If you’re not considering embodied carbon as part of each project’s CO2 emissions, this series is for you. Embodied Carbon 101 is designed to help AEC professionals understand embodied carbon and immediately apply that knowledge to projects to reduce emissions and get to zero carbon. Unlike operational carbon, which can be reduced during a building’s lifetime, embodied carbon is “locked in” as soon as a building is completed. Over 12 courses, you’ll learn how to measure, manage, and implement practical solutions from expert practitioners including architects and sustainable building product manufacturers. Buildings contribute about 40% of the world’s carbon emissions, and embodied carbon is a big slice of the pie. Let’s all do our part to get to zero together. This series was presented by the Boston Society for Architecture (BSA) with support from CLF Boston, the Boston Hub of the Carbon Leadership Forum. The Embodied Carbon 101 advisory group was Suni Dillard AIA, HMFH Architects; Lori Ferriss AIA, Goody Clancy; Julie Janiski, Buro Happold; Lisa Carey Moore, Integrated Eco Strategy; Jacob Deva Racusin, New Frameworks Natural Design/Build; and Rachel White, Byggmeister Design/Build. Embodied Carbon 101 was sponsored by Ark Woods & Services; Goody Clancy; Huber Engineered Woods; Kingspan; Nordic Structures; Select Building Products; and Thoughtforms. Series partners were AGC MA; Built Environment Plus; the International Living Future Institute; and the Structural Engineering Institute. Series expires on 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

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.

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.

Designing healthcare facilities requires a deep understanding of life safety systems that protect patients, staff, and visitors. This presentation is tailored to expand designers’ knowledge of life safety requirements and gain practical tools for integrating these critical elements into hospital and ambulatory care design. Through an exploration of passive fire protection strategies, attendees will gain clarity on the often complex and overlapping requirements found in the International Building Code (IBC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. We will look at egress requirements tailored to healthcare occupancies and explore how to approach egress planning that meets code, supports operations, and prioritizes life safety.  In addition to passive strategies, the session will address active systems, offering an overview of basic design requirements for fire alarm and sprinkler systems. Designed to be both informative and actionable, this session will equip attendees with tools to better collaborate with engineers, code consultants, and authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) to create projects are both compliant and safe.  This session was recorded live on July 8, 2025.

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.

Thursday, January 8, 2026  |  2-3pm ET Federal student loan policy plays a significant role in shaping access to architectural education, early-career financial stability, and long-term workforce sustainability within the profession. As federal policies evolve, architects, firm leaders, and educators must understand how changes to borrowing limits, degree classifications, and repayment programs affect students, employees, and hiring pipelines. This course provides a comprehensive overview of current federal student loan structures and recent policy changes, with specific focus on their relevance to architectural education and practice. Participants will examine how these changes influence affordability of professional degrees, repayment strategies for existing borrowers, and firm-level considerations related to recruitment, retention, and career advancement. While individual loan counseling is outside the scope of this session, attendees will leave with a clear framework for evaluating impacts and identifying reliable resources for further guidance.

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.  

This five-part series, produced in partnership with Owens Corning, gives architects and building professionals a comprehensive look at fire safety. It covers the fundamentals of fire behavior and code intent, explores occupancy-specific design considerations, and highlights advanced engineering applications. Learners will gain insight into the science behind fire protection, the reasoning that shapes today’s codes and standards, and the ways thoughtful design decisions can strengthen building performance and safety.  The series concludes with lessons drawn from real-world fire events that reinforce the importance of designing for performance, resilience, and life safety. 

This course is designed to help emerging and current leaders build a strong foundation in nonprofit leadership within the unique context of AIA service. Whether you're stepping into a leadership position for the first time or deepening your understanding of AIA's nonprofit framework, this course will provide you with a solid foundation for decision-making, collaboration, and strategic stewardship. The AIA is more than a professional association; it is a mission-driven nonprofit organization with a unique structure, purpose, and set of responsibilities. Understanding how nonprofit principles shape the way the AIA operates is essential to leading with integrity, purpose, and accountability. Over the course of four concise lessons, you’ll explore the fundamentals that underpin nonprofit leadership at the AIA.

