With all the talk about the importance of cities in the global climate fight, suburban jurisdictions have received relatively less attention. However, in the US suburban residents are responsible for half of our household carbon footprint due to inefficient land use and the resulting transportation and resource use patterns they produce. This session will explore strategies for shifting drivable suburbs to more walkable urban communities and explain how this change supports goals and policies related to resilience, active transportation, and community building. In addition, the speakers will discuss gentrification pressures and the implications strategies have on communities, with the goal of breaking cycles of disinvestment and preventing displacement.  Join this important conversation with thought leaders who are driving the movement and working on the front lines of suburban change today.  Hosted by AIA Center for Communities by Design. Course expires 09/18/2025

Local, state, and federal government projects, especially those located in low income areas, often try to include features targeted to improve the local community. The area immediately surrounding a new government building or campus is taken into account during the design process. This webinar will focus on three urban projects: the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Ariel Rios Federal Building in Washington, DC; the Department of Homeland Security Campus in Washington, DC; and the City of Chicago Joint Public Safety Training Center in Chicago, IL. The speakers will discuss how each project met health, safety, welfare, sustainability, and energy requirements while also contributing positively to their local communities.  Hosted by the Public Architects Knowledge Community (PAKC). Course expires 9/6/2026 This session was recorded live on October 11, 2023.

Blockchain is an information technology that inherently adapts to these structural problems. This technology is capable of bridging the lack of trust between the stakeholders, automating a lot of currently manual processes, providing a secure and reliable infrastructure for collaboration and information exchange while increasing transparency and providing reliable chronological record keeping. Implementation of blockchain technology in the construction industry can lead to smart contracts with fewer administrative struggles; improve project flow, material, and service delivery; and keep BIM and project documents current and secure.  Hosted by the Project Delivery AIA Knowledge Community Course expires 3/13/2025

Intended for licensed architects, engineers, or certified building inspectors, this training certifies attendees as Building Evaluators in the nationally recognized Safety Assessment Program (SAP). December 10-11, 2025  | 12 - 4pm ET  / 9am-1pm PT To register | Click Add to cart and complete the checkout process. Evaluator Field Manuals |  ATC 45 | ATC 20 | Participants are responsible for purchasing these texts from ATC. They are not included in the course cost. The program is managed by Cal OES with cooperation from professional organizations, including AIA. It utilizes volunteers and mutual aid resources to provide professional engineers, architects and certified building inspectors to assist local governments in safety evaluation of their built environment in an aftermath of a disaster. SAP is the training standard of the AIA Disaster Assistance Program, which provides leadership, advocacy, and training to architects who are interested in volunteering their professional skills in times of crisis. This workshop will teach participants to conduct rapid damage assessments of structures affected by earthquakes, wind, and water. Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to consistently and safely assess structures for habitability and will receive a nationally recognized Cal OES registration ID card from the state of California. AIA SAP Training Program

Intended for licensed architects, engineers, or certified building inspectors, this training certifies attendees as Building Evaluators in the nationally recognized Safety Assessment Program (SAP). June 25-26, 2025  | 12 - 4pm ET  / 9am-1pm PT To register | Click Add to cart and complete the checkout process. Evaluator Field Manuals |  ATC 45 | ATC 20 | Participants are responsible for purchasing these texts from ATC. They are not included in the course cost. The program is managed by Cal OES with cooperation from professional organizations, including AIA. It utilizes volunteers and mutual aid resources to provide professional engineers, architects and certified building inspectors to assist local governments in safety evaluation of their built environment in an aftermath of a disaster. SAP is the training standard of the AIA Disaster Assistance Program, which provides leadership, advocacy, and training to architects who are interested in volunteering their professional skills in times of crisis. This workshop will teach participants to conduct rapid damage assessments of structures affected by earthquakes, wind, and water. Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to consistently and safely assess structures for habitability and will receive a nationally recognized Cal OES registration ID card from the state of California. AIA SAP Training Program

Intended for licensed architects, engineers, or certified building inspectors, this training certifies attendees as Building Evaluators in the nationally recognized Safety Assessment Program (SAP). March 12-13, 2025  | 12 - 4pm ET  / 9am-1pm PT To register | Click Add to cart and complete the checkout process. Evaluator Field Manuals |  ATC 45 | ATC 20 | Participants are responsible for purchasing these texts from ATC. They are not included in the course cost. The program is managed by Cal OES with cooperation from professional organizations, including AIA. It utilizes volunteers and mutual aid resources to provide professional engineers, architects and certified building inspectors to assist local governments in safety evaluation of their built environment in an aftermath of a disaster. SAP is the training standard of the AIA Disaster Assistance Program, which provides leadership, advocacy, and training to architects who are interested in volunteering their professional skills in times of crisis. This workshop will teach participants to conduct rapid damage assessments of structures affected by earthquakes, wind, and water. Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to consistently and safely assess structures for habitability and will receive a nationally recognized Cal OES registration ID card from the state of California. AIA SAP Training Program

