Young Architect AcademyReviews of youngarchitect.com

Young Architect Academy has been extremely helpful on my mission to reach licensure. It has provided me with orientation, accountability, coaching, community, and resources. I took the pro-practice bootcamp and am currently enrolled in the technical boot camp to help me finish this chapter. There is so much material for these exams that it’s helpful to have some guidance on the order in which to study. What resonates with me most is their statement that what we are learning and studying goes beyond just passing exams; it is truly about becoming knowledgeable and competent professionals. And that is my goal. Their podcast has really been outstanding. I love it; it has helped me understand and get clarity on many of the common topics tested on the exams. I can’t recommend it enough. I listen on my commute to work or on my walk with my dog. They totally went the extra mile to provide study notes for the listener; it is beyond generous.

The podcasts are well written on a given topic and visual sketches add to the ease of understanding. Keep up the good work !

Bootcamp is a great way to jump in with both feet to study for the ARE. The podcasts are great! well thought out and easy to understand the concepts for the exam. graphics and artwork helps out too to visualize what's being discussed. Overall, it trains you to understand the concepts that you will see and use in your professional life, not just how to memorize the information just to pass the exams.

I studied for PCM for three months using Black Spectacles and Amber Book through my employer. When I didn’t pass, I was honestly disappointed because I realized I had knowledge gaps I wasn’t even aware of. I didn’t know what I was missing, and I knew I needed more structure and guidance, even though I was very hesitant to join another study program. Joining ARE Boot Camp changed the way I studied. The structured plan, accountability, and community made a big difference for me. I also like that the content is always being updated with new videos, podcasts, and case studies. One thing I really appreciated about Mike is that he’s realistic about these exams. He doesn’t promise shortcuts, he emphasizes that success comes from consistency, time, and effort. Whenever I needed guidance on my study approach or exam strategy, he was always there to help. I also used AI study friends to explain concepts I was struggling with, and honestly, that was a game changer. Mike often says, “I have the magic mix—all you need is water. Water is your time and effort.” That mindset really stuck with me. I’m happy to say I passed my first ARE exam (PJM) and also passed the CDT exam. Everyone’s journey is different, but for me, ARE Boot Camp definitely gave me the structure and support I needed.

It was great to have all of the resources needed to pass the exams in one place and organized.

Doing the Pro Practice course helped me get through the first four exams with ease. Now I'm just trying to finish the 2 tech exams. There is a great environment for people, resources, and strength in taking these exams. I recommended the course to my coworkers 2 of them are in the pro practice now.

I've used just about every ARE study resource available, but the Young Architect Academy has made the biggest difference in my exam preparation. The podcasts break down complex concepts into manageable, easy-to-understand lessons, and the accompanying visual study sheets make the material much easier to retain. The Academy and Bootcamp gave me the structure and roadmap I needed to finally start passing my exams. Looking back, I only wish I had invested in these resources sooner.

I first met Mike when I was a student at NYIT. He came in to speak about the ARE's, and it was the first time I really understood what the licensing process looked like. I remember learning a lot from that presentation, and it stuck with me after graduation. Once I graduated, I started trying to study for the exams on my own. I thought I could figure it out, but quickly realized that I needed help from someone who truly understood how these exams worked. Someone can know a lot about architecture and be good at their job, but the exams focus on subjects that I was not expecting at all. I struggled for a while and was not able to pass any of the exams until I joined the Young Architect Boot Camp. It was one of the best investments I could've made in study material. It also gave me people to talk to who understood exactly what I was going through. Mike was there throughout the entire process. After every exam, whether I passed or failed, I had someone who could help me figure out what to do next. That made a huge difference for me, especially during the times when I was frustrated and felt like I was not making progress. I became a licensed architect in September of 2022, and today I run my own architecture firm. I truly do not believe I would be where I am today without Mike and the Young Architect team. I have recommended the program to many people before, and I will continue to recommend it. Becoming an architect was something I worked toward for years, and their help played a major part in making that dream a reality.