Learning never tasted so good!

Join us to learn about new trends, products, and earn CEUs—all over a great lunch with fellow architects.

It’s an easy way to stay informed and connected without missing a beat.

Jennifer Mitchell with Tarkett

Aging Well in a Purpose-Built Environment

Course Description:

This CEU explores how purpose-built environments can promote well-being and influence visual and sensory perception. An "age-friendly environment," as defined by the World Health Organization, supports healthy, active aging by enhancing seniors’ capabilities throughout their lives. With the global population aging – 1.5 billion people will be 65 or older by 2050 – designing spaces that respond to predictable neurocognitive and sensory changes is crucial. These changes are especially impactful for those with conditions like Alzheimer's and dementia. The built environment significantly influences functional independence and one’s sense of identity, both directly and indirectly.

Learning Objectives:

Research on cognitive aging, its stages, and the facts surrounding the dementia condition.
Explore how emotional well-being later in life is associated with reduced independence, increased risk for dementia, and decreased ability to complete activities of daily living (ADLs).
Examine cognitive health and environmental design interventions to reduce the increased risk to one’s physical safety as they age with dementia.
Identify how interior finishes can support cognitive decline, visual acuity, mobility, and physical safety.

Organization Credits:

AIA Learning Units: 1 LU | HSW

IDCEC Credit and Designation: 1 Credit/HSW

EDAC Credit: 1 CEU

John Sorrell with Alabama Concrete Industries Association

We Have a Low Cylinder Break. What does it mean?

Course Description:

This course will discuss the topic of low cylinder breaks in the context of concrete testing. When a concrete test cylinder has failed to reach the specified compressive strength and a designated testing age, this could indicate that the concrete may not meet the required structural strength and could potentially compromise the integrity of the construction project if not addressed.

Learning Objectives:

Defining “low break” results in a concrete cylinder testing and expected compressive strength.
Describe the impact and concerns with the structural integrity of the concrete and its intended loads.
Describe the causes of low cylinder breaks.
Next steps if a low cylinder break is detected.

Course Accreditation:

Course Number: PCCC 2023

Provider Name: Alabama Concrete Industries Association

Provider Number: G240

Shea Parker, Specification Sales Manager with Current Lighting

Forms of Tunable Light

Course Description:

This course provides an overview of the basics of tunable white lighting and the available approaches to tuning, mixing, and controlling tunable white systems.

Topics covered include types of tunable white, approaches to tuning/mixing and control, as well as emerging segments within the tunable light space.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the basics of Tunable White and its impact on various applications
Understand the differences in approaches to tunable white and the benefits
Understand some of the potential challenges in implementing tunable white
Understand the range of options available for controlling tunable white and potential complexities
Evaluate the potential of future applications and emerging trends of tunable white

Course Accreditation:

Course Number: CURAIA24FTL

Provider Name: Current Lighting

Provider Number: 40107434

Erik Ditzhazy, Sales Representative for Exterior Materials, LLC

Versico Roofing Systems: Single-Ply Roofing Technology

Course Description & Objectives:

This one-hour session will include topics ranging from industry issues, such as enhanced roofing system design options to trends within the market including ANSI/SPRI ES-1 for metal edging, ASCE 7, and the International Building Code, as well as roof system warranties. This presentation will focus on the role single-ply membrane plays in today’s roofing market and its impact on tomorrow’s roof system performance.

Each of the topics listed above qualify for 1 AIA/CE/HSW credit

Course Accreditation:

Course Number: RFG101-VER

Provider Name: Versico Roofing Systems

Provider Number: K031

Stephen Bell, Regional Sales Manager for

The Nature of Thin and Lightweight Stone Veneers

Course Description:

This program will provide an overview of how stone as a building material has evolved in today’s construction techniques utilizing thin and lightweight products as a Veneer/Trim and how they are quickly becoming an alternative choice for masons, architects and designers. Emphasis will be on installation methods utilizing adhered, rain screen and mechanical/adhered with EPS foam core installations.

Course Objectives:

Describe how architectural stone is manufactured thin and lightweight.Discuss three application methods: adhered, rain screen, and mechanical/adhered with EPS foam core installation with detailed steps for each, including moisture control and compatibility with building codes
Analyze cost comparisons, pros/cons between full, thin & lightweight veneers.
Technical Design Considerations
How to specify. Overview of appropriate ASTM specifications for adhered, rain screen and mechanical installations.
Recognize health-safety-welfare qualities of thin & lightweight stone veneers, as well as in its fabrication and installation techniques.

Course Accreditation:

Course Number: NTLSV23

Provider Name: RockCast, a product of Reading Rock, Inc.

Credits: 1 LU / HSW

Bill Kjorlien will present.

