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.

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Individuals are deeply connected to their surroundings. When surroundings have the ability to inspire and encompass creativity, collaboration, and innovation this connection can foster health and well-being as well as a sense of contentment. By utilizing light-manipulating materials in buildings, experiential spaces will not only promote occupant well-being but will also help projects achieve LEED and WELL credits and environmental stewardship.

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The most important assets in any organization are the people within. When a client decides to invest in physical security, like bullet-resistant barriers, it is the responsibility of AEC community professionals to understand what protection level is appropriate for the building depending upon the surroundings, the industry, and the client’s specific needs and provide a blueprint that includes the desired features while maximizing the building owner’s investment and protecting future occupants.

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Light-manipulating materials use internal channels to capture, bend, scatter, and redirect light and create visually stunning spaces. Panels and slabs in resin, glass, and terrazzo make an experiential surface for privacy screens or signage, primary or accent lighting, and countertops or flooring—anywhere the interplay of light and shadow is desired for beauty and inspiration. This course describes the different types of light-manipulating materials and substrates, design and installation options, and the contributions of these products to sustainability goals as well as occupant health, well-being, and engagement in a wide range of dynamic, unique applications.

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The modern wine cellar has been transformed by the design community, bringing storage out of the basement and into main-floor living in both commercial and residential properties. Proper wine storage is equal parts art and science, and this course covers the big picture on where to start to specify the Modern Wine Cellar.

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Frameless glass railing systems are completely post-free and offer a minimalist aesthetic that maximizes views. This course presents the IBC code requirements for glass railing systems and explores how to specify the appropriate mounting, glass, and handrail components for the substrate, location, and expected use. Case studies of completed projects illustrate the unlimited design possibilities of frameless glass railings.

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Structural fire protection guards essential structural components from the devastating effects of fire. This course examines the various active and passive fireproof methods that are available with a focus on the features, types, and design considerations of prefabricated fireproof structural columns designed for exposed exterior and interior load-bearing columns.

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This course provides an overview of cable assemblies used as infill on residential and commercial railings. The course will explain the uses and advantages of building with stainless steel cable railing assemblies; identify and evaluate important railing frame design requirements, considerations, and options; discuss safety and code related issues, classify and describe the cable assembly components; outline the installation process of prefabricated cable kits and custom cable assemblies; and provide valuable insight for determining the best choice of cable and fittings for a successful cable railing installation.

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Access control systems are used to limit entry into designated secure areas to certain personnel during predetermined time periods. In this one-hour course, we will review electrified door locking hardware and related components which interface with electronic access controllers to provide a complete security solution.

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Window films can be used in a variety of applications including solar control, energy efficiency, safety and security, and decorative. Films even provide anti graffiti protection.

This course reviews the science behind solar energy and heat transfer and will help you understand how window film works in different applications. It also looks at how window films can contribute to everything from improving the environment to protecting the safety of building occupants.

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This presentation will guide architects through the process of choosing, specifying, and installing hardwood flooring products with an emphasis on best practices for maintaining safe indoor air quality.

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Infrared patio heaters are a sustainable way to heat outdoor spaces. This course reviews the available options and their sustainability profiles, focusing on electric infrared heaters.

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The use of sliding doors in commercial applications is increasing at an exponential rate as facilities embrace the ability to reclaim previously unused space and create wider paths of travel. This course is designed to provide architects, designers, and specifiers with a comprehensive understanding of sliding door locking solutions in commercial spaces and the role of door hardware in ensuring safety, security, and accessibility. By analyzing case studies and exploring the features and benefits of sliding door locking solutions, participants will be able to make informed decisions when specifying sliding door systems for commercial spaces.

