Safety & Resilience Bundle
AIAU25-SAFE01-B
5 Courses
Course expires on: 10/07/2026
Description
These courses equip professionals with essential knowledge and skills to design structures that not only meet current safety standards but also demonstrate resilience in the face of various challenges including environmental stressors, natural disasters, and long-term sustainability concerns. Whether you're an architect, engineer, urban planner, or construction professional, this bundle provides valuable insights into protective design principles, risk assessment methodologies, and adaptive building strategies.
To explore more resources on how to helping communities before and after disasters, visit aia.org/disaster.
Presented in partnership with the AIA National Disaster Assistance Program (DAC).
Learning Objectives
Identify the historical development and foundational pillars of the Disaster Assistance Program, highlighting the critical roles architects play in disaster response efforts.
Assess how architects can proactively contribute to disaster preparedness and response across various levels and explain the importance of their involvement in building resilient communities.
Identify and explain the four phases of the emergency management cycle: Mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
Learn the roles, contributions, and training resources available to architects in each phase of the emergency management cycle, including the advantages of the Safety Assessment Program (SAP) and the role of advocacy in advancing architect participation.
Apply insights gained from relevant case studies to their architectural practices, integrating lessons learned and successful strategies employed in real-world scenarios.


Brian Shaw is a Certified Floodplain Manager and has worked within the flood mitigation industry for over 15 years. As Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Floodproofing.com, he leads a team of flood mitigation specialists that focus on proper floodproofing techniques to ensure resilient structures. His experience has been working with all the parties involved in floodplain design, build, and habitation including Architects, Builders, Code Officials, Contractors, Engineers, Floodplain Managers, Homeowners, Inspectors, Insurance Agents, Property Managers, Realtors, Specifiers, and Surveyors. He works closely with Architects, Contractors, and Community Officials on floodplain projects and regulations. On a regular basis, he presents continuing education courses to various professionals on FEMA Regulations, NFIP Requirements, Building Codes, and proper floodplain construction. Brian prides himself on contributing to the corporate mission to reduce the risk associated with flooding through education.
Julia Donoho, AIA, Esq. is an architect-attorney-general contractor and brings multi-disciplinary knowledge to the field of disaster recovery. After the Tubbs Fire of 2017 burned into the heart of her community, she headed the AIA Redwood Empire Disaster Recovery Committee, and became an expert in the process of recovery and rebuilding after a disaster. Beginning in 2018, Donoho helped create a startup company, serving as Vice President General Counsel of Homebound Construction Inc. that is rebuilding homes faster after disaster using technology and participated in the 2022-2023 Advisory Group for HUD’s “Designing for Natural Disaster – A Resilience Guide for Builders and Developers,” chairing the Fire Section. She has continued to serve on the California Disaster Area Network, has created a Toolkit for California components to respond to disaster, and is now serving on the AIA National Disaster Assistance Committee.

Kate Rhein graduated with Distinction from Edinburgh University and London’s Bartlett School of Architecture, then went on to work for some of London’s top design firms including Future Systems, Imagination and Atelier One. As an associate at Ushida Findlay Architects, she worked on several high-profile projects and competition winning designs throughout Europe and the Middle East. She currently works as an associate at Boone Low Ratliff Architects in Santa Cruz, on a range of environmentally focused residential and community-based projects. She is a licensed architect in both California and the UK and is NCARB and ARB certified.

