Featured

Displaying 50 featured courses.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Recent events have emphasized the importance of proper hygiene, especially in public restrooms. Presented here is a discussion on which public restroom surfaces commonly promote the spread of germs and how touchless sink faucets can be used to reduce the proliferation of harmful bacteria. Design professionals will learn about water treatment and filtration options and water system management strategies, and how to apply preventative measures to create hygienic public restrooms that support public safety.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Now more than ever, public restrooms must provide users with a hygienic and safe experience that supports inclusivity, human health, and wellness. In this course, we explore how multistall public restrooms address users’ concerns about hygiene, safety, privacy, and efficiency through partitions, touchless fixtures, hand dryers, and more. We also discuss fulfilling WELL Building Standard™ v2 requirements by promoting public health and safety in restroom design.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), handwashing is one of the best and easiest ways to prevent the spread of germs. However, drying hands is just as important as washing them. This course introduces the reader to the main features of air knife hand dryers and discusses how their technical components, such as high-efficiency particulate (HEPA) filtration, touch-free operation, and fast dry times, contribute to their hygienic performance.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Now more than ever, the environmental impacts of products used in construction are a worldwide concern and one that the architecture and design (A&D) community is being asked to address in their work. Environmental product declarations (EPDs) are powerful tools when choosing materials for commercial projects. This course discusses how, where, and why to use EPDs to inform sustainable product selection and specification decisions and how EPDs are incorporated into key green building rating systems and codes, including LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction (BD+C) and Interior Design and Construction (ID+C), Green Globes® for New Construction (NC), and the International Green Construction Code® (IgCC®).

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    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.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Today's complex steel structures present numerous design challenges, including the challenge of fireproofing appropriately in order to ensure the safety and well-being of building occupants as well as protection of the structure itself. This course outlines the code and testing standards that inform fireproofing choices and the various passive fire protection products and methodologies that can address a comprehensive range of design challenges; insight into the proper specification of fire protection products as well as their ability to improve LEED® certification levels is also provided.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Traditional and modern, linear direct vent gas fireplaces safely provide supplemental heat while preserving indoor air quality. The course explores gas fireplace venting systems and heater- and decorative-rated fireplace options, electric fireplace options, functions, aesthetics, and applications. Also discussed are innovative technologies that enhance performance, applicable codes and standards, safety requirements and precautions, and size considerations.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Drying hands thoroughly is crucial for maintaining hygiene levels, and when a hand dryer is too slow, the result is many people give up trying to dry their hands and leave the bathroom with wet or damp hands. Research has shown that damp hands can transmit up to 1,000x more bacteria than dry hands. This course discusses hand-drying concepts and the advantages of hand dryers with air knife technology. It also reviews the impact the choice of hand-drying equipment has on public health, occupant comfort, facility operations, and our environment.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    It’s imperative to have a dependable, well-designed fire protection system that helps save lives and property. This course is designed to advance awareness and understanding about the wide range of components, functionality, and benefits of today’s most innovative standpipe fire systems and how to select the optimal system for your design based on building type, codes, and other requirements.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Specialty door and frame assemblies have been developed that are designed specifically for the built healthcare environment where performance criteria are critical. Reviewed in this course are specialty door and frame assemblies that meet the challenges of infection prevention, building cleanliness, patient privacy, and increased security, as well as containment of radio wave and radiation interference in hospitals and clinics.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Sound control is a critical element in a building’s design. We all think of the walls, ceiling, and floor when discussing sound attenuation, but without the proper acoustic door, the sound-control goals in an acoustic plan may not be met. This course reviews healthy sound levels and how to test and identify target STC ratings. Also discussed are the elements of acoustic door assemblies and how they address fire ratings and ADA compliance, contribute to LEED® certification and green building, and provide security for classified files and electronic data.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets the minimum requirements for newly designed and constructed or renovated state and local government facilities, public accommodations, and commercial facilities to be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. Many projects must also follow the provisions of the 2017 version of ICC A117.1,  Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities . This course identifies the benefits of accessibility standards and the prescriptive requirements for accessible restrooms set by the ADA and ICC A117.1.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Concrete floors require protection. Choosing the right concrete floor coating system is essential to meeting the performance requirements of commercial, industrial, and residential environments. This course discusses the assessment and repair of a concrete floor and specifies how to select a high-performance coating system based on the conditions and requirements of a construction project.