Continuing Education Courses

This course examines the unique requirements for hurricane prone coastal regions. This course will review the issues with design pressure and wind-borne debris requirements. We examine the building code requirements and testing standards. We will walk through an example of determining wind load requirements under the International Residential Code.

When you complete this course you will have a better understanding of:

• The analysis of building code requirements for impact resistance and opening protection for coastal areas.
• The various methods of providing opening protection.
• How to assess wind loads and calculate requirements for a simple project.
• The comparison of ASTM and Florida impact resistant test standards and the similarities and differences between the two.

 

When you complete this course you will know more about:

• Identify door requirements within current ADA and FHA
• Discuss a wide range of IBC building codes related to doors.
• Compare and contrast the nuances between ADA and FHA.
• Understanding IRC building codes and how aging in place trends are impacting door design, placement and choice.

Sustainability is a diverse and ever-changing subject, and one that is growing in importance. One key to making progress on the sustainability of our building infrastructure is to consider all materials and products. This presentation addresses the role of windows in sustainable design, covers how buildings use energy and how efficient windows properly integrated in the design can improve building performance and indoor environmental quality. We take a holistic approach to sustainability beyond the end product, and look at factors such as lifecycle impacts of manufacturing and embodied carbon. We explore occupant wellbeing in terms of indoor air quality, biophilia etc. And understand how windows contribute to some of the top green building programs such as LEED, WELL, Net Zero to name a few.

When you complete this course, you will know more about:

1. Evaluating window performance based on a number of factors
2. Comparing and evaluating the importance of material sourcing and manufacturing practices
3. Considering occupant wellbeing in window selection
4. Understanding the importance of window contributions in green building programs

This course describes the different types of glass, glass construction options, and coating choices. Glass performance measurements are explained as well as the impact that the aforementioned glass attributes have on performance. Glass certifications are reviewed along with an overview of a typical glass label. 

After completing this course you will be able to:

• Choose glass options based on the specific requirements of your project
• Understand the measurements used to indicate glass performance
• Appreciate the impact of glass type, construction and coating on performance
• Recognize key certifications associated with glass

Modern design trends are favoring larger openings, and while this blank canvas offers the architect a wide-range of options, it can also pose a challenge. Because of almost unlimited variations of different types, styles, and available options for large doors, it is often more important that the architect understands how to make the selection process, rather than which specific door to choose. The process for specifying should include client aesthetic expectations, environmental conditions, building performance, and durability concerns.

When you complete this course you will know more about:

• Understand the unique design elements of an indoor/outdoor living space and modern trends in large doors.
• Describe what to consider when balancing client needs with environmental conditions, building performance, and durability concerns.
• List the different door types and styles available for transition points between indoor and outdoor areas.
• Discuss the best process for specifying large doors in commercial and residential projects.

Windows are a critical element of architectural design. Window selection not only significantly impacts the aesthetics of the project, but also affects the energy efficiency, comfort, durability and sustainability of the building once construction is complete. This learning unit will address some of the more popular window choices available today and provide a comparative review of the features and benefits of these very important building elements. This learning unit will also introduce learners to the standards, tests, and other performance metrics that will enable specifiers to select the right window for the right application.

• Identify different window types based on the product’s base material, cladding, and finish
• Discuss some of the main criteria for evaluating window types commonly available today
• Describe the performance attributes of each window material
• Explain how different window materials contribute to energy efficiency and overall sustainability goals including recycling and low maintenance

Understand the fenestration requirements of the 2019 California Title 24 energy code.

• Understand what the California Title 24 energy code is and what the general requirements are
• Understand the changes that the code brings to fenestration products
• Understand the differences between prescriptive vs performance path for Title 24 compliance
• To be able to identify the new mandatory requirements for exterior doors

 

When you complete this course you will be able to:

• Ascertain the different elements of accessibility codes for windows.
• Identify emergency escape and rescue regulations, as well as exceptions to the rules.
• Understand fall protection requirements, compliance methods, and the variance between residential and commercial applications.
• Distinguish when and where safety glazing is required for windows.

This course describes the physical principles and terminology used to measure heat loss and gain, the thermal characteristics of windows, rating and labeling standards for product evaluation and building code requirements relating to windows. Building Code evolution and adoption is investigated.

• Energy terminology and principles of heat transfer.
• National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) and window labels.
• ENERGY STAR® product ratings from the U.S. DOE and EPA.
• Energy Codes requirements for windows under the International Residential Code (IRC) and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).

This course provides information about window installation from the perspective of the architect and design professional. Rather than a “how-to” installation training course, information is presented in a format that begins with specifications and detail drawings and ends with job site observation. The slides follow through the stages in the order that a typical project would progress; highlighting key areas where the architect and design professional can take more of a lead role in the successful design and installation of this critical element in the building envelope.

When you complete this course you will be able to:

• Specify window installation methods and materials that are best suited for each project’s exterior wall design.
• Design details that will allow the installed windows to perform as intended, and as required for the project.
• Provide valuable guidance to the project team throughout the installation process.
• Identify job site best practices that will minimize impact on schedule, budget and product performance.