Building codes can appear complex, opaque, and overwhelming, changing often over time and differing across the country. But what if we could adjust our perspective in a way that would allow us to view building codes through a different lens? Emerge by AIAU has brought together several thought leaders on building codes in architectural practice to provide that lens. Building codes are essential to the architect's commitment to the public’s health, safety, and welfare. In this course you will learn how building codes have evolved over time and how they impact the profession today. As emerging professionals, you should understand the power of building codes as problem-solving tools, and how your career can benefit from greater understanding and appreciation for the influence of codes on design leading to alternative practice models and career paths you might not have considered. The course consists of four segments covering: The history of building codes The impact of codes on modern architectural practice Design and building Career paths for licensed professionals​​ With support from:       This course expires 11/1/2024.

The US building stock is increasing every year. As new buildings are constructed, the portfolio of existing structures is becoming larger and larger, and how we treat these existing structures is critical to the longevity of our society. In this course you will learn about the basics of building code related to existing structures, a few sustainable methods and measures you can take when performing building retrofits, and how innovative design affects what’s already there. Join 2018 AIA President Carl Elefante, FAIA, and other experts as we explore what it means to work with existing building stock and how you can build on what’s already there. Course expires: 11/01/2024

When defining the basic services of an architect, we often look at the phases of a project. Our industry generally accepts that there are 5 phases to an architectural project: Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents, Bid or Negotiation, Construction Phase. The two longest phases in the process of moving through an architectural project tend to be the Construction Documents phase and the Construction Phase. A lot of attention is given to the first three phases of the project: schematic design, design development, & construction documents. The role of the architect is most clearly defined in these three phases. However, there is still a lot of work to be done. Course expires: 11/01/2024

The Economics in Architecture series introduces real-world economics that pertain to the architecture and construction industries. The videos explore business cycles and trends, the Architecture Billings Index, and the architectural workforce. Follow along as the American Institute of Architects’ chief economist, Kermit Baker, illustrates how economic concepts relate to firm practice in the architecture industry. Course expires: 11/01/2024 

The Ethics in Architecture series presents key concepts in ethics philosophy and outlines the importance of ethical decision making in architectural practice. In the series, experts detail the differences between laws and ethical codes and discuss how personal and professional ethical codes are developed. The course covers ethical best practices for completing architectural projects and managing a firm. Course expires: 11/01/2024

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

Amidst this time of unprecedented change, a research culture in the architecture profession has never been more important. A commitment to rigorous research is essential for the professional of the future—enabling design to evolve in order to provide a built environment that can help transform communities and people’s lives. Research is also needed to help firms thrive as they look for ways to innovate and combat the disruptions that will transform our world. In this course, you will learn from experts in practice who have incorporated research into their professional journeys—and yielding new discoveries in their work. Course expires: 11/01/2024

The Post Occupancy Evaluation is a tool gaining momentum in the design and construction industry. As architects, we’re responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of the general public through our interventions in the built environment. We spend so much time planning, detailing, and monitoring the execution of our projects, because we want to deliver the best possible product to our clients and the public. However, there is a lot we can learn about the life cycle of our projects through assessing how they perform once constructed, how they are used by the public, and how they impact the communities in which they were built. In this course, you will learn from experts in the field discussing the value of conducting Post Occupancy Evaluations and how the process has informed their practice. Complete activities along the way and take a short quiz to receive credit for this course.  Course expires: 11/01/2024

Properly designed, a building captures existing site resources such as light, wind, and solar radiation to provide for the comfort and needs of occupants. Passive systems work in concert with site resources to manage building energy demand through design.  This session will build upon the concepts introduced in Courses 3 and 4 and explore a holistic strategy for designing passive systems.  The AIA+2030 Online Series is an AIA and Architecture 2030 co-production. It's based on the highly successful AIA+2030 Professional Series, which was created by AIA Seattle and Architecture 2030, with support from the City of Seattle and Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance. Course expires 1/25/2027

Across the world climate change is forcing cities to build stronger and more resilient civic buildings and spaces. While there is strong consensus within the professional design and health sectors for this investment, it is essential to have the advocacy of the local communities in both the funding and design processes to ensure the resulting structures align with their resilience needs. Born out of lessons learned from cities such as New Orleans, Christchurch, Bucharest and Mexico City, The Neighborhood Empowerment Network (NEN) provides communities with the technical support to establish and maintain local cross sector networks charged with advancing smart mitigation and preparedness investments that support their efforts to protect the health of their vulnerable neighbors during times of stress. The NEN's mission is to establish and maintain high performing cross sector networks across the city that are rich in trust and reciprocity and committed to advancing the disaster resilience of a neighborhood by crafting culturally competent Resilience Action Plans (RAP) at the individual, organizational and community levels. These plans host the communities self identified goals for all phases of disaster planning  - including mitigation, readiness, response and recovery. The NEN leverages human centered design methods used in the design community to educate resident leaders on the importance of this work.  Course expires 9/18/2025  

