1 hour

Recycled rubber flooring is an environmentally responsible material that outlasts many types of traditional commercial flooring products when exposed to normal foot traffic stress. Interior and exterior recycled rubber surfacing products are explored in terms of their sustainable design benefits and applications. The program includes discussions on rubber manufacturing, post-consumer tires, and green building certification programs.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

 1.0 hour

In order to address tile installation difficulties effectively and avoid failures, designers and specifiers must maintain full awareness of current knowledge, practices, and products. This course reviews potentially problematic contemporary tile installation issues along with the industry guidance, methodologies, and products available to address them.

 1 hour

This course provides an overview of integral blind assemblies and discusses their benefits over conventional blinds, components and framing options, performance characteristics and testing standards, and common applications.

 1 hour

People experience color in different ways and in different settings; in particular, people in healthcare settings who are vulnerable, healing, or aging are influenced by colors used in interior design. This course presents an overview of color and how we perceive it, as well as some of the research findings on color’s effects on psychological, emotional, and physical health. Designers will also learn how color can enhance safety, orientation, and navigation, and the role that non-SBR rubber can play in offering optimal flooring solutions for healthcare institutions.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of sustainable design and the creation of healthier environments in reference to architectural paints. Included are discussions regarding the components of paint; independent testing methods and standards; categories of LEED®; and specification of paint systems for today’s designer.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

 1 hour

Outdoor porcelain pavers have many benefits. They are frost-resistant, skid-resistant, durable, easy-to-clean and have incredibly high breakage loads (up to 2200 lb) creating the perfect solution for gardens, terraces, and high traffic outdoor areas. This course will provide an overview of the manufacturing process of porcelain pavers, explain various installation methods, and discuss how porcelain pavers can contribute to today’s green building programs.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of gypsum wallboard manufacturing, a review of the Gypsum Association's recommended levels of finish and examples of writing specification of levels of finish.

 1 hour

Noise is now, and always has been, a huge issue for owners and residents of condominiums, apartments and co-ops and recently there has been a dramatic increase in litigation concerning acoustical privacy in multifamily projects. This course looks at how sound is transmitted and perceived, and how it relates to proper building design for acoustically treated spaces in multifamily dwellings. It also will describe a wide range of underlayment products that reduce impact sound transmission in various conditions.

 1.0 hour

(Canadian version) Paints provide a decorative and protective barrier on the surfaces and substrates they are applied to. Paint performance is influenced by the quality of the ingredients, and by specifying the correct product and finish for the application. This program discusses types of paint, paint finishes, surface preparation, and primers.

 1.0 hour

Surface design and color impacts people in one way or another. Why do some surroundings induce a sense of calm, happiness, or inspiration while others offer nothing but distraction, discomfort, chaos, doom, and gloom? Interior surfaces are the point of contact between users and their environment, as well as an important connection between the visual world and physical world. This course will examine the integral role that surface color and design plays in interior spaces. Key requirements in the selection and specification process will also be discussed.

 1 hour

Our planet’s resources are finite. Fresh water in particular, is under ever-increasing constraints. By choosing more efficient, eco-friendly fixtures and following sustainable building and product design programs, we can have a positive impact on this global issue, without sacrificing our current lifestyle. In this course, we will review these issues and discuss sustainability programs, products and design choices that can have a positive impact.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

 1 hour

The many unique benefits and performance properties offered by stainless steel make it a powerful candidate in materials selection. This course discusses deep textured, three dimensional metals used in architectural applications and elaborates on: the metallurgy of metals; the environmental benefits of stainless steel; and the specification of stainless steel and deep textured metals.

 1 hour

For generations, designers have turned to the beauty and functionality offered by terrazzo. In recent years, new technologies and materials mean terrazzo can respond to the needs of the most modern buildings. This course covers the evolution of terrazzo, terrazzo flooring systems, and the environmental advantages of terrazzo and how they apply to sustainable initiatives for indoor air quality, recycling, and resource efficiency.

