google-site-verification: googleac31132f3d1837d9.html

Main Page Image

  • AIA Courses

Blog Content

Cogeneration and the Built Environment, from Concept to Reality

Description: This presentation will provide an overview of what cogeneration is, review key concepts, overview why it is important, and lay out when it is applicable. It will touch on carbon emissions and how this system can help bridge the gap between decarbonization of future design and current progress, and which construction projects would most […]

Leveraging Commissioning for High Performance Facilities

Description: Buildings are more complex and less forgiving than ever before. Project challenges from assembly in the field under adverse weather condition; to material substitutions; to constrained schedules with reduced QC; to a variety of different contractors assembling MEPFP & Envelope systems under critical time lines, the list of variables that accompanies the construction of […]

High Performance Design and Decarbonization in Hospitals

Description: During the presentation we will explore opportunities for highly energy efficient healthcare projects, and strategies for decarbonization- ranging from building systems, to architecture, and renewable energy solutions. This session will also touch on health and wellness strategies within hospitals, and how they can contribute to building performance and decarbonization.   Learning Objectives: Understand a […]

Smart Building Principles for Today and the Future

Description: The term “smart building” is a commonly used buzz word, but there is not a standard definition accepted by the industry yet. In reality there are many things that can make a building smart in the eyes of its owner, but following certain principles in designing a building’s systems and infrastructure will enable resiliency […]

A Resilient Building Envelope Includes the Roof

Description: A resilient building envelope includes the roof course will feature a deep dive into understanding what exactly is Roof System Resiliency, what are the different characteristics of a resilient roof system, and how can a resilient roof system be designed, installed, and maintained.   Learning Objectives: Define the characteristics of Resiliency in the Building […]

Sustainable Design Approaches for Modern Projects

Description: During this course attendees will learn about current drivers for sustainable design and carbon reduction. The presenter will explore the factors used to evaluate sustainability and energy efficiency of buildings, and various approaches to achieve the project goals. As one method to commit and drive towards sustainability in architecture and engineering, the AIA 2030 […]

IoT and Building Controls

Description: The convergence of Building Controls and the Internet-of-Things (“IoT”) presents a fundamental shift in the abilities to operate and maintain high-performing, smart buildings. Building Controls are responsible for operating and facilitating the maintenance of the electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and process equipment and systems. Well-designed deployed and tested Building Controls are essential for achieving high-performing […]

Defining the Standard of Care for Energy Modelers: An Overview of ASHRAE Standard 209 (2021)

Description: ASHRAE recognizes that building energy simulation is most useful when it can inform the design process to reduce energy use. ASHRAE Standard 209 “Energy Simulation Aided Design for Buildings” describes a methodology to apply building energy modeling to the design process. The standard was created to advance the timely use of energy modeling to […]

How Knowing Key Electrical Design Aspects Can Help Architects

Description: The one hour session will present the key electrical design aspects that can help architects, master planners, space planners, and designers better understand how electrical equipment, equipment layouts, Codes and Standards, and other requirements impact their designs and the success of their projects. Topics covered will be: key electrical terms and common equipment, space […]

Medical Equipment Planning for Healthcare Facilities (2024)

Description: This course outlines the key elements of Medical Equipment Planning– the expectations of the planner and all the detail that is needed to ensure accurate planning and disposition of medical equipment in the project. It also covers the procurement aspect of medical equipment and how the move management task for the equipment is vital […]

HVAC Engineering Basics for Architects and Designers (2024)

Description: This presentation will provide an overview of various HVAC systems and their impact on building design. The course will present HVAC designs for comfort and safety, a review of energy efficiency, and code requirements.   Learning Objective: Identify various HVAC strategies, and where they should be applied. Understand the impact architectural envelope decisions have […]

Energy Code Update: 2015 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2013 (2024)

Description: As of December 2020, there are 26 states whose energy codes are at least as stringent as the 2015 IECC or ASHRAE 90.1-2013. As a result, energy codes are changing the nature of the building design process. Staying current with the latest energy code requirements is critical to updating standard design practices in order […]

Reducing Energy 10% to 40% Utilizing Existing Building Commissioning and No Capital Investment 2.0

Description: Many organizations are focusing on energy reduction today and are engaging the services of Professional Engineering firms to assist in the achievement of some level of energy reduction in their facilities that is sustainable. Various approaches ranging from an ASHRAE Level I or Level II Energy Audit to some form of Existing Building Commissioning […]

WELL and Living Building Challenge Certification: Are you Ready?

Description: Are you prepared for when your clients ask about WELL certification and Living Building Challenge? These ratings systems, which focus on health/wellness and the intersect of ecology and buildings, are increasingly requested by owners to promote leasing, employee and patient satisfaction, and competition within the industry. This session will be a learning session on […]

The Impact of Emerging Technology in Healthcare Planning and Design (2024)

Description: This course defines and explains how IT is no longer just “Information Technology”. IT is the ecosystem of intelligence that redefines and reimagines the human and facility experience. With the growing digital healthcare ecosystem, it will be important for architects to understand how these emerging technologies are transforming workflow and care delivery in the […]

Seismic Design with Site Specific Studies

Description: This presentation includes a historical overview of seismic design analysis and current design procedures. Discussion will also include examples of how the code affects recent projects and potential ways to mitigate cost.   Learning Objectives: Historical overview of seismic design analysis. Show how small geographic changes can greatly impact the building design. Review current […]

Overview of Building Enclosure Systems and Consulting Services

Description: An introduction to building enclosure system construction including roofs, opaque walls, fenestrations, and below grade waterproofing. We will review common issues in modern building enclosure construction and consulting services that can reduce risk of those issues. Risk mitigation will cover both new construction and the maintenance and repair of existing facilities.   Learning Objectives: […]

High Performance and Net Zero Energy Buildings in the Southeast

Description: This course will encourage and engage new thinking when it comes to building design as related to achieving net zero energy buildings. While much of the education will be around designing buildings in the southeastern United States, much of the content will be applicable to other locations and climates. Time will be dedicated reviewing […]

Healthcare Lighting Trends

Description: Healthcare lighting systems are constantly changing and evolving with new technology. When designing a new lighting system, there are many factors to consider: daylighting, light controls, light levels, safety, and color. This presentation will focus on recent research and trends in the healthcare lighting industry related to these factors. It will provide examples of […]

Design Team Collaboration for High Performance Buildings

Description: Owners are demanding higher performing and more sustainable buildings, within tightening budgets and project timelines. Highly collaborative design teams can position themselves to successfully meet these demands and deliver high performing facilities. This presentation will focus on goal setting, tools, and delivery methods for high performance designs.   Learning Objectives: Learn about the key […]

Commissioning 101

Description: This course defines the Commissioning process, its benefits and applications. It will also inform the audience on the basics of developing a commissioning scope that is suitable for a given project as well as how to solicit and select the right commissioning provider. The presentation closes with a best practices message by exploring lessons […]

Code Required Commissioning – What is Required, What Will Be Required, Why (2022)

Description: This course is designed to teach construction professionals the commissioning requirements of State Building Code, including those requirements for healthcare facilities.   Learning Objectives: Understand the Building Codes regarding commissioning and what commissioning activities are required Understand the differences between the various codes, ie. IEC C408, FGI, and NFPA requirements Understand what the docs […]

Code Required Commissioning (Updated 2021)

Description: This course is designed to teach design and construction professionals the commissioning requirements of the State Building Codes, including those requirements for healthcare facilities. Commissioning standards will be reviewed to understand the minimum tasks that are required to comply and the parties responsible for specific performance of these tasks. Basic commissioning activities will be […]