Intended for licensed architects, engineers, or certified building inspectors, this training certifies attendees as Building Evaluators in the nationally recognized Safety Assessment Program (SAP). September 24-25, 2025  | 12 - 4pm ET  / 9am-1pm PT To register | Click Add to cart and complete the checkout process. Evaluator Field Manuals |  ATC 45 | ATC 20 | Participants are responsible for purchasing these texts from ATC. They are not included in the course cost. The program is managed by Cal OES with cooperation from professional organizations, including AIA. It utilizes volunteers and mutual aid resources to provide professional engineers, architects and certified building inspectors to assist local governments in safety evaluation of their built environment in an aftermath of a disaster. SAP is the training standard of the AIA Disaster Assistance Program, which provides leadership, advocacy, and training to architects who are interested in volunteering their professional skills in times of crisis. This workshop will teach participants to conduct rapid damage assessments of structures affected by earthquakes, wind, and water. Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to consistently and safely assess structures for habitability and will receive a nationally recognized Cal OES registration ID card from the state of California. AIA SAP Training Program

Hear about K-25, the "Queen Marys", and other scientific and military buildings of the Manhattan Project. G. Martin Moeller, Jr., curator of the exhibition Secret Cities, discusses how extraordinary achievements in architecture and engineering yielded the world's largest building (K-25) in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, when it was completed in 1944 and the 800-foot-long chemical separation plants (Queen Marys) of Hanford, Washington. Provided by The National Building Museum Course expires on 09/13/2026.  

This course takes a detailed look at setting fees, providing you with in-depth understanding of the impact of risk and the value of the services architects provide.  You will learn "top-down", "bottom-up" and 'staff level" methods for building fees, with additional discussion of creating and managing contingencies properly.   Course expires on 5/21/2026.

Get an overview of the major changes to Facility Guidelines Institute’s (FGI) 2026 Guidelines for the Design and Construction of Hosipitals, Outpatient Facilities, and Residential Health, Care, and Support Facilities in this engaging and informative session, including the new chapter on short-term outpatient care facilities, the new chapter on residential behavioral and mental health treatment facilities, revised design considerations for rural emergency hospitals, updated room size and clearances for rehab hospitals, revised planning requirements for procedure and operating rooms, the new minimum percentage for single-occupancy rooms in most residential facility types, and improved flexibility to support the design of small-scale residential facilities.   FGI’s senior leadership and an expert facility architect will outline and discuss the guidelines’ many revisions in addition to reviewing efforts to improve the documents’ usability and enforceability.   This session was recorded live on June 11, 2024. Course expires 5/15/2027

Health care buildings are often defined by popular, income-generating spaces—patient rooms, operating rooms, imaging rooms, and grand public spaces. These rooms create an image that is presented to patients and the public and thus define the character of the building. But what about the other required spaces that are essential to the building’s functions? Without attention to detail, the failure to design these spaces properly will result in a building that is inefficient for users and costly for operators. Join presenters to look at the successes and failures of back-of-house rooms in health care buildings and learn how their design can impact your next project.  This course was recorded live on December 12, 2024.

The built environment is witnessing the cascading impacts of climate change, from every person, project, and client. The architecture industry must look within, with immense opportunities to transform firm culture in response to present and future changing conditions. Our new resource, the AIA Climate Action Business Playbook, is for building an architectural practice that embraces climate change mitigation and adaptation. Individuals and firms can immediately apply the included recommendations and best practices to enhance their current policies and efforts around climate action within their practice. This session will inspire attendees to focus on behavior change, giving architects the tools to adopt more sustainable practice models.    Course expires 2/5/2026

How can the architecture profession go beyond the minimum requirements of code minimums and the Americans with Disabilities Act to create more equitable and inclusive spaces for all? Today, designers are looking at how the built environment can affect a person physically, mentally, and socially. Young architects will learn how to be advocates for incorporating principles of universal design in their projects not only to achieve more successful designs, but to achieve more equitable communities where all may thrive. Attendees will hear from a diverse group of architects, designers, and strategists who are committed to designing for all and advocating for universal design standards. The panelists will share their background, vision, project samples, and insights in why inclusive, universal design is imperative for architects and their communities. Attendees will learn various methods of incorporating universal design practices in their work and daily lives. The panelists will expand on how and why architects should take on a leadership role in designing the built environment to be both beautiful and usable to the greatest extent possible by everyone, regardless of their age, ability, gender identity, ethnicity, sexuality, or status in life. Hosted by the Young Architects Forum (YAF). Course expires 6/21/2025

