Category: SPECIALTIES

Displaying 1 - 25 of 116 results.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Artificial turf is essentially a flooring fabric made from a variety of materials and layers. Since its creation, the artificial turf industry has studied the behavior of natural grass and the safety and sustainability of artificial grass. This course examines today’s artificial grass systems and discusses how they are carefully planned, designed, and built to suit the specific needs of an outdoor residential or commercial landscape.

  • ( ~ 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.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The fireplace has always been a focal point in any home, providing warmth and a place for friends and family to gather. Today’s wood-burning fireplaces, inserts, and stoves have become increasingly efficient and clean burning. This course examines using wood as a fuel source and discusses the many characteristics that can affect heat production, efficiency, and burn time. New burning technologies that meet EPA certification requirements for released particulate matter are summarized, as are design and installation specifications.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course examines how inclusive outdoor environments and well-designed site furnishings can promote health, safety, and well-being for all individuals. While everyone can benefit from being outdoors, many people experience exclusion due to design barriers in public spaces. Learners will explore strategies and furniture specifications, including layout and materials, that support accessible and inclusive design and contribute to LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction (BD+C), WELL Building Standard™ v2, and SITES® v2 goals. Case studies highlight real-world applications in communities, school campuses, and public spaces. 

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    As urban development encroaches upon natural habitats, human–wildlife conflicts, particularly those involving bears, have become more frequent and dangerous. This course will equip architects and designers with the knowledge and tools to mitigate bear–human conflicts through wildlife-resistant waste management and food storage systems. The course examines how bears become conditioned to human food and how this impacts humans, bears, and the environment. Learners will gain insights into how community strategies and innovative product designs can foster safer, more sustainable human–wildlife coexistence.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA®) is the only organization accredited by the American National ‎Standards Institute (ANSI) to develop and maintain builders hardware ‎standards with cycling, operational, strength, security, and finish test requirements. This course explores the performance standards and the certification program related to commercial architectural hardware.

  • ( ~ 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.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Inclusive design is a win-win for customers and businesses. It shows the business supports the assumption that public spaces should be functional for all users no matter their age, health, or abilities. The commitment to inclusivity encompasses promoting and respecting everyone’s right to choose a washroom. This course explores the benefits of inclusive spaces and discusses the sustainable, hygienic, functional, and distinctive design and material options for inclusive public bathrooms.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Stormwater management is critical in an era when severe storms and sewer overflows are increasing in many areas. In urban contexts where open space is at a premium, using on-structure bioretention planters can be the ideal approach. This course explores the benefits of bioretention and how bioretention planters reduce peak flows and improve water quality. The course also discusses how bioretention planters should be designed, can perform as amenities, and contribute to meeting the requirements of green building certification programs.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Authorities having jurisdiction all over the world, including in all 50 US states, have mandated photoluminescent egress path markings to support safe evacuation of high-rise buildings in the case of total power failure. This course reviews photoluminescent egress path marking requirements in the model International Building Code® and International Fire Code® (2015, 2018, 2021) and identifies compliant photoluminescent path marking products. The course also discusses recommended best practices that exceed code requirements, which will reduce building operation costs and improve occupant and first responder safety.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Well-designed and detailed skylight systems can significantly improve both building and occupant performance. This course explores the benefits, techniques, and importance of daylighting systems that utilize high-performance skylights to optimize daylighting benefits, avoid negative impacts, and contribute positively to building, occupant, and envelope performance. It examines how daylighting with skylights can help meet the requirements of the LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL v2 Building Standard™.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Exterior shading devices offer a number of advantages that contribute to a more sustainable building, including minimizing cooling costs, reducing peak electricity demand, and controlling glare. These benefits result in greater occupant comfort and improved productivity. This course provides a review of exterior aluminum shading device systems, including the components, finishes, and design and engineering considerations, as well as a discussion of how shading strategies contribute to LEED® certification.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    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.

  • ( ~ 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.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    People are captivated by birds, and for many, they hold intrinsic value. However, millions of birds collide with glass every year, significantly impacting avian populations. This course examines the ecological services that birds perform that impact human wellness and safety and reviews how bird-friendly glass can mitigate collisions. Various bird-friendly glass examples are also identified, and design guidelines and existing legislation mandating bird-friendly buildings is discussed.

  • ( ~ 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.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    In this course, we will review the history and evolution of synthetic turf, the most popular applications, and various types of turf intended for different uses. We will also review synthetic turf installation basics, present some insight into the manufacturing process, explore recent innovations, and conclude with detailed specifications for selecting the right type of turf.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Resilient flooring offers a wide variety of natural wood, stone, and abstract visual designs in numerous formats and installation options. Luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) and stone polymer composite (SPC) are types of resilient flooring designed to replicate the appearance of wood and stone without the labor, maintenance, or cost of natural materials. This course delves into the types, composition, performance features, and applications of LVF and SPC flooring designed for durable and aesthetically pleasing solutions for commercial and residential applications.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course focuses on the rapidly growing data center industry and how critical it is to control noise for facility employees and residents living in neighboring areas and to follow city ordinances. The noise issues data centers pose for their workers and their external surroundings are examined, and practical solutions are reviewed.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Off-leash dog parks are one of the fastest-growing segments of parks. As dogs are integral to families, designers should consider creating a park that benefits owners and their pets. This course discusses how dog parks contribute to owner health and well-being by increasing physical and social activity. Dog park design criteria are also examined, and case studies are reviewed.

  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    The design of behavioral healthcare facilities should address the therapeutic and safety needs of patients and staff while meeting the applicable codes and regulations. Reviewed in this course are ligature-resistant products developed for patient rooms and bathrooms that strike the balance between providing the safest design solutions and creating a noninstitutional environment.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    People spend more than 90% of their time indoors; incorporating sunrooms, conservatories, greenhouses, and/or other glass structures into homes or workplaces can be an effective way to reap the benefits of daylight. The positive impacts of incorporating more natural light into your lifestyle can be seen through energy savings, increase of productivity, and improvement of overall well-being. This presentation reviews strategies and design options to create unique overhead structures, standing structures, and vertical glazing systems that are energy efficient, comfortable, and functional.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Modular systems are designed around individual components that can be joined together to configure a seamless and personalized space solution. This course discusses the key design principles and benefits of modular design along with strategies for successfully incorporating modularity into a bathroom design.

  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    With the increasing prominence of glass in new buildings and retrofits, the use of window film can raise the style, performance, and safety of today’s building projects. This course examines the use of various types of window film (decorative, solar control, and safety/security) and their role in improving occupant comfort and safety, lowering energy costs, and enhancing privacy.

  • ( ~ 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.

Displaying 1 - 25 of 116 results.

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