# Project Planning & Design **URL:** https://community.blackspectacles.com/c/project-planning-design/9.md [Latest](https://community.blackspectacles.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.blackspectacles.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.blackspectacles.com/tags.md) --- ## [Welcome to the PPD Community! \[ START HERE \]](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/welcome-to-the-ppd-community-start-here/6751)
**Author:** [@kiaragalicinao](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/kiaragalicinao)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2025, 4:19pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/welcome-to-the-ppd-community-start-here/6751 "2025-10-21T16:19:40Z")
Have a PPD question? Don’t forget to tag one or more of the below ARE Coaches to get a prompt response from a registered architect, who is an expert in PPD content areas! Project Planning & Design @coachcandaceseda @… --- ## [Get started in the PPD group](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/get-started-in-the-ppd-group/21)
**Author:** [@kiaragalicinao](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/kiaragalicinao)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2025, 4:00am UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/get-started-in-the-ppd-group/21 "2025-05-01T04:00:00Z")
Discuss topics around preliminary design, including site planning, sustainability, design concepts, and code-compliant solutions. We admire your generosity, but please DO NOT post screenshots from our paid content This… --- ## [Rebar Size](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/rebar-size/7924)
**Author:** [@cameronklenski](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/cameronklenski)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2026, 2:30pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/rebar-size/7924 "2026-09-26T14:30:48Z")
Concrete part 1 video illustrates the different rebar sizes. It explains that #12 rebar is 1 1/4". Shouldn’t this be 1 1/2" diameter? --- ## [ARE Live: PPD Practice Exam September 2026](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/are-live-ppd-practice-exam-september-2026/7923)
**Author:** [@patrickfinnigan](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/patrickfinnigan)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2026, 5:47pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/are-live-ppd-practice-exam-september-2026/7923 "2026-09-23T17:47:12Z")
Join Black Spectacles and architect Chris Hopstock on Wednesday, September 23rd at noon CT for a deep dive into the Project Planning & Design division with a mock practice exam on this episode of ARE Live! Click here to… --- ## [Insulation inside a duct - yes or no](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/insulation-inside-a-duct-yes-or-no/7870)
**Author:** [@estherilatova](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/estherilatova)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2026, 8:36pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/insulation-inside-a-duct-yes-or-no/7870 "2026-08-11T20:36:36Z")
Is insulation inside a duct for the purposes of the ARE 5.0 PPD exam a resolution for reducing sound/noise within a duct? I vaguely remember mike newman mentioning this in the old PPD videos, but do not remember if he me… --- ## [Occupant load question](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/occupant-load-question/7891)
**Author:** [@mahsa\_vanaki](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/mahsa_vanaki)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2026, 8:21pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/occupant-load-question/7891 "2026-08-11T20:21:42Z")
why is the lobby is not calculated in occupance load? the area is given 100 sf! @kiaragalicinao question 6, real world practice PPD / calculating MEP systems, exercise A --- ## [PPD Exam 2 - Item #105709](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/ppd-exam-2-item-105709/7882)
**Author:** [@ema.markovska](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/ema.markovska)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2026, 6:40pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/ppd-exam-2-item-105709/7882 "2026-08-07T18:40:54Z")
The correct answer is D, which orients the courtyard to the west to take advantage of the prevailing breeze. However, wouldn’t this also allow hot outdoor air into the building? In a hot arid climate, shouldn’t the goal … --- ## [PPD Exam 1- Item ID #63897](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/ppd-exam-1-item-id-63897/7869)
**Author:** [@ema.markovska](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/ema.markovska)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2026, 1:19pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/ppd-exam-1-item-id-63897/7869 "2026-07-13T13:19:59Z")
The correct answer includes additional costs for General Conditions, Overhead, and Profit to compensate the general contractor (GC) for the increased cost of administering and executing the additional work, while also pr… --- ## [PPD Practice Exam: Exit Discharge](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/ppd-practice-exam-exit-discharge/7851)
**Author:** [@ajbosse0](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/ajbosse0)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2026, 4:48pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/ppd-practice-exam-exit-discharge/7851 "2026-06-17T16:48:25Z")
\[ screenshot removed \] If I’m understanding the definition of an Exit Discharge correctly, shouldn’t both the area highlighted in green, as well as the area shown marked with the crosshairs be considered an Exit Dischar… --- ## [Struggling With PPD/PDD Videos – Any Update on New Content?](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/struggling-with-ppd-pdd-videos-any-update-on-new-content/7662)
**Author:** [@mariavirginia.portillo](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/mariavirginia.portillo)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2026, 4:17pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/struggling-with-ppd-pdd-videos-any-update-on-new-content/7662 "2026-06-09T16:17:32Z")
Hi! I’ve been using Black Spectacles for my past four exams and have passed all of them, so it’s been a great resource for me overall. However, I’m really struggling with the PPD and PDD video content. I’m finding the v… --- ## [Building Code Analysis + Code Conflicts Video](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/building-code-analysis-code-conflicts-video/7839)
