Armstrong Commercial Ceilings & Walls offers a variety of free continuing education courses to help you with everything from writing better specifications to sustainability practices and how ceiling and wall products are made. All are AIA-approved and many are IDCEC CES-approved. Browse the course descriptions, then select from online self-serve courses or request a virtual CEU with your local representative.
Course Topics
Hosted by Architectural Record
Architectural Record Continuing Education Center- Be sure to check out our four new CEUs below. See the full index of courses available here
Acoustics Academy
Click the image below to see all the acoustic courses available at Architectural Record Continuing Education Center.
Sustainability Academy
Click the image below to see all the sustainability courses available at Architectural Record Continuing Education Center.
Webinar: Healthy Design in a Post-COVID World: Clean Air & Wellness from the Top Down
Innovative ceiling systems can enhance the effectiveness of HVAC systems and contribute to healthy indoor air quality.
Webinar: Acoustic Design For Wellness in a Post-COVID World
Addressing growing noise challenges resulting from interior design changes due to the pandemic.
Webinar: Designing With Your Ears
An introduction to the power of sound in built environments and the new possibilities for acoustic design.
Webinar: Acoustical Design for Today’s Buildings
Have you heard a great building lately? How someone experiences a building in these changing times relies on the experience of all their senses including their sense of hearing.
OTHER COURSES ON ARCHITECTURAL RECORD
ACOUSTIC DESIGN IN THE K12 ENVIRONMENT
Credits: 1 AIA LU/Elective; 1 AIBD P-CE; 0.1 IACET CEU
May qualify for learning hours through most Canadian architectural associations
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize the fundamental properties of sound.
Define acoustical terms and concepts explained in this course.
List two acoustical design considerations for the Arlington Elementary School project.
Describe material choices for enhanced acoustic design for the Arlington Elementary School project.
When Arlington Elementary School, in Tacoma, WA, undertook a redesign the approach was to create an open-program school, a rethink of traditional elementary school design. The approach stresses an abundance of natural light and impactful color options, as well as acoustic design that enhances the learning environment.
Mohamed Ait Allaoua, Managing Partner, A3 Acoustics will discuss the acoustic design and considerations of the Arlington Elementary School in Tacoma, Washington.
Sean Browne, Principal Scientist, Armstrong Ceiling and Wall Solutions, is a member of the Acoustical Society of America (ASA) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and will provide a basis for understanding by reviewing the fundamental properties of sound, as well as related terms and concepts.
Karen Wood, AIA LEED AP, Associate, Mahlum will present her experience designing and building the Arlington Elementary School in Tacoma, Washington.
https://www.architecturalrecord.com/events/554-acoustic-design-in-the-k-12-environment
TAKE THESE CEU's ONLINE HERE!
What’s new in LEED v4 and LEED v4.1: Focus on Materials & Resources (MR) & Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) for the Ceiling Category
AIA Program Number: ANWA Credits: 1 LU; Credit Designations: LU/HSW/SD
GBCI Approved CE Course ID 0920022719 1 Credit Hour
IDCEC Approved Course CC-113339-1000
LEED v4.1, raises the bar on building standards to address energy efficiency, water conservation, site selection, material selection, day lighting and waste reduction. This course examines LEED v4 and v4.1 with a focus on credits in the Material and Resources and Indoor Environmental Quality sections that apply to ceilings and walls. The course explores how these credits can contribute to healthier materials and a healthier indoor environment.
Acoustic Design of Green Buildings for Communications, Privacy, and Productivity
AIA Program Number: AIACES802 Credits: 1 Learning Unit; Credit Designations: LU/HSW/SD
GBCI Course Number: 0920018113 Credits: 1 LU
Green buildings do many things well – but noise control and speech privacy can’t always be counted as part of that list. Some of the strategies that make green buildings green, result in poor acoustics.
The reason we design and operate buildings … is for people. We realize how important Interior Environmental Quality is to communications, health and productivity. We have learned from various research studies, acoustics is still a key factor of dissatisfaction in interior environments.
- This course is designed to accomplish four learning objectives:
- Why ‘Acoustic Comfort’ is an important element of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in green buildings.
- How proper architectural/acoustic design practices can benefit owners and occupants in all building segments.
- Learn about guidelines, standards, and Green Rating Systems that address acoustic design and performance.
