Episode 70: Setting Goals To Pass the CSE [Podcast]
You've put it off long enough! It's time to get serious and create goals to help you pass the California Supplemental Exam. Yes, You! Podcast Episode 070. In this episode, I discuss how you can set concrete goals to pass the CSE. It's time you get motivated and take the Exam! Click to Listen Show Notes Distinguishing Between Goals and Practices/Habits Goals are milestones that you choose to achieve a desired result. Practices and habits are the tools you develop to achieve those goals A goal would be passing the CSE. A habit would be the study [...]
Episode 69: Battle Royale: The CBC vs. the CBSC [Podcast]
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? Podcast Episode 069. 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 victor. I also discuss the recent website redesign, my goals for content creation, and the recent guest posts from the new series, "Success Stories." Click to Listen Battle Royale: California Building Code vs. California Building Standards Code The first round [...]
Episode 68: Here’s Your Plan for 3 Days Before the Exam [Podcast]
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? Podcast Episode 068. 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 Anything New Day", Day 2 is the "You Are Prepared Day", Day 1 is the "Distance" Day, and Day 0 is "Exam Day". I discuss the value of mental mindset, establishing a positive internal dialogue, building your confidence in the days leading [...]
Episode 67: I’m 23 and I Passed the CSE! [Podcast]
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. Podcast Episode 067. I am so proud to interview the youngest licensed architect in California, Rosannah, who recently passed the California Supplemental Exam at only 23 years old. It was even her second attempt, so she was able to squeeze in two attempts and pass at 23, simply incredible. Her story is so inspiring and motivating that this has [...]
Episode 66: Sound Advice From an Out of State Candidate [Podcast]
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. Podcast Episode 066. I believe this feeling comes about because out of state candidates may feel they "aren't as familiar with California laws, rules, and regulations" as candidates working in California. So today, I'm very excited to share Victoria's email, an out of state candidate who recently passed the Exam. Her email is SO insightful and full of great nuggets of information including to preparing for the exam, [...]
Episode 65: Design Professionals Lien Law, Do We Still Need To Know It? [Podcast]
On July 1, 2012, the Design Professionals Lien Law was repealed in California, leaving many of us to wonder if it just disappeared altogether. Podcast Episode 065. 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 law. So the question is, do we still need to know it? The Design Professionals Lien Law is still on CAB's List of Reference Materials. I share my thoughts on the subject in this episode. Click to Listen Please Subscribe [...]
Episode 64: What’s Really the Big Deal About Substantial Completion Anyway? [Podcast]
Issuing the Certificate of Substantial Completion is an important milestone in the contract administration process. It's important to know the significance. Podcast Episode 064. I discuss the importance of Substantial Completion and take a look at the A201 General Conditions, Article 9.8 and how it impacts on certain milestones. This is an important concept for preparing for the California Supplemental Exam as well as our education in becoming a responsible and competent architect. Click to Listen Please Subscribe Receive automatic updates when you subscribe below! Click here to subscribe via iTunes Click here to subscribe via RSS (non-iTunes [...]
Episode 63: Give Yourself a Raise to 73? Here’s What the Owner Pays For [Podcast]
There is talk about a new cut score of 73 but it is only a rumor, and we know what rumors can lead to, don't we? Podcast Episode 063. I released CSE Video Tip #9 and in it, i discussed this rumored 73 cut score. A representative from CAB contacted me with a concern about misleading candidates and wanted to make it clear that the historical pass rate of the Exam in no way factors in to how the Exam is administered by CAB. I amended my video at the request of CAB. Click to Listen Here's What the Owner [...]
Episode 62: Top 5 CSE Podcast Episodes and PocketCasts [Podcast]
I have been wanting to record this episode for quite awhile because I frequently receive questions from candidates asking where they should begin listening to the CSE podcast. Podcast Episode 062. All of the content from episode 1 to episode 41 is based on the individual Knowledge Statements. If you have purchased the Ultimate Whole Enchilada, then you already have better information than what is contained in those podcast episodes. So there is no reason to listen to episodes prior to episode 42. Episode was a transition for me and the CSE podcast as it really opened my eyes to [...]
Episode 61: Why 70% is Good Enough [Podcast]
It appears 70% is the minimum score required to pass the California Supplemental Exam. It's important to realize sometimes, good enough is...well, good enough. Podcast Episode 061. I discuss the 70% minimum score required to pass the California Supplemental Exam. Although, you will need to satisfy minimums in each of the five Categories, the minimum overall score is 70%. You don't need to know everything about CEQA or the Architects Practice Act, to name a few, you just need to know the most important elements and how to apply them to the Exam. This is not a test about memorization or a [...]
Episode 60: Clearing Up Confusion Between a Law and a Contract, Insurance Requirements [Podcast]
I discuss, in a very simplified way, the differences between law, code, regulations, and an act. Simply put, a law is a rule enacted by a legislative body that forms the basis of both federal and state law. Podcast Episode 060. Individuals and businesses must abide by both federal and state law or deal with consequences of "breaking the law." A code is essentially a collection or body of laws, rules, and regulations that governments adopt (federal, state, and local levels). California Law consist of 29 Codes including the Health and Safety Code. A regulation is a law or rule [...]
Episode 59: Procedure For Handling Nonconforming Work & My Data Backup Plan [Podcast]
This topic is a great example of the actual practice in the real world being different than the ideal world. In this episode I refer to two AIA documents, the B201, Article 2.6.2 Evaluations of the Work and A201, Article 12.3 Acceptance of Nonconforming Work. Podcast Episode 059. In the real world, when we, as the Architect, notice something not correct about the work in the field, oftentimes we notify the General Contractor of the nonconforming work and request they correct it. However, this is not the proper procedure according to the AIA documents or for purposes of the Exam. [...]