ARE Egress Requirements - IBC Means of Egress Guide
Complete guide to IBC egress requirements for the ARE 5.0 exam, covering exit access, exits, exit discharge, occupant load calculations, and exit width.
Read deep diveADA Accessibility Requirements for the ARE
ADA/ABA guidelines for the ARE 5.0 exam, including accessible routes, ramps, parking, restrooms, and signage requirements.
Read deep diveStructural Systems Comparison - Steel, Concrete, Wood, Masonry
Compare steel, concrete, wood, and masonry structural systems for the ARE 5.0, including advantages, limitations, and typical applications.
Read deep diveFire Protection Systems - Ratings, Barriers, and Sprinklers
Fire-resistance ratings, fire barriers, fire walls, sprinkler systems, and smoke control for the ARE 5.0 exam.
Read deep diveBuilding Envelope Design - Walls, Barriers, and Moisture
Wall assemblies, vapor barriers vs air barriers, thermal performance, and moisture management for the ARE 5.0 exam.
Read deep diveHVAC Systems for the ARE - Types, Loads, and Efficiency
HVAC system types, load calculations, ductwork design, and energy efficiency strategies for the ARE 5.0 exam.
Read deep diveSite Analysis for the ARE - Evaluation and Design Response
Site evaluation factors for the ARE 5.0, including topography, climate, solar orientation, views, drainage, and design response strategies.
Read deep diveIBC Code Compliance - Occupancy, Construction Types, Height and Area
IBC overview for the ARE 5.0, including occupancy classifications, construction types, and height/area limitations with allowable increases.
Read deep diveProject Delivery Methods: DBB, DB, CMa, CMr, and IPD
A comparison of Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, CM at Risk, CM as Advisor, and Integrated Project Delivery, with guidance on selecting the right method for ARE 5.0 scenarios.
Read deep diveAIA Contract Types and Compensation Methods
An overview of standard AIA contract documents - B101, A201, C401, A101 - and the compensation structures architects should know for the ARE.
Read deep diveUnderstanding Load Path: Gravity and Lateral Force Transfer
How gravity and lateral loads travel through a building structural system, including the roles of diaphragms and shear walls, for ARE 5.0 structural questions.
Read deep diveEnvironmental Systems: Daylighting, Ventilation, and Passive Design
Core passive and environmental design strategies - daylighting, natural ventilation, and passive solar - tested across ARE 5.0 PPD and PDD divisions.
Read deep diveCSI Specifications: MasterFormat, SectionFormat, and PageFormat
How the Construction Specifications Institute organizes project manuals through MasterFormat, SectionFormat, and PageFormat, and the types of specifications architects write.
Read deep diveConstruction Administration: The Architect's Role During Construction
Key construction administration duties - site visits, submittals, RFIs, meeting minutes, and field reports - tested in ARE 5.0 Construction and Evaluation division.
Read deep diveStormwater Management: Calculations, BMPs, and Green Infrastructure
Stormwater runoff calculations, detention and retention strategies, and best management practices tested in ARE 5.0 PA and PPD divisions.
Read deep diveElectrical Systems: Power, Lighting, and Life Safety
Electrical power distribution, lighting design fundamentals, emergency/egress lighting, and fire alarm systems for ARE 5.0 PPD and PDD divisions.
Read deep divePlumbing Systems: Water Supply, DWV, and Fire Suppression
Water supply, drainage-waste-vent (DWV) systems, fixture unit calculations, and fire suppression connections for the ARE 5.0 exams.
Read deep diveCost Estimation Methods for the ARE
Cost estimating methods, value engineering, life-cycle cost analysis, and budget management strategies for ARE 5.0.
Read deep diveScheduling Techniques: CPM, Gantt Charts, and Schedule Compression
Critical Path Method (CPM), Gantt charts, fast-tracking, crashing, float, and milestone scheduling for ARE 5.0.
Read deep diveRisk Management for Architects - Insurance, Liability, and Contracts
Risk identification and mitigation, insurance types, professional liability, and contractual risk allocation for ARE 5.0.
Read deep diveSustainable Design - LEED, Passive Strategies, and Energy Modeling
LEED certification, passive design strategies, energy modeling, material selection, and water conservation for ARE 5.0.
Read deep diveZoning and Land Use - Setbacks, FAR, Variances, and Permits
Zoning codes, setbacks, floor area ratio (FAR), lot coverage, variances, and special permits for ARE 5.0.
Read deep diveWaterproofing and Moisture Protection for the ARE
Below-grade waterproofing, above-grade moisture control, flashing details, and weep holes for ARE 5.0.
Read deep diveAcoustics in Building Design - STC, IIC, and Noise Control
STC, IIC, noise criteria, sound isolation, room acoustics, and mechanical noise control for ARE 5.0.
Read deep dive