From the viewpoint of various scales, from planning to ADU design, resilience through client engagement will be explored in this session. Learn how architects and architectural students can be advocates for both their clients and for improved policies and codes. See how a design/build studio is helping to improve policy decisions on the ground as a direct outcome of student project work. Course expires 1/18/2026

This panel will explore historical and contemporary relationships between communities and landscapes, urban forests and coastline resilience concerns. Urban forestry, coastal wetlands and industrial landscapes will be interrogated and unpacked to discover impacts on surrounding communities. Challenges such as tackling gentrification, facilitating deep community engagement and providing equitable access to open spaces will be explored. Course expires 1/25/2026

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.

Often material impact is evaluated while a product is serving a useful purpose in a building, but that only accounts for a portion of the product’s complete life cycle. This course unpacks the entire product life cycle along with the unique environmental impacts at each phase. You’ll learn best practices for improving the environmental performance of materials through a variety of strategies, including designing for deconstruction at the end-of-life. This course is sponsored by CertainTeed Course expires on 6/12/2025

Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in urban planning requires a holistic approach that considers the roles of downtowns, suburbs, and neighborhoods. Comprehensive land use plans, 10-minute neighborhoods, plus transit- and trails-oriented development are valuable tools in creating inclusive and sustainable communities. Discover how to address historical harms, engage communities, and prioritize civic investments to ensure that the benefits of development are shared equitably with leading proponents of integrating DEI with design: Vanessa Morrison, MRCP and Dana McKinney White.   This course was recorded live on April 30, 2024.

This session explores approaches to building and financing more equitable communities by exploring different real-life examples. Panelists present the tools and frameworks for community engagement, progressive policies and new approaches to financing equitable community growth and maintaining community ownership e.g. Community Land Trusts (CLTs) and green banks. CLTs will explored from a policy and experiential point of view. Course expires 03/07/2025

This panel will explore what equity means through the lens of accessible and universal design. Panelists will highlight the barriers to disabled students in architectural education, accessibility as critical to sustainability and resilience and diversity and equity-focused practices in critiques. Spatial equity and inclusivity will be highlighted and evaluated from the viewpoint of the academy as well as in practice. Course expires 1/25/2026

Esports, or electronic sports, is a rapidly growing form of sports competition using video games. This emerging sports gaming market needs venues to have unique spatial requirements to serve the needs of the players and spectators. While a traditional sports stadium is the closest equivalent, a copy/paste approach will not hit the mark—presenting designers with a new and exciting challenge: Designing a new arena.  Get an overview of the current state of the esports market. Learn what types of spaces are currently being used in esports venues. Explore the unique creative opportunities that can be mined in this emerging building typology. Moderated by Luanne Carleton and presented by ​Simon Hoffiz of Nelson Worldwide​. This course was recorded live on May 23, 2024.

Take a deep dive into architectural ethics—focusing on professionalism, integrity, and competence—in this interactive course examining the AIA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. Gain greater awareness and understanding of how AIA members are committed to the highest standards of practice and how the code guides their conduct in fulfilling those obligations. Plus, learn how the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct can assist in attaining individual and organizational objectives while safeguarding the public's health, safety, and welfare. Course expires: 01/16/2027

Upholding ethical obligations to clients and fellow professionals is the cornerstone of a successful architecture practice. These essential courses will reinforce your ethics knowledge and skills, helping you effectively navigate ethical dilemmas. Explore the foundations of client-professional relationships with a focus on the importance of ethical standards and legal requirements and steering clear of conflicts of personal gain.  Learn how the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct can assist in attaining individual and organizational objectives while safeguarding the public's health, safety, and welfare. Review anti-discrimination laws and specific sections within the AIA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct that underscore the critical need to prevent harassment and discrimination, especially concerning protected characteristics Learn strategies for preventing and addressing harassment and discrimination, such as cultivating a respectful workplace culture, establishing clear policies, and providing education on diversity and inclusion Save up to 15% when you purchase the bundle.