ARE PPD: Exam Prep, Quiz & Resources
If you’re preparing for the Architecture Registration Exam 5.0 Project Planning & Design (ARE PPD) 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 PPD Books & Literature
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
General Exam Resources
TBD
NCARB Recommended References for the ARE PPD
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 [$$] – The ASHRAE Handbooks are the design standard for control of built environments with volumes on Systems and Equipment, HVAC Applications, Refrigeration and Fundamentals. [Also Recommend for: PDD]
2009 ASHRAE Handbook: Fundamentals, I-P Edition [$$] – 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: PDD]
2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design – [Free] – [Also Recommend for: PA]
The Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice [$$$] – “This book is monstrously huge and covers every possible area of architectural firm operations to a significant extent. The problem is this is all very, very dry and academic information. You’ll read about all the things you’ll find in any other academic text on business – the academic way to do finance, the academic way to run projects, etc. This book takes no risks, violates no norms, and spells things out exactly as you would learn it from a professor or textbook.” [Also Recommend for: PcM, PjM, PDD]
Architectural Acoustics [$$] – “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: PDD]
Architectural Graphic Standards [$$$] – “I call it the Architectural Engineer’s Bible. Great Information for any Engineering Technician, Draftsman, AutoCAD users, Architects, etc” [Also Recommend for: PDD]
Architectural Graphic Standards for Residential Construction [$$$] – “The quick and concise references in all aspects of construction detailing, calculations and specifications are invaluable.” [Also Recommend for: PDD]
Building Codes Illustrated: A Guide to Understanding the 2012 International Building Code [$] – Code can be hard to get through, but this book really makes it much easier. Obviously it can’t replace the code books, but it helps develop the understanding an intent of the code. [Also Recommend for: PA, PDD]
Building Construction Illustrated [$] – 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: PDD]
Building Structures [$$$] – Considered “the comprehensive reference on the basics of structural analysis and design”. [Also Recommend for: PDD]
Dictionary of Architecture and Construction [$$] – Sometimes the most difficult part about architecture is learning the lingo. This dictionary is an awesome guide to everything lingo-related. [Also Recommend for: PDD, CE]
Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and Methods [$$] – “This book doesn’t pull any punches, covering all aspects of construction, from building sites to foundations to wood types to fasteners to framing, siding, windows, doors, concrete, masonry, glass, glazing, roof types, roofing and on and on and on. The authors aren’t just touching on these subjects, but delving deeply into each one. ” [Also Recommend for: PDD]
Heating, Cooling, Lighting: Sustainable Design Methods for Architects [$$] – “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: PDD]
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: PDD]
International Building Code (2012) [$$$] – Old faithful. Sometimes it can be hard to get through and understand code. A lot of it just comes with memorization. I’ve linked the commentary here because it helps you understand the intent behind the code. [Also Recommend for: PA, PDD]
Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards [$$$] – “This book does a tremendous job of compiling an immense amount of information that covers a broad expanse of topics relevant to landscape architecture, from site analysis to the design of zoo exhibits and everything in between.”
Mechanical & Electrical Equipment for Buildings [$$$] – Often referred to as MEEB. An important, well-known, and well-liked resource. [Also Recommend for: PDD]
Mechanical and Electrical Systems in Buildings [$$$] – “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: PDD]
Olin’s Construction Principles, Materials, and Methods [$$$] – “While very large, the book covers all details of a building from the ground up. It’s very specific, but also a very easy read. It’s written in clear, concise English that makes it an easy read… even though it may be a dry subject at times. For those who know nothing about construction this is an ideal book.” [Also Recommend for: PDD]
Plumbing, Electricity, Acoustics: Sustainable Design Methods for Architecture [$$] – 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: PDD]
Site Engineering for Landscape Architects [$$] – The “leading textbook used in site engineering, planning and construction courses.”
Site Planning & Design Handbook [$$$] – This book has mixed reviews but it’s on NCARB’s list… so here it is. [Also Recommend for: PA]
Structural Design: A Practical Guide for Architects [$$$] – “This book explains things very well and I don’t find it near as boring as some other structural design books that I have.”[Also Recommend for: PDD]
Structures [$$] – “The text discusses concepts from both engineering and architectural perspectives, exploring structural behavior, structural analysis, and design within a building context.” [Also Recommend for: PDD]
Sun, Wind, and Light: Architectural Design Strategies [$$] – “This book is very helpful in determining the siting of your building (or gardens) with respect to wind patterns, and sun patterns of your area. As a designer of both indoor and outdoor spaces I found it to be a practical resource for helping ensure the success of a design.”
Sustainable Construction: Green Building Design and Delivery [$$] – “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: PDD]
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: PDD]
Video Playlist on ARE PPD
Online Resources & Downloads for the ARE Project Planning & Design Exam
T.B.D.
Ask questions on NCARB’s ARE 5.0 page.
Have any additional resources for the ARE PPD? Leave them in the comments below!
Thank you for this website. The practice questions are helpful.
Taking this test on Saturday. Last 4.0 exam to complete for the trio, then on to 5.0. This site is my go-to place when organizing what materials I’ll be studying
Hi , very good article.
thanks for sharing, keep up the good work
Good advice. Best of luck to all!
This is my favorite site for practicing for my tests! Great advise and super helpful.
Nice post to read. A complete guide that can help all of us.
Nice one… very helpful! Thanks!!!
Nice post
Great post!
In the NCARB ARE 5.0 handbook they reference Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and Methods in both of their example questions for cost estimating. Unfortunately there isn’t a specific chapter on cost estimating, it’s woven throughout the content.
What is the best reference for cost estimating for PDD.
Thanks! Great advice
Deciduous trees should only be used for shade (especially in temperate climates). Deciduous trees lose their leaves in the fall and will have little protection against wind in the winter when it is most needed. Likewise, the leafless trees allow solar heat gain in the winter when it is desired, and shade in the summer.
Coniferous trees are only to be used to block wind and views. Since they don’t lose their needles, they work great for these two items year-round.
Hello. My name is Shahid. This comment is for anyone who would like to reply. On the Siteplanning test. To block the wind, can you use a Deciduous tree or must you use a Coniferous tree?
Hi Tony,
I need to take 5.0 PPD & PDD. Do you plan on posting notes such as “Caroline’s Notes” that you had posted for the various 4.0 exams for either of those sections? I found those notes to be some of the best resources in studying for the 4.0 sections. If so any idea when? Thanks
Hi Tony,
Any updates on the SS exam ? If there’s an expected release date ? Thanks
Paige,
We are releasing practice exams for the SS exam later this fall.
Best,
Tony
Will you have SS questions on here at some point?
Great post, very helpful with the lists of suggested materials, I just passed CDs in July and am taking PPP in November so I definitely needed the list.