- Review design practices that address acoustic needs in closed spaces, open plan spaces, exposed structures, and classrooms
STEP 1: TAKE THE ONLINE COURSE
Acoustic Design of Green Buildings for Communications, Privacy, and Productivity
STEP 2: TAKE QUIZ
Acoustic Design of Green Buildings for Communications, Privacy, and Productivity
STEP 3: EVALUATE CLASS
Innovations in Acoustical Ceilings for Today's Flexible Interiors
AIA Program Number: K1504W A Credits: 1 LU AIA Approved for HSW Credt
Understanding how to design for acoustics in today's flexible interiors takes on new importance as traditional acoustical recommendations are not compatible with current design trends. Architects are challenged with designing spaces that have multiple functions. Now the science behind the ceiling is able to provide both high sound absorption (NRC) and sound blocking (CAC) in the same panel.
STEP 1: DOWNLOAD MATERIALS
Innovations in Acoustical Ceilings for Today's Flexible Interiors
STEP 2: EVALUATE CLASS
Understanding Code Compliant Integrated Ceiling Solutions
Course Number: EX205 Credits: 1.00 AIA LU/HSU
- Understand new installation systems available that navigate the challenges of designing ceilings from one end of a building to another.
- Explain the design and construction benefits of pre-engineered integrated ceiling systems versus traditional ceiling design and construction practices.
- Describe the environmental and occupant comfort benefits of pre-engineered systems versus traditional systems.
- Apply new construction practice knowledge to make informed product specification choices.
- Implement new construction methods to design ceilings that can be easily constructed.
- Understand the value of collaborating early with your ceiling partner to ensure best practices are followed to meet your project design intent.
STEP 1: DOWNLOAD MATERIAL
Understanding Code Compliant Integrated Ceiling Solutions
STEP 3: EVALUATE CLASS
Detailing Perimeters and Floating Elements in the Ceiling Plane
AIA Program Number: PFECP-A Credits: 1 LU AIA Approved for HSW Credit
This one hour seminar will focus on understanding basic wall to wall ceilings, integrated perimeters, floating ceilings, soffit perimeters, light coves and codes and rating systems.
- Understand molding options
- Understand panel types
- Understand the correct suspension system
- Apply Seismic Installation Considerations
- Understand Perimeter Trim Options
- Understand correct installation method
STEP 1: DOWNLOAD MATERIAL
Detailing Perimeters and Floating Elements in the Ceiling Plane
STEP 2: EVALUATE CLASS
Architectural Castings for Ceilings & Walls
AIA Program Number: K1904C Credits: 1 LU HSW
IDCEC Approved: Credits 1 LU
In this course, we will explore architectural castings and see how an understanding of their variety and properties can help architects use them very effectively in virtually any type of building including interior and exterior applications.
This course has four learning objectives:
- Identify and recognize the characteristics of architectural castings as an alternative to traditional concrete, stone, and gypsum materials.
- Investigate the design potential and innovative opportunities to incorporate architectural castings made from GRG, GFRC, FRP, and cast stone.
- Assess the functional contributions of architectural castings as they contribute to green and sustainable design.
- Formulate an assessment of the relevant cost saving considerations when specifying and designing with architectural castings.
Cementitious Wood Fiber Products for Ceilings, Walls, and Roof Decks
AIA Program Number: ArmTec098 Credits: 1 LU
IDCEC Approved: No Course Number Credits: 1 LU
Structural Acoustical Products
- Structural Roof Decks
- Applications
Interior Acoustical Products
- Interior Wall and Ceiling
- Applications
Cementitious Wood Fiber Ceiling and Walls Solutions
AIA Program Number: ArmTec099 Credits: 1 LU, 1 HSW
IDCEC Approved: No Course Number Credits: 1 LU
Interior Acoustical Products
- Discuss the role of cementitious wood fiber specialty ceilings in commercial buildings.
- Evaluate how aesthetic choices interact with performance, safety and durability, in a broad range of standard, custom and one-of-a-kind design options.
- Examine key performance attributes: acoustics, fire performance, accessibility to the plenum, seismic performance, moisture resistance, sustainability including contribution to USGBC LEED rating system, and installation.
- Recognize how the manufacturing process of cementitious wood fiber panels determines their appearance, performance, lead time, and cost.
Integrated Ceiling and Lighting Solutions
AIA Program Number: LS301 Credits: 1 LU| HSW
This one hour seminar will focus on understanding the importance of pre-engineering ceiling and lighting integration. It will cover common construction issues caused by uncoordinated ceiling and light conditions. The course introduces and educates participants on the value associated with pre-Engineered ceiling and lighting solutions, as well as the Health, Safety, and Wellness contributions of good lighting practices.
The Advantages of Drywall Grid
AIA Program Number: DGS0418
This course will help you understand why drywall grid is important on projects and how it can benefit your overall design intent and vision. The course will walk through the benefits of pre-engineered drywall grid vs. traditional design and construction methods.
