This course is designed to help architects and design professionals review and apply the core ideas presented in the Architect’s Primer on Renewable Energy. Through a structured series of activities, learners will explore key concepts such as energy efficiency, renewable technology options, solar-ready design, and on-site vs. off-site energy strategies. Participants will work through realistic scenarios, check their understanding with interactive assessments, and reflect on how to integrate renewable energy strategies into their own projects. Successful completion earns 1.0 LU HSW. To maximize learning in this course, participants are required to read Architect’s Primer on Renewable Energy (AIA, 2021) before starting. The article serves as the foundation for all course activities.  

Guided by the expertise and insight of industry professionals Brad Gaskins, Tom Hirsch, and Karen Braitmayer, this course highlights the history of accessibility by focusing on the work of civil rights organizations and the role played by members of the American Institute of Architects; discusses how universal design reinforces the principle of access for all; reviews the key requirements of complying with the ADA for new construction; and explains the best approach to updating existing buildings to comply with the ADA. This course offers entry into a conversation that is essential for emerging and seasoned professionals alike. Course expires: 03/11/2027

The ADA Standards for Accessible Design can seem like a complex web. In this course, you'll review case studies and detailed real-life examples to help you navigate ADA compliance with confidence. Facilitated by an architect and accessibility expert with an intimate understanding of the intent and the letter of the ADA, you'll learn to identify and avoid common errors, and provide guidance on designing for contractor and client success. Return to your firm equipped with valuable strategies that ensure your future projects are built right the first time. Course expires on 3/18/2027.

As architects, we should be familiar with the milestone ADA standards that govern accessibility in public and federally funded facilities; we should also be familiar with how the IBC & ICC A117.1 are used and applied to multi-family residential buildings. How can we use these and other resources to help inform the best way for us to design homes where we can age in place gracefully, without needing to spend an exorbitant amount of money to recreate an environment to suit our future needs? The presentation will focus on the inclusion of universal design within residential architecture. The course will begin with a touch on the civil rights legislation that helped spur the accessibility codes and standards that we use today, along with the development of those standards and how they come into being, including important distinctions between ADA, IBC, and ICC A117.1. The 7 Principles of Universal Design and their applicability in the built environment will be discussed. Helpful resources for inclusive design will be shared, like the Housing Design Standards for Accessibility and Inclusion, created by the Kelsey (a non-profit centered around disability-forward housing solutions). Finally, we will discuss many simple, low-cost universal design considerations for residential builds. We will focus on holistic design aspects of the residential environment, rather than simply a checklist of accessible elements to be incorporated. Hosted by CRAN®. This session was recorded live on April 13, 2023. Course expires 3/5/2026

Creating environments that are functional, inclusive, and accessible starts with a clear understanding of AIA standards—and how to apply them effectively in real projects. This essential course provides architects a practical, comprehensive guide to implementing the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design in new construction. From early planning through post-occupancy evaluation, you’ll learn how to identify applicable scoping requirements, integrate accessibility features into site and building design, and verify compliance in the field. Through detailed examples, checklists, and technical case studies, you’ll strengthen your ability to design accessible routes, entrances, restrooms, and service areas that meet both legal standards and user needs. By course completion, you’ll be ready to apply ADA and IBC requirements confidently, avoid costly compliance errors, and promote equitable design solutions that serve all occupants.

This session explores the vital role of sound in shaping healthy, sustainable, and inspiring built environments. Drawing on research in indoor environmental quality (IEQ), behavioral science, and biophilic design, it examines how acoustic design influences human well-being, productivity, and social connection. Participants will discover how to integrate acoustics seamlessly with aesthetics, using evidence-based strategies and real-world case studies to create spaces that are not only visually compelling but also sonically supportive. This session was recorded live on October 28, 2025.