Though mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems feature heavily in conversations about operational energy, they are an often-overlooked element in the embodied carbon conversation. Learn how MEP contributes to a project’s overall embodied carbon, including the impacts of systems of different scales and complexity, as well as the effects of MEP replacement cycles. Course expires 11/14/2026

In order to make true progress toward carbon reduction, carbon-thoughtful design must be part of the AEC industry’s standards and culture, instead of approached on a project-by-project basis. Hear from sustainability leaders representing a range of practices, including architecture, engineering and consulting, construction, and design/build firms who share the vision and infrastructure of their own firms’ sustainability and embodied carbon practice, and elaborate on how they arrived at a place where sustainable design and construction is built into their firms’ cultures. These leaders identify barriers to adopting carbon-thoughtful design and strategies for breaking down those barriers, including leveraging existing cultural and industry structures (for example: the AIA 2030 Commitment) and strengthening the connections between the existing values of firm leadership (for example: operational energy reduction; for example: materials and occupant health) and carbon reduction. Course expires 11/14/2026

This course focuses on the role that contractors and builders can play in reducing the embodied carbon in their work. Speakers discuss opportunities for carbon reduction at multiple project stages, highlighting the importance of a collaborative design and project team (including client) for diverse construction practice types—including small design/build, mid-size local firm, and large international firm. They suggest strategies for incorporating embodied carbon reduction into everyday workflow—from the discrete (e.g. contracts) to the broad (workplace culture and commitments). Procurement is essential to the reduction of embodied carbon—ensuring what is specified for reduced carbon makes it into the project, among other things. Course expires 11/14/2026

Structure accounts for a significant portion of a project’s embodied carbon. In this course, a panel of structural engineers and researchers discusses the positives and negatives, with regard to embodied carbon, of using concrete, steel, and timber each as primary structural materials. Panelists share ways to reduce and measure the embodied carbon impacts of each structure material–-through material makeup and specification, material reduction, material sourcing, and reuse. Course expires 11/14/2026

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

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

This program examines the design and performance characteristics of metal backing systems that mechanically support thin masonry veneers. Comparisons between various systems and traditionally laid face brick masonry are made and critical design and installation factors are reviewed. Performance tests that establish code compliance of proprietary thin veneer support systems are identified. Strategies for water penetration, structural performance, thermal efficiency and NFPA 285 approval are presented.  This session was recorded live on April 27, 2023.

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

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 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

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.

Architects are always evolving their practice to meet the needs of clients. As billion-dollar disaster events become the new normal, resilient design solutions that reduce risk and impact—and protect your client’s assets—present a tremendous opportunity for architects. This intermediate-level course unpacks best practices for retrofitting and upgrading existing buildings— often beyond current building codes—to reduce potential damage from key hazards. In addition to strategies for existing buildings, you’ll review unique complexities and opportunities for retrofitting historic buildings. At the end of this course, you’ll have in-depth knowledge, technical information, and resources that will help you improve a building’s disaster resistance and implement strategic design decisions that mitigate the damaging impacts of water inundation, wind and storms, other climate-related hazards, and geologic/seismic hazards. This course is part of the AIA Resilience and Adaptation Series, a multi-course series that provides you with the tools and knowledge you need to design for resilience. Take all of the courses in this series to earn a certificate of completion. This course is sponsored by Owens Corning

This session will explore artist and designer responses to environmental resilience. Using nature as inspiration these designers have investigated what it means to create a closed-system environment, what we can learn from other organisms and how we can push our own thinking about the futures of the built environment. Course expires 1/25/2026

Go behind the scenes to discover the science, techniques and software used to create both usable data sets for architects and exploratory design platforms. This panel will uncover the actual processes used to pull weather data and climate analysis to influence design decision-making as well as explore the game creation process. It will explore the ways designers are responding to the challenge of potential climate catastrophe and how resilient principles can help avert a dangerous future. Course expires 1/25/2026

Join us to learn about key new resilience resources: the AIA Resilient Project Process Guide, the ROI: Codes, standards and reporting supporting resilient design, and the ROI: The economic case for resilient design. Complementing each other, these resources highlight the attributes of resilient and climate-adaptive design, while envisioning how to convey the importance and thus achieve climate-adaptive outcomes across the different phases of design. In this interactive session, you'll select questions related to current projects, discuss how you've used similar questions in the past or how you might use them in the future, and share experiences in resilient project design processes. Course expires 8/29/2025

Understanding financial fundamentals is essential for architects looking to build resilient, profitable firms. This course provides a clear and comprehensive introduction to the core financial statements and ratios that shape a firm’s financial health. Designed specifically for architects and design professionals, it demystifies complex financial concepts through practical examples, engaging multimedia content, and interactive exercises.  You’ll explore the structure and function of income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements while gaining hands-on experience analyzing financial ratios. By connecting financial fundamentals directly to architectural practice, the course empowers professionals to make informed business decisions that drive sustainable growth and long-term success.  This is a new, interactive on-demand version of the course, adapted from the live session held on April 22, 2025.