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Studying for the Architect Registration Exam (ARE 5.0) and working toward licensure? This podcast is for you. Hosted by Bryn Young, licensed architect, author, and founder of ABC Club and Mind Over ARE, each episode brings you exam prep strategies, study tips, and mindset tools to help you pass the ARE. You’ll also hear real insights from coaching calls on overcoming procrastination, staying motivated, and balancing architecture exams with life and work. Plus, episodes on the architecture profession itself, from contracts to practice management, so you’re prepared not just for the tests, but for your career as an architect.
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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 fact...
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 stumbli...
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 phasesBo...
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 importa...
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. ...
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 abo...
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...
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 contractSt...
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 ...
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...
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 abstra...
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. ...
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...
Send us a text Watch the episode here. Dive into the world of architecture with this concise, 10-minute overview! Learn what architecture really is, explore key design principles (form, function, sustainability), and discover how iconic styles—from ancient wonders to cutting-edge green buildings—shaped our built environment. We’ll also break down the architectural process step by step, from initial concept sketches to final construction. Whether you’re a curious beginner, a student of design,...
Send us a text Watch the episode here. How to Become a Licensed Architect Even if You’re Neurodivergent (ADHD Edition) Architecture school is one of the hardest majors, and becoming a licensed architect? It’s a marathon. If I had overthought it before starting, I might have said, “No way, not for me.” But I didn’t. I kept going, learned to work with my ADHD, and figured it out as I went. If you’ve ever struggled with focus, motivation, or feeling “inconsistent,” you’re not alone. In this vi...
Send us a text Enrollment to MOA opens only a few times a year, and spots are limited! Enroll today if you're ready to PASS the ARE and become a Licensed Architect. CLICK HERE to secure your spot now! (Enrollment Deadline: midnight Friday 1/24) 1:57 – Kicking Off: ARE Exams & Mind Over ARE Enrollment 3:09 – Q&A Session Overview 3:17 – Is Mind Over ARE a PDF or Video Course? 4:21 – Strategy vs. Content: How MOA Helps 4:40 – Memorizing Answers vs. Understanding Concepts 5:24 – Reading...
2Send us a text *Are you burning out on the path to becoming an architect? You're not alone. In this episode, I sit down with Morgan Chawaga, AKA The Healthy Architect, to uncover the biggest mistakes aspiring architects make when it comes to their health, happiness, and career success. Morgan shares her personal journey from burnout to balance and offers actionable strategies to help you: Break free from the grind culture of architectureBalance work, life, and the licensure processEmbrace fai...
Send us a text 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 do...
Send us a text An inside look into a recent Mind Over ARE coaching call. Want to be part of these calls? Get on the priority list here: https://dci.byoungdesign.com/moa-waitlist 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®? S...
Send us a text 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 do...
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Thanks for an interesting podcast! podcast dedicated to providing valuable insights, inspiration, and advice for emerging professionals in the field of architecture. Also, designers need to know https://homery.design/services/day-to-night/ day to dusk photo editing to improve photo quality. Listeners can expect engaging discussions, interviews with experienced professionals and industry leaders, and practical tips for personal and professional growth.