By the end of this course you will understand how to implement these new construction methods into your ceiling design to find savings and reduce RFI’s.
Specifying Metal Ceilings
AIA Program Number: 06MC1 Credits: 1 LU
This course on specifying metal ceilings helps participants understand the attributes and benefits of using metal ceilings. This one-hour course identifies key segments and spaces where metal is being used today in commercial interiors, as well as its use in exterior applications. The course also describes the possibilities and limitations in specifying a variety of different sizes, shapes, and patterns.
Specifying Wood Ceilings
AIA Program Number: 010SMC Credits: 1 LU
The selection and specification of wood ceiling and wood walls can produce many aesthetic, functional, and sustainable design benefits and challenges. This CES program will inform the professional specifier of how wood ceiling and wall product attributes like size, composition, shape, veneers types, and quality can impact the schedules and costs on projects in which they are used. Participants will also learn how specific attributes of wood panel systems can impact important functional criteria for passive acoustics, fire performance, plenum accessibility, and environmental sustainability affecting LEED/FSC Certification.
Acoustical Design for Today’s Buildings
AIA Program Number: ADTB Credits: 1 LU| HSW
IDCEC Approved: Credits: 1 LU
GBCI Course Number: 0920017068 Credits: 1 LU
Have you heard a great building lately? How someone experiences a building relies on the experience of all their senses including their sense of hearing. As soon as someone or something makes a sound, the acoustic design becomes evident. Poor architectural acoustics can negatively affect building occupants' concentration, comprehension, confidentiality, healing, and/or learning. By contrast, good sound qualities can add drama, vibrancy, and energy, enhancing the occupant experience. Join us to explore the many options available today that help architects design for acoustics without compromising their design vision.
A New World of Acoustics
AIA Program Number: ANWA Credits: 1 LU
GBCI Course Number: 0920018111 Credits: 1 LU
IDCDEC Approved Credits: 1 LU
This one-hour seminar outlines current and emerging options available to architects and designers, including a broad range of choice in interiors, renovation and restoration, products and materials, and sustainability. At the end of the seminar, participants should be able to understand acoustical terms, definitions, and concepts, explain various needs for balanced acoustical design by segment and trends like exposed structure, and understand the value and effect a balanced acoustical environment has on the people in the space.
Acoustics II: Speech Privacy in Office Design
AIA Program Number: 83CLAC Credits: 1 LU
IDCEC Course Number: 7347 Credits: 1 LU
This program is a guided tour of an NVLAP certified acoustical research facility. Participants will learn the construction means and methods of such a facility, as well as gain an understanding of the ASTM tests for NRC, CAC, STC, and AC. Groups will also learn how construction assemblies can affect the performance of a space, designing for optimum privacy or intelligibility, as well as reverberation time.
Acoustics III: Classroom Acoustics
AIA Program Number: 83CLAC Credits: 1 LU
IDCEC Course Number: 7347 Credits: 1 LU
This seminar gives a clearer understanding of how sound impacts learning environments, and how choosing appropriate interior finishes can reduce sound reverberation and background noise in classrooms. An overview of the ANSI S12.60-2002, or the American National Standard Institute’s recommended guidelines for noise in classrooms, is also included as well as “real world” case studies of “before” and “after” installed solutions in classrooms.
Design Symposium
AIA Program Number: 098DS2 Credits: 6 LU | HSW * Lancaster PA only
Design Symposium is an all-day program held at Armstrong headquarters in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This seminar gives participants an intensive education in acoustical ceiling systems. It also includes hands-on learning, with various activities, workshops, and a tour of Armstrong’s corporate campus, local acoustical ceiling plant, and laboratories.
Acoustical Research Facility Tour
AIA Program Number: 06ALT2 Credits: 1 LU *Lancaster PA only
This program is a guided tour of an NVLAP certified acoustical research facility. Participants will learn the construction means and methods of such a facility, as well as gain an understanding of the ASTM tests for NRC, CAC, STC, and AC. Groups will also learn how construction assemblies can affect the performance of a space, designing for optimum privacy or intelligibility, as well as reverberation time.
Please note:
IDCEC attendees must self-report for their participation in courses with an approved IDCEC number. All others have not been approved by the IDCEC and are either pending or are ineligible for IDCEC credits.
All learning units qualify as Health, Safety, and Welfare [HSW] credit per the AIA CES continuing education guidelines. “Sustainable Ceiling Systems” also qualifies as SD, or Sustainable Design.
