Design Create Inspire

Hosted by Bryn Young | BYoung Design

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Sep 2025

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About the show

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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September 30, 20256 min

Mastering Passive Design Principles for the ARE 5.0 | PPD & PDD

Send us Fan Mail 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 enjoye...

September 23, 202512 min

Thermal Performance Cold Climate & Strategic Exam Tips | PA & PDD

Send us Fan Mail 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 enjoye...

September 18, 20256 min

How to Calculate Labor Budget (Step by Step) | ARE 5.0 PcM

Send us Fan Mail 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 cost Why consultant fees are taken from the gross fee (not the construction cost) How contingency and direct expenses factor into the calculation How to arrive at the final labor budget available for staffing and project phases Where 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 enjoye...

September 16, 202510 min

Understanding Floor Area Ratio (FAR) | PA

Send us Fan Mail 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 enjoye...

September 11, 20257 min

Architect Fee Methods: Top-Down, Bottom-Up, Fixed, and Not-to-Exceed for ARE 5 | PcM

Send us Fan Mail 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 phases Bottom-Up Budgeting – calculating actual staffing hours × hourly rates Not-to-Exceed Hourly – billing by the hour with a contractual cap Fixed Fee (Lump Sum) – set fee tied to a clearly defined scope We 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 enjoye...

September 9, 20256 min

Mastering Structural Systems for Dense Urban Environments | PPD & PDD ARE 5.0

Send us Fan Mail 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 enjoye...

September 5, 202518 min

ARE 5.0 Scoring Guide 2025 | Pass with BYoung Design

Send us Fan Mail 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 enjoye...

September 4, 20255 min

Utilization Ratio: Your Key to Firm Finances and the ARE 5 | PcM

Send us Fan Mail 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 firm Common misconceptions about what “billable time” really includes How NCARB frames this concept on the ARE 5.0 exam The difference between a principal’s utilization ratio vs. a project architect’s Why this metric matters for profitability, staffing, and your own career path You’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 enjoye...

September 2, 202510 min

Setback Calculations for ARE 5.0: How to Confidently Select the Right Answer | PA

Send us Fan Mail 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 enjoye...

August 30, 20258 min

Cardi B's Dream Home: Choosing the Best Fee Method | ARE 5.0 CE Practice Question

Send us Fan Mail 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 contract Stipulated Sum – fixed fee based on a clearly defined scope Negotiated Sum – comparing contractor bids through negotiation Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee – how it balances risk, flexibility, and incentives for faster delivery You’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 enjoye...