Designing Resilient New Construction

AIAU25-RA03

Included in subscription

3 LU|HSW

Course expires on: 12/02/2028

$50

Architect$50

Member Price

$75

Non-member Price

Description

Thoughtfully tailored for licensed architects and architectural designers, this course equips you the knowledge and tools to anticipate risk in the built environment and implement performance-based solutions that protect people, structures, and communities.

You’ll explore the core principles of hazard mitigation and learn design strategies for specific threats—such as flooding, high winds, wildfires, extreme temperatures, drought, and seismic activity—while emphasizing the importance of early, proactive planning. Each step is structured to ensure a deep understanding of how resilient design is embedded into every stage of the design process.

Engaging learning elements like practical exercises, expert interviews, interactive reflection prompts, and real-life case studies make this course both informative and applicable to your practice.

Learning Objectives

check

Explain the core principles of hazard mitigation in new construction and the importance of integrating proactive, risk-informed strategies into early design planning.

check

Identify and apply appropriate flood mitigation strategies for new buildings, including structural, elevation-based, and site-specific solutions that reduce water-related damage.

check

Improve wind and storm resistance of new buildings through structural reinforcement, secured building components, and site-level mitigation design.

check

Apply design strategies to reduce the risk of wildfire damage, increase thermal performance during heat events, and support water conservation and soil stability during drought conditions.

check

Evaluate seismic risk and implement structural and non-structural mitigation strategies to improve earthquake resilience in new construction.

Acknowledgments

Allison H. Anderson, FAIA
Aditya Bhagath
Elizabeth Camargo, AIA, LEED AP
Behrooz (Ben) Emam, AIA Emeritus, PE, CFM
Diantha S. Korzun, AIA, LEED AP
Crystal Ng, RA, LEED AP, CPHC
Alan Scott, FAIA, LEED Fellow, LEED AP BD+C, O+M, CEM, WELL AP
Robin Seidel, AIA
Sammy Shams, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, Fitwel Ambassador, Living Futures Accredited

The course is part of the Resilience in Practice: Mitigating Hazards, Protecting Communities series, purchase as a series to save up to 15%

Similar courses

card_membership

Included in subscription

Why is Accessibility So Hard?

Accessible design is inherently challenging because it’s not a "settled science." Standards are constantly evolving—sometimes even in conflict with one another. This course will cut through the confusion. Our discussion/exploration will: Review compliance missteps and achievements in real-world scenarios Identify phases of the design process where various concerns are best addressed Help you create a clear plan for accessibility success Address questions, comments, and concerns from members like you Hear from accessibility experts and learn from the experiences of your peers in this clarifying course.

1.00 LU|HSW

$30

Architect$30

Member Price

$45

Non-member Price

Learn more chevron_right 4.13

card_membership

Included in subscription

Disruptive Small Firm Practices: Innovative Models for Expanding Services

A disruptive innovation helps create a new market and value network. In this course, three professionals will demonstrate how firms can utilize these innovations to expand into more sustainable and resilient business models beyond traditional architecture. Learn how to: Utilize tools to re-conceptualize your firm's expanded services offerings Determine how expanded services integrate with your current business models Develop strategies for marketing expanded services to new and existing architectural clients Consider how expanded services augment opportunities for traditional architectural services offerings Course expires on 1/2/2026.

1.00 LU

$30

Architect$30

Member Price

$45

Non-member Price

Learn more chevron_right 4.04

card_membership

Included in subscription

AIA Entrepreneur Summit 2015: New Models

Within the context of business models, what are the characteristics that would make someone a successful entrepreneur? What are the obstacles for architects to break out of our traditional model? Economics plays a central role in our ability to expand services or take our practice in new directions. Our expert panel, moderated by AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, considers ways in which architects can create new sources of revenue by expanding their practices in different ways and embracing new models for doing business. Questions explored include how architects are uniquely suited to development, key measures for exploring development opportunities, and factors influencing the decision process around undertaking a new business venture. This cutting-edge discussion will inspire and enlighten you. This course expires on 4/20/2026.

1.50 LU

$35

Architect$35

Member Price

$50

Non-member Price

Learn more chevron_right 4.13

card_membership

Included in subscription

Applying the ADA on Existing and Altered Buildings

Accessibility is fundamental in today's architecture practice. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies not only to new construction, but also when remodeling existing facilities—and the guidelines and exceptions can be confusing. In this case-study course, we'll present real-life examples of applying the ADA during renovations. Topics to be covered include: The challenges of knowing how and when to apply the ADA to ensure accessibility compliance The difference between an alteration and an alteration of an area containing a primary function What happens if an existing building is not being altered, and what exceptions apply when an alteration occurs

1.00 LU|HSW

$30

Architect$30

Member Price

$45

Non-member Price

Learn more chevron_right 4.26

card_membership

Included in subscription

ADA Tolerances and Acceptable Measurements

This course will cover the specific wording of ADA Standards Section 104.1.1 on tolerances and similar language in selected other accessibility standards and explain how they should be interpreted. It will cover what types of conditions are subject to the tolerances language and which ones are not. The panelists will discuss how they measure field conditions affecting accessibility and ADA compliance, how those measurements are critical in understanding and applying the tolerances language, and what types of field conditions affect the determination of whether a measurement is within the tolerances. This session provides architects with peer feedback on a critical but highly esoteric topic.

1.5 LU|HSW

$35

Architect$35

Member Price

$50

Non-member Price

Learn more chevron_right 4.25

card_membership

Included in subscription

Making the ADA Accessible

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.

3.75 LU|HSW

$35

Architect$35

Member Price

$55

Non-member Price

Learn more chevron_right 4.47

card_membership

Included in subscription

Emerge by AIAU: Making Architecture Accessible

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

1.75 LU|HSW

$35

Architect$35

Associate$0.00

Member Price

$50

Non-member Price

Learn more chevron_right 4.48

card_membership

Included in subscription

Removing Barriers Successfully to Provide Access to All

When you have numerous deficiencies in an existing building, where do you begin? Removing barriers for renovation and alteration projects is easier when you have excellent options and strategies for doing so. This course provides the guidance you need to understand the complexity around barrier removal and provide solutions for removal, and answers to common questions, such as "Is there such a thing as being grandfathered?" and "Why is the plan's examiner asking us to confirm that 20% of the construction cost is for resolving barrier-removal matters?" Applying accessibility regulations to existing buildings is complex. It's critical you understand these regulations and how they may apply to your current and future projects. Examples covered include parking, exterior accessible routes, interior accessible routes, common restrooms, amenity and common spaces, and employee common areas. By equipping yourself with a plan for tackling barriers to renovation, you'll help ensure your firm avoids costly redesigns—and headaches.

1.00 LU|HSW

$30

Architect$30

Member Price

$45

Non-member Price

Learn more chevron_right 4.28