architect54

A little bit of passion is what I need. A small amount to guide me through. Enough to make me  open up a structures book, right after eating a sandwich. Enough to make me pull out some flashcards, right after watching a movie with friends. Enough to make me open up any exam-related book, right after I do anything!

I want to smell like this exam! I want my co-workers to say, “He smells like the ARE.”

“What’s that funk?”
“Oh. It’s 54, that’s what the architectural registration exam smells like. He gets that way because he studies so much.”

I continually strive to renew my passion. Regain that funk, stank, stench. Smell me now.

17 questions in, I felt hopeless and confused. 45 questions in, I regained some hope. Maybe this isn’t so bad. I know some of these. Then as I did some more, my hopes were dashed again. Then with 13 minutes left, I reviewed as many of the 85 multiple choice questions on the first half of my Building Design and Construction Systems exam. I knew I needed to go through all of them. I felt they ALL needed a second look. I only made it through 43 or so. They didn’t look so bad. Not so good, but not so bad.

I took my break. I needed to calm down. It wasn’t over yet. I would need speed. Walking back my computer showed 5 seconds of break left. Perhaps a sign that time would be a factor?

I started. I took note of the times they stated: stair 1 hour, roof 1 hour, ramp 45 minutes. I would let these numbers guide me.

Ramp first. Do as they say. I did as they said. The turning radius at landings and the proper slope. It took me an hour and 6 minutes. It was simple but time was over my shoulder making me nervous.

Then the stairs. 3 landings like the practice vignette. What clearances were allowed at the upper landing with the door swing? I wasn’t clear. I didn’t understand this well enough prior. Do as they say. I did as they said. The clearances they stated were placed. Head room was ok. Overall good, but I was uncertain. With 43 minutes left I had to move on. No time to ponder, reflect and be certain.

Roof. I was scared. The clock was ticking. I read through the instructions and made a list of everything to place on the plan. Do as they say. I did as they said. I placed everything, roof, flashing, exhaust fans, skylights, etc. I did not add the roof elevation and slopes. I left these crucial calculations to last. When I thought I could clear my head. I finished with only a few minutes to review.

Looking back I realize I made 1 error in each vignette! I’m uncertain if any single one was a major deficiancy. If I know of three errors than perhaps there were more? I don’t think so.

Borderline. That’s where I stand with this exam. Beware the history questions and sustainability questions.