Architecture Registration Exams Story: Jonathan Holland

Welcome to the Architectural Registration Exam (ARE) experience stories series! This series is to share experiences, timelines and advice of professionals that have completed their AREs. We know it can be a daunting task to get started and overwhelming on the number of resources out there. We hope you find this information helpful in organizing how you proceed through your exams. Good Luck!

This is the experience, timeline, and advice from:

Jonathan Holland, RA

Introducing Jonathan Holland, an accomplished Architect with a dynamic background and a passion for creating spaces that leave an indelible mark on our surroundings. A 2016 graduate of Kent State University, where he earned both a Master of Architecture (MARCH) and an MBA.

In 2019, he obtained his license, marking a significant milestone in his professional journey. Since June 2021, Jonathan has been a valuable member of the Bialosky Cleveland team, contributing his expertise to the architectural landscape of Cleveland, Ohio.

Jonathan’s architectural expertise extends across a diverse array of building types, including educational institutions, residential spaces, healthcare facilities, business complexes, and retail establishments. His versatile skill set enables him to bring a fresh perspective to each project, resulting in innovative and functional designs.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Jonathan is deeply committed to community development. He has served as a former member of the Southeast Design Review District committee in Cleveland, Ohio, and currently contributes as a committee member for the Land Bank in Garfield Heights, Ohio. These roles reflect his dedication to shaping the urban fabric and creating vibrant, sustainable communities.

You’ll find not only a talented architect but also a passionate advocate for architectural excellence and community betterment. His work and community involvement stand as a testament to his commitment to shaping a more beautiful and functional world.

“Reading other people’s journeys and found them encouraging. No one other than yourself will push you to take the test.”

April 7, 2017

In Person

CDS (4.0)

Fail

I set a goal to pass the ARE within three years!

November 30, 2017	In Person	CDS (4.0)	Fail
February 2, 2018	In Person	SITE (4.0)	Fail

Transitioned to ARE 5.0

June 2, 2018

In Person

PcM

Pass

For me, understanding what the test was trying to teach me was helpful for passing the 1^st exam. The test, in my opinion, is designed to teach Architecture from the standpoint of a sole-practitioner set in an ideal world for the Architect. Look at test questions as if you are being sued; the right answer is the one which reduces your risk the most.

July 7, 2018

In Person

PjM

Fail

After several fails, I felt discouraged and did not schedule any more exams for seven months.

March 2, 2019

In Person

PjM

Pass

For me at this time, I viewed my work environment as negative. This professional discomfort pushed me to try the test again. I did not want to leave the firm I was working for because I believed that I would have more professional options if I could interview as a licensed Architect.

April 8, 2019	In Person	C&E	Pass
May 18, 2019	In Person	P&A	Pass
July 1, 2019	In Person	PPD	Fail
July 14, 2019	In Person	PDD	Pass
August 31, 2019	In Person	PPD	Fail
November 4, 2019	In Person	PPD	Pass

I often get asked “why do I need to get licensed?”. Why did you decide that you wanted to be a licensed Architect?

Licensure allows one to legally practice Architecture whether for a firm or on one’s own. I believe that there is a greater number of options for a licensed individual than one without a license. Furthermore, I believe that some firms will see you as more of an asset to their firm if you are licensed.

Often people don’t know where to start, do you have any advice for those looking to start their exams -or- how did you start?

How to start will be up to you, just start. If you don’t know, start anyway. My approach was to take what I perceived to be the easiest test for me first. My hope was to build confidence and a sense of urgency to keep going.

What type of study materials did you use? Any particular ones that you’d recommend?

There are several resources available, both free and for a cost. Firstly, use what your firm has already purchased, then use resources that are free or low cost. I would say your money is best saved for the tests.

• Read NCARB’s study guide for each test
• Read practice books by Ballast & Brightwood
• Read NCARD’s ARE5 community forum
• Read relevant AIA contracts
• Read & Quickly navigate Code books (Building code chapters 2, 5, 7, 10 etc./ADA)
• Take Kaplan study tests
• Things I would play in the background while at work:
  • The Construction Specifications Institute’s YouTube channel
  • The Amber Book’s YouTube channel
  • Black spectacles’ YouTube channel
  • Mark Friedlander’s class recordings (This is a lawyer out of Chicago who posted all his lectures on his website, I am not sure if this resource is still public)
  • Plural Sight trial subscription

For me, reading entire documents cover to cover was not effective. Understanding large volumes of information quickly and focusing on key points was far more valuable.

How did you fit study time into your schedule? Was there anything in particular that worked well for you?

I liked to leave my house and go to restaurants or coffee shops to study. A change in environment helped reduce boredom and working publicly decreased my chances of procrastinating.

Do you have any other advice for someone studying for their exams?

Get an internship as early as possible, keep your NCARB account up to date, record all of your experience hours and make a habit of logging into NCARB; then, the only obstacle will be to pass the ARE. I would like to reiterate a point I have seen made by others: the test environment differs from the real world; I believe you have to take a more idealistic view where every answer is in the Architect’s best interest. This is a test for Architects.

In my opinion, taking the ARE is very much a solo journey, the value I found from in-person groups was to maintain accountability but usually the study still remained solo. I also enjoyed reading other people’s journeys and found them encouraging. No one other than yourself will push you to take the test.

We hope that this information helps you through your ARE journey, setting goals, and giving you some insight on how to get started.

Thank you again to Jonathan Holland for sharing your story!

Edited by

Katelyn Rossier, AIA, NCARB, LSSBB