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Amber Book’s ARE prep course is all you need to get started on your ARE journey. What are you waiting for? Learn about our ARE prep course at amberbook .com

Nujiang Grand Canyon Bookstore of Librairie Avant-Garde | TAO | 2024 The Nujiang Grand Canyon Bookstore of Librairie Avant-Garde is situated atop the Gaoligong Mountains, facing across the river toward the two sacred mountains of the Lisu and Bai ethnic groups. In 2021, TAO was invited by Librairie Avant-Garde to design three new stores in Nujiang Prefecture, marking the third collaboration. The site is in Lushui, the prefecture's capital city, situated in the southern part of Nujiang. Yangpo Village, where the bookstore stands, perches on the Gaoligong ridge. It has been a primitive Lisu settlement for generations. Adapted to the harsh terrain, they developed distinctive tools, particularly crossbows and arrows, which became a cultural totem and a key inspiration for the project. The slanted spaces created by the structure establish a connection with the mountainous environment. Perched on the slope at the village entrance, the building's inclined geometry and steep gradient combine with the site's natural topography to form a dynamic momentum of "an arrow on the bowstring." The building consists of three levels, interconnected by two separate circulation routes. Internal circulation begins at the lofty café on the top, with its sloping roof directed toward the sky, creating a spiritual ambiance. Descending to the mid-level bookstore, visitors are sheltered from nature by heavy concrete walls on three sides. The lower-level theatre is illuminated by two skylights beneath the water surface casting a shimmering light. Text provided by the architect. Photos by AOGVISION

Give your next study session a boost with a curated assortment of holiday tunes put together by the Amber Book team! There’s nothing like the right playlist to motivate you as you work to achieve your long-held career goal of architecture licensure. Follow the first ever Amber Book Holiday playlist on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4fJ0sga Any of your favorites missing from this playlist? Leave a comment with your favorite Holiday song and we can add it to the playlist!

If you haven't heard yet, My Contractors License has joined our family of brands, allowing us to expand and serve the broader AEC industry in a way that’s bold, meaningful, and transformative. Welcome to the team! Read more on the press release here: https://bit.ly/41hsrQv

Join us this Thursday at 6 ET on Zoom for an interactive workshop on NCARB ESL accommodations. Joan Paros, Assistant Vice President of NCARB Examinations, and Casandra Walker,  Assistant Vice President of NCARB Customer Relations, will walk you step by step through the ESL accommodations application, with the goal of completing your application by the end of the evening. If English is your second language, you won’t want to miss this opportunity! Find the Zoom link here: https://bit.ly/4fGdtr0 See you there!

The Testing Effect is a scientific learning strategy to help you remember more information. The concept is simple: test yourself on what you’re studying through practice tests and teaching others. Learn more about the Testing Effect in this clip from a recent 40 Minutes of Competence session with journalist Benedict Carey. Carey broke down five key study hacks any student can use to help them pass any exam, based on years of research from learning scientists.

You asked, we answered! Q: "Do you need a set number of logged hours (work experience) before taking the ARE?" A: No; you do not need to complete a specific number of AXP hours before you start taking the ARE. In fact, many candidates study for and take the ARE while completing their AXP hours. However, each state has its own licensure requirements, so it's essential to check with your state's licensing board to see if they have any additional prerequisites. Fun Fact: Continuing education courses can count for up to half of the required 3,750 AXP hours!

It’s all about the content here at Amber Book. We’re passionate about teaching you the essentials you need not only for the ARE, but to become a better architect. Learn about our ARE prep course at amberbook .com

Thursday’s free 6pm ET Amber Book : 40 Minutes of Competence program is titled, “What Constitutes a Change Order.” Preview the question we’ll be covering and find the Zoom link here: https://bit.ly/3UNdT6Y See you there!

The past year's ABI Billing numbers have been bleak - month over month of firms reporting low billings and project outlook. What will take a firm through this downturn? Investing it their people through employee development, like ARE prep, CE credits, or even old-school field trips to inspiring buildings. Happy employees stay engaged, seek solutions, and work with colleagues to make the firm success full. You can't influence the market - but you can influence your workplace culture.