Academies of Digital Learning

As architects and designers learn more about the relationship between the built environment and the health and well-being of occupants, the importance of indoor environmental quality becomes urgent. Besides aesthetics, key factors like air quality, sound, temperature, and light must be considered to create a space that is healthy, productive, and beautiful. Additionally, the health of the planet is at stake, so incorporating sustainable materials is critical. This academy offers a focused exploration of best practices that support sustainable design specifically related to enhanced indoor environmental quality. Topics examined include trends, increasing productivity, updated regulations, and market shifts, while keeping sustainable design front and center.

Innovative products, new strategies and advanced technologies have led to a heightened appreciation for the use of glass in today’s building design. From retail and workplace spaces to arts centers and high-end residences, glass elevates the built environment by putting a light-filled, high-performing, energy-efficient, contemporary spin on modern architecture. Glass coatings and insulating glass units improve energy performance by managing solar heat and can minimize glare for clearer views. Technology allows facades and curtain walls to appear seamless, while having an improved capacity to withstand storm impacts and to meet rigorous building codes. All of this can be done with style, using colored glass, clear to the edge glass, or anything in between that allows natural light into spaces, while enhancing energy efficiency and occupant comfort. Glass lends a sense of space and can seem to remove the barriers between nature and the indoors. The courses in the Glass in Architecture Academy cover a wide range of glass-related topics so you can begin your own exploration of the innovative use of glass in your projects.

Maintaining a competitive edge in our rapidly evolving business landscape is no easy task. Old systems and the inability to adapt to the latest technology can put many industry professionals on their heels when it comes to meeting client demands. However, leaning into the winds of change can prove to be both an operational advantage and a gateway to greater creative control for architects, designers, and structural engineers. The Business and Technology of Architecture Academy focuses specifically on how to best integrate new design software and communication tools to maximize the available resources and returns in this digital age. Streamlining processes, responding to design changes, and incorporating client requests in real-time is not only possible, but also a must for thriving architects and designers.

Preparing for both the expected, and unexpected elements that can impact a building, should be a priority for architects, designers, structural engineers, building owners, and occupants. Over the course of its useful life buildings will need to contend with the ever-changing whims of nature, as well as the increasing demands of occupants and visitors. The Mastering Movement™ Academy looks at the impact the local environment has on a build and offers resources and solutions to help provide durability, expected performance, and a healthy space for occupants. From protectives surfaces that provide durable and low-maintenance performance for doors and walls, to louvers that arrest moisture intrusion while supporting the beauty of a structure, we will investigate the vital nature of combining aesthetic and performance goals, in a constantly active environment.

Amidst today's unprecedented challenges—climate change, economic shifts, and pandemics— metal building innovations shine. In architecture, metal walls and roofing offer flexible, sustainable, high-performance solutions that address these issues while infusing design with freshness. From captivating color palettes to easy installation, they redefine architectural building solutions. The Metal Architecture Academy delves into metal’s many possibilities. For instance, metal walls composed of metal composite material (MCM), insulated metal panels (IMPs), and single-skin metal panels offer durable and stunning architectural facades in a myriad of shapes and finishes. And, when it comes to low-slope metal, steep-slope metal, and IMP roofing and components, the designs, energy savings, and durability attributes are innumerable. Discover transformative advancements like solar-integrated panels, reflective coatings, and above-sheathing ventilation, which redefine sustainability, energy efficiency, and aesthetics in modern architecture. Dive into these courses, which explore the latest trends and methods leveraging metal's versatility for progressive, eco-friendly structures that push architectural boundaries.

From cutting-edge insights and aesthetic trends to nature-inspired indoor environments crafted for health, wellness, and comfort, the Interiors Academy showcases the profound impact of interior design. The courses offer a comprehensive exploration of interior design approaches, with a dedicated focus on the transformative potential of paint, finishes, and color selections. We will explore the latest advancements in paint technology and coatings, allowing design professionals to gain insights into their practical applications and aesthetic contributions. Additionally, we delve into the forefront of sustainability within the industry, highlighting eco-conscious practices that shape contemporary interiors. Throughout the Academy, you will encounter a host of exemplary residential and commercial interiors from across the globe, showcasing innovative design strategies that not only enhance functionality but also embrace the essence of hospitality, serenity, and comfort.

This training program will introduce architects to the concepts, science, and mitigation of thermal bridging in building envelope systems. The four-course academy includes a review of how current NYS energy code regulates thermal bridging, and then explores thermal bridging in three common construction types and building case studies. The case studies highlight the physics of thermal bridging within specific details, impacts thermal bridging on building performance, durability and comfort, and common design solutions to mitigate thermal bridging and achieve desired thermal performance targets.

