The purpose of this course is to educate the architect/designer as to the benefits of using a high speed, high cycle door for parking applications. These benefits include but are not limited to; increased security and safety in the parking area, lower maintenance costs, energy savings and improved traffic flow.

Small and mid-sized architecture firm leaders often fear becoming too “corporate” when faced with practices, systems, and policies used by big firms. But to get big, larger firms must be doing something right. Join CVG to learn which large firm business practices are most applicable to smaller firms – and why. We’ll discuss how larger firms approach project delivery, strategy, business development, operations, and organization, and which aspects of these approaches might be instructive to smaller firms. Lastly, we’ll explore how this understanding creates opportunities for smaller firms to effectively compete, successfully differentiate themselves, and strategically partner. This session will be led by Scott Butler, a Management Consultant at CVG with over 35 years of experience in senior leadership roles (including CEO, COO) at multiple architectural firms with up to $80M in revenue. Scott currently coaches small and mid-sized firms in CVG’s client base with a focus on scaling best practices to fit firms of every size.

Concrete Masonry is an effective solution for the ever-changing design environment, as well as offer a wealth of health and safety benefits to the occupants. This one-hour HSW program will explore how to effectively design masonry walls using legacy stone products, such as Natural Limestone, Cast Stone and Architectural Stone. Attendees will learn the proper design techniques which focus on the prevention of moisture and crack control issues. Additionally, the discussion will emphasize the planning and designing of sound masonry walls using proper architectural components based on industry guidelines and specifications.

Now more than ever, today’s buildings require strong attention to hygiene, sanitation, and overall safety. With the latest plumbing innovations, health and safety requirements are prioritized, addressed, and met. From achieving appropriate water flow and pressure in the mechanical room, to providing a touchless restroom experience and delivering effective water temperatures and waste disposal in the kitchen, today’s buildings contribute to optimal patron health and safety. This course explains just how engineers, architects, and contractors can incorporate the latest plumbing products in and around their buildings to achieve safety while also providing cost savings, durability, water conservation, and overall building owner and building patron satisfaction.

The sales growth of electric vehicles (EVs) is increasing the demand for charging stations. This education course explains the different types of charging available and their suitable applications. It discusses the planning and installation considerations for electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE).

One of the most exciting developments in outdoor living is the arrival of ¾” thick porcelain outdoor pavers. The concept began to spark interest in 2012 and is continuing to grow in popularity. Outdoor porcelain pavers have the same benefits as regular porcelain –being frost-resistant, skid-resistant, durable and easy to clean – combined with incredibly high breakage loads (up to 2,000 pounds) creates the perfect solution for gardens, terraces and high traffic outdoor areas. Outdoor porcelain pavers can be dry laid onto grass, gravel, dirt and sand – or onto terraces and roofs using raised supports – without grout, adhesives or specialized workers, making installation incredibly easy.

Today’s consumers demand much of plumbing products, expecting them to be durable, environmentally friendly, safe, ADA compliant, and easy to install, clean, maintain, and use. This course reviews the options and features of an array of restroom plumbing products and drains, examining how they not only meet functional and performance requirements but also how they add style and character to a design.

Outdoor decks are commonly desired by homeowners and commercial property owners for both new and existing properties. Wood has long been the structural choice for outdoor deck materials. However, wood has disadvantages that can be mitigated with steel deck framing structural construction. In this course, we will discover that light-gauge steel (LGS) is lighter in weight than structural wood, is less susceptible to deterioration due to the elements and pests, requires less maintenance over time, is a sustainable material, and offers unparalleled safety features for dead loads, live loads, and environmental loads such as snow, earthquakes, and wind. Steel deck framing is quick to erect and provides for longer spans than wood of similar cross-sectional size. Structural materials can be easily lifted, and waste is reduced.

This is a Product SpotLight Presentation.

SOPRANATURE TOUNDRA BOX combines all the necessary components of a green roofing system into a modular tray. Each tray includes built in drainage slots, filter fabric, growing medium and pre-grown plants protected by a removable retention frame. Suitable for both small and large surfaces, these lightweight, easy-to-carry trays are easily assembled in minutes to create an instant green roof.

Air control dampers are an essential component of a building’s HVAC system, regulating heating, cooling, and ventilation performance. Presented here is an introduction to control, balancing, backdraft, industrial, and multizone dampers; each type playing an important role in the HVAC system. Discussed are damper types, components, and performance metrics. Guidance is provided for damper specification, installation, and maintenance and inspection.

Movable pool and spa floor technology enables an entirely flexible, multifunctional living and recreational space to complement any architectural vision. Presented here are types of movable pool floors, pool floor technology, options and amenities, and safety and sustainability performance considerations.

