With substantial research demonstrating the connection between the environment and public health outcomes, it is imperative that we identify and pursue opportunities within our communities that promote health, address disparities, and improve well-being. While many of these factors—transportation, land use planning, housing, parks, and economic development—are outside the public health field’s direct control, the Tennessee Department of Health has still established itself as a national leader in improving public health, safety, and welfare through investments in its built environment. In this presentation, you’ll gain an overview of the Tennessee Department of Health’s successes—led by the Office of Primary Prevention— including the significance of regional healthy development coordinators, the Healthy Built Environments Grant program, and cross-agency, multi-disciplinary partnerships.  This session was recorded live on May 14, 2024. Course expires 4/1/2027

The community contexts in which we work today are defined overwhelmingly by pervading public mistrust, conflict and controversy, and community opposition. Our urban crises – climate, housing, equitable development - are forcing quick action to avoid catastrophe. Controversy, community opposition and legal challenges pose significant and costly burdens to achieving our collective goals. This session will provide an overview of the key challenges in the field of public participation today. It will identify core components of healthy processes that can lead to more successful community outcomes with broad community support. The session will address technique selection, as well as tools, resources and networks where participants can develop skills in public participation.  This session was recorded live on March 15, 2023.

This course reviews the necessary design components for successful perimeter fire containment. It outlines the perimeter fire containment (PFC) test methodology in accordance with ASTM E2307, defines engineering judgments (EJs), and explains why they are needed and who is qualified to write them. Participants will learn how to identify the differences between a generic EJ and a more comprehensive EJ, focusing on elements required in a thorough engineering judgment. The instructor will utilize real project conditions and walk through the EJ development process.

The Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI) Translational Research Building at the University of Utah marks a significant step in addressing the post-pandemic behavioral health crisis. HMHI will be an international hub of collaboration for testing and refining mental health design as well as research, clinical, and policy ideas. The facility will create a new model of translational research that unites experimental, computational, and clinical research under one roof to address national stigma, policy, and scientific challenges.  In this session, we will explore how behavioral health trends and emerging models of care impact the design of multidisciplinary clinical and research facilities, showing how HMHI’s neuroarchitecture-inspired design promotes interconnectedness and collaboration. We will discuss how the facility helps to rethink the American mental health care system by de-stigmatizing mental health, increasing awareness, and expanding mental health research and clinical services.  This course was recorded live on November 12, 2024.

High rise fires are not new to us. In fact, we have seen an increase in fire incidents in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East in the last 5-10 years that have amplified awareness on fire safety performance of taller structures. High rise buildings present a greater risk with an increased number of occupants that have a limited means of escape in the event of a fire. That is why the time element for containing a fire is so critical. Also, as we have seen in actual fires, vertical fire spread at the exterior façade can rapidly overwhelm fire fighters means of interceding the fire from ground level. As the fire accelerates and upward spread progresses, it often reaches a height beyond the reach of fire services water streams. That is why containing a fire and preventing it from spreading vertically is so critical for both occupant and first responder safety. 

Join the AIA Regional & Urban Design Committee for a series exploring sustainability practices at the intersections of natural and man-made systems.  In a time with increasing global challenges perpetuated by environmental and socioeconomic inequities, cities are looking to implement more regenerative urban strategies that replenish resources faster than we are consuming them through circular economies. This panel seeks to discuss adaptable tools and strategies used across the globe that aim to strengthen our cities and restore communities long separated by harmful infrastructure.  Course expires 03/27/2026  

Cities across the U.S. face critical challenges in behavioral health, substance abuse, and homelessness. San Francisco is leading the way with over 20 groundbreaking projects – either in design, under construction, or recently completed – that provide new solutions, including crisis stabilization units, child and family therapy facilities, and modular buildings.  This course features experts from the San Francisco Department of Public Works, highlighting innovative new solutions for supporting the health, safety, and welfare of building occupants and the broader community. By shining a spotlight on behavioral health projects, this course will demonstrate how designers can improve service navigation, enhance connectivity, and create more effective support networks to address urgent health and housing needs. This course was recorded live on May 13, 2025.

With an increasing demand for medical design expertise throughout the world, this course provides AEC professionals with the crucial tools needed to adapt to local contexts, reimagine healthcare delivery models, ensure successful design outcomes, and have a positive impact on community health globally and locally. Hear from expert speakers, with experience spearheading large-scale hospital and master planning projects around the globe, on the complexities, nuances, variations, and influences impacting healthcare planning and design. Learn the many factors affecting healthcare delivery, including local public health systems, socio-economic conditions, demographics, an aging population, payer and business models, pandemic preparedness, climate, regional culture, codes and regulations, project delivery methods, and project teams operating across time zones. Explore compelling case studies from resource-limited settings to advanced urban centers, demonstrating how contemporary architectural models, sustainable practices, innovative solutions, and technological advancements are revolutionizing healthcare facilities worldwide.  This course was recorded live on September 10, 2024.

