American Institute of Building Design
The American Institute of Building Design (AIBD), a nonprofit professional organization established in 1950, strives to protect and enhance our member’s ability to practice their profession. AIBD is committed to providing quality continuing education to ensure that our members remain current with technology, materials, and building codes.
Metal roof and wall systems have long been specified for commercial, residential, and industrial buildings because they have a lengthy history of durability, reliability, and resilience. This course examines the attributes of metal panel systems and the design options that make metal-clad buildings sustainable, attractive, and suitable for a variety of applications and environmental conditions.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s5759/www.aecdaily.com/course/1030625
This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
The acoustical comfort level in the workplace is a key measure of the quality of the indoor environment for building occupants. This course explores key concepts and characteristics of sound, as well as speech intelligibility and privacy and their associated acoustical remedies. Also presented is the use of sound absorbers and diffusers as acoustical solutions to noise problems.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s907623/www.aecdaily.com/course/922905
This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
Selecting flooring is an important decision, but equal emphasis should be placed on proper surface preparation to avoid costly flooring failures. This course reviews best practices for a typical hardwood flooring installation and discusses the innovative options that consolidate products and steps, saving time and money while enhancing certain performance characteristics.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s2580/www.aecdaily.com/course/1058864
This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
Currently, buildings are the single biggest contributor to GHG emissions, accounting for roughly half of all energy consumption in the U.S. and globally. It is crucial to reduce this level of consumption by including high-performance envelope strategies such as shading systems in all new building designs. In this course, we look at shading systems, examine shading and design strategies, and learn tips for successful selection and design.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s2955/www.aecdaily.com/course/894516
This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
Protected membrane roof (PMR) assemblies have been widely adopted in low-slope commercial buildings since the late 1960s. Also known as inverted or upside-down roofs, PMR assemblies move the waterproofing membrane from the top of the roof assembly to the surface of the structural deck. This course explores how PMR assemblies provide several advantages over conventional roof assemblies, offering superior protection against water penetration and enhanced energy efficiency. The course also shows how PMR assemblies allow for the creation of green roofs or blue roof systems. With a proven record of reliability, PMR assemblies present a compelling solution for architects seeking innovative, sustainable, and efficient roofing options.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s904648/www.aecdaily.com/course/1091539
This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
For the typical homeowner, choosing exterior color can be a daunting task; however, there is guidance available to help choose color palettes that complement the exterior of the home. This course presents the FRESH approach: a strategic method used for the selection of colors for the exterior of buildings. The course focuses on both residential and commercial design considerations and details the steps to follow in the color selection process to achieve a harmonious design.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s424571/www.aecdaily.com/course/1000126
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
Prequalification of contractors is a method used to manage the risks of an open tender process. It ensures the contractors invited to bid on the project have demonstrated applicable experience and are capable of delivering the necessary quality and value. This course is a primer on contractor prequalification and describes who benefits from the process, the applicable project delivery methods, the role of the architect, the typical information requested of the contractor, and when to use prequalification and when not to.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www.aecdaily.com/course/1021076
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
Mass timber is a construction methodology that effectively integrates environmental responsibility, improved building performance, and the many benefits of off-site construction. This course provides an overview of recent and rapid advancements in this field and reviews mass timber components and the various framing approaches that can be utilized. It focuses on the metal connectors and fasteners that enable the system to function solidly and elegantly.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s13048/www.aecdaily.com/course/1061203
This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
Fireplaces remain one of the main focal points of a home. No longer used only for heating or cooking, and coupled with advances in technology and fuel options, fireplaces have evolved into an architectural component of the designed living space. Modern gas fireplaces offer an environmentally friendly heating solution with high efficiency ratings and contemporary designs that don’t sacrifice form for function. This course offers an overview of contemporary fireplace styles, options, venting, and installation, with a focus on cool wall technology and how it allows electronics and other design elements to be safely mounted over a fireplace.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s583215/www.aecdaily.com/course/879046
This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
Redwood lumber and timbers from sustainably managed and harvested forests offer warmth, durability, and strength in indoor and outdoor projects. This course covers the performance characteristics, environmental benefits, and applications of Redwood, including several case studies that highlight the beauty and versatility of Redwood products. Details are presented on differentiating the grades of Redwood, specifying the right grade for the project type, and the specification resources that are available.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s632921/www.aecdaily.com/course/969584
This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
Glass doors, windows, and storefronts are among the most vulnerable points of entry in the building envelope, and with episodes of riots, smash-and-grab crime, forced entry, and active shooters on the rise, the need for security glazing is growing. This course provides an understanding of the physical security needs of the built environment and what requirements should be met by threat mitigation products for existing storefront and building glazing. The course focus is on a new generation of clear, retrofit security “over-glaze” systems, utilizing heavy-gauge, architectural-grade polycarbonate and extruded framing designed to resist forced entry and ballistic attacks.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s921796/www.aecdaily.com/course/948703
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
This course is designed to help the commercial building team understand how to best use new products introduced into the market for building enclosures. These innovative products and systems assist in combining multiple steps of a traditional commercial exterior assembly, such as structure, fire, water, air, thermal, vapor, and acoustic control layers, into fewer steps. The course reviews various hybridized sheathing solutions and shows how the integration of advanced technology has improved performance, capability, and sustainability.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s904648/www.aecdaily.com/course/1065274