High Strength Mortars for Masonry Construction

Course Description:

Mortar specification calls for the appropriate mortar for reinforced masonry and plain masonry. A discussion and comparison of mortar cement, cement lime mortar and masonry cement will enable the attendee to specify the best mortar for their project.

Prerequisite Knowledge: Familiarity with masonry construction, concrete block, brick and stone building.

HSW Justification: Safe handling of mortar materials during construction and durability of constructed

buildings and conformity to IBC structural requirements.

Course Objetives::

Detail the development of “Cement Lime Mortar” “Masonry Cement”, “High Strength Masonry Cement” and “Mortar Cement”

Compare Features and Benefits of Mortar Kinds

Direction for how and where to specify such products

Provide guidance on mason safety, strength requirements and unit compatibility.

Course Accreditations:

Course Number: MAS0022

Credits:1 LU|HSWs.

Beyond the Minimum: Features to Positively Enhance Park Experiences for All Visitors

Course Description:

Thoughtfully break down physical and social barriers to create a welcoming atmosphere and ensure parks intentionally support the developmental benefits of inclusive, intergenerational play! Research findings and new data offer unique insights to demonstrate the positive impact of designing outdoor destinations to address the diverse needs of the whole child, the whole environment, and the whole community!

Learning Objectives:

Define playground terminology to clarify the differences between accessible design, universal design, and inclusive design terminology.
List at least 3 evidence-based design best practices to increase social participation between children with and without disabilities in community park settings.
Describe at least 3 considerations that move beyond the minimum ADA Standards to enhance overall park experiences for all visitors.
Summarize the positive benefits inclusive play destinations have on community health and wellness.

Course Accreditation:

AIA Course No.: AIAPC111
AIA Provider No.: 40107681
Credits: 1.0 AIA HSW LU

Inclusive and Sustainable Design for Community Sports Spaces

Course Description:

This course introduces the Mini Pitch System—small, modular soccer fields designed to transform underused urban spaces into safe, inclusive places to play. Participants will explore how these systems promote community health and safety through ADA-compliant design, low-maintenance surfaces, and sustainable features. The course also covers key topics such as site preparation, surfacing options, and installation methods that support accessibility and long-term use in underserved areas.

Learning Objectives:

. Describe strategies for transforming underutilized urban spaces into safe, accessible recreational environments that promote physical activity and community wellness, especially in underserved areas.

. Evaluate various surface materials used in outdoor recreational design—such as sport tiles, acrylic, turf, and modular snap-on tiles—based on safety, durability, maintenance, and accessibility.

. Identify ADA-compliant design features integrated into Mini Pitch systems, including accessible gates, surfacing transitions, and layout considerations that support inclusive play.

. Explain the role of DarkSky Approved lighting in recreational space design, including how it reduces light pollution, supports nighttime safety, and promotes sustainable lighting practices.

Course Accreditation

AIA Course No.: AIAPC111
AIA Provider No.: 10088857
Credits: 1.0 AIA HSW LU

Vapor Intrusion: What Is It & Why Should I Be Concerned

Course Description:

Introduction to Vapor Encroachment and Vapor Intrusion as well as Assessment

Course Objectives:

This presentation will help attendees to:

Awareness of vapor intrusion as a potential for exposure through breathing indoor air
Understanding mechanisms of vapor mitigation to indoor air
Awareness of methods to assess a site for potential for vapor intrusion and awareness of regulatory framework and guidance regarding vapor intrusion assessment
Overview of risk evaluation

Course Accreditation:

Course Number: AIA VIA003
Provider Name: Terracon: Consulting Engineers and Scientists
Credits: 1 LU / HSW

How an Architectural Practice (or Firm) can create a practical strategy for growth

Course Despcription:

As the architectural profession faces rapid transformation driven by artificial intelligence, sustainability requirements, and evolving client expectations, firms must rethink how they plan for growth. This course equips architects with practical tools to analyze their firm’s position, define their business direction, and implement effective strategies that ensure both resilience and long-term success. Through a structured framework of analysis, choices, and action, participants will learn how to align their services with emerging client needs, strengthen firm identity, and adapt to disruptive trends in technology and design. By connecting strategic thinking with real-world applications, this session empowers architects to lead their practices toward sustainable and ethical growth in a changing built environment.

Learning Objectives:

. Identify key strategic elements that enable architectural firms to adapt to market disruptions such as AI, sustainability demands, and regulatory changes.

. Apply analytical tools to assess their firm’s current position, client needs, and competitive advantages in order to make informed business decisions.

. Develop actionable strategies that align design processes with health, safety, and welfare goals, improving project efficiency and client outcomes.

. Implement a step-by-step plan for sustainable firm growth that integrates innovation, ethical leadership, and continuous improvement in design practice.