A course designed to teach the history of synthetic turf, it's application in water and energy conservation, pollution abatement, sustainable design, and its versatility in numerous landscaping applications and designs. Participants will become knowledgeable about synthetic turf and innovative applications that could be applied to their residential and commercial projects. The most current technological advances in the industry and the positive role synthetic turf plays in the environment.

For the good of your practice: This course brings together proven tactics to help increase sales. It specifically empowers architects by showing them how to take control of finding and nurturing new customers.

Innovative Water Conservation Fixture Systems, presented by Zurn, explores critical issues related to water usage and the need for water conservation awareness and implementation. Through this course, students are provided strategies for implementing effective water conservation initiatives and are introduced to a multitude of innovative water conserving fixture systems that consume far less water than standards currently demand, without sacrificing performance or comfort. Additionally, industry performance tests are reviewed, water consumption calculators are demonstrated and water efficiency as it relates to LEED credits is defined.

(Please note: The Study Guide is a research paper produced by the White House detailing innovative Water Conservation efforts and resources across the country. It is intended to supplement this course. Please download upon enrolling.)

By the end of this course you will be able to list at least three ways that architectural mesh systems help to enhance sustainability and you will be able to compare and contrast architectural mesh systems with alternative building products in terms of material characteristics and costs.

Potable Water Safety Through Backflow Prevention, presented by Zurn, provides a ground level understanding of how we can protect the potable water supply from contamination and pollution due to backflow. Backflow prevention measures and cross-connection controls are explored as methods to ensure clean and healthy potable water supplies. (Course includes a downloadable PDF study guide.)

Whether Contemporary or Traditionally styled, today's sophisticated kitchens require careful appliance location detailing. While many kitchen designers do not provide the appliances, product knowledge and planning expertise around these important pieces of equipment is highly valued by today's consumer. Therefore, kitchen experts need to be well versed in the details of appliance operation, and be creative when locating them in the plan.

Take this course for IDCEC interior design credit -  

People are suffering from “stuffocation” - having too much stuff. This course explores relationships between appropriate and ample storage, and improved interior design and quality of life for building occupants. You’ll also explore the many features and benefits of manufactured storage systems over custom built-in-place alternatives. Topics include commonly used materials for manufactured storage systems, various types of storage systems, and storage applications for residential and non-residential applications.

(Please note: The Study Guide is a technical paper offering CDC recommendations on Environmental Infection Control in Health-Care Facilities with specific interest in (P.9) "Additional Engineering Measures as Indicated by Epidemiologic Investigation for Controlling Waterborne, Healthcare-Associated Legionnaires Disease" and is supplemental to this course. It provides valuable insight to those who specify water features in Healthcare facilities. Please download upon enrolling.)

This course will introduce you to the concept of incorporating indoor water features in a variety of architectural applications. After reviewing the system components and various types of water features, you'll find out what design considerations factor into a successful installation. Then we'll take a closer look at two water feature applications so you can appreciate the benefits of partnering with a specialty contractor.

Presented by the timber specialists responsible for such iconic structures as the Richmond Olympic Oval, this presentation explores the aesthetic potential and efficiency of nail laminated timber systems, while touching on relevant engineering, manufacturing and erection techniques used in other timber projects.The architectural and environmental success of The Bullitt Center in Seattle has made heavy timber office buildings a topic of great interest within the design community. Now, with ground broken on a new 7-story example in Minneapolis, cost-effectiveness can be added to the potential benefits achieved with a mass timber structural solution. Examples demonstrate opportunities for prefabrication and sophisticated erection techniques, while emphasizing the importance of efficient structural engineering, product choice, connections and fasteners to creating economical timber structures.