David

"Always read the question at least twice. Several times I had to fight through the feeling that I should just hit the end button and go round again in six months. DO NOT GIVE IN. The surest way to fail is to quit."   This was my fourth attempt at the exam, the first two being

Let's face it. Reading through the California Building Code is dry and boring. I am going to share with you an amazing resource that will help turn boredom into pure joy! Francis Ching's Building Codes Illustrated  is my favorite resource to help you in better understanding the California Building Code, which is based on the

Everyone wants our time. Our work, our family, our kids. And the more we give, the more they want. It's time to save some time for "Me." Learning to take time out for ourselves is often easily overlooked these days, especially with so many things seeking attention for our time. From work and family to

"What am I getting myself into?”  That’s exactly what I should have been thinking when I look back at all the hard work and setbacks it took me to get my architectural license.   It was roughly eight years ago that I remember taking a trip to Hawaii and wondering what I was going to

The events of the last 48 hours has been frustrating, discouraging, and down right maddening for anyone getting ready to take the California Supplemental Exam. The news that many candidates with scheduled exams over the next two months had their dates abruptly cancelled, has angered and frustrated many affected candidates. And rightly so, I might add. It's not

A crystal ball would be a great thing to be able to peer into before sitting for the California Supplemental Exam.  We all want to feel like we have studied enough and that we are ready to take the Exam. But how do we really know if we're not able to measure our progress. In

A battle between giants! The California Building Code goes head to head with the California Building Standards Code. The fans are on their feet. Who shall prevail? In this episode, I put the California Building Code and the California Building Standards Code head to head in a battle royale to see who will come out as

Getting paid for services rendered is a tradition that goes back to the beginning of time. In ancient times, it might have been in the form of eggs, beads, salt, incense, jewelry, or shekels. But when it comes to making payments today, cash is king. There seems to be a bit of mystery surrounding the

"Desperate times call for desperate measures." We can thank Greek physician, Hippocrates, for such an intriguing quote. But desperation should not be part of your internal dialogue as you prepare for the California Supplemental Exam.   There are two main mindsets to consider when preparing for the CSE. One is desperation, the other is determination.

You've spent weeks preparing, maybe even months. You're on a roll. But have you taken time to think about and plan the few days just before the Exam? I discuss a game plan for the 3 Days before taking your Exam and suggest what you should do each day. Day 3 is the "Not Learn

"The only constant is change." This quote is a variation of Greek Philosopher Heraclitus' "Nothing endures but change." If you've spent anytime working on a construction site or having your hand in the contract administration process, you know this statement is 100% true. Maybe even 1000% true. But who's counting?  It's important that we are familiar with

Passing the California Supplemental Exam is a major accomplishment. Us mere mortals require years of studying and practice before we even begin to conjure up the confidence to "sit" for the exam. But Rosannah did it at 23 years old. Wow. I am so proud to interview the youngest licensed architect in California, Rosannah, who

Whether we go to the gym, start a new diet, or build a new business, we want instant results because we don't like to wait. We want results now. Unfortunately, many of these things just take time and instant results are not always possible. BUT when it comes to getting your CSE results, they are

Out of state candidates often email me  with questions and concerns about feeling at a disadvantage when preparing for the Exam. Well, California is not as different as you might think. Yup, I just said that. I believe this feeling comes about because out of state candidates may feel they "aren't as familiar with California laws, rules, and

Taking a seminar can be an excellent way to motivate you to start studying or an excellent confidence builder just before taking the California Supplemental Exam. There are three main choices of when to take a seminar, at the beginning of your studies, in the middle of your studies, or at the end of your

On July 1, 2012, the Design Professionals Lien Law was repealed in California, leaving many of us to wonder if it just disappeared altogether. The AIA California Council published a great article titled "Design Professional Liens: Gone But Not Forgotten" and described how the law was repealed, but for the most part, was folded into mechanics lien

"All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players." - William Shakespeare.   I discuss the importance of smiling for the camera when you arrive at the test center to take your Exam because you will be staring at YOU for the entire Exam! I've created 2 Mobile Apps to help

As we come to the beginning of a new year, I take a moment to share why it's a good time to plan ahead for the coming year and encourage you to write your goals down in order to help ensure you pass the CSE in 2013. I have set the goal of delivering content

Balance is essential to maintaining our sanity. It's also an essential ingredient when preparing to take the California Supplemental Exam. I share feedback from Ian who passed the Exam last week including his advice about maintaining balance in his own life as he progressed through his studying. I'm also happy to report the California Supplemental