AIA CES Courses

Acoustics is a complex subject which can be analyzed, discussed, and evaluated at a highly academic level; however, this granular level of understanding of acoustics is not necessary on most architectural design projects. This presentation will focus on the practical, applicational perspective of acoustics relative to the building and construction industry, with a focus on why acoustics should be considered in the design of any building (particularly residential buildings): fewer noise complaints and happier building occupants.

The acoustical environment of a space has a direct impact on the efficiency, health, and well-being of occupants. This course will explore several design factors and solutions which play a key role in providing an optimized aural experience. Through proper design of room finishes, partition types, and reduced noise in HVAC systems, distractions will be reduced, and occupants can successfully achieve their goals.

Take a deep dive into how daylighting and artificial lighting can affect health and wellness. Begin to understand about how a body functions and what technologies are available to help aid in healthy living.

It’s just a light fixture, or is it? There are an abundance of regulatory agencies driving requirements for light fixtures. This course will dive into various codes and requirements for light fixture selections and requirements. Gain more insight into selections and requirements and to which applications these apply.

Participants will learn about important considerations with regards to light fixture construction, light output, optics, color quality, and accessories. Real world examples will be used to demonstrate benefits and pitfalls related to each learning objective.

Life safety codes require lighting egress paths during emergency situations. Not properly lighting paths could result in safety issues for occupants needing to exit the building quickly. This course will decipher the true requirements of emergency lighting and the egress path. Furthermore, the course will help describe different methods for achieving emergency and exit lighting in different size buildings.

Product listing requirements can be confusing. Learn where listing requirements come from, who tests it, and who approves it.

See this informative lamp demonstration, live and in person. Gain a deeper knowledge of LED retrofit lamps, including color quality, glare, lumen’s, warm dim and much more. Discuss and sort through real life examples of different lamps and various manufacturers.

All over the worlds, Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems have taken over as the market share for air conditioning in small, medium, and large building, both commercial and residential. Learn in greater detail the use and application of this technology and why it has become an industry leader around the world for use in AC systems.

To address the need for buildings to accommodate the changing demands in an environment of growing energy costs, owners are searching for ways to reduce energy usage. This course will examine various sustainable programs that achieve energy efficiencies in new construction and existing buildings while keeping occupant satisfaction at the forefront. You will learn the benefits of each program and how they can be applied in the design and construction processes to realize a more holistic and sustainable project approach.

Expand their lighting design knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of basic lighting design terminology. This course will also review more advanced considerations such as sightline studies and dimming protocols.

From the LED diode, to the light fixture, to many layers of light in a space, we will explore how LEDs can make a remarkable impact on how a space feels. Learn to manipulate lighting to take the greatest advantage of spaces and finishes.

Achieving LEED certification for your project is a valuable yet costly investment for the owner, especially if you are not aware of the varying ranges of cost per each prerequisite and point in the rating system. This course covers the plumbing engineer’s perspective in obtaining LEED points while being mindful of the cost associated with each sustainable feature.

Achieving a construction environment that minimizes conflict and stress is an essential element in delivering successful projects. The early meshing of mechanical systems and their needs with the vision of the Architect is vital so the final result is a seamless and non-intrusive fusion. This course covers the mechanical engineer’s perspective in obtaining this fusion.

Proper building envelope design is key in ensuring the exterior humid climate is separated from the interior temperature and humidity-controlled climate. This course will help you to understand how and where best to insulate a building to avoid humidity concerns.

There are various factors to consider when designing the mechanical system for a residential structure. Depending on the size of the building, intended amount of occupants, utilities available and budget for the project, different systems may serve as better suited for each potential scenario. This course will cover various types of mechanical systems, when you should use them and will compare each in regards to its energy efficiency standards.

Mechanical system evolution – what we are using in today’s world as well as how it will be changing with electrification.

This course will address the need for buildings to accommodate the changing demands in an environment of evolving stormwater codes, sustainability requirements and improved manufactured systems while searching for ways to reduce projects costs and schedules. While learning the benefits of coordinating with Civil Engineers early in the design phase to efficiently integrate stormwater strategies into the living building and adjacent site.

As the built environment is trending towards urbanization and less on suburban sprawl, a greater need for maximizing land usage has arisen. The most efficient way to accomplish this is to build up instead of out. Building taller requires architectural teams to design vertical transportation systems that move occupants safely and efficiently. The purpose of this course is to focus on the design elements relevant to MEP/FP systems necessary to allow these vertical systems to operate properly in all conditions. By the end of this course, the attendee will understand the MEP/FP components necessary to provide a complete and operational vertical transportation system.

To provide the construction management team and architects with the information necessary to design and install a fully functioning gas piping system installation during the various stages of a project including site investigation, engineering design and construction.