Coach ARE Samples

4.1 What the Exam Is Really Testing Here

The exam is not testing:

• Equipment sizing

• Duct or pipe routing

• Electrical load calculations

• Code minimum tables

• Engineering-level design

They are testing whether you can:

• Select appropriate MEP system types

• Understand space and coordination implications

• Evaluate system tradeoffs

• Integrate MEP with structure, envelope, and program

• Recognize reasonable vs unreasonable design decisions

Most questions are really asking:

“Given this building type and layout, which system approach makes the most sense?”

 

4.2 Core Concept (Burn This In)

MEP systems must fit the building — not the other way around.

Good system decisions:

• Support the program

• Respect spatial constraints

• Coordinate with structure and envelope

• Balance efficiency, flexibility, and cost

The “best” system is the one that fits the context, not the most advanced option.

 

4.3 Mechanical Systems (HVAC) — Design-Level Thinking

You should recognize system categories, not components.

Common system concepts:

• Centralized vs decentralized systems

• All-air vs air-and-water systems

• Zoned vs single-zone distribution

Design-level implications:

• Space for equipment and shafts

• Floor-to-floor height impacts

• Flexibility for future change

• Maintenance access

Exam pattern:
Systems that improve flexibility usually increase space or cost.

 

4.4 HVAC Zoning (Very High-Yield)

Zoning decisions affect:

• Energy performance

• Occupant comfort

• Control flexibility

• Coordination complexity

They expect you to:

• Separate zones by orientation, use, or load

• Avoid over-zoning simple buildings

• Recognize when zoning is necessary

Over-zoning = higher cost and complexity.

 

4.5 Electrical Systems — Conceptual Planning

PPD-level electrical considerations include:

• Service size implications (conceptual)

• Equipment room location

• Vertical distribution strategy

• Redundancy needs for critical programs

You are not expected to:

• Calculate loads

• Size transformers

• Design panel layouts

They are testing whether electrical needs match the program intensity.

 

4.6 Plumbing Systems — Stacking & Distribution Logic

Plumbing planning relies on:

• Vertical stacking of wet areas

• Efficient waste and vent routing

• Core alignment

Correct answers often:

• Stack restrooms and kitchens

• Minimize long horizontal runs

• Align plumbing with structure

Exam logic:
Simple plumbing layouts reduce cost and risk.

 

4.7 System Coordination & Space Planning

MEP systems compete for:

• Ceiling plenums

• Shafts

• Equipment rooms

• Roof space

PPD decisions must acknowledge:

• Structural depth

• Envelope thickness

• Architectural ceiling goals

Ignoring system space is a common exam trap.

 

4.8 Program Intensity & System Selection

They often use program type to signal system demand:

• Offices → moderate systems

• Labs / healthcare → high system complexity

• Residential → repetitive, stacked systems

Correct answers reflect appropriate system complexity — not excess.

 

4.9 Typical PPD MEP Scenarios

 

Scenario A: Tight Floor-to-Floor Heights

Correct thinking:

• Shallow duct systems

• Integrated structure + MEP planning

Incorrect thinking:

• Deep systems with no spatial coordination

 

Scenario B: Flexible Tenant Fit-Outs

Correct thinking:

• Decentralized or zoned systems

• Allowing future change

Incorrect thinking:

• Highly rigid centralized layouts

 

Scenario C: Budget-Constrained Project

Correct thinking:

• Simple, proven systems

• Minimize complexity

Incorrect thinking:

• Advanced systems without justification

 

4.10 What the Exam Does Not Expect Here

You are not expected to:

• Size equipment

• Design duct layouts

• Calculate energy use

• Choose manufacturers

• Perform engineering analysis

If your solution sounds like PPD + engineering drawings, it’s beyond scope.

 

4.11 Common PPD Traps

• Selecting systems with no space

• Over-engineering simple buildings

• Ignoring coordination with structure

• Assuming systems can “fit later”

• Confusing flexibility with efficiency

 

4.12 MEP Decision Filter (Exam Day)

When you’re stuck, ask:

1. Does the system fit the program?

2. Is the spatial impact realistic?

3. Does it allow appropriate zoning?

4. Is it coordinated with structure and envelope?

5. Is the complexity justified?

Correct answers usually:

• Feel practical

• Balance performance and simplicity

• Respect coordination limits

• Avoid extremes