This course provides a comprehensive overview of trench drains - their applications and benefits, their basic components, and the many varieties available, including: cast-in-place, pre-cast, and economical pre-engineered trench drain systems made from HDPE. Students explore new possibilities for blending trench drains into the surrounding environments for improved aesthetics. And case studies explore interesting applications of trench drains.

(Please note: The Study Guide provides a typical specification sheet, multiple product and accessory images, dimensions, details and installation recommendations intended to be a part of the course. Please download upon enrolling.)

A tour of the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia reveals Antoni Gaudí’s design links to sustainability through integration of natural lighting principals, natural ventilation, Integrated design, and borrowing freely from natural structures. One AIA LU/HSW credit will be awarded for touring Gaudí’s Basilica of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain with a licensed tour guide provided by The Barcelona Guide Bureau. Tours are one hour long, after which you are welcome to stay and enjoy exploring the building on your own.Tour tickets (the majority of which constitute a donation to the construction of the Basilica) may be purchased through the link provided. A 5% discount is offered on all tickets purchased through TCA when you use the promotional code “TCABarcelona”. TCA is not benefitting financially from this offer. Tours of additional sites in Barcelona are also available through the Barcelona Guide Bureau at http://www.barcelonaguidebureau.com/daily-tours/ To gain a discount for private or group tours, please mention TCA. To claim your credit simply send us your contact information, along with confirmation of your ticketing (ticket info, receipt, or scan) to TCABarcelona@thecontinuingarchitect.com and we will provide you with a certificate and, if you’re an AIA member, we’ll report your credits to AIA on your behalf.

The program will discuss how architects and designers can get a better understanding of the market today in regards to developing a strategic plan. Attendees will ascertain a clearer perception on how to respond to market challenges based on the overall business strategies developed.

Appliance technologies and the kitchen's place in the home have changed drastically over the past twenty years. Modern kitchens have grown in size and are now the heart of the home for entertaining, dining and working. Many times there are several people cooking at the same time. Given these scenarios, it is important to consider the entire range of users, from young children to the elderly. In this course we will discuss how kitchen planning can serve the needs of three generations, from Generation Y (aka Millennials) to the Baby Boomers. We will focus on how these groups differ in their vision of how a kitchen should function, style preferences, appliance requests, acceptance or integration of technology into the space, and universal design.

This course is presented in HD by the president of Ellison and provides an introduction to a unique form of commercial entry door known as a balanced door. You will explore various components of a balanced door system, numerous advantages of a balanced door over conventional hinged or pivoted swing doors, how balanced doors meet ADA guidelines, and the specific design requirements needed to accommodate balanced doors.

This course provides an overview of the important factors - such as building codes, safety of use and fall protection, material selection, secure installation methods, and design - that must be considered when selecting or specifying a railing system for a commercial or residential project.

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.

This course will equip participants to compare features, benefits and limitations of particleboard and medium density fiberboard (MDF) with considerations of product grades and their physical properties for proper end-use selection.

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.