Young Architect AcademyReviews of youngarchitect.com

The way complex material is simplified has been one of the biggest reasons my experience has been so positive so far. When it comes to challenging topics like codes and building systems, having the material broken down into clear, easy-to-understand terms makes a huge difference. It has helped me better understand the concepts while also building my confidence as I work through the material. Another standout aspect of the program is Michael’s availability and willingness to discuss my thoughts, answer questions, and provide guidance when I need it. That level of personal support goes above and beyond anything I have experienced with other study programs and has made the experience feel much more personalized and supportive.

I’m a big fan of Young Architect’s free podcasts. They provide really effective recaps of specific topics, which help me understand the logic behind them. They also encourage me to study more effectively.

An Investment That Made the Difference I recently earned my CSI Construction Documents Technologist (CDT) certification, and I can honestly say that Young Architect Academy’s CDT 101 course played a significant role in helping me get there. The CSI Project Delivery Practice Guide is an incredibly valuable resource, but it is also extensive and, at times, intimidating. YA’s Michael and Emily have a real talent for taking that information and breaking it down into concepts that are easier to understand, remember, and—most importantly—apply in the real world. What I appreciated most was that the course went beyond simply preparing you to pass a test. It helped me understand why the information matters and how the various pieces of the construction process connect. That real-world perspective made a huge difference in how I approached the exam. As someone who comes from a construction project coordination background rather than architecture, I especially appreciated having the material translated into practical terms. My one suggestion would be for YA to continue expanding its perspective beyond the architect's role. CDT candidates come from many areas of the industry—project administrators, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, engineers, and other construction professionals—and examples that intentionally reflect those different perspectives would make an already excellent course even more valuable. The CDT exam is not easy, and I would not have wanted to tackle it without a structured resource like CDT 101. YA gave me the confidence, context, and foundation I needed to walk into that exam prepared—and I walked out a CDT-certified professional. My (other) recommendation for YA courses would be more on Commissioning. Commissioning is a rapidly growing, quality-focused discipline in the U.S., driven by increasingly stringent energy codes, complex digital controls, decarbonization goals, and the industry's continued shift from isolated contractor handoffs toward integrated, verified, operational buildings. It would be WONDERFUL if they produced some courses covering this ever-expanding discipline! If you're considering pursuing your CDT, I absolutely recommend making the investment in Young Architect Academy's CDT 101. It was one of the best decisions I made during my certification journey. Thank you, Michael and Emily, for making a challenging process much more approachable and helping me reach this goal!

This podcast is very informative and easy to understand with clear diagram and key notes PDF file ready to download.

Listening to the podcast makes it much easier to understand the topic because it explains the details clearly and gives more information.

I like having a such a large library of study materials that makes learning more accessible and natural

The combination of exam-related coursework plus the multitude of practice questions has helped give me the knowledge to pass the ARE exams.

I love all the information I get for my ARE exams