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This course starts with a discussion of the basic material science of concrete, its ingredients, and the protective gear needed for safe handling. It covers the environmental impact of carbon emissions related to the material, the industry’s Roadmap to Net Zero Concrete and its published commitments to address those impacts. The course presents real-life examples of how to reduce the environmental footprint of concrete, including using specific materials and techniques during project planning, design, and construction. It also discusses binder options like LC2, LC3, and other blended cement products that help cut embodied carbon in concrete. Information is given on slag cement, coal combustion products, both fresh fly ash and beneficiated reclaimed ash, natural pozzolans, and other established and newly developed supplementary cementitious materials. Lastly, the course will discuss established and emerging Carbon Sequestration and Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) strategies and detail their role in decarbonating concrete construction and what designers, and other stakeholders can do to promote these technologies.

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Healthcare facilities are striving to meet the needs of all patients and caregivers by offering healthy, safe, and inclusive spaces that can be repurposed quickly if needed. This course reviews innovations in plumbing design, such as vacuum plumbing and its applications, and explores how these design innovations support trending healthcare needs, including infection prevention, behavioral healthcare, and bariatric applications, and fulfill ADA requirements. Several case studies showcasing successful examples are also covered.

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No discussion about a material’s sustainability is complete unless it addresses embodied carbon, the carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions associated with the material over its cradle-to-grave life cycle. Changes made to spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation formulations address the impacts of embodied carbon. This course explores the evolution and environmental impacts of SPF blowing agents, the performance benefits of SPF, physical property testing and certifications, and SPF’s potential LEED® v4 contributions. Case studies make evident the performance value of SPF.

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Topics discussed include daylighting strategies available through the integration of structural sandwich panels, energy conservation, enhancements, options, form, and aesthetics. The many benefits to health, productivity, safety, and sustainable design will be discussed, as well as the specialty applications including explosion venting, blast resistance, OSHA fall through protection, and hurricane resistance.

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An introduction to Pre-Insulated Masonry. The course addresses the energy efficiency of pre-insulated masonry wall systems, and Energy Code compliance using such systems. The course also covers thermal performance measures and how to obtain Code-compliant values for these measures. In addition, how to detail pre-insulated walls is addressed. Finally the course addresses current topics in materials transparency and sustainability.

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This course discusses how designers can take advantage of the benefits of thermal mass for providing buildings that are energy efficient and passively resilient. Participants will learn how thermal mass functions, learn the definition of a mass wall, and learn how to incorporate thermal mass into typical building conditions.

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This course discusses the keys to successfully designing details for single wythe concrete masonry buildings, with a focus on moisture control, energy conservation, structural performance, and aesthetic opportunities.

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This presentation teaches participants the concrete masonry wall system options available for school construction, compares the performance and cost of concrete masonry vs. framed construction, identifies the safety, security and resilience advantages of concrete masonry, and introduces how coated masonry wall systems can offer benefits for interiors spaces requiring durability or heightened hygienic conditions.

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Doors and hardware make up 1%-2% of the entire cost of a construction project yet create more than 20% of the problems. In this presentation you will learn how Integrated Door Opening Assemblies can prevent or mitigate these problems. And use integrated opening assemblies to make smoke and fire control more effective. Course has been updated with current code and application information.

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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.

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A rainscreen is a type of assembly applied to an exterior wall consisting of an outer layer, inner layer, and a ventilated cavity between the two. These systems have been used extensively in other markets but are relatively new to the US. As codes evolve, and building science advances, rainscreens are becoming a popular way of enclosing buildings. They greatly increase performance while simultaneously enabling designers to achieve new and striking designs.

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Modern interior spaces often feature open areas and hard surfaces. What should be comfortable rooms in these spaces can become unpleasant from noise and echo or sound reverberation. This course discusses how melamine foam can be used to improve the sound quality in a space. The different options for melamine foam products are discussed along with their installation methods. This course also provides an overview of the sustainability features of sound-absorbing melamine foam.

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Discover what safety and security features need to be understood when designing with sectional overhead doors, which product options are important when specifying for safety and security, what design solutions address wind-load and fire safety, and applicable industry certifications for installers.

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Smart access control and management systems are quickly gaining popularity in multi-family and multi-tenant properties, and the smart lock market is poised for rapid growth both domestically and internationally. Understanding how smart locks work can be advantageous for architects, specifiers, and construction professionals to help their clients design and develop properties with enhanced security, efficiency, and simplicity in access management. Smart locks are quickly moving beyond mechanical functions to create streamlined, efficient lifestyles. This course discusses the technology, features and benefits of smart locks while outlining current trends and options.