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The savings that water conservation measures can provide are real and practical and offer enormous untapped potential. One of the best ways to boost conservation really hasn’t been thoroughly utilized, yet it’s right here at our fingertips: faucets. This course provides an overview of commercial faucets, including the evolution of the modern faucet, design and installation considerations, and the faucet’s impact on water conservation and green building programs.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The potential for scalding from point of use hot water affects all of us. While the very young and the very old are more susceptible, no one is immune from scalding danger. An understanding of the potential for scalding, as well as the physiology of burns from hot water, can guide our design choices and significantly reduce the danger to people using facilities that commonly supply hot water, such as lavatories, baths, and showers. This course discusses the potential for scalding, the physiology of burns due to hot water, and who is most susceptible. It also discusses the relevant codes and the fixtures available to designers that can help reduce scalding and burn potential.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Plumbing design is highly regulated; improper design and installation can pose a serious health risk or result in costly property damage. This course reviews the plumbing codes and standards that govern plumbing fittings and fixtures, with special attention to standards to control the leaching of organics, metals, and lead into drinking water.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Waterborne pathogens in healthcare facilities are a significant source of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) that cause thousands of deaths every year and billions of dollars in direct healthcare costs. This course will familiarize you with waterborne pathogens found in healthcare water systems, the technical standards that manage the risk of outbreaks, and the components of a water management program (WMP). Finally, we will review the characteristics of plumbing fixtures designed to deter pathogen growth.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Water is a valuable resource, yet many states suffer water shortages due to preventable issues, such as overuse and leaks. This course presents the increased need for water conservation and provides an overview of the EPA’s WaterSense® program. Examined are how plumbing fixtures can meet the requirements of green building codes, standards, and rating systems, including LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction (BD+C). Healthcare, institutional, and residential case studies demonstrate the benefits of water-efficient plumbing fixtures.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Structural laminated decking allows the beauty of the wood structure to be exposed, creating a unique architectural experience for its occupants. Aesthetics, strength, and durability are combined in one engineered product. Structural laminated wood decking is an environmentally sustainable and cost-effective alternative to solid timber and other roof systems. This course discusses the characteristics of laminated wood decking and reviews recommended design, specification, and installation practices.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Efficient water use and conservation are key parts of sustainable development. Toilets account for the greatest water usage within a residential home (typically 30 percent). Dual-flush toilets are an option to reduce water usage by up to 20 percent while meeting the LEED® v4 Water Efficiency requirements. This toilet option can also be incorporated into accessible bathrooms and use touchless flush plates. The most attractive feature of the dual-flush toilet is that it does not require significant behavioral changes for benefits to be realized.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Dual-flush wall-mounted toilets help create modern, stylish bathrooms that strike a balance between sustainable water efficiency, flexible design, and space savings. This course compares this style with other traditional types of toilets, discusses how wall-mounted toilets benefit commercial and residential users, and explains how they satisfy the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other accessibility and building code requirements.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    With office vacancies rising amid changes in technology and the growth of working from home during the COVID pandemic, the practice of converting office buildings into residential spaces such as apartments, condominiums, and hotels has been embraced by communities and all levels of government as a solution to the housing crisis. This course examines the factors behind these conversions, with emphasis on the use of in-wall toilet systems as a solution to design, economic, and sustainability concerns.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course focuses on barrier free shower design and installation. Following a brief review of the reasons, benefits, and legal requirements for barrier free showers it summarizes the features and attributes of shower assemblies, relevant industry standards, waterproofing membranes and drains, best practices, installation methodology, installation tips and techniques, and walk/roll in showers. It includes a review of the design considerations and advice for the creation of perfectly performing showers which follow the latest design trends.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    New technology and improvements in masonry veneer installation can help your team save time and money in the construction process while providing superior results. In this course, you'll learn how cutting-edge technology is helping masons move beyond traditional lath and scratch and be introduced to the principles behind enhanced masonry veneer installation systems (EMVIS). Learn how to create permanent, high-strength installations for residential, commercial, and industrial applications using EMVIS with fortified mortars and innovative waterproofing barrier membranes that protect against air and water penetration.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The beautiful gray patina of zinc architectural metal has graced the rooftops of buildings in Europe for hundreds of years. This course examines the sustainable characteristics of zinc as a roofing material, including its 100% recyclability, zero VOC requirement, and low embodied energy production process. The life cycle analysis of zinc is examined, as is zinc’s long-term service life. Various types of roof and wall applications are also discussed.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Architectural metal panels (AMPs) provide exceptional design versatility, enhancing both the aesthetics and functionality of a building. This course explores different types of panels, their applications, finishes, key design and specification considerations, and best practices to ensure the durability and performance of the panel system. Additionally, several project examples are presented to showcase the creative applications of AMP systems.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 30 minutes ) 

