PROGRAMME DES FOURNISSEURS D’ÉDUCATION (PFÉ)

This comprehensive podcast course explores the principles and practices of designing outdoor spaces highlighting the benefits of these spaces on occupant health and wellness. The course will cover a wide range of topics, including the latest industry trends, design considerations and high performing materials for outdoor living spaces and how they enhance the outdoor environment’s experience for occupants. Participants will explore the multifaceted impact of outdoor environments on both physical and mental health, gaining insights into how thoughtfully designed spaces can promote overall well-being. Through detailed interviews and practical applications, participants will learn about technological advancements, design challenges, and emerging products influencing outdoor living in both residential and commercial applications. At the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to design outdoor environments that strike a balance between aesthetic and functional requirements that bolster the health and wellness of their occupants.

Designing within HOA-governed and multi-family residential environments presents a unique set of challenges that require technical knowledge, strategic communication, and a deep understanding of regulatory and structural constraints. In this course, we’ll share insights on how to effectively manage the intricacies of working with HOA boards, multiple homeowners, budget limitations, and varied design preferences. Attendees will explore the differences between commercial and residential code requirements, understand the approval and change order processes, and learn how to ensure durability and consistency in both new construction and renovation contexts. This course empowers design professionals to create compliant, cohesive, and high-quality living environments through smart planning, clear documentation, and collaborative decision-making.

This course provides a detail-oriented, full-scope plan for integrating canopy and sunshade solutions into the greater building project.The discussion emphasizes implementing best-practice methods and specification of canopy and sun control devices to gain expert function, maximum sustainability, and state-of-the-art design. Knowledge gained through the completion of this course will provide vital project know-how, resulting in a streamlined planning process and future projects that are designed specifically for each individual building.

Acoustical control is a critical factor in every environment. Utilizing the appropriate operable partition to address acoustical concerns and space flexibility can simultaneously solve many problems. Join us for this one-hour course as we discuss acoustics, operable walls, and how the two together in conjunction with complementing architectural elements can produce excellent acoustical control for any space.

This one-hour course examines the considerations needed during the design phase when selecting surface materials in order to help mitigate bacteria and provide easier cleanability within healthcare facilities. A deep look into microbes provides insight into the challenges and dangers of poorly selected surfaces. Various questions are brought to light to help gain understanding and think strategically when selecting surface materials, as well as looking at various areas of high risk. The importance of reviewing the care and maintenance of a product is highlighted as a way to deliver a healing environment and support infection prevention requirements. This course reminds design professionals that their surface choices can help support reduction of bioburden and create a healthier facility.

Join us for this one-hour Spec Shaman CE Podcast Course conversation on door hardware, product consultation and architectural specification. In this podcast, listeners will explore the groundbreaking work of Specifiers & Product Consultants Alliance (SPC) with founding members Peter Sedgwick and Michael O'Connor. Throughout this conversation, we will expound on central topics of specification writing for door hardware, the challenges faced by architectural firms and the innovative solutions provided by highly specialized product consultants and specification writers of door hardware. Kicking off the launch of this educational podcast series, this inaugural episode offers valuable insights into industry trends, best practices and the nuanced minutia that inform integrating door hardware into project design. Future episodes in this series will feature industry experts that create a range of door hardware, highlighting site-specific case studies integral commentaries for design professionals and the building construction industry. By the end of the podcast course, listeners will garner a profound understanding in ADA compliance, aesthetic appeal and safety mechanisms related to door hardware, product consultation and specification writing.

On average, people use the restroom six times per day. Restrooms in a building largely reflect the design decisions you make. The purpose of this course is to make the case that a comprehensive design approach that integrates ADA design requirements, Universal Design strategies, and sustainable initiatives provides an inherently accessible and healthier restroom space for all users. "Total Design" encompasses all design practices that include a wide spectrum of usage for all people. Isolating these design concepts into labels or "specialties", prevent them from being incorporated into good design practices.

Develop a basic understanding of fire test requirements and processes for obtaining ratings on fire rated doors and frames. Become familiar with the hardware requirements, as well as the various fire rated door and frame applications including requirements for glazing, transoms and other components.

There are many variables that need to be considered to specify the correct rolling door in a wind load application. Join us in this one-hour course as we discuss wind load as it pertains to rolling doors and the safety of installers and occupants. Design professionals will learn the details required to specify the correct door for each application based on environment and regulations, as well as be able to calculate the required design pressure (±PSF).

In any building, individuals come in contact with many different building materials — concrete, wood, steel, stone, and brick — all designed and engineered for their strength, durability and functionality. Architects and designers choose these materials based on performance, code compliance, cost, and beauty for a balanced and well-designed exterior and interior space.

This course introduces walkable thermoplastic deck and roofing membrane systems and describes the system advantages. Includes over a dozen membrane construction videos and illustrates design considerations for incorporation into the building envelope.

In this one-hour course, the design professional will be exposed to the impact of roof deterioration throughout the US, and they will have an opportunity to explore a more cost-effective solution that can be used immediately to give new life to aging roofs in an effort to avoid spending millions of dollars replacing them as well as be used in new construction projects to increase sustainability and longevity of roofs. New advances in fluid-applied roofing systems will be discussed to help professionals be better informed about its benefits as well as remove common misconceptions about the products. Emphasis will be placed on the ways that fluid-applied roofing systems can positively contribute to the environment by virtually eliminating the need to remove an existing roof from buildings only to be moved to landfills. Additionally, the participant will determine other eco-friendly attributes, including VOC compliant products that contribute to LEED certification, the removal of the use of flame and torches, and the reduction of urban heat island effects as well as lowering energy costs. The various types of fluid-applied systems will also be discussed to help participants realize roofing defects that may addressed by the products when they are installed correctly. An analysis of market trends in various geographic areas will be presented so that design professionals can see the need for an efficient solution that will seal the building environment from moisture, rust, and corrosion in order to ultimately protect the health, safety, and welfare of building inhabitants.

In this course, participants will examine the evolution of U.S. wind standards and building codes, focusing on their influence on impact window requirements in architectural design. The discussion will highlight key historical developments and current code provisions, analyzing how these regulations have shaped the specification and use of impact-resistant windows in both residential and commercial projects. Additionally, the course will explore the critical role of windows and doors in mitigating sound transmission, providing architects with insights into designing quieter, more comfortable spaces while meeting performance and safety standards. By understanding the interplay between code requirements, impact resistance, and acoustic performance, architects will gain the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions that enhance building resilience, occupant comfort, and overall project success.

Design, build and renovate accessible washrooms beyond code using best practices from current standards and established lived experience expert Julie Sawchuk, author of Building Better Bathrooms and principal educator at Sawchuk Accessible Solutions.