 1 hour

Introduction au design durable et création d’environnements plus sains par des peintures architecturales. On trouvera aussi des réflexions sur les composants de la peinture; des méthodes d’évaluation et des normes indépendantes ; les catégories LEED® ; enfin, les particularités des systèmes de peinture pour le designer d’aujourd’hui.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of resilient flooring options for the healthcare industry and includes discussions on industry requirements, types of products available, product properties and specifications.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

 1 hour

(Canadian Version) It is well known that colour in the built environment has an impact on the perception of space and our behavior in a space. Designers must understand colour to create an ambiance or style and to influence spatial use and perception. In this course we will look at how colour is perceived and processed, its emotional impact, how it interacts with light and finally, provide tips for implementing colour in the built environment.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of antimicrobial additives that help protect products from degradation caused by microbes, with discussions on types of microorganisms and the array of products that can benefit from antimicrobials.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

 2 hour

Provides an overview of one-piece shower bases and accessories and includes discussions on methods of waterproofing shower floors and walls, shower design, and installation and tiling guidelines for shower pans and accessories.

 1 hour

There are many important considerations and issues related to outdoor tile and stone surfacing installations. This course provides an overview of the causes of their frequent failures, a detailed description of a system which addresses those issues and avoids the failures, and case studies of successful system installations in various contexts.

 1 hour

The office furniture industry is an ever-changing marketplace and this changeability has produced huge amounts of unwanted furniture. Remanufacturing addresses the waste, cost , and storage that comes with replacing office furniture. This course looks at trends in the office furniture industry, the environmental impacts created by legacy furniture, and a review of the environmental and economic benefits of remanufactured furniture as an alternative to scrapping, downcycling, or discarding to landfill.

 1 hour

There are a wide variety of grout types available in the market today. This course provides an overview, including composition, cost, performance characteristics and related ANSI standards of different grout types. This course also provides an in-depth discussion about the relatively new category of pre-mixed grouts, specifically pre-mixed urethane grout. The course will conclude with a discussion on how to choose the best grout for your projects’ specific requirements.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of the key design elements that are required for a successful ceramic tile/stone installation, including a discussion of the importance of properly designed crack isolation, waterproofing, and sound control membranes.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of the performance characteristics, fabrication techniques, and manufacturing processes of High Pressure Decorative Laminate (HPDL) which make it a sustainable decorative surfacing solution for commercial and residential applications.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

 1 hour

Fournit une introduction aux principes de base des couleurs, notamment la terminologie, la perception et la psychologie des couleurs, les effets de la lumière, ainsi que les styles et les tendances actuelles.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of engineered stone, with a focus on the process of designing with the material and descriptions of how engineered stone makes an appropriate, attractive, cost-effective, and sustainable design choice.

 1 hour

From “fashion to function,” the shower space of the bathroom is a focal point, offering a quiet respite in which to rejuvenate. Shower spaces should be built to last, using durable materials combined with sound installation practices in order to reduce the life cycle and replacement costs. This course outlines the criteria used in designing water management systems for shower pans and walls. Includes discussions on traditional and modern methods of waterproofing shower floors and walls, new methods of construction, as well as the innovative design options that are available for curbless shower pans.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

 1 hour

A comprehensive lighting plan is critical to the success of any residential design project. Proper lighting is effective and efficient and contributes to the comfort and functionality of the home. This course explores lighting concepts, sources, and controls. It discusses using layers of light to achieve design goals, and how to incorporate energy efficiency into lighting designs.

 1 hour

(Canadian Version) Provides an overview of the properties of colour and light. The program includes discussions on types of lighting, metamerism, Colour Rendering Index (CRI), and Light Reflectance Value (LRV) and how they affect design choices.

 1 hour

Throughout history, human desire to communicate, tell stories, and to express cultural identity, gives us a glimpse at the need for early use and creation of pigments. Creating color was, and still is, an art. Its history is one of discovery, wealth, power, religion, trade, and science. This course discusses the origins and evolution of color pigments by looking at historical civilizations and time periods.

