Considering door hardware early in the design process enhances the aesthetics and functionality of a space. Invisible hinges balance durability, security, and ease of use without detracting from the design. This course examines standard invisible hinges as well as those for fire-rated and closer doors, and offers guidance on specification and installation. Case studies demonstrate the array of invisible hinge applications, and innovative door hardware solutions for powered entry and ADA compliance are presented.

Through sustainable management, the forests of New England have had a remarkable comeback since the 1830s, with eastern white pine being the most represented softwood in these forests. This light yet strong wood species has been used for generations and meets today's requirements for a renewable and sustainable building material. This course reviews eastern white pine’s contribution to sustainability, its grading rules, wood products, and many applications.

In today’s market, designers are always looking for innovative products that are beautiful, versatile, and sustainable. Glass-quartz surfacing encompasses all of these characteristics. This course describes the importance of recycled content surfaces and their environmental significance, including reducing the use of natural resources and improving indoor air quality. Traditional and recycled surfacing materials are compared, the sustainable manufacturing process is explained, and life cycle environmental impact and case study applications are discussed.

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

Floor coating systems are designed to protect surfaces in many different service environments. A coating's ability to increase durability, mitigate abrasion, and utilize antislip properties to improve occupant safety is critical in today's building climate. This course reviews coating system basics, including surface preparation and proper installation techniques. Selection criteria for floor coating systems in various applications are also discussed.

(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, components of paint, paint finishes, surface preparation, and a three-coat painting system.

Adding small pockets of luxury to a home has become commonplace in spaces like the kitchen and bathroom. Personal saunas are a natural extension to this way of thinking, supporting an owner’s health and relaxation. This course looks at the wide variety of heat bathing options: sauna, infrared, and steam, with a focus on how to both select a product and implement heat bathing in residential and commercial projects.

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

Specifying door products that are durable enough to withstand the rigorous demands of high-traffic applications in the healthcare and hospitality industries is crucial to the long-term success of each installation. This course reviews traditional doorway materials and doorway protection options, and provides design solutions that utilize engineered polyethylene terephthalate (PETG) components that extend the life of the door assembly and minimize health and safety issues for the building occupants.

“Sustainable” design isn’t just “environmental.” It’s design that works for and contributes to the health and welfare of all individuals as well as the planet, now and in the future. This course looks at hand dryers as part of sustainably designed restrooms and discusses how air knife hand dryers benefit the environment through energy efficiency, resource conservation, and waste reduction, and benefit all members of society by meeting ADA requirements and Universal Design principles.

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

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, components of paint, paint finishes, surface preparation, and a three-coat painting system.

Our built environment must be optimized to create comfortable and healthier spaces. Shading systems can be used to enhance our spaces by providing optimal daylight and comfort to create an ideal indoor environment. This course reviews the performance, aesthetics, and material health of various shadecloth compositions and how each factor contributes to the shadecloth selection process.

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

Understanding a product’s life cycle impact is central to the selection of materials for any green building. High pressure decorative laminate (HPDL) manufacturers have initiatives in place to reduce waste, energy, and virgin materials in its production. This course introduces HPDL, its performance characteristics, fabrication techniques, and manufacturing processes and the processes and ingredients that 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...

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.

The delivery of water can raise a variety of design issues and opportunities. This course discusses how the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design apply to plumbing products, including faucets, flush valves, toilets, and shower enclosures, and addresses key considerations for creating ADA-compliant restrooms, baths, and kitchens. It also illustrates how all structures, including residences, can benefit from elements of universal design and accessibility features that make a space safer and easier for people of all ages and abilities.

From classrooms to boardrooms to living rooms, hanging display systems enhance spaces and provide design freedom. This course examines wall hanging systems with a focus on integrating systems in the overall design of a project and includes discussions on system elements, selection criteria, specialty applications, and sustainable design.

Due to advancements in architectural decorative glass technology, the number of design options available to help designers and architects achieve the specific aesthetics and performance requirements they desire has dramatically increased. This course provides a review of architectural decorative glass including product options, applications, features, and specification considerations. Also discussed is how decorative glass can contribute to sustainable design and LEED® initiatives.

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

When deciding on outdoor cabinetry, understanding the available material options is essential to the selection of a long-lasting, sustainable choice. This course reviews the pros and cons of these options, with a focus on the attributes, sustainability, and performance characteristics of marine-grade high-density polyethylene (HDPE) material, engineered to withstand extreme conditions while maintaining optimal structural integrity.

The plumbing system is an integral part of a healthy home and is required by code to keep the occupants safe. Homeowners are making their kitchens and bathrooms even more hardworking by selecting fixtures and faucets that anticipate their needs and help them to use water efficiently. This course discusses how fixture and faucet function, operation, performance, and placement affect water delivery in the kitchen and bathroom.

Acrylic solid surface is an attractive design solution, delivering enhanced aesthetics combined with superior properties. This course 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.

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

Around the globe, companies and manufacturers are embracing socially responsible design, construction, and the development of sustainable products. This course 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...

This course provides an overview of growth trends in package delivery and information necessary to recommend and specify package management solutions for businesses, universities, multifamily residential, and single-family residential homeowners. In addition, this course summarizes the different types of package management equipment, recommended applications, detailed information on current equipment standards, and accessibility considerations used to improve package management and user convenience.

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

Today’s sectional overhead doors are more sophisticated than ever. Options include high-strength glazing for security and insulated steel sections for increased energy efficiency and durability. Code requirements for safety in high wind-load areas, impact resistance to hurricanes, and reductions in air transmission have led to improvements in door technology and hardware. This course examines a range of safety and security options for architects to consider when designing and specifying sectional overhead doors.

Redwood timbers are a safe, strong, and sustainable option for exterior and interior building projects where natural wood is desired. This course provides an overview of the properties of redwood timbers including insulation properties, grades, dimensions, fasteners, finishing options, and strength. It concludes with numerous case studies exploring the use of redwood timbers for post and beam construction, decorative elements, deck posts, and outdoor living structures.

Commercial planters add interest to both commercial and residential spaces. An understanding of materials and options available when specifying planters is an essential tool for both designers and architects. These topics are addressed in this course along with discussions on the applications of commercial planters and the benefits they offer in the design of indoor and outdoor spaces.

Phenolic architectural panels are designed to work as cladding with a rainscreen design in a ventilated facade system. This course uses case studies to highlight the testing standards, attributes, and physical properties of phenolic panels (including structural integrity, code compliance, and design flexibility) to illustrate why they are an excellent exterior facade option for new and retrofit construction.