    An ideal railing system enhances the appeal and value of a property and contributes to design as well as safety, while not requiring large amounts of time or money to maintain. This course presents an overview of railing system material options with a focus on aluminum and thermoplastic. The performance, design, and sustainability benefits of each material are discussed, along with mounting and aesthetic options. The course concludes with tips on selecting the right railing system for the project and case studies showcasing aluminum and thermoplastic railing system installations.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The architectural uses for perforated metal span a wide variety of interior and exterior applications for residential, industrial, and commercial projects. Reviewed in this course are the applications and the specification considerations for standard and custom perforated metal, along with a discussion on how it is used to sculpt light, control sound, and compose views.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Pass-through windows are a common and convenient method of conducting transactions in a variety of settings, some of which may present concerns for the security of the employees behind the windows. This course addresses the protection options available for security pass-through windows. Proper specification of pass-through windows as well as convenience and performance features are also discussed.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Coatings are about more than a building’s appearance; they play a vital role in preserving the architectural elements of the façade. This course explains coating chemistries and manufacturing, as well as the role they play in sustainability. The course also offers a detailed look at industry standards and tests that result in coating performance metrics. Specifying the correct coating for a given application can dramatically improve a building’s appearance and its cradle-to-cradle environmental footprint.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Various surveys indicate that up to 90% of Americans prefer showering over bathing. In addition, there are many for whom bathtubs are major hazards and who must use an accessible shower. As a result, showers are the new norm for the hospitality industry and are often a central design element in hospitality and multifamily units. They are also often the choice and focus of seniors modifying their homes to facilitate aging in place and homeowners updating their bathrooms to increase their property value. This illustrated course discusses the three basic types of contemporary shower enclosures, their installation requirements and specifications, the wide range of glazing options and appearances available, and applicable codes and standards that inform and/or regulate shower installations.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Interest in metal cladding is continually growing because of its sustainable features: durability, long life span, recyclability, and contribution to cool roofs. Manufacturers provide a wide range of panel profiles, materials, and colors to meet the increased demand. This course examines the performance characteristics and attributes of metal roofing and cladding, different aesthetic options, and best installation practices, as well as how they contribute to more energy-efficient buildings.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    For many years, preformed metal wall panels have been a top choice for building owners and architects, offering an excellent blend of cost effectiveness, functionality, and aesthetic appeal, particularly in rainscreen and screen walls. This course examines the different materials, profiles, and finish options for these panels and dives into applications and best practices for design and installation.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course addresses the health, safety, and welfare concerns to account for when specifying and installing a modular masonry fireplace. The course discusses the advantages of modular masonry fireplace systems and their uses. When installing fireplaces, it is necessary to understand that safety codes, clearances, and restrictions are for the well-being of the installer as well as the homeowner. We cover these codes and regulations in this course.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Architects, interior designers, plumbers, and engineers play a vital role in creating accessible, safe, functional, and aesthetically appealing bathing spaces. With growing demand and stricter regulations, accessibility must be more than just compliance; it must enhance safety, dignity, and usability. This course equips professionals to balance ADA, ANSI, and residential best practices, ensuring projects meet both legal standards and real-world needs.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course examines threats to window and door integrity in buildings, including forced entry, ballistic impact, storm debris, and blast pressure. It covers retrofit and replacement approaches that strengthen glazing systems, explains relevant testing protocols, and addresses misleading performance claims. The course concludes with guidance on how to assess existing conditions and specify solutions that support occupant safety, risk mitigation, and building resilience.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Adequate water consumption is essential to human health, and many turn to bottled water for convenience or out of concerns about the public drinking water supply. But bottled water presents its own water quality issues along with environmental impacts of disposable plastic bottles. This course explores bottle-filling stations that offer safer, convenient, sustainable hydration in a wide range of applications. Also reviewed are the features, benefits, and installation options of bottle-filling stations and how they contribute to drinking water requirements in the WELL Building Standard™ (WELL™) version 2.