This course is part of the ADA Academy

This webinar is part of the ADA Academy

Architects play a pivotal role in shaping environments that are aesthetically pleasing, inclusive, and accessible to all. Understanding the latest ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements and embracing Universal Design principles is crucial for architects in creating spaces that accommodate diverse needs and abilities. ADA compliance ensures that buildings and public spaces are accessible to individuals with disabilities, fostering equal opportunities for participation in society.

Navigating the needs of a more sensitive and inclusive workspace requires the entire design and build team to understand not only what is required but also why ADA compliance remains relevant and important.

This AIA-accredited continuing education webinar is tailored for architects and engineers seeking advice and knowledge on designing and implementing ADA compliance for commercial buildings.

Brigitte Cook, AIA, LEED AP, of PBDW Architects will present the New York Historical Society project. Since 2005, PBDW has been working on a multi-phased project with the New-York Historical Society to reinforce the museum as one of NY’s preeminent research centers and center for new public history programming.

Brigitte will describe the ways PBDW tackled complex issues to transform the historically significant landmark into an open and welcoming museum along the iconic Central Park in New York City.

The design approach prioritizes inclusivity to ensure that the facility is welcoming and accommodating to all visitors, regardless of their background or ability. use as a band of clerestories, transforming to a floor to ceiling ribbon of glass on the lakeside.

Clara Tresgallo, NCARB, RA, of Bell Design Group will present serveral case studies. Marrying pleasing aesthetics with ADA codes is one of the primary challenges for successful commercial and hospitality design. Doing that on the scale of high-end commercial spaces and resorts adds another layer of complexity.

This project looks at several case studies where accessibility and aesthetics play a pivotal role in not only the success of the design, but also of the business it represents. Case studies include luxury office space and timeshare resorts.

Estevan Garzaand Dan RollerWill discuss various interior and exterior architectural ADA products

At the end of these dynamic presentations, there will be a brief Q&A session to discuss key points from the webinar.

Photo courtesy of PBDW Architects

Established in 1804, the New-York Historical Society is New York’s first museum and remains one of the city’s premier cultural and historical institutions.

	Brigitte Cook , AIA, LEED AP, is an architect and a senior associate at PBDW Architects specializing in adaptive reuse, architectural design and historic preservation. During her career, she has managed complex cultural and educational projects, integrating new design and technologies into significant historic institutions. Some of these projects include the award winning New-York Historical Society, the Park Avenue Armory, Powerhouse Arts and Saint David’s School. Outside of the office Ms. Cook has enjoyed teaching as an adjunct professor at Columbia University in the Graduate School of Architecture in Historic Preservation and serves as the Secretary of the Board for the Association of Preservation Technology. Brigitte holds a Master of Architecture degree from Columbia University and a Master of Science in Historic Preservation, from Columbia University as well as a Bachelor of Science of Design in Architecture from Clemson University.
	Clara Tresgallo, NCARB, RA, is the Director of Special Projects at Bell Design Group, overseeing the studio's accessibility improvements. With an extensive design-build background, she is passionate about creating innovative and accessible design solutions to ensure inclusivity in every space.
	Dan Roller and Estevan Garza are architecural product managers. Dan is a Product Manager for door and wall protection and elevator interiors for Inpro. Inpro is an industry leader in interior and exterior architectural products. In his 23 years with Inpro, Dan has worked with contractors, architects, designers, and facilities to develop standard and custom products for a variety of applications. Dan is a LEED Green Associate and is certified through the Pragmatic Institute. Estevan is the Product Manager of the washroom product line at Inpro. Estevan has a deep understanding of the solid surface industry with over 12 years of experience and a focus on product innovation and enhancing customer experiences.