EDUCATION PROVIDER PROGRAM (EPP)

This course will explore new, innovative, and alternative materials that are emerging in the field of architecture, interior design, and industrial design. The course is intended to inspire, delight, and challenge every designer's notion of what materials are available on the market and how they can be used on projects. Designers will see unique materials as well as familiar ones, and learn how they can be used in unexpected ways, as well as learn how to source, utilize, and combine them. These materials will be examined in the context of current trends in the global design industry as well as popular culture, taking into account sustainability, advances in technology, globalism and human emotion.

This course explores the essential properties of cold formed steel (CFS) frames and structural cementitious panels, emphasizing their role in functional adaptive reuse projects. Participants will learn about the advantages of installing CFS frames and structural cementitious panels in existing structures to create new, usable spaces. Participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to effectively implement cold formed steel and structural cementitious panels in adaptive reuse projects, promoting sustainability and innovation in the built environment.

Avocado toast isn’t the only green thing about millennials! ― With the higher rate of millennials entering the housing market, it has become clear that the greener the house, the more likely it is to be purchased. An emphasis on sustainability, conservation, and minimalist design leads to designers working to stay focused on the desires of this new green generation with the highest purchasing power yet. ― Learn how you can implement green designs  into your new fixtures to engage this highly social, technologically-savvy, and purpose-driven generation of homebuyers.

"Minimal Space Design” is a course designed to help learners understand the unique and growing challenges of design within limited interior spaces. Learners will gain insights that will lead to strategies of efficient design.

This course takes a closer look at how natural materials shape lighting design, blending aesthetics, craftsmanship, and sustainability. Participants will learn to identify five key material groups, understand their sourcing and preparation, and discover their ecological qualities, including renewability and biodegradability. Real-world examples will demonstrate how these materials enhance both the form and atmosphere of lighting while supporting responsible design choices.

This course explores how to design spaces that are functional, beautiful, and supportive of diverse human needs, including those of neurodivergent occupants. Participants will examine environmental stressors that affect cognitive, sensory, and social experiences, apply neuroinclusive design principles, and evaluate strategies for lighting, acoustics, spatial layout, and restorative areas that reduce stress and promote engagement, focus, and overall well-being.

The New Generation Solid Surface course is designed to educate on the properties, benefits and uses of solid surface materials in a variety of architectural projects & applications.

Embark on a transformative exploration, from the early days of makeshift showers to the intricate world of modern shower design. Dive into the complexities faced by bath designers as they navigate a vast array of valve, trim, controller, and accessory options. Discover the art of specifying solutions that seamlessly align with clients' desires, needs, and financial considerations, all while prioritizing the overall experience, security, and comfort of users—whether it's a basic "spritz and shine" shower or an opulent home spa retreat.

The green building movement has challenged manufacturers, design teams, and consumers to demand products and designs that have a minimal impact on the environment while contributing to the health and well-being of those who live in the space. This course will provide you with an overview of the business case surrounding green building for single family and multifamily homes, as well as outline the water efficiency criteria in several residential green certification programs, including LEED v4. We will also focus on plumbing fittings and fixtures that are aesthetically pleasing and have been thoughtfully designed to maximize indoor water use efficiency without sacrificing performance by the end-user.

Throughout history, human desire to communicate, tell stories, and to express cultural identity, gives us a glimpse at the need for early use and creation of pigments. Creating color was, and still is, an art. Its history is one of discovery, wealth, power, religion, trade, and science. This course discusses the origins and evolution of color pigments by looking at historical civilizations and time periods.

New and old, light and dark, near and far – we are surrounded by contrasts and opposing forces at every turn. From simple opposing relationships to the most thought provoking and complex, these juxtapositions shape our surroundings. By focusing on the color wheel and complementary color schemes, dynamic and sophisticated color combinations are discussed. Our understanding of specific colors takes a deeper dive into the origins and meanings of each color alongside the ways color is used in various parts of the world, and how this contributes to the character and landscape of highlighted geographic areas. This journey through color culminates in the process, concepts and points of inspiration that influenced the development of the Color Trends 2024 palette, with a look at how these highlighted hues can be used in the home.

Roofs on every structure face constant challenges. This presentation examines common stressors affecting roof membranes in overburdened systems. It will demonstrate how choosing the appropriate membrane for vegetated roofs, amenity decks, and stormwater management systems can ensure long-term watertightness, while also maximizing the additional benefits these systems offer.

This course provides an overview of the classifications of paints and factors that affect curing. The advantages and disadvantages of latex versus alkyd coatings. Proper surface preparation and priming techniques, and causes and solutions for common paint problems.

This course explains the chemistry and performance of paint, educating architects and designers on how to effectively select a paint system that is appropriate for a project. Learn about the components of paint and their impact on quality, the performance and aesthetics of different paint finishes, and technological innovations in the paint industry.

This presentation includes the chemistry of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and illustrates how PMMA is used as a flashing material in conjunction with traditional roof systems. The presentation explains the construction and performance benefits of PMMA assemblies used as new and re-cover liquid-applied roofing membranes. This presentation also includes discussion of STP chemistry when low-odor applications are required.