-to-exceed hourly, and fixed fee? These terms show up all the time in both the exam and real practice. In this episode, we break down: Top-Down Budgeting – starting with a gross fee and distributing it across phasesBottom-Up Budgeting – calculating actual staffing hours × hourly ratesNot-to-Exceed Hourly – billing by the hour with a contractual capFixed Fee (Lump Sum) – set fee tied to a clearly defined scopeWe also discuss how firms blend these methods in practice, and why understanding them is critical for passing PcM and for long-term success in managing projects and communicating value to clients. This is just a small preview of what you’ll find in our Mind Over ARE coaching calls — live study sessions, replays, and searchable Coaching Highlights, all available inside ABC Club Premium. The ABC Club: Join our top ARE resource that's helping thousands of people pass their exams Our free ARE Community is NOW LIVE! Join us today. Sign up HERE. Mind Over ARE is now part of ABC Club Premium! That means you can join us inside our signature program today! Click here to get started. Starting the ARE®? START HERE + ARE Resource Guide FREE download Bring back the FUN in studying architecture + ARE Activity Book Top Tips to PASS the ARE® + 31 Best ARE Tips FREE download FAILING the exams and don't know why? Download the workbook below + FREE Breakthrough Toolkit Workbook Find out more about BYoung Design here Find all my recommended products here Get all our free ARE Resources here Want more? Go HERE If you enj...

Send us a text In this episode, Bryn shares a coaching highlight from the ABC Club Premium coaching calls. Head coach Shikha dives into a crucial topic: selecting the optimal structural system for fast construction in dense urban settings. She breaks down common missteps with common materials and why one is more ideal than the others. Materials discussed: precast concrete, cast-in-place concrete, heavy timber framing, and steel framing with metal decking. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the specific context and constraints of exam questions, offering insights into efficient problem-solving for the ARE 5.0 and real-world architectural practice. 00:00 Introduction to the Audio Recap 01:00 Understanding Structural Systems in Dense Urban Environments 01:51 Analyzing Common Structural Choices 03:16 The Best Structural System for Speed 03:55 Key Takeaways and Exam Tips 04:46 How to join the ABC Club Premium The ABC Club: Join our top ARE resource that's helping thousands of people pass their exams Our free ARE Community is NOW LIVE! Join us today. Sign up HERE. Mind Over ARE is now part of ABC Club Premium! That means you can join us inside our signature program today! Click here to get started. Starting the ARE®? START HERE + ARE Resource Guide FREE download Bring back the FUN in studying architecture + ARE Activity Book Top Tips to PASS the ARE® + 31 Best ARE Tips FREE download FAILING the exams and don't know why? Download the workbook below + FREE Breakthrough Toolkit Workbook Find out more about BYoung Design here Find all my recommended products here Get all our free ARE Resources here Want more? Go HERE If you enj...

Send us a text Let's uncover the nuances of ARE 5.0 scoring. Discover how to decode your NCARB score report and optimize your preparation by understanding the scoring criteria, and leverage free tools like the ARE 5.0 Score Calculator.  Bryn also discusses the importance of the cut score, the significance of section percentages, and how NCARB ensures the fairness of exams. Get practical tips and strategies to boost your study efficiency and ensure you’re well-prepared for success.  Stay tuned for exclusive resources and insights from the ABC Club community. Don’t forget to subscribe for more updates and connect with us for any questions! 00:00 Welcome to Design Create Inspire 00:34 Understanding the ARE 5.0 Scoring 03:41 Decoding the NCARB Score Report 12:05 Using the ARE 5.0 Score Calculator 14:46 Additional Resources and Support 15:50 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Make sure to try our FREE ARE 5.0 Score Calculator for ROI insights: https://dci.byoungdesign.com/are-5-0-score-calculator No signup needed! 🎙️ Feedback: Try it and let us know: what’s easy/hard to use? Any bugs? Feature ideas? Love the ROI ranking? Episode Blog Post: https://dci.byoungdesign.com/blog/are-5-0-scoring-guide The ABC Club: Join our top ARE resource that's helping thousands of people pass their exams Our free ARE Community is NOW LIVE! Join us today. Sign up HERE. Mind Over ARE is now part of ABC Club Premium! That means you can join us inside our signature program today! Click here to get started. Starting the ARE®? START HERE + ARE Resource Guide FREE download Bring back the FUN in studying architecture + ARE Activity Book Top Tips to PASS the ARE® + 31 Best ARE Tips FREE download FAILING the exams and don't know why? Download the workbook below + FREE Breakthrough Toolkit Workbook Find out more about BYoung Design here Find all my recommended products here Get all our free ARE Resources here Want more? Go HERE If you enj...

