Our Section 1 package covers the essential topics of ExAC Section 1, aligning with the official General and Specific Objectives to ensure comprehensive preparation.

Programming

This section focuses on understanding and analyzing the architectural program. This module covers how to identify program components and describe the development process. Key analysis areas include project constraints and opportunities, site components, proposed budget, client objectives, spatial requirements, and sustainable design principles.

Site and Environmental Analysis

This area covers understanding and applying principles of site design, as well as analyzing relevant site data. Topics include site selection, zoning, infrastructure, climate, topography, geology, existing conditions, and ecological systems.  

Coordinating Engineering Systems

This section equips you to understand, analyze, and coordinate various engineering systems. You will explain the principles of structural, mechanical, electrical, and civil systems, analyze their advantages, limitations, and impact on building performance, and learn to coordinate documentation with consultants at key project stages.    

Cost Management

This module focuses on understanding, evaluating, comparing, and applying cost estimating methods. You will identify factors influencing cost, evaluate project cost against the program and budget, and learn to provide recommendations for value analysis. This module distinguishes between various cost estimating methods (e.g., Rough Order of Magnitude, square footage, systems, detailed quantity take-off) and and shows how to apply appropriate methods while distinguishing between construction, project, and overall costs.   

Schematic Design

This phase involves understanding key aspects of schematic design. This module covers how to identify required information, determine necessary engineering services, and identify documentation for client approval. The module also covers the scope of building code and universal accessibility analysis, and the principles of sustainable design as they relate to this phase. 

Design Development

This section delves into the Design Development phase, focusing on understanding its various aspects. You will identify the information required, determine the engineering services needed, and identify documentation for client approval. Additionally, the course describes the impact of building code and universal accessibility analysis, and sustainable design considerations during this phase. 

• Canadian Handbook of Practice for Architects (CHOP): Latest edition from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC). 

• The Internship in Architecture Program: 2012, 3rd edition, by Canadian Architectural Licensing Authorities.
• ExAC Website: Always refer to the official ExAC website for their comprehensive list of references and resources.

•  Building Construction Illustrated: Latest edition by Ching, F. and Adams C., John Wiley & Sons.

• Mastering the Business of Architecture: 2004, by Stone, D., Ontario Association of Architects.

• RS Means: Includes Assemblies Cost Data, Commercial Renovation Cost Data, Hanscomb Yardsticks for Costing, and Metric Construction Cost Data (current versions) 

• Canadian Standard Form of Contract for Architectural Services: Document Six, 2017, and Document 9, from the RAIC.