ARE PDD: Exam Prep, Quiz & Resources

are pdd

If you’re preparing for the Architecture Registration Exam 5.0 Project Development & Documentation (ARE PDD) this is your one stop shop.  While studying for the exams, a huge hassle was finding all the right resources.  This is a place you can come to find a list of resources for the exam.  If you have any additional resources, leave a comment below and I’ll add it to the list.

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ARE PDD Books & Literature

ARE Exam Prep PDD
To help guide you I’ve located [$] below for any links that lead to paid resources.
[$] means less than $50
[$$]  means between $50 and $100
[$$$] means over $100

Exam Resources
Hyperfine PPD/PDD Assignment Course [$] – A 9 week course to help make sure you’re on track with your studying.
Hyperfine PPD/PDD Case Study [$] – A case study which compliments the Hyperfine assignment course.

NCARB Recommended References for the ARE PDD

NCARB ARE Handbook [Free] – An overview of what is tested on each of the ARE 5.0 divisions.
2009 ASHRAE Handbook: Fundamentals, I-P Edition
[$$] – The ASHRAE Handbooks are the design standard for control of built environments with volumes on Systems and Equipment, HVAC Applications, Refrigeration and Fundamentals. [Also Recommend for: PPD]
The Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice [$$$] – “This book is monstrously huge and covers every possible area of architectural firm operations to a significant extent. The problem is this is all very, very dry and academic information. You’ll read about all the things you’ll find in any other academic text on business – the academic way to do finance, the academic way to run projects, etc. This book takes no risks, violates no norms, and spells things out exactly as you would learn it from a professor or textbook.” [Also Recommend for: PcMPjMPPD]
Architectural Acoustics [$$] – “Since first encountering Egan’s text a little more than 20 years ago, I’ve continued to return to it for solid information. Complex material is presented in a way that allows me to apply it to unique conditions at hand. ” [Also Recommend for: PPD]
Architectural Graphic Standards [$$$] – “I call it the Architectural Engineer’s Bible. Great Information for any Engineering Technician, Draftsman, AutoCAD users, Architects, etc” [Also Recommend for: PPD]
Architectural Graphic Standards for Residential Construction [$$$] – “The quick and concise references in all aspects of construction detailing, calculations and specifications are invaluable.” [Also Recommend for: PPD]
Building Codes Illustrated: A Guide to Understanding the 2012 International Building Code [$] – Code can be hard to get through, but this book really makes it much easier.  Obviously it can’t replace the code books, but it helps develop the understanding an intent of the code. [Also Recommend for: PAPPD]
Building Construction Illustrated [$] – Certainly a classic every architect and aspiring architect should have in their library.  Beautiful and detailed illustrations that can help anyone understand the multitude of components that comprise a building. [Also Recommend for: PPD]
Building Structures [$$$] – Considered “the comprehensive reference on the basics of structural analysis and design”.  [Also Recommend for: PPD]
Dictionary of Architecture and Construction [$$] – Sometimes the most difficult part about architecture is learning the lingo.  This dictionary is an awesome guide to everything lingo-related. [Also Recommend for: PPDCE]
Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and Methods [$$] – “This book doesn’t pull any punches, covering all aspects of construction, from building sites to foundations to wood types to fasteners to framing, siding, windows, doors, concrete, masonry, glass, glazing, roof types, roofing and on and on and on. The authors aren’t just touching on these subjects, but delving deeply into each one. ” [Also Recommend for: PPD]
Heating, Cooling, Lighting: Sustainable Design Methods for Architects [$$] – “Probably the best energy efficiency book I’ve ever bought. Liked the third edition so much last spring and bought it then, even though I knew the 4th edition was coming out in the fall (and I bought it too). Clear, beautifully illustrated with great explanations of sometimes more complex topics. A great reference for not only architects, but engineers also (like me). A must have for anyone interested in sustainable design.” [Also Recommend for: PPD]
The HOK Guidebook to Sustainable Design [$] – “A fully comprehensive, up-to-date and well organized compendium of sustainable design and construction techniques, this book seems to keep fining its way onto my desk again and again for various projects”.  You can pickup a used version for a decent price. [Also Recommend for: PPD]
International Building Code (2012) [$$$] – Old faithful.  Sometimes it can be hard to get through and understand code.  A lot of it just comes with memorization.  I’ve linked the commentary here because it helps you understand the intent behind the code. [Also Recommend for: PAPPD]