Send us a text In this Coaching Highlight from our Mind Over ARE sessions (inside ABC Club Premium), we unpack a core financial concept that shows up on the ARE 5.0 Practice Management (PcM) exam and in everyday firm life: the utilization ratio. So what is it really measuring? Why does NCARB care about it? And how does it shape the way firms allocate time, staff, and resources? In this episode, we’ll cover: What utilization ratio actually means in an architecture firmCommon misconceptions about what “billable time” really includesHow NCARB frames this concept on the ARE 5.0 examThe difference between a principal’s utilization ratio vs. a project architect’sWhy this metric matters for profitability, staffing, and your own career pathYou’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of the financial heartbeat of an architecture firm, plus a clear framework for how to approach utilization ratio questions on the exam. This is just one example of the practical insights you’ll find inside ABC Club Premium, where you’ll get access to live coaching calls, replays, and a full searchable library of Coaching Highlights like this one. The ABC Club: Join our top ARE resource that's helping thousands of people pass their exams Our free ARE Community is NOW LIVE! Join us today. Sign up HERE. Mind Over ARE is now part of ABC Club Premium! That means you can join us inside our signature program today! Click here to get started. Starting the ARE®? START HERE + ARE Resource Guide FREE download Bring back the FUN in studying architecture + ARE Activity Book Top Tips to PASS the ARE® + 31 Best ARE Tips FREE download FAILING the exams and don't know why? Download the workbook below + FREE Breakthrough Toolkit Workbook Find out more about BYoung Design here Find all my recommended products here Get all our free ARE Resources here Want more? Go HERE If you enj...

Send us a text Join us for an essential audio recap from a mind over ARE coaching call designed to provide aspiring architects with bite-sized takeaways and motivation for the ARE 5.0 exam. This episode offers a deep dive into a fundamental ARE practice question on setback calculations, breaking down core concepts step-by-step. Beyond the technical details, discover the crucial psychological strategies for trusting your knowledge and managing exam pressure. Tune in to learn how to blend solid preparation with confidence, and understand the powerful insights offered by the Mind Over ARE coaching community. 00:00 Introduction to the Audio Recap 01:20 Understanding Setback Calculations 04:07 The Importance of Mindset in Exam Preparation 07:45 Practical and Psychological Takeaways 09:35 Conclusion The ABC Club: Join our top ARE resource that's helping thousands of people pass their exams Our free ARE Community is NOW LIVE! Join us today. Sign up HERE. Mind Over ARE is now part of ABC Club Premium! That means you can join us inside our signature program today! Click here to get started. Starting the ARE®? START HERE + ARE Resource Guide FREE download Bring back the FUN in studying architecture + ARE Activity Book Top Tips to PASS the ARE® + 31 Best ARE Tips FREE download FAILING the exams and don't know why? Download the workbook below + FREE Breakthrough Toolkit Workbook Find out more about BYoung Design here Find all my recommended products here Get all our free ARE Resources here Want more? Go HERE If you enj...

