EDUCATION PROVIDER PROGRAM (EPP)

Sound abatement products are not just a building owner and occupant preference; minimum sound abatement ratings are required by many local building codes for multistory residential, commercial, and multipurpose buildings. Following an introduction to the basics of sound, this course presents a summary of the most common sound control methods, with a focus on the options available for floor underlayment.

This course examines threats to window and door integrity in buildings, including forced entry, ballistic impact, storm debris, and blast pressure. It covers retrofit and replacement approaches that strengthen glazing systems, explains relevant testing protocols, and addresses misleading performance claims. The course concludes with guidance on how to assess existing conditions and specify solutions that support occupant safety, risk mitigation, and building resilience.

Windows provide natural light and ventilation and add character to the interior and exterior of the home. In addition to function and aesthetics, performance must be considered in the specification process. Fortunately, rigorous testing standards and labeling programs enable designers to make informed choices. Examined here are window standards, certifications, testing, and labeling; window types and components; and window specification and installation considerations.

ONGOING - 1 HOUR - FREE

Food and wine preservation refers to the process of storing products under ideal conditions in order to maximize longevity. Preserving food and wine maximizes its shelf life and flavor which, in turn, enhances the enjoyment of its consumption. Additionally, proper preservation results in less waste and saves the consumer money. This course reviews the causes of premature food deterioration, the optimal conditions for storing wine and food, and the solutions that are available with a focus on modern refrigeration units.

Wood is not only visually appealing; it plays a vital role in shaping acoustics. This course examines the acoustic properties of wood and its applications in wood-based architectural solutions, focusing on how acoustic wood products can help control noise in commercial and residential environments. Also reviewed is how these products support sustainable design objectives, including their role in meeting the criteria of the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems, as well as the WELL Building Standard™ v2. The presentation features design strategies and case studies that illustrate the effectiveness of acoustic wood products in achieving superior performance.

The look of wood adds warmth and aesthetic appeal to building designs that other materials, such as masonry, metals, and glass, cannot replicate. However, since natural wood may not be suitable for Class 1–3 commercial projects, innovative composite and synthetic materials have been developed to overcome the limitations of real wood. This course provides a comprehensive examination of eight wood-inspired design technologies that mimic the appearance of natural wood while meeting fire performance standards. The role of wood-plastic composite (WPC) hybrid products in fulfilling the requirements of the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction (BD+C) rating system is also reviewed.

Leading aluminum extrusion manufacturers have established a variety of methods to maximize the benefits of aluminum to suit a wide variety of applications. These advancements in technology have led to the development of sustainable wood-patterned aluminum products designed for exterior and interior applications. This course focuses on how these products can be used as a beautiful, high-performance, durable alternative for real wood in a range of applications, including screens, facades, decking, fencing, gates, cladding, and more.

ONGOING - FREE - 1 HOUR

Penetrations of the WRB are unavoidable, but it is critical to ensure that they remain watertight. The recommendations for sealing these penetrations are often based on unrelated test methods, such as those for nail penetrations in roofing membranes, or on anecdotal evidence. This course covers a data-driven method used to determine which type of flashing and sealing solution is best to ensure watertightness after cladding attachments are installed over polyisocyanurate insulating sheathing. Also discussed is information on how other single-layer insulating sheathing systems allow for watertightness of the assembly after cladding attachment.

The beautiful gray patina of zinc architectural metal has graced the rooftops of buildings in Europe for hundreds of years. This course examines the sustainable characteristics of zinc as a roofing material, including its 100% recyclability, zero VOC requirements, and low embodied energy production process. The life cycle analysis of zinc is examined, as is zinc’s long-term service life. Various types of roof and wall applications are also discussed.

ONGOING • FREE • 1 HOUR

Installing snow retention systems on rooftop applications improves the safety of building occupants and can decrease the risk of property damage. This course identifies different snow guard styles and explains how each contributes to snow retention. Installation techniques are reviewed, and layout designs that maximize occupant safety and minimize hazards are also discussed.

Concrete is an essential part of modern buildings. As net zero energy buildings become more common, it is crucial to find ways to reduce concrete’s carbon footprint without losing the performance characteristics that make it valuable to the building team. This course explains the sources of concrete’s carbon footprint and explores strategies for reducing embodied carbon and operational carbon in precast sandwich wall panels and insulated architectural cladding.

This presentation celebrates the value of incorporating artisanal, handcrafted fixtures and furnishings into a building’s design. Not only are these products unique, functional, and aesthetically appealing, but they can also establish a sense of connection with their maker. Many artisanal, handcrafted products are made using traditional techniques that have been passed down over time, often from generation to generation. And because many of these products are made from sustainable, recycled, or reclaimed materials that are locally available, they can help reduce the environmental impact of a new build. This course illustrates how sourcing artisan-made products for their  projects can allow designers and builders to effect social, economic, and environmental change.

ONGOING - FREE - 1 CORE HOUR - REMOTE OR IN-PERSON (Architectural Office)

ADDITIONAL SESSION INFORMATION OR HOW TO REGISTER - inspector2.atlantic@awmac.com

AWMAC's Free Lunch and Learn Presentation is tailor-made for Architectural & Design firms that specify architectural woodwork for their projects. This one hour presentation gives participants the chance to learn about the standards manual - NAAWS: North American Architectural Woodwork Standards. 

CLASSROOM, WEBINAR, STREAMED EVENT, LIVE INSTRUCTOR - 1 HOUR 

Poor architectural acoustics can negatively affect building occupants' concentration, comprehension, confidentiality, healing, and/or learning. By contrast, good sound qualities can add drama, vibrancy, and energy, enhancing the occupant experience. Join us to explore the many options available today that help architects design for acoustics without compromising their visual design vision.

Assess acoustical ceiling traits that contribute to sustainable building design. (15 mins)

Examine principles of interior acoustic design & link to green building & sustainability. (15 mins)

Explore interior acoustic solutions for green buildings that balance form and function. (15 mins)

Identify acoustic needs in design apps, consider attributes for green certification. (15 mins)

In person (requires the presence of a live instructor, classroom, webinar, streamed event)

As more and more commercial interiors, from offices to schools, veer toward open concepts and exposed structures, the spaces become susceptible to noise. And for occupants, excessive noise can lead to increased stress, lower productivity, decreased focus, and poor communication. This session will help architects understand the challenge by exploring how sound is generated, transmitted, and reverberates. Attendees will learn a simpler approach to sabins, how to calculate absorption, and how to apply that knowledge to designing ceiling systems that hit the sweet spot for noise reduction.