Mechanical & Electrical Equipment for Buildings [$$$] – Often referred to as MEEB. An important, well-known, and well-liked resource. [Also Recommend for: PPD]
Mechanical and Electrical Systems in Buildings [$$$] – “Probably the best energy efficiency book I’ve ever bought. Clear, beautifully illustrated with great explanations of sometimes more complex topics. A great reference for not only architects, but engineers also (like me). A must have for anyone interested in sustainable design.”  [Also Recommend for: PPD]
Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures [$$$] – This book “provides requirements for general structural design and includes means for determining dead, live, soil, flood, snow, rain, atmospheric ice, earthquake, and wind loads, as well as their combinations, which are suitable for inclusion in building codes and other documents.”
Olin’s Construction Principles, Materials, and Methods [$$$] – “While very large, the book covers all details of a building from the ground up. It’s very specific, but also a very easy read. It’s written in clear, concise English that makes it an easy read… even though it may be a dry subject at times. For those who know nothing about construction this is an ideal book.” [Also Recommend for: PPD]
Plumbing, Electricity, Acoustics: Sustainable Design Methods for Architecture [$$] – This book “provides knowledge appropriate for the level of complexity needed at the schematic design stage and presents the most up-to-date information available in a concise, logical, accessible manner and arrangement.” [Also Recommend for: PPD]
The Professional Practice of Architectural Working Drawings [$$$] – “Very comprehensive, well-organized and laid out, practical and educational book [on creating architectural drawings]. I especially appreciated how current the information was, the range of information they covered and that they managed to cover even the most technical aspects in a way that was easy enough to understand.”
Simplified Engineering for Architects and Builders [$$] – It seems like this book doesn’t really simplify anything. “The tables are wonderful, but equations in the book are written without units, so unless you know exactly where the author is pulling his numbers from, you will get lost and end up screwing up your own calculations.”
Steel Construction Manual [$$$] – When I worked as a structural detailer I was flipping through this thing all the time.  When I landed a job in architecture I wished I had one by my side, but that has since subsided.  It’s been referred to as the “bible of steel”.
Structural Design: A Practical Guide for Architects [$$$] – “This book explains things very well and I don’t find it near as boring as some other structural design books that I have.”[Also Recommend for: PPD]
Structures [$$] – “The text discusses concepts from both engineering and architectural perspectives, exploring structural behavior, structural analysis, and design within a building context.” [Also Recommend for: PPD]
Sustainable Construction: Green Building Design and Delivery [$$] – “This book is a must for the builder/owner and manager looking to take advantage of the opportunities in this rapidly evolving field.”  It’s also a good investment for the anyone pursing architecture licensure since sustainable principles are sprinkled throughout all of the Architecture Registration Exams.
Time-Saver Standards for Architectural Design: Technical Data for Professional Practice [$$] – I’ve seen a lot of praise about this book and it’s been called an “invaluable reference” by reviewers.  It’s not for structural design but it should give any (aspiring) architect a firm understanding of what they need to know. [Also Recommend for: PPD]
A Visual Dictionary of Architecture [$] – “Worth every penny. Having the diagrams along with definitions and examples really helps clarify architectural elements and vocabulary. Highly recommend.” [Also Recommend for: PPD]

Video Playlist on ARE PDD

Online Resources & Downloads for the ARE Project Development & Documentation Exam

ARE Project Documentation & Design ExamFEMA 454: Designing for Earthquakes: A manual for Architects – A document put out by the Federal Emergency Management Agency that goes into detail on earthquakes and seismic forces in a building.  It’s a lengthy read in full.  Put your focus on chapters 4, 5, and 8.
Buildings at Risk: Seismic Design Basics for Practicing Architects – Very useful resource for understanding the how seismic forces work.
Buildings at Risk: Wind Design Basics for Practicing Architects – Useful resource for understanding the basics on how wind forces work and affect a building.

Ask questions on NCARB’s ARE 5.0 page.

Have any additional resources for the ARE PDD?  Leave them in the comments below!

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