Decorator and Designers Association
The Decorators & Designers Association of Canada is a Canadian professional association that elevates the decorating and design industry through education, events, training, advocacy and community building.
Daylighting is the controlled admission of natural light into a building. It takes into consideration both direct and diffuse sunlight and reduces use of electric light, thereby decreasing energy costs. By controlling daylight, solar heat gain can be minimized, lowering the demand on HVAC systems. This course evaluates a variety of daylighting strategies for commercial applications and includes discussions about the relevance of daylight factor calculations and the impact fabric characteristics have on a shading solution.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s584379/www.aecdaily.com/course/593140
This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
This presentation celebrates the value of incorporating artisanal, handcrafted fixtures and furnishings into a building’s design. Not only are these products unique, functional, and aesthetically appealing, but they can also establish a sense of connection with their maker. Many artisanal, handcrafted products are made using traditional techniques that have been passed down over time, often from generation to generation. And because many of these products are made from sustainable, recycled, or reclaimed materials that are locally available, they can help reduce the environmental impact of a new build. This course illustrates how sourcing artisan-made products for their projects can allow designers and builders to effect social, economic, and environmental change.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s610566/www.aecdaily.com/course/857878
This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
Properly selected acoustical solutions are necessary to provide acoustical comfort and performance for a range of applications. This course reviews acoustic theory and design methodology to facilitate the design and specification process. A particular emphasis is placed on performance-oriented designs and strategies for different project types.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s14798/www.aecdaily.com/course/1047615
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
Rooftop deck systems offer the design flexibility to create adaptable, sustainable outdoor spaces that provide myriad environmental, social, economic, and aesthetic benefits. This course presents the three pillars of sustainability and how building products, materials, and systems can contribute to sustainable design. It outlines forest management objectives and practices and the responsible sourcing of wood for rooftop deck tiles. Case studies exemplify how rooftop deck systems can contribute to sustainable design objectives.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s17339/www.aecdaily.com/course/1084526
This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
Now more than ever, architects and designers of commercial restroom facilities are responsible for meeting or exceeding guest and employee expectations for safety and cleanliness. Presented here are touchless fixtures for public restrooms, how restrooms affect sustainability goals, and the benefits of taking cost-saving measures.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s5712/www.aecdaily.com/course/1006374
This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
Concrete is often the substrate for both new and existing floors. Transforming the surface into a finished floor is far more sustainable than consuming additional flooring materials, adhesives, and transportation-related energy to install a floor covering. This course discusses the stages and options of the concrete polishing process, recognizes benefits of recent advances in concrete densification chemistry, and provides an overview of the limitations and possibilities for concrete floor finishes.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s13218/www.aecdaily.com/course/839272
This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
The need to evaluate thermal bridging in a building’s design and performance has become more prevalent because of the increasing requirements for more energy-efficient buildings. This course provides an introduction to thermal bridging, energy code requirements, and the use of thermal break solutions designed to improve energy efficiency in the building envelope.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s877426/www.aecdaily.com/course/904671
This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
Undesirable acoustics in educational spaces have long been considered averse to our goals to effectively teach, create, collaborate, listen, and learn. Now, in the wake of implementing pandemic protocols, our acoustic comfort in these spaces is greatly challenged. This course examines the impacts of poor soundscapes in educational facilities and introduces innovative solutions for improving acoustics in these areas while keeping us comfortable and safe from exposure to emerging viruses.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s14798/www.aecdaily.com/course/965465
This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
Universal design is not a new concept; however, it is time for a paradigm shift. Considering ADA design, universal design, and living in place, should designers now be offering universal design solutions to all clients, regardless of age or ability? This course reviews both ADA and universal design guidelines and discusses compelling reasons for recommending universal design in your kitchen and bathroom projects. Various kitchen and bathroom applications are discussed in detail.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s8547/www.aecdaily.com/course/915899
This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.
This course contains accessible design information. See the course details page for more information.