Stacy Bourne, FAIA is the principal architect of The Bourne Group, LLC, an architecture firm, founded in April 2002, focused on using hurricane resilient design to influencing social change through community engaged design. She has directly managed over 25 million in hurricane recovery renovation projects for damage assessments, architecture, and engineering in the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, both category 5 hurricanes. The firm is taking their specific expertise into the gulf states to assist in rebuilding with hurricane resilient systems, designs, and materials. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Stacy’s breadth of experience spans over 30 years and a dozen hurricanes in the US Virgin Islands. Her career began with custom homes focused on site integration, views and natural ventilation, mastering steep terrains, earthquake requirements, septic systems, leeching fields, and rainwater harvesting, in addition to contracted project management. The second phase of her career focused on post disaster FEMA funded roof replacement programs, creating resiliency strategies, assisting in crafting building code legislation, expanding into commercial and office building renovations and partnering with key stakeholders to restore significant historical buildings, hurricane damage assessments/reconstruction and community engaged design. Her love of the profession extended through her volunteerism. Stacy has taught high school students and crafted several mentorship programs during her AIA National Board tenure. Currently, Stacy mentors architectural college students, sponsors a Crit Scholar and participates in the College of Fellow/Young Architect Forum mentorship program. As a leader, Stacy served 6 terms as AIA Virgin Islands president, served on the Virgin Islands Board of Architects, Engineers and Land Surveyors, Board president for the Virgin Islands Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities and was confirmed by the Virgin Islands Legislature to serve as Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission in 2018. Stacy currently serves as the Co-Chair for the AIA Disaster Assistance Committee and is a member of the National Organization of Minority Architects. Stacy was awarded the Richard Upjohn Medal in December 2011 for her service on the National Board of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), representing approximately 4,000 architects in the Florida/Caribbean Region. She was the first black woman to serve on the national board and was instrumental as chair of the AIA Board Diversity Council, member of the Licensing Committee, member of the Secretary Advisory Committee, coordinated the National AIA for Haiti earthquake restoration efforts in 2010, speak and coordinate convention events and helped to execute AIA Women’s Leadership Summits. In 2019, Stacy received the Small Business Administration Emerging Leader Award and in March 2023, Stacy was a recipient of the Women's Leadership Award, from the Missouri Minority Business Development Agency, in St. Louis. This passionate spokesperson seeks to advance diversity and inclusion opportunities and support for underrepresented groups in the profession and builds relationships everywhere she goes. Her relationships were instrumental with Mattel's launch of Architect Barbie in 2010 in 3 skin tones. Her wide range of professional relationships span countries, building typologies and custom specialties for unique team building results. They afford Stacy the opportunities to partner and collaborate with firms, companies and organizations while focusing on the Framework for Design Excellence. Stacy is and AIA College Fellow and holds and Master of Architecture and Master of Architecture and Urban Design degrees from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana and Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. She is the owner of SMART Tech and Print Solutions in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, printing everything from business cards to banners, retail and new UPS ship center in 2023. The print shop started as the first architecture firm, INNOVATIONS by Design, in 1998. A few copies for friends became a full-service print shop by 2002, when The Bourne Group was created.

After receiving an undergraduate degree in Biosystems Engineering, Heather spent time in Africa with the Peace Corps. She then received a Masters in Architecture and Urban Design from the University of Colorado. Heather has worked as an Architect for over 15 years in both the private and public sector, including FEMA, with a focus on design, construction, project management and disaster mitigation. Her projects have ranged from small residential remodels to large scale neighborhood master planning. In 2013, Heather collaborated with a social worker to start Our Front Porch, a Denver-based nonprofit that helps Colorado home fire survivors navigate the ups and downs of the recovery journey so they don’t have to go it alone. Our Front Porch provides disaster case management, therapy and mental health support, and guidance on next steps, insurance claims, and the rebuilding process. They also have an emergency housing program where they provide short-term, affordable, and fully furnished rentals specifically to home fire survivors. Heather currently splits her time between being the COO of Our Front Porch and her private architecture practice in Key West, Florida.


Blake Nanney is a Federal Relations Manager at the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in Washington, DC. Blake works closely with his immediate teammates, Kara and Jaelon, along with AIA staff, AIA members, and public officials on federal policies impacting architects and their profession. His policy portfolio includes affordable housing, resilience, and federal procurement, while also serving in a supporting role on many other issues and initiatives. Blake has been with AIA National for over 5-years after joining AIA’s Advocacy + Relationships team in the summer of 2017. Before joining AIA, Blake worked for the Illinois House of Representatives and served on a successful reelection campaign for a Southern Illinois state representative. Blake graduated from Southern Illinois University Carbondale with a B.A. in Political Science and a major in History.

John is a Lead Physical Scientist and Building Codes Policy Advisor in FEMA’s Resilience Organization in Washington, D.C.. Currently, John is the SME lead for the Mitigation Framework Leadership Group’s Building Codes Task Force, comprised of 20 federal agencies, working together on advancing the latest codes and high-performance standards for agency programs. John has been involved in flood and wind building codes and standards development for over 20 years, serving on ASCE standards committees for ASCE 7 and ASCE 24. John also engages in policy development, hazard mitigation guidance and coordination with mitigation partners in the public and private sector. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Civil Engineering from the Cooper Union for Advancement of Science and Art.

