SPECIAL FEATURE Te ABCs of CEUs for Metal Architecture The knowledge behind gaining knowledge of metal architecture
Almost every architect is familiar with the re- quirements for continuing education to maintain professional standing in the profession. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is one of the leading movers and shakers of continuing education in the construction industry.
The basis for proof of ongoing education is the continuing education unit (CEU), which is a unit of credit equal to 10 hours of participation in an accred- ited program designed for professionals with certifi- cates or licenses to practice various professions. The annual number of CEUs required varies by state and profession. Colleges, universities, or any associa- tion, company or organization that is willing and able to meet the standards established for a particular industry may be accredited to award official CEUs. “CEU programs provide unbiased, science- based learning opportunities to increase architects’ knowledge to deliver high-performance and durable metal buildings for years to come,” says Doug Todd, market manager of commercial construction at Dow Building Solutions, Midland, Mich.
HOW AN ARCHITECT BENEFITS A basic CEU on metal identifies conditions where metal is appropriate for existing and new structures, and explores the characteristics, features and ben- efits of metal for architectural and structural design. Architects can quickly learn about the different kinds of metal systems and the important details of those
systems. Many metal-focused CEUs available today go well beyond metal construction basics to cover specific topics such as retrofit, alternative energy, sustainability, energy savings and value engineering. “Continuing education courses about metal con-
struction, including cold-formed steel framing, can benefit architects wanting information about new installation systems, best construction practices, environmental benefits and available engineering services that assist with specification,” says Robert Warr, PE, LEED AP, director of engineering services at ClarkDietrich Engineering Services in Atlanta. “In today’s economy, it is important for architects to collect and disseminate new information about prod- ucts and services that can be shared with general contractors. By regularly participating in CEUs that offer meaningful content, architects can increase the service they provide to clients and bring new ideas to the table when discussing projects.” Architects can learn about very specific compo-
nent parts that they can take back and use in their professional lives. “In metal roofing, it’s important to understand metal roof details around valleys, ridges, gables, eaves and peaks,” says Tony Newman, director of sales at Englert Inc., Perth Amboy, N.J. “Ar- chitects also get a good sense of the kinds of metals used and why, and the different kinds of coatings and their benefits, features and even their downsides. “Special CEUs, like those on wind uplift, can fa-
miliarize architects with design conditions when using metal in high-wind environments including wind-uplift building codes and recommendations. CEUs on metal retrofit are valuable to architects and building owners faced with maintaining aging properties. Similarly, CEUs on sustainability and alternative energy are useful to architects and owners looking for ways to reduce energy costs over the long term.” Jeff Steiner, architect at JLG Architects in Grand
Forks, N.D., believes the increased knowledge gained by CEUs leads to fewer problems and boosts archi- tects’ confidence in their ability to do their job cor- rectly. “Metal siding that used to be seen as utilitarian has really become mainstream aesthetically. With the increasing use of metal, particularly its use in challenging forms and geometries, architects benefit greatly from the industry’s experience with proper installation detailing. Also, industry representatives are often helpful in illustrating pitfalls to avoid.”
Live CEU education provides spontaneous interac- tion and instantaneous responses to questions.
CEUS TEACH CURRENT TECHNIQUES Architects benefit from CEUs by learning current techniques, technologies and regulations, and stay-
18 METAL ARCHITECTURE June 2012
www.metalarchitecture.com By Mark Robins, Senior Editor
ing abreast of the current developments and the various procedures to have successful projects. “Ar- chitects benefit from continuing education because it brings them up to speed on the knowledge base of the materials,” says Dan Nicely, director of market development at Umicore Building Products USA Inc. in Raleigh, N.C. “Even though these materials are old and have been used for countless decades and in some cases centuries, there are changes that take place in availability, colors, textures and systems.” These changes and new developments in the
metal industry have a major impact on the longevity, construction costs, energy costs and maintenance costs of a new building or renovation. “Earning the credits keeps me up-to-date with new product op- tions,” says Ted Haug, AIA, LEED AP, design principal at Legat Architects Inc. in Chicago. “With the wide variety of metal finishes, colors and applications available, it becomes necessary to participate in con- tinuing education. Educated and informed architects have a better understanding of how to use metal panel products to their full potential.” Brian P. Fredley, Associate AIA and president
of BPF Design Inc. in Daytona Beach, Fla., agrees, saying: “The benefit is to understand the mate- rial and products that are currently available, and how these materials are used and applied to our projects. Understanding the details, cost efficien- cies and other aspects of metal allows us to design more innovative buildings. We personally like courses in pre-engineered metal buildings, roof systems and components. We also have benefited from envelope or metal skin seminars that display all the latest products for roofs and wall sheathing as well as fasteners.”
HOW THE INDUSTRY BENEFITS The entire metal architecture industry benefits from having CEU-accredited architects. “To continue to grow the use of metal building products over alterna- tive materials, we must educate architects on the materials available, proper use of materials and inno- vative solutions that are available,” says Rick Brow, di- rector of marketing at CENTRIA, Moon Township, Pa. “Creative continuing education programs on metal materials can inspire architects to use more metal materials in their designs and help fulfill the industry’s desire to grow the use of metal materials.” A better educated metal industry means better
metal designs and installations. Better metal de- signs are the best way to promote metal systems. “The metal architecture industry benefits from hav-
Photo courtesy of Fabral
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