Send us a text In this episode, we tackle a famous ARE 5.0 Construction & Evaluation (CE) practice question that also connects to PjM and PDD. The scenario? A high-profile client (yes, Cardi B!) who cares most about schedule and design quality — with no concern about cost. Which fee structure is the right fit: GMP, stipulated sum, cost-plus-fixed-fee, or negotiated sum? Head Coach Shikha breaks down the nuances of: Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) – when cost certainty drives the contractStipulated Sum – fixed fee based on a clearly defined scopeNegotiated Sum – comparing contractor bids through negotiationCost-Plus-Fixed-Fee – how it balances risk, flexibility, and incentives for faster deliveryYou’ll also hear how NCARB tests this concept across multiple divisions and why mastering the Architect’s Handbook charts on project delivery methods, cost, and risk is key for exam success. Whether you’re preparing for the ARE 5.0 CE exam or want to better understand how different fee structures impact real projects, this deep dive gives you the clarity and practical examples you need. 👉 For more support, live coaching, and full access to searchable ARE coaching highlights, check out ABC Club Premium. The ABC Club: Join our top ARE resource that's helping thousands of people pass their exams Our free ARE Community is NOW LIVE! Join us today. Sign up HERE. Mind Over ARE is now part of ABC Club Premium! That means you can join us inside our signature program today! Click here to get started. Starting the ARE®? START HERE + ARE Resource Guide FREE download Bring back the FUN in studying architecture + ARE Activity Book Top Tips to PASS the ARE® + 31 Best ARE Tips FREE download FAILING the exams and don't know why? Download the workbook below + FREE Breakthrough Toolkit Workbook Find out more about BYoung Design here Find all my recommended products here Get all our free ARE Resources here Want more? Go HERE If you enj...

Send us a text Explore insights from live coaching calls and learn how to navigate and solve complex, multi-layered exam questions. This episode focuses on crucial skills like calculating building efficiency and understanding the importance of all constraints. Perfect for aspiring architects aiming to PASS the Architecture Registration Examination (ARE 5.0) PA or PPD divisions. 00:00 Introduction to the Deep Dive 00:26 Decoding Tricky Exam Questions 00:58 Understanding the ARE 5.0 Exam 01:40 Library Design Scenario Breakdown 04:07 Calculating Building Efficiency 06:48 Applying Constraints and Maximizing Efficiency 08:16 Key Takeaways and Real-World Application 10:38 Conclusion and Premium Coaching Benefits The ABC Club: Join our top ARE resource that's helping thousands of people pass their exams Our free ARE Community is NOW LIVE! Join us today. Sign up HERE. Mind Over ARE is now part of ABC Club Premium! That means you can join us inside our signature program today! Click here to get started. Starting the ARE®? START HERE + ARE Resource Guide FREE download Bring back the FUN in studying architecture + ARE Activity Book Top Tips to PASS the ARE® + 31 Best ARE Tips FREE download FAILING the exams and don't know why? Download the workbook below + FREE Breakthrough Toolkit Workbook Find out more about BYoung Design here Find all my recommended products here Get all our free ARE Resources here Want more? Go HERE If you enj...

Send us a text Struggling with all the financial jargon in ARE 5.0 Practice Management (PcM)? You’re not alone. In this episode, we break down two must-know concepts that show up on the exam and in real practice: Net Operating Revenue (NOR) and the Net Multiplier. 👉 What you’ll learn: The real definition of Net Operating Revenue (and what costs are subtracted)Reimbursable vs. non-reimbursable project expenses (with clear examples)How the Net Multiplier works and why it’s basically your firm’s financial “report card”The link between break-even rate and profitabilityHow to use these metrics in fee proposals, staffing decisions, and firm strategyThis isn’t just theory, these insights come straight from our Mind Over ARE coaching calls with Head Coach Shikha. If you want to pass PcM and understand how an architecture firm truly stays profitable, this deep dive is for you. 🔗 Ready to take the next step? Learn more or join us inside ABC Club Premium: dci.byoungdesign.com/abcclub 👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more ARE study strategies, exam tips, and real-world firm management insights. #ARE #ArchitectureExam #PcM #MindOverARE #ArchitectureBusiness #ARE50 The ABC Club: Join our top ARE resource that's helping thousands of people pass their exams Our free ARE Community is NOW LIVE! Join us today. Sign up HERE. Mind Over ARE is now part of ABC Club Premium! That means you can join us inside our signature program today! Click here to get started. Starting the ARE®? START HERE + ARE Resource Guide FREE download Bring back the FUN in studying architecture + ARE Activity Book Top Tips to PASS the ARE® + 31 Best ARE Tips FREE download FAILING the exams and don't know why? Download the workbook below + FREE Breakthrough Toolkit Workbook Find out more about BYoung Design here Find all my recommended products here Get all our free ARE Resources here Want more? Go HERE If you enj...