Accessible design is growing. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), landmark civil rights legislation that increases access and opportunity for people with disabilities across community life, has been the law of the land for more than three decades. Taking that as a starting point, the architecture, design, and construction industries have gone beyond mere code adherence, constantly working to find new and innovative means to approach accessible and universal design in creative ways to enhance the built environment for all—from ADA signage and designing ADA-compliant commercial showers and bathrooms to modular construction that embraces a new vision for accessibility and innovative solutions for learning environments. As noted by the CDC, one in four U.S. adults currently lives with a disability. With demographics changing and Baby Boomers aging, there has never been a more critical time for architects and designers to understand the full range of options, challenges, and opportunities surrounding this critical law. This academy is focused on a range of design methodologies that will make life more equitable for those who have disabilities today, while also keeping future generations in mind.

In today's rapidly changing world, where the fight against climate change has become a global priority, architects are taking center stage in incorporating sustainability principles. The stakes are higher than ever before, and as environmental stewards, the industry is embracing the challenge of designing for a better future. These courses equip you with the knowledge and skills to navigate this volatile landscape, all while staying true to a project's performance, economic viability, and design objectives. We go beyond the basics and delve into the realm of circular design principles, where we explore innovative strategies for minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency. We also emphasize the importance of ethically sourced materials, recognizing that sustainability extends beyond energy efficiency. By incorporating responsibly procured materials, you can significantly reduce a project's carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier planet. Architects and designers have the unique opportunity to lead the way in creating healthier communities. Whether it's implementing pre-engineered solutions to minimize embodied carbon, designing for resilience in the face of climate events, or specifying environmentally friendly materials, this Academy provides you with the necessary tools to drive positive change.

When it comes to the art and science of designing truly unique and personalized residential spaces, modern custom homes need to embody the hopes, dreams, and visions of clients who look to their homes for comfort, performance, and flexibility. The Custom Home Academy offers an array of courses that dive into the various aspects of designing a one-of-a-kind home, examining the many trends, styles, and processes for creating a unique residence, including the resurgence of Mid-Century Modern design, and incorporating glass for breathtaking views and natural light. We will explore single-family home design—for both new homes and renovations—and the importance of lighting, thermal comfort, outdoor space, accessibility, and sustainability, as well as the latest innovations in 3-D design. With the world constantly evolving, this Academy provides architects with the knowledge and skills required to adapt to changing environments and design trends, while meeting the specific needs of clients. After all, there is no place like home.

From economy, to sustainability, to beauty and aesthetics, wood continues to be an evergreen favorite for architects, designers, and occupants. Whether designing for light frame or mass timber structural systems, the versatility of wood can contribute to thermal, acoustic, seismic and fire performance requirements as well as a sustainable supply chain. As new projects in the public and civic arena open, wood continues to offer high performance durability with a low-carbon footprint and enduring beauty.

Science, research, and the application wisdom accrued over time all come together in the art of architectural acoustics. The beauty of a space is no longer constrained to simply the visual impression, today acoustic design is as important, or possibly even more critical, to the occupant experience. A “total acoustics” approach to design is now a requirement for many projects, especially performance venues, education institutions and health care facilities. The audible experience of the occupant - from the time they enter the space until they leave -must be thoughtfully designed to enhance, limit, and control sound transmission. The Acoustics Academy provides a look at innovative and contemporary acoustical choices that complement the built environment, regardless of the desired aesthetics. It examines the basics of sound transmission in commercial spaces, to creating venues that blend cultural context with performance requirements. This academy looks at how integration of cutting-edge sound blocking, and noise control elements can play a necessary part in both occupant well-being and sustainable design goals.

Designing, specifying, and installing roofing systems remains one of the most important aspects of creating a durable, energy-efficient, safe, and resilient structure. Today, there are more choices than ever when it comes to types and styles of roofing systems, and being able to specify confidently is critical for architects and designers. This academy will provide an overview of the state of roofing systems, including new technologies and materials being developed to address uplift, solar exposure, and water intrusion. Roofing options need not be confusing, and this academy covers everything from fleece membranes and urethane adhesives to exterior VOCs, PVC roofing, white EPDM, and the critical importance of understanding roofing wind speed ratings, using and mastering electronic leak detection devices and warranties.

A tight residential housing market underscores the need for a wide breadth of smart, accessible, sustainable, and high-performing multifamily projects. As the demand and desire for distinctive multifamily housing continues to expand, architects and designers are incorporating innovative practices, strategies, and material trends to create spaces that rise to the occasion both here and abroad. The Multifamily Housing Academy puts the spotlight on multifamily housing projects—from affordable and inclusive to high-end luxury, while also addressing aesthetics, labor, community, sustainability, resiliency, and connectivity.

From its ancient roots in Roman times to its contemporary applications, glass has stood the test of time as a visually stunning and structurally robust building material. Today, it continues to play a vital role in design, offering sustainable solutions, enhancing human comfort, and driving innovative architectural concepts. The Glass and Glazing Academy highlights the latest advancements in glass and glazing technology, ranging from energy-efficient coatings to protective glazing systems. Moreover, it provides insights into strategies for creating inspiring learning environments, and shines a light on the crucial role protective glass and glazing play in safeguarding vulnerable establishments like schools, hospitals, banks, and movie theaters. With its diverse possibilities to elevate the built environment, glass remains a tried-and-true material for the ages.