Discover a radical new lens on design in this course on material vitalism—an approach that redefines materials not as passive stuff, but as active participants in shaping architecture. We'll explore how matter itself can tell stories, shape experiences, and even guide design choices, from the weathered warmth of timber to the self-organizing intelligence of natural systems. Blending philosophy, material science, and real-world examples, this course offers not just theory, but a practical, sustainable framework for thinking with materials.
$35.00 |
Natural light and air in the built environment are vitally important to not only the well-being of occupants and their productivity but also to the profitability of businesses and building owners. Join us in this one-hour course as we discuss innovative methods that bring natural light and air into buildings, improving light quality, indoor air quality, and thermal efficiency. Professionals will learn how to apply a variety of daylighting strategies in virtually any project, especially those applying for LEED v4.1 and WELL V2.
FREE |
What if buildings weren’t just structures—but vessels for memory, imagination, and the ghosts of what might have been? Join us as we explore how architecture holds onto dreams and disappointments, carrying the echoes of modernism’s bold promises of infinite progress. We'll look at sustainable design not just as a technical solution, but as a haunted practice—one shaped by the failures of the past and the urgent demands of the future. Step into spaces where time bends: where ancient materials meet digital futures, where ruins don’t just decay—they teach us resilience.
$35.00 |
Ready to revolutionize your design practice by partnering with the most powerful force in the universe? This dynamic course reveals how entropy—the same principle that governs stars, storms, and ecosystems—has been quietly shaping architecture's most beloved and resilient buildings for decades. Through engaging case studies of radical architects who embraced uncertainty, hands-on analysis of buildings that actually improve with age, and practical strategies for creating spaces that dance with time rather than resist it, you'll master the art of entropy-conscious design.
$35.00 |
In this one hour course, we will take an in-depth look at the sustainability and energy efficient attributes of concrete tile roofing, including the near zero-waste manufacturing process, life cycle cost and performance versus temporary asphalt shingle roofing as well as the installation processes which enhances the inherent thermal mass attributes of concrete tile roofing.
FREE |
Ever wonder why that fluorescent-lit hallway gives you the creeps? Turns out, millions of people on the internet figured it out. When an anonymous internet post about endless yellow office spaces went viral, it accidentally created one of the largest public engagements with architectural psychology. This course explores how The Backrooms phenomenon introduced liminal space theory to the masses and what it means for creating better buildings.
$35.00 |
Ready to design spaces that transform communities? This course reveals how the world's most successful gathering places—from Parisian cafés to modern co-working hubs—create the social magic that turns strangers into neighbors and neighborhoods into thriving communities. You'll discover the hidden design principles behind spaces people can't resist visiting, master sustainable strategies that reduce operating costs while boosting occupant wellbeing and learn implementation tactics that ensure your third place projects actually serve their communities long-term.
$35.00 |
Are you tired of sustainability webinars and workshops that ignore the elephant in the room? This course confronts environmental reality without corporate greenwashing or cheerful platitudes. We examine climate change, mass extinction, toxic building materials, and institutional failure through the lens of philosophical nihilism—not to surrender to despair, but to clear away false hope and find authentic pathways forward.
$35.00 |
What do a 2,400-year-old philosopher and today’s toughest client meetings have in common? More than you think. In this course, you’ll discover how ancient Greek Cynic philosophy can help you defuse conflict, win over clients, and keep your sustainable design goals on track. Packed with real-world case studies and practical tools, this course shows architects, engineers, and contractors how to navigate high-stakes conversations about eco-friendly materials, resolve team tensions when budgets clash with sustainability, and build long-term client trust through radical honesty and clarity.
$35.00 |
In a world of escalating environmental crises and competing priorities, where does a design professional find the clarity and courage to champion truly sustainable solutions? The answer might be 2,300 years old. This course bridges ancient Stoic philosophy with contemporary sustainable design practice, offering a powerful ethical framework for navigating the complex challenges of our profession.
$35.00 |
This course explores the benefits and applications of Aramid Reinforced Composite Asphalt (ARCA), an advanced solution designed to enhance the durability and performance of asphalt across various applications. Participants will explore how aramid fiber reinforcement strengthens asphalt mixtures, addressing common challenges such as reflective cracking, rutting, and structural fatigue.
FREE |
AWARDS GBCI CREDIT. NO AIA CREDIT. This course explores the intersection of safety and sustainability in modern fire suppression systems, with a focus on kitchen environments—the leading setting for residential fires. Participants will identify the most common causes of kitchen fires and assess how cutting-edge suppression technologies are mitigating these risks.
FREE |
A Heated Discussion: The Interrelationship Between Water Quality, Closed Loop Systems and Heat Pumps
Explore the nuances of water quality for closed loop hydronic boiler systems and how it impacts the overall operability and longevity of heating systems. Join us in this one-hour course as we discuss pH, Hardness, Total Dissolved Solids, Chlorides, and filtration of closed loops systems and the long-term performance of heat pumps. Participants will get in-depth knowledge of applicable code and standard criteria applicable to these systems.
FREE |
What professional responsibility do we bear for the environmental impact of our designs? In this thought-provoking course, participants will delve into the critical ethical dimensions of sustainable design that shape our built environment for generations to come. Explore how the AIA and ASCE Codes of Ethics translate into real-world obligations. What are our responsibilities in material sourcing? When budgets tighten, how do we defend sustainability without compromising project viability?
$35.00 |
This course provides design professionals with a comprehensive approach to designing commercial restrooms that prioritize occupant health, safety, and welfare through user-centered solutions, universal design principles, and product innovation. Participants will explore essential elements of restroom design, including the integration of accessible fixtures, code-compliant partitions, hygienic hand dryers, secure baby changing stations, and lockers.
FREE |
Prefinished fiber cement represents a transformative approach to building materials, offering architects and construction professionals a sophisticated solution that seamlessly integrates performance, sustainability, and aesthetic versatility. By leveraging advanced factory-controlled coating processes, these innovative products transcend traditional siding and trim limitations, delivering superior durability, consistent color quality, and enhanced weather resistance across diverse project types.
FREE |
Effective moisture control in concrete is a critical factor in the success of commercial flooring installations. This course will explore moisture control systems designed to maintain the structural integrity and aesthetic quality of flooring, ensuring long-lasting results. Participants will learn how to address common moisture challenges in concrete and how to select the right systems that provide confidence through warranty-backed solutions.
FREE |
Passing the standard, to establish a new mark in accessibility and window intercom systems. Join us in this comprehensive course on the advancements and innovations in window intercom systems, with a particular focus on the superior performance, quality, and design. In this course, participants will gain an in-depth understanding of the evolution of these systems, from outdated models that require holes in the glass to modern solutions that integrate seamlessly into window frames.
FREE |
Imagine walking through a city where every crack in the sidewalk, every forgotten alleyway, and every hidden elevation tells a story more complex and fascinating than any guidebook could ever reveal. Welcome to the world of deep topography, an interdisciplinary methodology for understanding spatial environments through multi-sensory, phenomenological exploration of geographical landscapes. Discover how LEED v4.1 BD+C strategies prioritize pedestrian-friendly designs and green spaces, ensuring cities are functional, culturally rich, and environmentally sustainable.
$39.00 |
In this course, the design professional will gain insight into water efficiency and the role of sustainable plumbing. We will discuss testing and standards, as well as emerging environmental technologies. The increasing importance of product transparency will be addressed, especially regarding contributions to LEED certification.
FREE |