Michael has been with USG for 19-and-a-half years with a focus on seismic for the last 16 years, managing seismic strategy as well as providing seismic engineering reports for all USG ceiling systems. Michael helps push innovations in safety, helping USG design code-compliant solutions that prioritize life safety, gaining approvals for ICC-ES seismic design and installations, and meeting code requirements set by IBC, CBC, ASCE-7, and ASTM. Prior to USG, Michael was a practicing CA-licensed GC: He got his start in the Carpenters Union in 1984 and worked his way up from an apprentice to a journeyman, starting JC’s Handywork in 1995 until joining USG.
Courses
Seismic Requirements in Suspended Ceiling Design
Thursday, July 10, 2025 | 3:00-4:00pm EST
Seismic design relies on building project requirements that provide life safety to occupants and maintain building function during and after an earthquake. Failure of these components in an earthquake has the potential to cause harm, block egress and impede rescue efforts and can disrupt the building’s function. The basic objectives of seismic design for nonstructural components are to provide life safety, minimize property loss and prevent functional loss. This course examines the history of seismic design, seismic design categories A-F, designing suspended ceiling systems, local/international building code requirements, and more.