The past 2+ years of a global pandemic and increased calls for racial justice, coupled with the threats of climate change have only amplified the impacts and disparities of mental health and highlighted the intersection of identity and economic inequality with mental health.  This webinar will provide a platform for an open dialogue with the goal of de-stigmatizing discussions of mental health and advancing the conversation. The panelists and moderator will present their past personal experiences and perspectives, along with their design work to discuss how architects can better address mental health in workplace culture, our communities, and our practice.  Attendees will hear from a diverse group of architects and designers who are committed to design that addresses mental health challenges and barriers and works towards a healthier, more equitable future for all. The panelists will share their background, vision, project samples, and insights in why consideration for mental health and the varied perspectives and needs of individuals is imperative for architects and their communities. Attendees will learn various methods of incorporating considerations of mental health in their practice and daily lives and encourage the audience to continue the conversation outside of the webinar with actionable suggestions.  The panelists will expand on how and why architects should take on a leadership role in this area and advocate for spaces where all may thrive. This session will have ample Q&A time, allowing for attendees to engage with the panelists. Hosted by YAF. This session was recorded live on December 6, 2022. Course expires 10/23/2025

This course showcases the WLS 2023 kicked off with a keynote event that explores the theme of Equity x Society—the intersection of advocacy, women's social issues, and the role of the building industry. Part keynote address, part panel discussion, this experience looks at the universal challenges women face and some of the bold, brave, creative solutions our keynoter, panelists, and AIA leaders have been able to achieve through fearless leadership. Opening remarks by 2023 AIA President Emily Grandstaff-Rice, FAIA and AIA EVP/Chief Executive Officer Lakisha Ann Woods, CAE.  Panelists include Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Boston, Tiffany Chu, Co-Chair for the Boston Women’s Workforce Council, Evelyn Murphy, 2023 Boston Society for Architecture President, Andrea Love, FAIA, and 2024 AIA National 2024 President-Elect, Kimberly Dowdell, AIA. Course expires 11/02/2026  

As disasters increase in frequency and intensity across the country, communities now more than ever need the help of architects to address unprecedented challenges. Enter AIA's Disaster Assistance Program, which equips architects and chapters with the knowledge and skills to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. This course teaches you how to properly lead an AIA Disaster Assistance Program in your state and provides you with the tools needed to become a state disaster coordinator. In this comprehensive course, you’ll examine the four phases of the emergency management cycle—mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery—highlighting the roles and contributions of architects in each phase. You’ll learn how to engage proactively in disaster preparedness and response at various levels, emphasizing the importance of these actions for your community’s safety and resilience. You’ll also explore the evolution of the program and recognize the significant contributions architects can make in different disaster scenarios.

What makes a successful A+D practice?  Find out by taking a break from your daily grind and getting into active thinking mode with business strategy consultant, architect and SO|arch founder, Elisabeth Sporer, AIA, CID. Who gets the work, and how?  This session focuses on the elements of a strategic plan with a focus on brand, BD (business development) and marketing. Course expires 03/23/2025

In today’s competitive and turbulent marketplace, it can be a challenge for design firms to reach and maintain sustained growth. That’s why developing your firm’s strategic planning and learning new growth strategies is vital to your firm’s success. In this course, you will learn about the strategic planning process and explore growth strategies such as market development, diversification, and strategic alliances. You’ll also understand how to incorporate the components of the business model canvas into your decision-making to develop and implement effective strategic plans that drive firm growth.  

Many retailers are building and remodeling stores to personalize experiences and engage shoppers. Learn about the top trends and innovations impacting retailers reimagining their store experiences. This is hosted by the Retail and Entertainment Knowledge Community (REKC). Course expires 6/18/2026 This session was recorded live on July 27, 2023.

Join the AIA Regional & Urban Design Committee for a series of relevant conversations at the intersection of livable cities connecting regions through lifestyle resilience. How we live, work, play and learn is changing to a drumbeat of increased connection & separation through evolving cultural awareness. Possibly at no other time in modern history has choice been more important than present day. Can cities thrive in turbulent times? Our panel will discuss the questions and opportunities of choice for our resilient cities and inclusive urban design challenges. Hosted by Regional and Urban Design Committee (RUDC). Course expires 9/10/2025