 1.5 hour

Illustrates how the use of color can express our individuality and culture, and how the past can inspire us with fresh ideas for using color in the present. Highlighting the prevalent colors of more than ten decades, this course also looks at the societal, political, technological and cultural influences which impacted and defined the personality of each decade.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of the key reasons to apply a primer to every surface before painting a topcoat. Surface preparation, typical primer applications, stain-blocking and functionally specific primers are discussed.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of the characteristics of 100% Acrylic Solid Surface compared to other surface materials and the driving factors that contribute to its growing role in sustainable design strategies. Also discussed are the manufacturing, fabricating, and thermoformable processes of 100% Acrylic Solid Surface and the related green standards and certification programs.

 1 hour

How hard can a wall finish work? In this course we’ll take a look at the aesthetic and functional versatility of stretched-fabric wall finish systems. We will review their components; their acoustic, thermal, aesthetic, and wall protection functions; and their code and green building applicability. We’ll also take a look at some design solutions and installations.

 1 hour

Laboratory design is evolving and must respond to changing technologies and adapt to the needs of researchers. This course examines what is driving current trends in laboratory design, and how laboratory furnishings must perform to satisfy these trends. Particular attention is paid to laboratory work surfaces, the types of testing they undergo, and their performance characteristics.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of quartz surfacing materials in terms of its performance capabilities, sustainable attributes, and endless design possibilities for both residential and commercial construction and design applications.

 1 hour

Au fil de l’histoire, le désir des gens de communiquer, de raconter des histoires et d’exprimer leur identité culturelle nous donne la clé du besoin que ces gens ont eu, très tôt, d’utiliser et donc de fabriquer des pigments. La création de la couleur était alors un art, et elle l’est demeurée. L’histoire de la couleur est constellée de découvertes, de richesse, de pouvoir, de religion, de commerce et de science. Offre une vue d’ensemble de l’origine et de l’évolution des pigments de couleur par un regard sur des civilisations et des époques du passé.

 1 hour

Sometimes a design finish cannot be achieved within a certain budget or time frame. While not intended to be a substitute for real materials in every situation, architectural finishes mimic the aesthetics of natural and other materials. This course discusses the uses, manufacturing process, performance characteristics, selection considerations and proper installation techniques of architectural finishes.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of the properties of color and light. The program includes discussions on types of lighting, metamerism, Color Rendering Index (CRI), and Light Reflectance Value (LRV) and how they affect design choices.

 1 hour

Provides an overview, including the history, components, characteristics, types, and applications, of resinous terrazzo and seamless flooring systems.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of the types of membranes used to waterproof ceramic and stone tile installations and compares them in terms of performance and durability, ease of installation, control of variables, and function.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

 1 hour

This course provides an overview of integral blind assemblies and discusses their benefits over conventional blinds, components and framing options, performance characteristics and testing standards, and common applications.

 1 hour

The design of the common modular kitchen has, for almost a century, remained largely unchanged. Veering away from its basic conceptual arrangement, this course presents a discussion on the use of quartz surfacing in innovative kitchen design concepts that are created with optimal functionality in mind. Also reviewed are the characteristics, performance benefits, and application possibilities of quartz surfacing.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of conventional methods of framing curves in wood and steel, as well as new methods of framing using flexible track systems. Discusses options for wall coverings and trims for curved surfaces.

 1 hour

This course provides an overview of vinyl flooring, its manufacturing process, testing standards, and performance characteristics. The course discusses the environmental impacts of vinyl flooring throughout its lifespan and its contributions to meeting green building codes and standards.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

 1.0 hour

Regenerative design is a philosophy that reaches beyond being merely sustainable. It empowers creative potentials in pursuit of unique, system-wide benefit. This course explains the theory of regenerative design and its underlying concepts and paradigms. A case study, regenerative bark wall coverings, is presented to illustrate how regenerative design theory can be applied to the design and production of a building product.

 1 hour

The many unique benefits and performance properties offered by stainless steel make it a powerful candidate in materials selection. This course discusses deep textured, three dimensional metals used in architectural applications and elaborates on: the metallurgy of metals; the environmental benefits of stainless steel; and the specification of stainless steel and deep textured metals.

