Today's team member highlight is Chris Hopstock. Chris is an Architect Education Specialist who enjoys working in the e-space to help budding architects reach their dreams. One of his greatest accomplishments was playing a major role in the creation of our Practice Exams!

At Black Spectacles, we value educated and calculated risks. Want to see if we're a good fit for your career goals? Check out our core values and job openings right here: bksp.es/3KHsOZ0 #areexam #areexamprep #areexams #architectstudent #architects #architectslife

Our Quizzes are more than just a fun break from test prep. Our learning designers have configured Quizzes to help you gain confidence and identify areas that require your attention so you can pass the ARE in style. bksp.es/3q3LUAm #areexam #areexamprep #areexams

Happy Pride Month from your friends at Black Spectacles! We are committed to supporting an inclusive community to help educate and inspire architects from every background to thrive in their careers. We also take pride in being an LGBTQ+ supportive workplace.

Quizzes are here for all 6 divisions of the ARE! 📝 Quizzes help identify where you’re strong and what areas need more attention. Answer explanations are included, so you can be extra confident on exam day. Quizzes are included in ALL membership tiers: bksp.es/3tduIdl

Don’t miss our upcoming episode of ARE Live on Tuesday, June 21! We’ll review a Programming & Analysis Mock Exam with a focus on Sun, Wind, & Light in celebration of the summer solstice. RSVP here: bksp.es/3Hs9myP

Grab your calculators! In our upcoming episode of ARE Live we’re taking a Mock Exam all about ARE Math! We’ll tackle a number of questions from PcM, PjM, and CE to guide you through some classic math you’ll need to master in order to pass the ARE. RSVP: bksp.es/3AL4wvs

Looking for some extra practice with case studies? Join us for ARE Live this Thursday, August 11 to review a CE case study with an expert architect! We’ll go through some brand new questions from a set of construction administration documents. RSVP here: bksp.es/3JqXqP3

🔍 Scenario: When considering initial investment costs, life cycle, and longevity of the windows, what direction should you advise the owner to pursue? A. Option 1 – Window repair B. Option 2 – New wood windows C. Option 3 – New aluminum windows

💡 Answer: C. Option 3 🔍 Scenario: When considering initial investment costs, life cycle, and longevity of the windows, what direction should you advise the owner to pursue? A. Option 1 – Window repair B. Option 2 – New wood windows C. Option 3 – New aluminum windows

🔍 Scenario: Which of the following are possible massing configurations for a development on this site? A. 1 story, 40,000 sq. ft B. 1 story, 60,000 sq. ft C. 2 story, 30,000 sq. ft D. 2 story, 40,000 sq. ft E. 3 story, 20,000 sq. ft F. 3 story, 30,000 sq. ft

💡 Answer: C & E 🔍 Scenario: Which of the following are possible massing configurations for a development on this site? A. 1 story, 40,000 sq. ft B. 1 story, 60,000 sq. ft C. 2 story, 30,000 sq. ft D. 2 story, 40,000 sq. ft E. 3 story, 20,000 sq. ft F. 3 story, 30,000 sq. ft

Study Anytime, Anywhere with the Black Spectacles Mobile App! With the new Black Spectacles Mobile App, you can now: ✅ Download video lectures for offline viewing* ✅ Review 1,400+ digital flashcards anytime ✅ Take quizzes on-the-go to reinforce what you’ve learned

Our biggest sale of the year is here! Get 30% off any Black Spectacles membership now through November 30 — no promo code needed! Click here to take the next step toward licensure and explore your membership options today: tinyurl.com/533hmn74

Black Friday Sale! Save 30% on new or upgraded Black Spectacles memberships — discount auto-applies at checkout. lnkd.in/giQZWhrA Ends Sunday, November 30. Let’s get you licensed. 💪

Last Chance! Save 30% on new or upgraded Black Spectacles memberships — discount auto-applies at checkout. lnkd.in/giQZWhrA Ends tonight at 11:59 PM CST. Let’s get you licensed. 💪

🔍 Scenario: Who would be the best fit for a job captain role on the project? A. Junior designer, 5 years exp., 20 hours avail. B. Project manager, 10 years exp., 4 hours avail. C. Interior designer, 8 years exp., 40 hours avail. D. Architect, 10 years exp., 8 hours avail.

💡 Answer: A. 🔍 Scenario: Who would be the best fit for a job captain role on the project? A. Junior designer, 5 yrs exp., 20 hours avail. B. Project manager, 10 yrs exp., 4 hours avail. C. Interior designer, 8 yrs exp., 40 hours avail. D. Architect, 10 yrs exp., 8 hours avail.

New Feature: Real-World Practice Apply what you’ve learned through self-paced, scenario-based case study exercises that mirror real architectural practice. Exclusively available now for Expert Members!

With the new year here, now is the perfect time to set yourself up for ARE success. Whether you’re just getting started or picking things back up, a yearly plan gives you the structure and tools to stay on track all year long. Make 2026 the year you become a licensed architect!