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Communities need accessible, versatile surfaces for play and relaxation for people of all ages and abilities. Modern landscape synthetic turf options are specifically formulated for public recreation spaces frequented by adults, children, and pets. This course reviews the health benefits of being outdoors, the history and fabrication of synthetic turf, the design considerations for various recreation applications, and synthetic turf’s performance and sustainability characteristics.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Trash, recycling, and linen chutes must be designed, installed, and maintained to meet the 2019 NFPA 82 standard. This course addresses trash, recycling, and linen chutes and includes discussions on system components, accessory components, compactors and sorters, and meeting NFPA 82 requirements. The program also guides you through a typical installation of a chute system.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Throughout history, concrete mixes and carved natural stone have combined to create substance, beauty, and longevity in our architecture. Glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) was created to ensure that the attributes of concrete and stone continue to be enjoyed but with efficiency in the application that is expected in today's world of design. This course covers the creation of GFRC, its components, fabrication, applications, and design capabilities. It compares GFRC to other types of architectural concrete and presents GFRC performance and sustainable design advantages.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Vinyl is suitable for many building materials and is often the best selection when durability, aesthetics, and value are vital. This course is intended to help designers and specifiers make the most informed decisions about vinyl product selection. It describes the realities and improvements of today’s vinyl product manufacturing, discusses the latest information about the safety and sustainability of vinyl products, and presents a verification standard for responsible vinyl manufacturing.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Industrial-strength ladders must provide functional safety for users in varied and demanding building environments. Aluminum ladders are up to the challenge of virtually any application thanks to aluminum’s high strength-to-weight ratio, durability, and corrosion resistance. This course reviews ladder types and safety considerations and discusses how the sustainability benefits of aluminum along with its other attributes make it an ideal material for heavy-duty ladders.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    A metal roof combines performance and aesthetics to give commercial and residential buildings strength, longevity, and character. This course examines the features and benefits of standing seam metal roofing and explains the factors to consider when selecting a project-specific metal roofing system.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The beaches and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean are some of the advantages of living in Florida. However, the extreme wind forces from hurricanes can easily damage even the strongest buildings and cause billions of dollars in property loss. As a result, certain areas of Florida―Miami-Dade and Broward Counties—have been designated High Velocity Hurricane Zones. The building products used in these zones must be laboratory tested to meet extreme wind and pressure performance standards. This course explains why a metal roof system designed to minimize the damage from hurricanes is important.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Wind load can significantly impact buildings, affecting their structural integrity and safety. Perimeter roof edge systems are a primary safeguard during strong wind events. This course provides an overview of the types, features, and benefits of perimeter roof edge systems, system selection considerations, the impact of wind uplift on roofs, and the building codes and testing standards applicable to perimeter roof edge systems.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Railings are often one of the most important parts of a deck or stair project because of the safety and security they provide, but they can offer character, style, and beauty as well as functionality. Today's railing systems present many possibilities to create a unique design perfectly suited to the project needs. This course examines high-strength, powder-coated aluminum railings, from code considerations to installation and maintenance. It presents the versatile, mix-and-match capability of finishes, top rail styles, lighting, and infill options that offer long-lasting, easy-to-install solutions for residential and commercial applications.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Elevate your railing designs with a premanufactured system without compromising aesthetics or adaptability to site conditions. When you choose a manufacturer with design and engineering capabilities, you can customize premanufactured systems to meet safety standards AND enhance a project’s design. In this course, we discuss how a railing manufacturer helped three architects create unique solutions from premanufactured components.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Cable railings are a beautifully minimalist way to meet safety requirements without obstructing the view. Learn how to assemble a commercial-grade cable railing with sophisticated fittings engineered to simplify installation, comply with building codes, and reduce overall labor costs.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Water is a valuable resource, yet many states suffer water shortages due to preventable issues, such as overuse and leaks. This course presents the increased need for water conservation and provides an overview of the EPA’s WaterSense® program. Examined are how plumbing fixtures can meet the requirements of green building codes, standards, and rating systems, including LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction (BD+C). Healthcare, institutional, and residential case studies demonstrate the benefits of water-efficient plumbing fixtures.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Architectural metal fabric is a dynamic interior and exterior material used to create beautiful and functional façades, balustrades, and screening for a wide variety of commercial and public structures. This course discusses applications for metal fabric and its performance benefits, including safety, security, solar management, and sustainability. It also discusses how coatings and graphics technologies can be incorporated into metal fabrics to enhance branding and visual identity.

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