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to all state and local government agencies, commercial facilities, and public entities that have “places of public accommodation.” Presented in this course are the fundamentals of what accessibility means in terms of architectural door hardware specification. Topics include available hardware technology, the criteria for interior and perimeter access, and the codes and guidelines pertaining to the ADA requirements that affect door hardware selection.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s831648/www.aecdaily.com/course/849407
This course contains accessible design information. See the course details page for more information.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
Single-skin metal siding can be used for a wide range of projects, from commercial buildings to educational, healthcare, residential, agricultural, and even high-end architectural designs. These siding panels can also contribute to green designs and certification programs. This course explores the different types of single-skin metal siding, specification details, and performance and design considerations.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s719/www.aecdaily.com/course/870117
This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
From fashion to function, the shower space of the bathroom is a focal point, offering a place of quiet respite for rejuvenation. Shower spaces should be built to last, using durable materials combined with sound installation practices in order to reduce life cycle and replacement costs. This course outlines the criteria used in designing water management systems for shower pans and walls and includes discussions on traditional and modern methods of waterproofing shower floors and walls, new methods of construction, and the innovative design options that are available for curbless shower pans.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s13907/www.aecdaily.com/course/907639
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
Architectural resin panels are engineered to suit the demands of a wide array of interior and exterior applications and offer almost unlimited combinations of color, pattern, and design. This course presents the features and options that allow resin panels to meet design requirements for both function and beauty and discusses how resin panels may play a role in projects seeking LEED® v4 BD+C, ID+C, and O+M; Living Building ChallengeSM v3.1; or WELL Building Standard® v1 certification.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s777575/www.aecdaily.com/course/788434
This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
Exterior wall systems are the dividing line between the exterior and the interior and must address several fundamental performance goals of the building envelope. This course reviews traditional rainscreen design and examines why, with its single-component construction, an insulated composite backup wall system is a vast improvement over traditional multicomponent building technology.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s3379/www.aecdaily.com/course/917631
This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
Expansion or modification of electrical cabling is rarely considered yet occurs during the lifetime of most buildings. Expansion of in-wall cabling requires additional work, trades, and possibly electrical service interruption, but cable tray facilitates removal and addition of cabling. This course reviews two types of cable tray—ladder tray and wire mesh tray—their components, characteristics, and applications and code-related installation information.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s525798/www.aecdaily.com/course/551827
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
Adding wood, stone, or masonry accents can dramatically change the look of a space, but time, cost, or even structural requirements can interfere. This course reviews the use of realistic, lightweight, cost-effective, and easy-to-install options for decorative faux elements. The performance, design options, and installation of high-density polyurethane panels, beams, truss systems, mantels, and column covers are examined.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s981888/www.aecdaily.com/course/999635
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
Buildings need protection from cyber as well as physical threats. Building shielding offers several architectural solutions that contribute to the security of both building occupants and wireless systems. These solutions also help reduce unwanted solar heat and glare while providing protection from the elements and people seeking to cause harm. This course presents the security and performance benefits of shielding technology that can improve wireless performance, energy efficiency, and occupant comfort, satisfaction, and safety
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s682008/www.aecdaily.com/course/1028664
This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
Some building parts may see minimal human contact or weathering. Doors and entryways, however, need to be able to stand up to heavy use, frequent direct contact from building occupants, and environmental impacts. In this regard, FRP doors and frames offer robust strength, reliability, and durability. They provide project versatility and customization in colors and textures, are excellent thermal insulators, and allow for easier installation and lower costs in construction projects. This course outlines the FRP door and frame components, manufacturing methods, and types and discusses the benefits of FRP products.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s1034450/www.aecdaily.com/course/1060033
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
Ensuring proper use of methods and materials allows masonry walls to perform well and enjoy a long life. Use of masonry joint reinforcement and accessories is an essential part of this. This course provides a brief history of solid masonry walls leading up to the modern cavity walls of today, including a discussion of the basic working knowledge of masonry joint reinforcing, structural codes, and moisture control in cavity wall construction.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s686798/www.aecdaily.com/course/884142
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
Today’s modern metal roof panel coatings are designed to be low friction in order to self-clean. However, when snow and ice accumulate on the roof, their rapid release causes countless personal injuries, millions of dollars in property damage and liability claims, and business disruptions worldwide. This course provides an overview of snow retention systems that protect against these dangers. Information about components of both pad and bar styles, features, installation, and layout are presented.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18890/www.aecdaily.com/course/592377
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
Understanding the performance of building materials in real-world conditions is key to a successful building design. Recent studies have shown that the commonly reported R-values of polyisocyanurate foams at room temperature may overstate their real-world performance in cooler temperatures, potentially resulting in gaps in designed building enclosure assembly performance and quality. Through a theoretical framework and empirical data, this course shows that optimized polyisocyanurate foam insulation results in better performance, leading to improved energy savings and reduced potential for condensation. Participants are encouraged to explore innovative insulation materials, understand differences between them, and match optimal materials to specific applications while meeting modern construction codes and regulations. By matching the right insulation materials to the application, architects can contribute to energy-efficient and cost-conscious construction practices and help buildings reduce their impact on the environment.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s904648/www.aecdaily.com/course/1091510
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
With the increasing prominence of glass in new buildings and retrofits, the use of window film can raise the style, performance, and safety of today’s building projects. This course examines the use of various types of window film (decorative, solar control, and safety/security) and their role in improving occupant comfort and safety, lowering energy costs, and enhancing privacy.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s741679/www.aecdaily.com/course/764404
This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