This education course includes a thorough overview of landscape edging and restraints. From the important reasons to use edging on projects, to the many different applications that require edging, to the many edging shapes, to the various materials used for edging, this short one hour course covers it all.

Buildings, roads, and man-made landscapes can harm the natural environment with their effect on the natural water cycle. Architects and designers need to be aware of the best practices and experts’ recommendations to specify the correct type of drainage system that serves users and protects the environment. This course discusses the positive contributions of modern drainage systems to the built environment and their role in improving sustainability. The technical and aesthetic aspects of trench drain design are also covered.

Review of automated shading and daylighting design strategies on sustainability and energy optimization.

This presentation discusses the manufactured Dry Cast masonry, and contrasts with Wet Cast stone, both in terms of utilitarian benefits, and aesthetics.

We review the characteristics that best describe architectural IMPs including the myriad design options available. Topics such as finishes and coatings, trimless ends, folded corners, variable reveals, segmented curves, running bond patterns, sunscreens and integrated windows are reviewed. Structural support considerations including stud walls and tube steel are studied, as well as the importance of maintaining proper wall alignment. The installation process is also reviewed using an animated video to provide step-by-step guidance. Air, water, vapor and thermal control layers are studied along with code compliance. Product and installation warranties are highlighted before wrapping up with a look at IMP sustainability and transparency.

Cohesive and resilient designs are hard to achieve. This course offers a basic review of thin veneer applications, aesthetic opportunities and specifications for vertical surfaces. Highlighting code requirements and “Industry Best Practices” for installation over various sub-straights.

Understanding how insulated metal panels (IMPs) are used for cold storage facilities is critical to creating energy efficient and sustainable facilities. We start with basic definitions of cold storage, controlled environments and controlled atmospheres, then review the building science behind how IMPs provide all necessary environmental control layers (air, vapor, water and thermal). From there we explore control layer continuity which is critical to prevent unwanted condensation, ice formation and heat gain in coolers and freezers. Creating suspended ceilings using IMPs requires a complete understanding of the differences between non-accessible, light/limited duty and walkable ceilings. We will review important engineering, safety and ventilation requirements for these systems. We then study the various IMP substrates and paint finishes along with their performance characteristics – essential when designing food processing areas. We conclude the program with a review of the proper draw down process when commissioning a cold storage facility.

This is a condensed version of the 2-hour course ECH-BIM-1901: Masonry Solutions for BIM. Masonry construction presents a myriad of challenges for specifiers – especially those who are less familiar with masonry construction methods, performance standards and assembly detailing. A new wave of BIM modeling tools seeks to bridge the gap between these challenges and the extensive benefits of masonry construction, including resiliency, energy performance and unique aesthetics. This presentation provides a condensed overview of BIM and its impact on the construction industry, with a particular focus on new software tools that are changing the way masonry is designed, specified, ordered, manufactured, shipped, installed and maintained. Additionally, this course will delve into masonry building codes – with a particular focus on energy codes – and how they work together with masonry materials to deliver safer, healthier and higher-performing buildings for occupants.

What is wastewater energy recovery, and how does it apply to the future of energy efficiency and decarbonization? In this course, we will explore how this previously overlooked source of energy loss from buildings can be utilized to endlessly recover and recycle energy within projects ranging from individual multi-family residential buildings to commercial and industrial applications and even up to district energy networks. Wastewater heat recovery and transfer technologies used in small-scale and large-scale applications are also discussed, with case studies showcasing the practical applications and garnered benefits.

Today's storms are more intense, more frequent and more deadly than ever before, making the design and construction of resilient buildings critical. The design of the building envelope – and the materials used – can be the difference between life and death. This presentation will discuss how the strength and resiliency of masonry construction can help protect a building – and its occupants – from storm damage, return structures to use faster following a disaster and reduce the long-term cost of repairs.

Discover the characteristics, benefits and design options for commercial and industrial buildings using insulated metal panels (IMPs). Recognize the factors affecting panel spans and the relationship of these to structural supports. Gain knowledge of IMP code compliance.

We will seek to create a deeper understanding of biophilia and its impact on individuals. As a community, we have an obligation to educate consumers regarding the neuroaesthetic impact outdoor living can have. During the presentation, we will quantify the impacts of getting people outside.

Ensuring accessibility for people with every type of physical ability is fundamental. It is important to have a complete understanding of the intent of ADA codes in restrooms and locker rooms that address issues like circulation path, maneuverability, clear floor space, reach ranges, mirror mounting height, and even door swings among others. Careful consideration of product choice and placement will create a safe, and more usable space for everyone.

Learn how to manage shading and light with automated systems.