PROGRAMME DES FOURNISSEURS D’ÉDUCATION (PFÉ)

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.

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.

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.

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.

Provide an overview of the benefits of green building with a focus on the need for water efficiency, and includes discussions on green building programs, green products for the kitchen and bath, and the importance of a taking a system-wide approach to water delivery and waste removal systems.

Not all showerheads are created equal. This course will take you on a journey that shows the evolution of the modern bathroom and technological advancements through the years. Participants will learn how the modern shower system is affected by limited water resources and government regulations in certain parts of the world and be able to distinguish between water efficient products versus ones that simply save water.

This course provides an overview of LEED v4 and 4.1 standards for Building Design and Construction (BD+C) and Interior Design and Construction (ID+C). It examines the latest updates in Material and Resources (MR) and Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) credits, particularly in the ceiling category for occupant wellness and security. The curriculum covers the application of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in BD+C, addressing Whole Building Impact Reduction and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). Strategies for Interior Life Cycle Impact Reduction and material ingredients transparency credits are explored, emphasizing flexibility and sustainable product choices. The course concludes with insights into how IEQ credits contribute to enhancing occupants' productivity, comfort, and well-being through optimized lighting strategies.

Pigments serve many functions in paint other than supplying color. Characteristics such as durability, hide, gloss, and fading are influenced by the choice of pigment. This course explores how color choices affect the appearance and performance of architectural paints. We will discuss the types of pigments used in architectural paints, how paint is tinted, and how the choice of pigments and colorants influence factors such as hide, gloss, fading, durability, and price.

This course delves into the integration of wood specialty ceilings in commercial buildings, exploring pre-engineered systems and a range of finishes. Participants will assess how aesthetic choices impact overall performance, safety, and durability in various designs. Key performance attributes, including acoustics, fire resistance, plenum accessibility, seismic resilience, sustainability, and installation ease, will be examined. The course also addresses the distinctions between solid and veneer wood panels, considering their visual impact, performance characteristics, lead times, and financial considerations, providing participants with a thorough understanding of wood specialty ceiling systems for designs that excel in both form and function.

LUNCH & LEARN OPPORTUNITY - IN-PERSON or VIRTUAL 

This one hour presentation covers the lastest in polurea waterproofing and polyurethane foam technology. It covers what it is, benefits, testing, construction details, and application.