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This course illustrates how architectural gate and fencing systems can be designed to meet modern security and design requirements while harmonizing with their surrounding environment. Fencing and gate systems are discussed in terms of their composition, materials, coatings, finishes, and performance in interior and exterior applications.

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This course title emphasizes the focus on prioritizing safety in horizontal access design, specifically for roof hatches and floor doors. It highlights the importance of creating secure access solutions while also incorporating daylight solutions through skylights. Attendees can expect to learn about best practices, safety considerations, and design strategies for designing safe horizontal access points. Additionally, the course will provide insights into effectively specifying skylights to optimize daylight penetration, enhancing the overall illumination in areas accessed through roof hatches and floor doors.

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In this course, we will discuss vacuum supply strategies while considering the range of applications for scientific vacuum in academic and industrial lab facilities, and the implications of these requirements during programming, design, and construction. Of the strategies considered, the local vacuum network concept will be considered in detail. We will discuss how the vacuum options employed can improve sustainability by reducing energy consumption, mitigating chemical vapor emissions, and eliminating waste water and oil. We will review example installations which benchmark the scientific benefits, sustainability benefits, and health/safety benefits which are achievable with vacuum equipment chosen to suit owner needs.

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This is a Product SpotLight Presentation.

Experience Formawall: The ultimate exterior wall system for healthier, long-lasting, high performance building enclosures. Simplify construction, enhanced thermal efficiency with integrated components to elevate performance and aesthetics with CENTRIA Formawall.

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Modern lab facilities have evolved to be more flexible, adaptable, and sustainable. They are safer for occupants to work in, and more economical to operate. Building systems have evolved to support these needs, and to support scientific advancement by delivering greater capability and performance. And modern science facilities have more diverse occupants with diverse needs of the spaces they occupy. There are wet labs and dry labs, of course. But also offices, collaboration spaces, dining areas, and even on-site amenities like exercise spaces and relaxation spaces that, in total, seek to maximize the health and happiness of the occupants - and thus maximize the productivity of those occupants. With lower lab density in many modern designs, in particular lower wet lab density, modular lab utilities often provide more economical and sustainable solutions for building owners, while providing scientists with better quality tools to support their research. Local vacuum networks are an example of this - they are economical and sustainable systems which deliver deep, stable, high-quality vacuum to lab buildings by taking a modular, yet scalable, approach for virtually any lab. This course will focus on the ways that lab vacuum is supplied to research and teaching labs within multi-use science facilities. We will compare a variety of different supply options, with a focus on local vacuum networks with respect to the components used as well as design and project execution considerations. Brief case studies of representative installations will be used to highlight these strategies in science facilities and the design and performance trade-offs involved.

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An overview of walkable, waterproof roof deck membranes and roofing systems, including a discussion of the key principles of deck design, design considerations, and how to install and specify roof deck membrane systems. This program will be extremely beneficial to architects, specifiers, and contractors involved in single and multiple-family homes that include decks, balconies, and rooftop decks.

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DesignRail Modern Aluminum Railing Kits - Engineered for easy installation using components that snap and screw together, with pre-drilled posts and pickets to support 6200 series 1/8” CableRail Kits for Metal posts (sold separately). Railing kits are available in 6ft and 8ft lengths for 36″ heights and in 6ft lengths for 42-in heights. Each railing project will require specific quantities and types of kits and parts, depending on your project.

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Rooftop decks create valuable living and recreational space for building owners, residents, and clients. Accommodating restaurants, hotels, healthcare facilities, and everything from residential to government buildings, rooftop deck systems offer the design flexibility to create versatile, unique outdoor spaces over any structural surface. This course explores the features, surface materials, and design options for rooftop deck systems and provides an overview of recommended planning and installation guidelines.