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
A naturally occurring radioactive gas, radon is a silent danger to our health. Colorless and odorless, it enters homes and structures through openings in the foundation and below-grade walls, becoming trapped in basements and other poorly ventilated areas. This course looks at methods of controlling radon, how it is addressed in building codes, the advantages of closed-cell spray polyurethane foam (ccSPF) over other insulation materials, and proper installation techniques.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s4732/www.aecdaily.com/course/927259
This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
Animals, plants, and microbes are engineers of what works and lasts on earth. Biomimicry is a practice in which nature’s designs, patterns, and strategies are examined to find sustainable solutions to our technical and design problems. This course discusses how applying the concepts of biomimicry can better connect our designs and buildings with nature and examines the relationship between nature’s solutions to light, heat, glare control, and shading design principles.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s584379/www.aecdaily.com/course/622057
This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
Recent events have emphasized the importance of proper hygiene, especially in public restrooms. Presented here is a discussion on which public restroom surfaces commonly promote the spread of germs and how touchless sink faucets can be used to reduce the proliferation of harmful bacteria. Design professionals will learn about water treatment and filtration options and water system management strategies, and how to apply preventative measures to create hygienic public restrooms that support public safety.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s3515/www.aecdaily.com/course/960918
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
Traditionally, home has been a place for retreat and sanctuary. But as more people work from home, it is increasingly difficult to disengage from work responsibilities and set aside the time needed to refresh ourselves. As our stress levels rise, so does the need for self-care. This course looks at two areas of the home that are ideal for performing self-care and improving our well-being, assisted by investing in luxurious items: the bathroom and the kitchen.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s8279/www.aecdaily.com/course/965395
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
Dancers and performers require a safe performance environment that minimizes the risk of injury. Hard sports floors and multipurpose stages have a strong risk of causing severe dance injuries that can affect a performer’s career. Choosing the wrong type of floor also carries the risk of extra costs down the road if it requires replacement. Sprung floors (also known as floating floor systems) are specifically designed for dance and other performance needs and provide a safer space to work. This course looks at the advantages of sprung floors and how they are used in performance venues.Â
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s1217/www.aecdaily.com/course/1107482
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
The potential for scalding from point of use hot water affects all of us. While the very young and the very old are more susceptible, no one is immune from scalding danger. An understanding of the potential for scalding, as well as the physiology of burns from hot water, can guide our design choices and significantly reduce the danger to people using facilities that commonly supply hot water, such as lavatories, baths, and showers. This course discusses the potential for scalding, the physiology of burns due to hot water, and who is most susceptible. It also discusses the relevant codes and the fixtures available to designers that can help reduce scalding and burn potential.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s3515/www.aecdaily.com/course/969656
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
Selecting flooring is an important decision, but equal emphasis should be placed on proper surface preparation to avoid costly flooring failures. This course reviews best practices for a typical hardwood flooring installation and discusses the innovative options that consolidate products and steps, saving time and money while enhancing certain performance characteristics.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s2580/www.aecdaily.com/course/1058864
This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
When deciding on outdoor cabinetry, understanding the available material options is essential to the selection of a long-lasting, sustainable choice. This course reviews the pros and cons of these options, with a focus on the attributes, sustainability, and performance characteristics of marine-grade high-density polyethylene (HDPE) material, engineered to withstand extreme conditions while maintaining optimal structural integrity.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s865150/www.aecdaily.com/course/1039451
This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
This course provides an overview of growth trends in package delivery and information necessary to recommend and specify package management solutions for businesses, universities, multifamily residential, and single-family residential homeowners. In addition, this course summarizes the different types of package management equipment, recommended applications, detailed information on current equipment standards, and accessibility considerations used to improve package management and user convenience.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s4459/www.aecdaily.com/course/920201
This course contains accessible design information. See the course details page for more information.
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
Over time, different types of concrete have been developed for a variety of architectural applications, including cast stone, precast panels and shapes, glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC), and ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC). These concrete forms differ in physical properties, applications, and cost. This course reviews the four essential types of architectural precast including their composition, functions, advantages, and specifications to facilitate the proper selection based on project requirements.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s771083/www.aecdaily.com/course/1061935
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
The growing global population is creating an increased demand for resources. As a result, there is a need to replace fossil-based, nonrenewable building materials with more bio-based materials, such as bamboo. This course describes the properties of bamboo that make it a more sustainable choice, including its fast growth and CO2 saving and storing potential. It also discusses how active bamboo reforestation and the use of durable bamboo products can lead to CO2 reduction across many industries.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s867585/www.aecdaily.com/course/889638
This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
The design of behavioral healthcare facilities should address the therapeutic and safety needs of patients and staff while meeting the applicable codes and regulations. Reviewed in this course are ligature-resistant products developed for patient rooms and bathrooms that strike the balance between providing the safest design solutions and creating a noninstitutional environment.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s795432/www.aecdaily.com/course/1012262
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
The importance of handwashing in regard to personal health is well understood, and most people feel they know how to do it properly. However, the places where and methods by which hands are washed are not always as healthy and safe as they should or appear to be. This course outlines the proper handwashing techniques, especially for healthcare and food preparation contexts; explains how germs, viruses, and bacteria are spread and where sanitation problems with sinks may reside; and describes how to select and specify the most appropriate washup, infection prevention, and scrub sinks, countertops, and fitments.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s795432/www.aecdaily.com/course/921739
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
Incorporating nature into the built environment through biophilic design increases occupant well-being, productivity, and health and is an integral component of an ecologically healthy and sustainable community. Presented here is an overview of biophilic design, its relationship to sustainability, and its positive human, environmental, and economic outcomes. Case studies demonstrate how rooftop deck systems can contribute to biophilic and sustainable design objectives.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s17339/www.aecdaily.com/course/979125
This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
It's time to stop thinking of only vertical pickets, horizontal rails, or glass panels when it comes to railing infill. Today's cable railing infill options are durable, versatile, attractive, low maintenance, easy to use, and virtually invisible. This course provides an overview of the advantages of stainless steel cable railing assemblies including frame design options and essential cable assembly components. It continues with a review of code requirements and concludes with a discussion of installation processes for custom cable assemblies.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s5833/www.aecdaily.com/course/857032
This course is part of one or more "Course Collections". Click here to view the details.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), handwashing is one of the best and easiest ways to prevent the spread of germs. However, drying hands is just as important as washing them. This course introduces the reader to the main features of air knife hand dryers and discusses how their technical components, such as high-efficiency particulate (HEPA) filtration, touch-free operation, and fast dry times, contribute to their hygienic performance.
https://redirect.aecdaily.com/s485236/www.aecdaily.com/course/1010952
This course contains sustainable design information. See the course details page for more information.
This course contains accessible design information. See the course details page for more information.
This course is ONLINE: SELF-PACED. Experience it on your own schedule, at your convenience.
