PROGRAMME DES FOURNISSEURS D’ÉDUCATION (PFÉ)

Sustainability design is an evolving process affecting People, Places and the Planet.

We recognize a significant impact on health and wellness of occupants in a new building or a renovation comes from specified products.

Designers of interiors may be responsible for carbon emissions at least equal to those associated with the structure and envelope of a building.

Our intent is to offer guidance to specifiers who are focused on choosing sustainable materials, with strategies to reduce embodied carbon and construction waste on projects.

Beyond carbon, elements to consider when addressing sustainability include evaluation of the design process, material composition considerations, green building standards and how materials can contribute, and the optimization of layouts and components though digitalization and automation.

This course delves into the often-overlooked legacies of female designers whose groundbreaking work and business acumen left an indelible mark on the fields of interior design and architecture. Unveil the stories of these unconventional trailblazers who, despite lacking public recognition in their time, laid the foundation for innovation and transformative change. A century later, we reflect on their enduring influence and profound impact, gaining insights into their contributions that continue to shape and inspire our contemporary professional landscape.

Join us for an in-depth exploration of how drywall grid systems can significantly enhance your design vision while promoting best practices through early collaboration with ceiling partners.

This course offers valuable insights into the benefits of pre-engineered drywall grids, addressing both the design and construction phases. Participants will discuss how to alleviate common pain points associated with framing flat and curved drywall grid. They will discuss the impact of Drywall Grid on embodied carbon and uncover solutions that improve safety, minimize labor and time, and support sustainability through efficient product use.

This course is designed for professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge of drywall grid systems and integrate innovative, sustainable practices into their projects.

ONGOING - UPON REQUEST

Gain insights into the societal implications of increased energy consumption in commercial buildings. Grasp the financial advantages of integration, and learn how integrated lighting systems enhance occupant well-being. Recognize the pivotal role architects play in creating safer, more sustainable spaces. Learn how to make informed decisions, contribute to sustainability, and inspire a brighter, greener future in design. By the end of the course, participants will understand the link between electricity use, architectural choices, and occupant well-being in commercial buildings.

As aesthetic for kitchen design becomes more refined, so does the aspect of entertaining at home. And when there is entertainment at home, it typically centers around enjoying food and beverages. Wine is an essential element of entertaining and culinary experiences. This course focuses on why using an active wine climate control system is beneficial to your clients. We will discuss the evolution of a wine storage (cellar). Define passive and active (cooled) modern storage systems. Go over the guidelines of easy specification and proper installation of the wine appliances. Understand the ROI, and more importantly, why entertaining guests will never be dull with a proper wine storage system.

Learning how to move around the kitchen is important, but is it you or is it the layout? This course focuses on redefining what it means to have proper workflow in the kitchen. We will discuss some of the major changes that take place during kitchen renovations and how that affects the flow of the kitchen. Kitchen triangles are a concept of the past, but we all understand why it’s important. This course will focus on parsing out the details of the concept and redefining it to a new palatable concept of what we know as workflow. Finally, we discuss an important appliance being utilized to prep, cook, plate, and serve in kitchens that uncorks the secret to a successful kitchen workflow.

This course offers an in-depth exploration of sliding and folding door systems, including their historical development and the technological advancements that shape their use. Participants will learn about the benefits of various door hardware options, explore diverse configurations, and assess the impact of different materials on installation and functionality. The course also provides practical guidance on planning, selecting, and specifying the most effective door systems for various applications.

Some colors may be calming and relaxing, while other hues may be energizing and lively. Colors are known to create feelings of joy, while others leave us feeling unsettled. Color has the incredible ability to evoke both physical and emotional reactions in humans that are unique to each individual, making this a highly subjective topic. By understanding how color impacts humans on both physical and emotional levels, we are better equipped to select hues for our spaces that contribute to a desired sensibility. Likewise, color is an ideal communication tool; using the many associations had with colors across the spectrum. This course explores physical and emotional responses to color that shape our color preferences, in addition to insight on color trends with the Color Trends 2021 Palette and Color of the Year.

According to the U.S. EPA, almost 90% of our time is spent indoors, emphasizing the importance of the materials that surround us. Acoustical design can enhance or diminish the experience of any space. This course will walk through the importance of designing and installing appropriate acoustical treatments, which may be about more than absorption; for example, spaces in healthcare, education, and office rely on sound blocking for speech privacy and clear communication. Participants will learn how acoustical ceiling and wall solutions can contribute to improved Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) and meet today’s most stringent sustainability requirements.

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.

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.

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.

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.