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This course introduces the learner to the benefits and design advantages of porcelain surface material for both indoor and outdoor use in residential and commercial projects. Since it is a relatively new material in the US, we will review its components and manufacture and how they result in a product with exceptional characteristics for human health and durability. We’ll also show and discuss indoor and outdoor applications, the variations available for vertical and horizontal applications, and the many design options. Finally, we’ll help the learner understand what is needed to design with this material and how to work with a fabricator

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In this one-hour course, we will review the various types of door interlocks, man traps, sally ports and their applications. We will define and discuss the appropriate use of each type and their configuration to meet the intended design criteria.

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Outdoor shelters not only provide protection from the elements but also add visual interest to outdoor public spaces, and advances in shelter design are changing the way the recreational landscape is defined. This course looks at current capabilities in shelter design, compares pre-engineered to site-built shelters, and focuses on the advantages of using a manufacturer who offers design and engineering services. Sustainable aspects of shelter design are also discussed.

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Studies show that a breathable self-adhering roofing underlayment has the ability to: Provide drying Ease installation Extend the life of the roof assembly This course investigates current knowledge of breathable, vapor-open (permeable) roofing underlayments and their ability to mitigate water intrusion, reduce long-term exposure to wetted substrates, and enhance the drying capacity of the roof assembly — extending the life of the roofing assembly.

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This course discusses the unique considerations when installing pre-applied/blindside waterproofing for below grade waterproofing applications. It reviews the science behind any below grade waterproofing project but with a focus on pre-applied or “blindside” waterproofing best practices – including looking at the different product types and design considerations, as well as the pre-planning, decision making, and application techniques that these demanding waterproofing projects require.

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This course is a targeted course of instruction and professional development for engineering firms engaged in the design of chemical, industrial, and environmental projects such as secondary containment of hazardous waste, industrial wastewater, ozone contactors, and others. The course is technical in nature and describes the role of waterstops in fluid-proofing concrete joints, chemical resistant polymers and steels, and state and federal regulations of compliance.

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Low permeance vapor barriers, once thought to improve performance, may in fact increase interior condensation and trap moisture within the wall assembly. Due to the problems with impermeable water-resistive barrier (WRB) installation many architects are now incorporating highly vapor open WRB systems in their designs. But many still believe too much permeability is bad for a wall assembly. Studies show that highly permeable WRB systems increase substrate drying, reduce the wet time of absorptive claddings allowing permeable WRB membranes to enhance the wall assembly performance. This presentation investigates the current research on vapor open systems and discusses how more permeability enhances wall assembly performance.

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In this one-hour course, design professionals will gain knowledge of head-of-wall, bottom-of-wall and wall-to-wall assemblies, as well as the respective UL standards for approval, It will discuss different joint treatment types and the components involved with each application. By the end of the course, design professionals will be able to specify, install, and operate fire resistance joints and joint protection to ensure occupant safety.

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This course explores the below-grade use of polyisocyanurate (POLYISO) insulation to meet energy code and maximize thermal performance of the building foundation. Let us help dispel the myths that have been created relative to POLYISO insulation while discussing its thermal performance, water absorption, and load capacity – the three primary characteristics for below grade insulation. In addition, we will discuss how the insulation can provide protection for the foundation waterproofing system.

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In the bestselling book Atomic Habits, James Clear illustrates that the key to unlocking significant improvements in our lives lies in small, incremental changes, emphasizing systems over goals for sustained progress. This webinar explores how integrating technologies into our daily routines, guided by Clear's four laws of behavior change (make it obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying), can transform our work processes and AE firm’s culture. By adopting a mindset shift towards seeing ourselves not just as design professionals, but as innovators, we align technology with our identity, ensuring its seamless adoption. Join the founder of The Well-Designed Firm and former Chief Creative Officer of BQE Software, Steven Burns, FAIA, as he shares actionable insights on fostering a culture that embraces experimentation and learning, illustrating how these atomic habits can compound to achieve remarkable growth. Discover how to leverage these principles to propel your AE firm forward by letting automation and technology handle the heavy lifting, saving you hours per week!

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