2026 AIA: Conference on Architecture & Design

11 – 12 pm

1 LU/HSW 

This course examines unique requirements for hurricane prone coastal regions. This course will review issues with design pressure and wind-borne debris requirements. We examine the building code requirements and testing standards. We will walk through an example of determining wind load requirements under the International Residential Code. 

Learning Objectives:  

• Examine various methods of providing opening protection
• Compare ASTM and Florida impact resistant test standards to understand the similarities and differences
• Analyze building code requirements for impact resistance and opening protection for coastal areas
• How to assess wind loads and calculate requirements for a simple project

1 – 2 pm

1 LU/HSW 

Sustainability is a diverse and ever-changing subject, and one that is growing in importance. One key to making progress on the sustainability of our building infrastructure is to consider all materials and products. This presentation addresses the role of windows in sustainable design, covers how buildings use energy and how efficient windows properly integrated in the design can improve building performance and indoor environmental quality. We take a holistic approach to sustainability beyond the end product and look at factors such as lifecycle impacts of manufacturing and embodied carbon. We explore occupant wellbeing in terms of indoor air quality, biophilia etc. And understand how windows contribute to some of the top green building programs such as LEED, WELL, Net Zero to name a few. 

Learning Objectives: 

• Evaluating window performance based on a number of factors 
• Comparing and evaluating the importance of material sourcing and manufacturing practices 
• Considering occupant wellbeing in window selection 
• Understanding the importance of window contributions in green building programs

2:30 – 3:30 pm

1 LU/HSW

This course describes the different types of glass, glass construction options, and coating choices. Glass performance measurements are explained as well as the impact that the aforementioned glass attributes have on performance. Glass certifications are reviewed along with an overview of a typical glass label.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the measurements used to indicate glass performance. Content coverage of glass option impacts on energy performance and insulation properties
• Recognize key certifications associated with glass
• Choose glass options based on the specific requirements of your project. Learn how it relates to the structural integrity and soundness of a building
• Appreciate the impact of glass type, construction, and coating on performance. Learn how it relates to limiting and preventing accidental injury or death through its content coverage of annealed, laminated, and tempered glass options

4 – 5 pm

1 LU/HSW 

Wood composite frames frequently meet the needs of commercial architects and developers because they hit the sweet spot of desirable aesthetics, strength, durability, and performance. Explore why wood composite is an exceptional choice for commercial projects, how to evaluate this material, and how fiberglass, another type of composite, compares. 

Learning Objectives: 

• Describe how wood composites are made and what useful properties they have in commercial application 
• Explain how wood composites compare to fiberglass 
• Evaluate a composite window’s strength 
• Name reasons why architects and builders are choosing wood composites for commercial projects 

10:30 – 11:30 am

1 LU/HSW  

Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) is deeply influenced by the materials and assemblies used in buildings. Certain material choices can introduce chemical exposures, moisture risks, and long-term performance challenges that affect both occupant health and building durability. 
This course explores how common building materials interact with indoor environments, the pathways through which occupants may be exposed, and practical strategies to reduce risk. Using a systems-based lens, participants will learn how to make informed material decisions that balance health, constructability, and long-term building performance—without compromising durability or design intent. 

Learning Objectives: 

• Identify common building materials and assemblies that may negatively impact indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and occupant health. 
• Describe the primary mechanisms by which building materials contribute to occupant exposure, including off-gassing, moisture-driven transport, and material-to-material chemical interactions. 
• Evaluate material selection, detailing, and installation strategies that reduce harmful exposures while maintaining durability, constructability, and performance 
• Apply a systems-based approach to material selection that integrates health considerations with long-term building performance and risk management.

12 – 1 pm

1 LU/HSW 

Sustainability is a diverse and ever-changing subject, and one that is growing in importance. One key to making progress on the sustainability of our building infrastructure is to consider all materials and products. This presentation addresses the role of windows in sustainable design, covers how buildings use energy and how efficient windows properly integrated in the design can improve building performance and indoor environmental quality. We take a holistic approach to sustainability beyond the end product and look at factors such as lifecycle impacts of manufacturing and embodied carbon. We explore occupant wellbeing in terms of indoor air quality, biophilia etc. And understand how windows contribute to some of the top green building programs such as LEED, WELL, Net Zero to name a few. 

Learning Objectives: 

• Evaluating window performance based on a number of factors 
• Comparing and evaluating the importance of material sourcing and manufacturing practices 
• Considering occupant wellbeing in window selection 
• Understanding the importance of window contributions in green building programs

1:30 – 2:30 pm

1 LU/HSW 

Wood composite frames frequently meet the needs of commercial architects and developers because they hit the sweet spot of desirable aesthetics, strength, durability, and performance. Explore why wood composite is an exceptional choice for commercial projects, how to evaluate this material, and how fiberglass, another type of composite, compares. 

Learning Objectives: 

• Describe how wood composites are made and what useful properties they have in commercial application 
• Explain how wood composites compare to fiberglass 
• Evaluate a composite window’s strength 
• Name reasons why architects and builders are choosing wood composites for commercial projects 

3 – 4 pm

1 LU/HSW

This course describes the different types of glass, glass construction options, and coating choices. Glass performance measurements are explained as well as the impact that the aforementioned glass attributes have on performance. Glass certifications are reviewed along with an overview of a typical glass label.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the measurements used to indicate glass performance. Content coverage of glass option impacts on energy performance and insulation properties
• Recognize key certifications associated with glass
• Choose glass options based on the specific requirements of your project. Learn how it relates to the structural integrity and soundness of a building
• Appreciate the impact of glass type, construction, and coating on performance. Learn how it relates to limiting and preventing accidental injury or death through its content coverage of annealed, laminated, and tempered glass options