 1 hour

(Canadian Version) Provides an overview of the classification of paints, advantages and disadvantages of latex versus alkyd coatings, surface preparation and priming techniques, and causes and solutions for common paint problems.

 1.0 hour

Vinyl is one of the most popular types of plastic because of its durability and cost-effectiveness. However, the safety and sustainability of vinyl often comes into question. This course discusses the human and environmental impacts of vinyl, sustainable corporate strategies, and product transparency.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of large opening glass wall systems, their LEED® contributions, and how they lend themselves to sustainable design. The course focuses on: their benefits and applications; door types; door system components; and, selection and installation considerations.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of the history of solid surface as a decorative material with a discussion on product characteristics and attributes, and a comparison of sustainability factors of three hard surface materials and their environmental impact.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of sustainable materials for the bath, including production, performance, maintenance, and frameworks for assessment; and focuses on recycled copper, sustainably made concrete, FSC-certified bamboo, and reclaimed wood.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

 1 hour

Discusses the benefits of using more wood, not less, to lower carbon emissions and tackle climate change, and identifies what sustainable hardwood species are the most abundant and where some of the best managed, certified hardwood forests are located. The physical and performance properties of European Beech are compared to eight other temperate hardwoods.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

 1.0 hour

Aperçu des types de peintures, de finis, de préparations de surface et d’apprêts.

 1.0 hour

Paints provide a decorative and protective barrier on the surfaces and substrates they are applied to. Paint performance is influenced by the quality of the ingredients, and by specifying the correct product and finish for the application. This program discusses types of paint, paint finishes, surface preparation, and primers.

 1 hour

This course provides an overview of integral blind assemblies and discusses their benefits over conventional blinds, components and framing options, performance characteristics and testing standards, and common applications.

 1 hour

While the bathroom was once a strictly utilitarian space, a growing trend among luxury consumers is to create a custom, spa-like retreat right in the home. Surveys find that luxury consumers value functional and design excellence, uniqueness that reflects a creative side, and exceptional quality and value. This course examines the shower products available that help to create a personalized, multi-sensory experience with beautifully designed pieces that meet water efficiency standards.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of the advantages of using glass mat shaftliner panels for firewall assemblies in multi-story, multi-family housing, and covers the installation procedures and special conditions.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of the changes in color perception among the elderly as a result of aging or disease, with discussions of appropriate color use and application of low- or no-VOC, durable, high-quality paint to facilitate quality of life in all environments for aging.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

 1 hour

Falls are responsible for more open wounds, fractures, and brain injuries than any other cause of injury. Photoluminescent (PL) exit path markers have proven to provide safe and quick egress in all light conditions for occupants and fail-safe guidance to first responders entering unfamiliar surroundings in the event of an emergency. This course discusses the benefits of PL safety products and the codes and testing standards related to PL way-finding systems.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of the manufacturing processes, features, and benefits of specialty acrylic products that afford architects and designers unique and inspiring design solutions for a wide variety of applications.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of aluminum framed panels with solid acrylic, back painted glass, and architectural resin inserts, along with LED illuminated panels and shelving. It describes the materials, their components and options, and their performance and sustainability characteristics.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

 1 hour

Ventilation grilles influence HVAC system performance, but can pose aesthetic challenges for designers. Custom grilles made with modern fabrication techniques employ a variety of materials and finishes, to create solutions that enhance and fully integrate with architectural interiors. This course will discuss the basic mechanics of effective air distribution in buildings, performance characteristics of grilles, grille types, and custom design options.

 1 hour

In harvesting cork, the tree is not cut down and not damaged, making cork a rapidly renewable resource. Along with the use of recycled content and low VOC adhesives the use of cork flooring has low environmental and human health impacts. This course looks at the sustainability of natural cork flooring, both glue-down tiles and floating floor options, including discussions on performance characteristics, aesthetics and installation procedures.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

 1 hour

Porcelain tile containing recycled content provides residential and commercial building projects with a durable, easy to maintain finish material for interior or exterior, floors, walls, or other surfaces. This course highlights the eco-friendly production practices of porcelain tile and details its contributions to the design and performance of a building.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of the types of high density storage solutions including shelving, rotary systems, mobile systems, and vertical and horizontal carousels. Includes a discussion on the factors used to determine the best system to meet the client’s requirements.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of the performance characteristics and installation options for 20 mm (2 cm) thick porcelain tiles that are designed and made specifically for outdoor applications.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

 1 hour

The many unique benefits and performance properties offered by stainless steel make it a powerful candidate in materials selection. This course discusses deep textured, three dimensional metals used in architectural applications and elaborates on: the metallurgy of metals; the environmental benefits of stainless steel; and the specification of stainless steel and deep textured metals.

