EDUCATION PROVIDER PROGRAM (EPP)

This course examines the color wheel and the Munsell Color system, along with other historic contributions to our modern understanding of color. You will also learn about the importance of color, how to distinguish between the latest fads and trends, and understand the impact of color in business by exploring the emotions associated with each color by using examples of successfully used color schemes in retail design.

Color & Light educates professionals on what elements of light must be considered when making color and paint selections. Course topics include: Obtain an overview of the properties of color and light, in addition to history on lighting options. Discuss the various types of lighting available today and how light technologies can enhance or alter colors within a space. Understand metamerism, Color Rendering Index (CRI), Light Reflectance Value (LRV) and how these elements impact design decisions.

This course provides a foundational understanding of crystalline silica, its health risks in countertop fabrication, and the importance of safe handling practices. Participants will also learn how to recognize key sustainability certifications in manufacturers and explore the latest advancements in silica-free and low-silica technologies; innovative materials that offer high performance without compromising safety. Lastly, we explore case studies on how sustainability practice in the industry influences consumer behavior.

This course reviews designing with hardwood flooring and the technical requirements of the material and its application.

This presentation is based on a 2024 research project that originated from the 2023 Healthy Building Summit in Chicago. The summit brings together architects, designers, researchers, planners, facilities teams, and other education sector stakeholders for two days of interdisciplinary discussion. The 2023 theme explored the intersection of building maintenance and healthy environments, leading to a simplified approach to understanding the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of building materials. Dr. Ted Weidner, professor of Engineering Practice and TCO expert, joined forces with Cameron Christenson, Head of Operations at Princeton University, and Jonathan Stanley, Director of Public Sector at Tarkett, to conduct the research presented here.

An overview of materials transparency and how it relates to green building, and socially and environmentally responsible manufacturing. The program contains an explanation of products™ life cycle and associated environmental impacts from creation, use, and disposal as well as the ways transparency documents can be used when determining the appropriate material choices when designing the built environment.

This course discusses the dangers of the typical home of aging people or those with mobility or other challenges. It discusses solutions to safety and accessibility issues, based on both the 7 Principles of Universal Design, as well as ADA standards. It also demonstrates to architects the benefits of creating a home that is safe and accessible for people of all generations. And it shows how professionals who are savvy in this topic can engage in a prosperous older economy.

Ultracompact surfacing (UCS) material offers architects and designers many options for both exterior and interior building projects. In this course, we will learn about the technology and innovation, including cutting-edge functional performance that makes Ultracompact surfacing the best material for all projects. We will learn all use cases for UCS and the advantages it carries over other options.

Lighting isn’t just about functionality. With good lighting design, you can transform the aesthetic value and overall experience of a space. This course will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of how to design lighting plans with the needs of clients in mind. That includes going over various areas of the home to consider, questions to ask, best practices, and more. By learning the fundamentals of lighting design, participants will have the tools to deliver more personalized and satisfying living spaces for their clients.

This session will focus on the principles behind light distribution and its practical application in downlighting. It will cover essential topics such as the physics of light, color temperature, Color Rendering Index (CRI), and beam angles. The discussion will dive into how different downlighting solutions influence space design and user experience, focusing on the role of optics, glare control, and how to choose the appropriate downlighting fixtures for specific architectural applications. The goal is to help Architects and Lighting Designers make informed decisions when selecting and integrating downlighting into their projects.

The term undertone has gained popularity in our design vocabulary, giving us a new way to decipher and evaluate color. Throughout this course, we will explore the beauty of undertones, focusing on ways to lean into their ability to enhance a space. By understanding the interdependence between a paint color and its surroundings, we can learn to appreciate the dynamism of color. We will start to look at color as more than just red, green, violet, or gray but from a more thoughtful approach. This idea is encapsulated by the Color Trends 2025 palette, celebrating the nuances and intricacies of color that elevate any design.

What is Authentic Luxury, and how does it affect the kitchen and bath industry? This presentation is designed to educate designers, builders, showroom consultants and sales representatives on how to differentiate authentic luxury from “posers;” bring a closer appreciation for the meaning of true authentic luxury; and how this understanding can help grow their business. This course is approved for 1-hour CEU credit.

Un bon design commence par comprendre l’utilisation des couleurs et leurs effets sur les personnes qui utilisent les espaces commerciaux.

Cette présentation explore comment les choix de couleurs dans les environnements commerciaux influencent la fonctionnalité, l’impact émotionnel et l’expérience utilisateur.

Nous examinerons en profondeur les secteurs de la santé, de l’éducation, des espaces de travail, des habitations multifamiliales et de l’hôtellerie afin de discuter des stratégies de couleurs qui répondent le mieux aux besoins des utilisateurs de ces environnements.

This course reviews the benefits of using large porcelain panels in a variety of applications and reviews the sustainable characteristics of the material in comparison to others.

Breaking away from “color rules” and the confidence to use color in new or unexpected ways may be an uncomfortable proposition for some, while for others vivacious color is the ideal means to express personality and delight. Using color to create charismatic interiors and exteriors has become a defining characteristic of several notable architects and designers. The impact of taking a bold approach with saturated color is explored through architecture and interior design examples. In addition, key factors to consider when selecting color such as light reflectance value and the importance of quality paint attributes are reviewed. This course also provides directional insights on trending colors as expressed through the Color Trends 2023 palette.