**Author:** [@lgonzalez](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/lgonzalez)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2026, 4:41pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/building-code-analysis-code-conflicts-video/7839 "2026-05-21T16:41:55Z")
Building Code Analysis + Code Conflicts Video not loading. Anyone else having this problem? \[ screenshot removed \] --- ## [Might need to revamp Objective 2.2, Building Code - Construction Types, Height, + Area](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/might-need-to-revamp-objective-2-2-building-code-construction-types-height-area/7817)
**Author:** [@adamb](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/adamb)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2026, 12:44am UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/might-need-to-revamp-objective-2-2-building-code-construction-types-height-area/7817 "2026-05-07T00:44:10Z")
Hello. I am at Minute 9:37 of video Objective 2.2, Building Code - Construction Types, Height, + Area. The description says that you look at the table to see which Occupancy type will allow a certain size building. Pleas… --- ## [I believe there is a mistake in this answer, please clarify](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/i-believe-there-is-a-mistake-in-this-answer-please-clarify/7806)
**Author:** [@lewismattwood](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/lewismattwood)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2026, 5:13pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/i-believe-there-is-a-mistake-in-this-answer-please-clarify/7806 "2026-05-01T17:13:52Z")
\[ screenshot removed \] Based on the description, the equation does not work, since it adds the centerline distance to the width of the seat, rather than subtracting it from the width of the pool. Shouldn’t it be 5’ + (2… --- ## [Error in the materials](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/error-in-the-materials/7805)
**Author:** [@lewismattwood](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/lewismattwood)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2026, 5:03pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/error-in-the-materials/7805 "2026-05-01T17:03:55Z")
Not to be picky, but I thought I should add this note regarding a question on one of the practice exams: I took a look at this, including the source specified by BS, and there is no indication anywhere that a Phase I… --- ## [Real World Practice- Evaluating & Calculating MEP Systems \[Exercise A\]](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/real-world-practice-evaluating-calculating-mep-systems-exercise-a/7776)
**Author:** [@ir1](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/ir1)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2026, 7:11pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/real-world-practice-evaluating-calculating-mep-systems-exercise-a/7776 "2026-04-14T19:11:27Z")
I’m a little confused on a question and wondering if there’s a typo? We’re asked, “Which of the following statements are accurate regarding the existing plumbing fixtures?” A correct answer is “No additional drinking f… --- ## [Real-World Practice - In Progress Evaluating & Calculating MEP Systems \[Exercise A\] Question 3 of 10Click on the area that represents the Air Handling Unit (AHU)](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/real-world-practice-in-progress-evaluating-calculating-mep-systems-exercise-a-question-3-of-10click-on-the-area-that-represents-the-air-handling-unit-ahu/7778)
**Author:** [@smith7162](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/smith7162)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2026, 7:08pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/real-world-practice-in-progress-evaluating-calculating-mep-systems-exercise-a-question-3-of-10click-on-the-area-that-represents-the-air-handling-unit-ahu/7778 "2026-04-14T19:08:46Z")
Hello this question is a little confusing. I need help understanding how and why an AHU is being placed in a ceiling.? The ERV handles air, the Condenser looks like it could be a RTU. Am I mistaken that the AHU would nee… --- ## [Upcoming changes to ARE exams objectives and case studies](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/upcoming-changes-to-are-exams-objectives-and-case-studies/7786)
**Author:** [@haneen.m.khader](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/haneen.m.khader)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2026, 7:01pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/upcoming-changes-to-are-exams-objectives-and-case-studies/7786 "2026-04-13T19:01:58Z")
Are the upcoming changes to the PPD exam going to change any of the questions or the content for the PPD? --- ## [ARE Live: PPD Mock Exam March 2026](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/are-live-ppd-mock-exam-march-2026/7746)
**Author:** [@patrickfinnigan](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/patrickfinnigan)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [March 18, 2026, 6:04pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/are-live-ppd-mock-exam-march-2026/7746 "2026-03-18T18:04:43Z")
Join Black Spectacles and architect Chris Hopstock on Wednesday, March 18th at noon CT for a deep dive into the Project Planning & Design (PPD) division with a mock practice exam on this episode of ARE Live! Click here … --- ## [Occupancy](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/occupancy/7743)
**Author:** [@sepie.amin](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/sepie.amin)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2026, 10:03pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/occupancy/7743 "2026-03-09T22:03:28Z")
Hi, In Real-World Practice - In Progress Evaluating & Calculating MEP Systems \[Exercise A\] Question number 6 the calculated occupancy is not correct. Can you please check and let me know? it should be Existing: 26 New… --- ## [Calculation Mistake? - HVAC Basics - Heat Transfer Calculations (VIDEO)](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/calculation-mistake-hvac-basics-heat-transfer-calculations-video/7731)
