Using Advanced Materials to Push Design Boundaries
Solving Complex Building Challenges with Fire-Rated Glazing
Sponsored by Technical Glass Products (TGP) | Presented by Tim Donaldson
Live Webinar Airing on January 29, 2026 at 02:00 PM ET
Fire-rated glazing has evolved beyond 100 square-inch vision panels in fire doors. These materials can now create floor-ceiling wall panels, transparent temperature-rise doors, exterior curtain walls and even support building hardening efforts. With the vast array of offerings available, it may be difficult for design teams to know their options or how a system may solve complex building challenges. Starting with an overview of fire-rated glazing and shifting to more nuanced design goals, this course will provide a starting point for advanced fire-rated design by leveraging expert knowledge and real-world examples of boundary pushing uses of fire-rated glass.
Photo courtesy of ©️ Chris Barrett
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Tim Donaldson is an Architectural Services Manager at Technical Glass Products (TGP), a leading provider of fire-rated glass and framing systems and specialty architectural glazing solutions. He collaborates with design professionals to navigate fire and life safety codes without compromising aesthetics, helping them bring their architectural vision to life. Tim delivers education on fire-rated glazing materials, performance standards, and specification strategies—empowering architects to design safe, code-compliant, and visually striking spaces. He also acts as a technical resource for architects, building owners, and glazing contractors, offering project-specific insights and support from design through construction. |
Technical Glass Products (TGP) is a leading supplier of specialized fire-rated and architectural glazing systems. Since 1980, TGP has partnered with architects, glaziers, and contractors to deliver innovative solutions that meet complex design and code requirements.
Originally published in Architectural Record
Originally published in December 2025
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Describe the fundamentals of fire-rated glazing, including product testing standards and fire-rated glazing classifications.
- Explore modern fire-rated glazing options beyond traditional vision panels including storefronts, transparent walls, curtain walls, full-lite doors, floors and more.
- Analyze how fire-rated glazing can address complex building challenges, including enhanced safety and building hardening.
- Incorporate lessons from real-world case studies to guide innovative design approaches using fire-rated glass in specialized situations like elevator enclosures, glass encased stairwells, multistory installations, curved installations, etc.