Make sure you’re prepared for the rapidly evolving digital revolution with a comprehensive introduction to the core concepts, principles, and applications of artificial intelligence (AI). Learn key components of AI, explore the current and future implications of its use, and gain insights into the real-world applications in the industry.   Whether this is your first foray into the topic or you’re looking to update your skills, this course will equip you with the foundational understanding needed to explore AI further.  Course expires 10/25/2026 This session was recorded live on December 14, 2023.

Emergency Departments (ED) can be instantaneously overwhelmed, requiring resilient, adaptable, and flexible solutions of the built environment. Like many healthcare organizations, UC Health, an academic medical organization located in Cincinnati, Ohio, experienced major space challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic on-set and peak. This scenario, and others that ED’s are faced with, can be better supported by innovative uses of non-clinical environments on campus. In this presentation, we will demonstrate solutions applied to an adjacent space to the renovated ED at University of Cincinnati Medical Center that provides added social distanced seating for the entire campus, accommodates separate entries to avoid cross-contaminating infectious and non-infectious presenters, activates additional patient care environments supporting the ED proper, and integrates security and safety measures for all in high-stress, potentially dangerous situations. UC Health has received congressional funding for this project through the CARES (Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act as it will benefit the readiness of the only Level 1 Trauma Center in Cincinnati to better serve the community with a future-proof, resilient facility. Upon completion, the space activation methodologies will be folded into regional readiness training for emergency scenarios and serve as an example of the future of Level 1 Trauma Centers.  Hosted by the Academy of Architecture for Health (AAH). Course expires 5/29/2026

In the face of mounting industry pressures – ranging from sustainability mandates to labor shortages – the AEC industry must evolve or risk obsolescence. This course equips architects and firm leaders with strategies to turn challenges into opportunities through innovation. Explore a structured approach to diagnosing current pains, envisioning future capabilities, and deploying practical, measurable innovation strategies that align with business goals. Learn how to define success, prioritize initiatives, and drive meaningful transformation in your organization.  This session was recorded live on August 5, 2025.

Climate change is no longer an abstract threat. Day after day, an already disrupted climate is impacting the lives of millions, and the time available to curtail climate change is alarmingly limited. Decarbonizing how buildings are designed, constructed, and operated is a sea change that is already altering professional principles and practices.  In Going for Zero: Decarbonizing the Built Environment on the Path to Our Urban Future, seasoned architect and former AIA president Carl Elefante addresses how buildings and cities can and must help resolve the looming climate emergency. Elefante offers a decidedly alternative viewpoint, one informed by his architecture career rescuing buildings from senseless demolition and learning from the practices and wisdom embedded in built heritage.   Going for Zero is an urgent call to action and path forward. Elefante’s message is ultimately one of hope—but we must act now.  This session was recorded live on October 23, 2025.

Building certification systems offer valuable frameworks for designing buildings with environmental and human outcomes in mind. This presentation reviews the mechanics, goals, values, and the relative cost and effort of five common building certifications on the market today (LEED, WELL, Fitwel, Living Building Challenge, and Green Globes) providing attendees with a deeper understanding of which rating system might be most appropriate for their next project.

Extended Reality (XR) – encompassing Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) – is reshaping the future of architecture, engineering, and construction. This course offers an in-depth look at XR technologies, their relevance to AEC workflows, and their intersection with complementary emerging technologies like reality capture, digital twins, and AI. Discover current and emerging use cases, learn how to evaluate hardware and software options, and build a roadmap for successful XR adoption. Whether you're just exploring or ready to deploy XR at scale, this course provides the essential knowledge to lead your firm into the future.  This session was recorded live on August 12, 2025.

Dive deeper into the relationship between building materials and human health in this eye-opening course. You’ll discover the three ways substances move from the environment into our bodies. You’ll also learn about health risks—what makes certain populations more vulnerable and why health impacts can vary from person to person. Embracing the precautionary principle is one of several actions explored in this course to help you better consider human health risks when selecting materials. This course is sponsored by CertainTeed Course expires on 6/12/2025