Janan is the Senior Climate Advisor for FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance programs in the Resilience Organization in Washington, D.C. Janan works across FEMA programs and with external partners to develop and coordinate climate change policy, tools, guidance, communication, and trainings. Janan is also a Nature-Based Solutions subject matter expert, supporting inclusion and implementation of nature-based solutions across FEMA’s programs. Since 2018, Janan has been working at FEMA to leverage funding for community resiliency to hazards before and after disasters strike. Previously Janan worked on climate change policy as a NOAA Knauss Fellow with the US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and as the lead of the National Network for Ocean and Climate Change Interpretation at the New England Aquarium. Janan is a coastal scientist with a Master of Science in marine Resource Management with a focus on coastal hazards and climate adaptation from Oregon State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science from Connecticut College.
Courses
Architects as Community Leaders in Disaster Resilience
Explore the critical role of architects in building community resilience to disasters, gaining an in-depth understanding of their contributions before and after disasters. This course is specifically designed for architects aspiring to become leaders in disaster resilience and community assistance. We’ll examine the Disaster Assistance Program and the significant contributions architects make in disaster scenarios. The course emphasizes proactive engagement, covering disaster preparedness and response at various levels while highlighting their importance for community safety and resilience. Explore the four phases of the emergency management cycle—mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery—while discovering architects’ roles in each and learning to integrate resilience thinking strategically through lectures, case studies, and interactive workshops. Equip yourself with the skills and knowledge to contribute to disaster preparedness, mitigate risks, respond effectively to emergencies, and support recovery efforts—enhancing your community’s safety and resilience.
When It Rains, It Pours: Preparing for Flooding Events
Join us for an insightful webinar session as we delve into the most common and expensive disaster in the US: flooding. Architects have a critical role to play in preparing communities for the increasing occurrence of floods. During this session, participants will discover innovative approaches and best practices that architects can employ to safeguard structures and minimize the devastating effects of floods. This session will examine the different kinds of flooding that occur, comparing the challenges faced by coastal regions to those experienced in the middle of the country. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the unique factors that contribute to each type of flooding and the implications they have on structures and communities. Additionally, we will explore the crucial topic of insurance in flood-prone areas. Gain insights into the insurance options available and how they can provide financial protection and aid in the recovery process. To bring these concepts to life, we will showcase compelling case studies that highlight successful initiatives in flood resilience and preparedness. Gain inspiration from real-world examples and learn from the experiences of communities that have effectively tackled the challenges posed by floods. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your knowledge and contribute to the creation of more resilient communities in the face of flooding.
To explore more resources on how to helping communities before and after disasters, visit aia.org/disaster.
This session was recorded live on September 7, 2023.
Preparing for Cascading and Compounding Disaster
Join us for a captivating session to better understand and prepare for cascading disasters—which refers to the sequential occurrence of multiple disasters that intensify the overall impact and complicate response and recovery efforts—and compounding disasters—which involve the simultaneous convergence of multiple hazards or crises.
Drawing on data and research, we will examine the increased likelihood of cascading and compounding disasters in the future, explore the trends and projections that highlight the growing frequency and complexity of these events, and gain insights into the implications for disaster preparedness and response efforts. To illustrate the real-world impact of cascading disasters, we will share compelling case studies that will provide valuable insights into the complexities and unique considerations involved in managing cascading and compounding disasters. Don't miss this opportunity to gain a better understanding of cascading disasters and equip yourself with the knowledge and tools necessary to prepare for and respond to these interconnected challenges.
To explore more resources on how to helping communities before and after disasters, visit aia.org/disaster.
This session was recorded live on September 14, 2023.
Ensuring Equitable Post-Disaster Outcomes
Join us for a thought-provoking session about improving equitable outcomes through disaster mitigation and preparedness. During this session, we will shine a light on the systemic inequities that hinder equitable preparedness and contribute to disparities in response and recovery outcomes.
Architects play a pivotal role in addressing the needs of communities through community engagement and thoughtful design. We will explore how architects can contribute to enhancing equitable outcomes by actively involving community members, considering their unique perspectives and needs, and designing resilient and inclusive spaces. Additionally, architects can serve as advocates for better policies that prioritize equity in disaster mitigation and preparedness efforts.
To inspire and inform, we will showcase compelling case studies of places that are making strides in providing better outcomes through community preparedness. Don't miss this opportunity to engage in a dynamic discussion on inequities in disaster preparedness and how we can work towards more equitable outcomes.
To explore more resources on how to helping communities before and after disasters, visit aia.org/disaster.
This session was recorded live on September 21, 2023.
A Designer’s Guide to Navigating FEMA Programs
Learn how to harness FEMA's funding and mitigation programs to create disaster-resistant and sustainable designs. This course equips you with actionable insights to navigate FEMA's grant opportunities and collaborate with federal agencies. Gain practical strategies for integrating disaster preparedness into your architectural practice and expanding opportunities for funding and partnerships.
This course was recorded live on January 16, 2025.