This panel convenes leading experts to explore innovative adaptive reuse strategies for underutilized faith-based buildings across the United States. Hear from several different perspectives on the critical challenges faced by institutions that are closing or falling into disrepair, in both rural and urban contexts. Discussions will range from the complexities of leveraging historic tax credits to offset developer costs, to how to navigate SEC approval and conversion processes. This session is designed for architects seeking practical, innovative strategies to transform faith structures into vibrant new community assets. This session was recorded live on October 16, 2025.

How are building materials affected by increasing temperatures, extreme water events, increasing humidity levels, and wildland-urban interface fires? Scientists from the Chemical Insights Research Institute will discuss the effects of changing environmental conditions on the release of chemicals, unexpected chemical transformations, microbiological growth, and fire emissions and residues. Presenters will discuss how this research may translate into tools for the building community, offering a glimpse into future design of healthy and durable materials and buildings. Course expires 06/05/2026

In the ever-evolving landscape of architectural practice, understanding and incorporating resilience design principles have become imperative. This course delves into the fundamental aspects of resilience design, equipping architects and professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to create projects that are adaptable, sustainable, and capable of withstanding a range of challenges. Through a structured approach and practical exercises, participants will learn how to identify hazards, develop resilience strategies, and integrate them seamlessly into their architectural projects, fostering a holistic approach to design. Note: The course content is based on the AIA Resilience Design Toolkit. This comprehensive resource offers an objective analysis process which incorporates financial evaluation of resilience design strategies. Hosted by the Resilience and Adaptation Advisory Group (RAD AG). Course expires 08/30/2026

Resource planning is the foundation of successful project management. This course walks you through identifying, quantifying, and scheduling the people, materials, and tools needed to deliver projects efficiently. You’ll explore methods for assessing resource availability, forecasting needs, and creating realistic schedules that align with project goals. Through hands-on exercises, you’ll develop a resource plan that supports productivity, reduces bottlenecks, and keeps projects on time and within budget.

Deepen your expertise in resilience by learning how to assess vulnerabilities in existing buildings, respond to evolving resilience standards, and implement hazard mitigation into everyday design decisions. Explore the fundamentals of hazard mitigation and retrofit strategies for specific hazards, including flooding, wind, wildfire, extreme heat, drought, and seismic activity, while addressing the unique challenges of historic structures. Each step is structured to ensure a deep understanding of how to assess vulnerabilities and implement targeted retrofit solutions that enhance safety, performance, and durability. Expert insights, real-world case studies, interactive knowledge checks, and workbook-based reflection activities make your learning experience engaging, practical, and directly applicable to professional practice.

This course takes a behind-the-scenes look at two groundbreaking projects—City Walk BHAM in Birmingham, AL, and The Underline in Miami-Dade County. Both projects were designed to reimagine the vacant land under transportation corridors, considered a physical barrier between communities, into dynamic public spaces.  Through these two case studies, you’ll gain insights into public-private partnership models, funding strategies, and community-driven and design approaches that make these projects possible. Examine how creative design solutions have transformed challenging spaces into multi-modal transportation corridors, resilient linear parks, and vibrant community destinations—improving neighborhood connections, safety, mobility, public health, sustainability, and innovation. Learn more about how the focus on health, safety, and welfare of the end users informed the design process: from the experience of the urban pedestrian to the cyclist commuter. In addition, you’ll learn about post-occupancy activation, including public programming, art initiatives, and revenue generating opportunities that ensure long-term success.  This session was recorded live on April 16, 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.

Meetings are where ideas turn into action—but only when they’re run effectively. This course equips professionals with practical tools to plan, lead, and manage productive meetings that drive real results. You’ll learn how to prepare strategically, set clear objectives, and design focused agendas that keep discussions on track. Through real-world examples and role-based exercises, you’ll practice techniques for facilitating engaging discussions, managing time efficiently, and ensuring every voice is heard. By mastering these skills, you can transform your meetings from time-consuming obligations into opportunities for alignment, decision-making, and forward momentum.

December 10-11, 2025  | 12 - 4pm ET  / 9am-1pm PT Intended for licensed architects, engineers, or certified building inspectors, this training certifies attendees as Building Evaluators in the nationally recognized Safety Assessment Program (SAP). 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

March 25-26, 2026  | 12 - 4pm ET  / 9am-1pm PT Intended for licensed architects, engineers, or certified building inspectors, this training certifies attendees as Building Evaluators in the nationally recognized Safety Assessment Program (SAP). 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

May 20-21, 2026  | 12 - 4pm ET  / 9am-1pm PT Intended for licensed architects, engineers, or certified building inspectors, this training certifies attendees as Building Evaluators in the nationally recognized Safety Assessment Program (SAP). 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

November 18-19, 2026  |  12 - 4pm ET  / 9am-1pm PT Intended for licensed architects, engineers, or certified building inspectors, this training certifies attendees as Building Evaluators in the nationally recognized Safety Assessment Program (SAP). 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