 1.5 hour

The popularity of bamboo products has soared due to their desirable aesthetic and unique, eco-friendly attributes. This course covers an overview of the history, uses, characteristics, and specification considerations of bamboo, including a discussion of the health advantages and green benefits of designing with bamboo products.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of the characteristics, features and benefits of engineered quartz surfaces, as well as a discussion on the related green certification programs.

 1 hour

The current popularity of designing bathrooms as luxurious “spas” has created a stylistic shorthand of minimalism, natural materials, neutral palettes, and luxury fixtures.. However, this popularity is driven by deeper and more persistent influences than fashion or self-indulgence. This course will discuss the shift in bathroom design from places of cleansing to places of rejuvenation, how the current trend towards luxurious minimalism relates to prevailing social change, and how designers can apply this insight to their projects.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of the classification of paints, advantages and disadvantages of latex versus alkyd coatings, surface preparation and priming techniques, and causes and solutions for common paint problems.

 1 hour

Adhesion and long-term integrity of a high-performance floor system can be undermined by any number of factors. Although surface preparation is one of the most critical aspects of floor coating, there are a number of other steps that must be included. In this course we will review the necessary steps for a successful high performance floor coating application including preliminary inspection and surface preparation, selection of appropriate products and proper coating application tips.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of problems water creates for masonry structures, and how water repellents can help to prevent those problems.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of how sustainable restroom design can address the global concerns of water shortages and the impacts of the building sector on our environment. This program identifies the newest technologies in high-efficiency restroom fixtures including how to choose water-saving products and the practical, economic, and environmental benefits of high-speed, energy-efficient hand dryers versus paper towels. Also included is an in-depth analysis of how these products earn points toward LEED® v4 credits and other green building standards to comply with new, best practices in green building.

 1 hour

It is well known that color in the built environment has an impact on the perception of space and our behavior in a space. Designers must understand color to create an ambiance or style and to influence spatial use and perception. In this course we will look at how color is perceived and processed, its emotional impact, how it interacts with light and finally, provide tips for implementing color in the built environment.

 1.5 hour

Provides an overview of the new LEED v4 BD+C New Construction credits to which paints and coatings may apply. It reviews credit intents, explains credit requirements and describes where to find materials to meet the needs of the credits.

 1 hour

(Canadian Version) Throughout history, our human desire to communicate, tell stories, and to express cultural identity, gives us a glimpse at the need for early use and creation of pigments. Creating colour was, and still is, an art. Its history is one of discovery, wealth, power, religion, trade, and science. This course discusses the origins and evolution of colour pigments by looking at historical civilizations and time periods.

 1 hour

Wood is a versatile building material that must be protected from exposure to moisture, pests, fungi, and molds. Tropical hardwoods are naturally durable, but unsustainable logging practices threaten their availability and the health of old growth forests. This course discusses Furfurylated Wood Modification, one method of changing the physical characteristics of fast growing wood to resemble tropical hardwood.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of the features, performance characteristics, styles and installation considerations of engineered wood siding and trim products.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.

 1 hour

Fournir une présentation de la classification des peintures, des avantages et inconvénients du latex par rapport aux enduits en alkyde, des techniques de préparation de surface et d’impression, et enfin, des causes et solutions de problèmes courants en peinture.

 1 hour

Provides an overview of various design approaches that mitigate the many health hazards associated with contaminated surfaces in health care environments, with a specific focus on preventive biocidal surfaces that utilize embedded technology that actively protects against microbial contamination.

 This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.