Send us a text In this episode, we tackle the complexities of electrical systems that often intimidate ARE 5.0 candidates. Learn why memorizing formulas isn't enough, the key differences between single-phase and three-phase power, and the critical role of efficiency and demand in real-world projects. By connecting these concepts to practical scenarios, you'll gain a deeper understanding that can help you succeed in your exams. Join us for insights that will make electrical systems less abstract and more manageable. 00:00 Introduction to Electrical for A.R.E. Candidates 00:46 Common Mistake #1: Memorizing Without Understanding 01:52 Common Mistake #2: Single-Phase vs. Three-Phase Power 02:44 Common Mistake #3: Efficiency and Demand 03:49 Wrapping Up: Key Takeaways and Next Steps The ABC Club: Join our top ARE resource that's helping thousands of people pass their exams Our free ARE Community is NOW LIVE! Join us today. Sign up HERE. Mind Over ARE is now part of ABC Club Premium! That means you can join us inside our signature program today! Click here to get started. Starting the ARE®? START HERE + ARE Resource Guide FREE download Bring back the FUN in studying architecture + ARE Activity Book Top Tips to PASS the ARE® + 31 Best ARE Tips FREE download FAILING the exams and don't know why? Download the workbook below + FREE Breakthrough Toolkit Workbook Find out more about BYoung Design here Find all my recommended products here Get all our free ARE Resources here Want more? Go HERE If you enj...

Send us a text Struggling to find the right time to take your ARE? In this Coaching Insights Overview, we pull highlights from a live Mind Over ARE call — from breaking past exam hesitation with a clear 3-week plan, to smarter study strategies, to contract lessons every architect needs. Quick, practical takeaways to keep you moving toward licensure. The ABC Club: Join our top ARE resource that's helping thousands of people pass their exams Our free ARE Community is NOW LIVE! Join us today. Sign up HERE. Mind Over ARE is now part of ABC Club Premium! That means you can join us inside our signature program today! Click here to get started. Starting the ARE®? START HERE + ARE Resource Guide FREE download Bring back the FUN in studying architecture + ARE Activity Book Top Tips to PASS the ARE® + 31 Best ARE Tips FREE download FAILING the exams and don't know why? Download the workbook below + FREE Breakthrough Toolkit Workbook Find out more about BYoung Design here Find all my recommended products here Get all our free ARE Resources here Want more? Go HERE If you enj...

Send us a text Watch the episode here. This viral video of a stadium swaying under the feet of the crowd leaves people to wonder what is going on! I responded with a comment describing resonance and why this could lead to a catastrophic event. This comment has thousands of likes, so here's a video explaining it further.  0:00 - Is this stadium going to FAIL in this viral video?! 3:26 - Resonance: Defining resonance and its significance 4:51 - Is This Stadium Safe?: Analyzing the footage and raising concerns 7:38 - Millennium Bridge: Shut Down After Grand Opening 9:51 - Aspiring Architects: What You Need to Know 12:39 - The Architect's Responsibility: Public Safety 14:33 - Final Thoughts The ABC Club: Join our top ARE resource that's helping thousands of people pass their exams Our free ARE Community is NOW LIVE! Join us today. Sign up HERE. Mind Over ARE is now part of ABC Club Premium! That means you can join us inside our signature program today! Click here to get started. Starting the ARE®? START HERE + ARE Resource Guide FREE download Bring back the FUN in studying architecture + ARE Activity Book Top Tips to PASS the ARE® + 31 Best ARE Tips FREE download FAILING the exams and don't know why? Download the workbook below + FREE Breakthrough Toolkit Workbook Find out more about BYoung Design here Find all my recommended products here Get all our free ARE Resources here Want more? Go HERE If you enj...