**Author:** [@mariavirginia.portillo](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/mariavirginia.portillo)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2026, 8:35pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/calculation-mistake-hvac-basics-heat-transfer-calculations-video/7731 "2026-02-25T20:35:15Z")
Good morning, I am currently working through the new PPD videos and watching the HVAC Basics – Heat Transfer Calculations lesson. While following along with the U-factor for walls example, I noticed that when I calculat… --- ## [PPD - Real-world practice question 6 of 10](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/ppd-real-world-practice-question-6-of-10/7729)
**Author:** [@sorlanda](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/sorlanda)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2026, 5:37pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/ppd-real-world-practice-question-6-of-10/7729 "2026-02-20T17:37:11Z")
Why is the lobby area not included in the facility’s total occupancy load? --- ## [New PPD content](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/new-ppd-content/7728)
**Author:** [@carolinron](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/carolinron)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2026, 11:12pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/new-ppd-content/7728 "2026-02-18T23:12:40Z")
I noticed that the PPD video content has been significantly shortened. I’m concerned that a lot of the material may not be covered in the new version since it has three times less video footage. Has anyone used the new … --- ## [Question brownfield remediation](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/question-brownfield-remediation/7724)
**Author:** [@carolinron](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/carolinron)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2026, 1:45pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/question-brownfield-remediation/7724 "2026-02-18T13:45:40Z")
What is the fastest way to remediate the site where you want to build a university on. Cost isn’t an issue? capping the site and soil in fill Passing treatment wells offsite soil washing --- ## [PPD Practice Exam Day 9](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/ppd-practice-exam-day-9/7726)
**Author:** [@sorlanda](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/sorlanda)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2026, 7:54pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/ppd-practice-exam-day-9/7726 "2026-02-16T19:54:15Z")
Just did the practice exam on day 9 of PPD and found out several questions were not covered in the videos from previous days. I wonder if I should be reading / studying material that is not part of the guided path --- ## [PA exam - failed what next](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pa-exam-failed-what-next/7721)
**Author:** [@carolinron](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/carolinron)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2026, 10:56pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/pa-exam-failed-what-next/7721 "2026-02-11T22:56:53Z")
I failed my first try for PA exam and I studied from Amber book, black spectacle, hyper fine and Ballast books, NCARB Mockup exam and was looking for other resources for similar style of NCARB questions because that’s wh… --- ## [PPD Virtual Workshop Replay - Determining Occupancy, Building Massing, & Construction Types \[Exercise A\]](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/ppd-virtual-workshop-replay-determining-occupancy-building-massing-construction-types-exercise-a/6950)
**Author:** [@kiaragalicinao](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/kiaragalicinao)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2026, 9:27am UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/ppd-virtual-workshop-replay-determining-occupancy-building-massing-construction-types-exercise-a/6950 "2026-02-10T09:27:32Z")
Hello! Unfortunately due to no attendance, the PPD Virtual Workshop: Determining Occupancy, Building Massing, & Construction Types \[Exercise A\] was cancelled this past Sunday (May 18th). As a result, we have made the mo… --- ## [Thank you for the new PPD study videos!](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/thank-you-for-the-new-ppd-study-videos/7685)
**Author:** [@jaimemaiden](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/jaimemaiden)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2026, 11:07pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/thank-you-for-the-new-ppd-study-videos/7685 "2026-01-21T23:07:38Z")
After using the old videos and study content for the PPD exam, the new videos, study guide and format has made studying for this exam so much better. It seems to cover more content of what’s on the exam. Thank you for … --- ## [New content switch](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/new-content-switch/7676)
**Author:** [@sedona.quimby](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/sedona.quimby)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2026, 11:00pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/new-content-switch/7676 "2026-01-21T23:00:46Z")
Hi! I was about a week into studying for the PPD when I saw that new content is going to be released in mid-January. I was planning to deep dive into studying but I don’t want to lose progress since I am using the guided… --- ## [Practice Form 2 , Q. 70](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/practice-form-2-q-70/7668)
**Author:** [@kokate](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/kokate)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2025, 3:58am UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/practice-form-2-q-70/7668 "2025-12-23T03:58:38Z")
\[ screenshot removed \] Practice Form 2 , Q. 70. I got this wrong, but looks like the cursor was in the right place. Just curious if NCARB allows for borderline hotspot selection and still marks the answer right ? --- ## [PPD day 1](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/ppd-day-1/7643)
**Author:** [@sevanb](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/sevanb)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2025, 7:55pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/ppd-day-1/7643 "2025-12-18T19:55:28Z")
Hi I have gone through resources for PCM/ PJM / CE ( although I undertand that your recommondation is to keep CE to the end). I stopped CE and went to PPD. Day one has the REAL life study case- and this is the first time… [Next page](https://community.blackspectacles.com/c/project-planning-design/9.md?page=1)