Architects and industry professionals participating in the American Institute of Architects (AIA) must participate in continuing education opportunities each year to retain their membership or renew state licenses, as applicable. Those on their way to licensing can also use continuing education to earn some of the necessary experience.
No matter your reason for seeking AIA continuing education credits, you must undertake these programs through AIA-approved providers. We are happy to announce that Tree Towns is now offering AIA continuing education programs to help architects remain on the cutting edge of their field.
Here’s what you need to know about AIA programs in general and how Tree Towns is making waves with its new offerings.
What Is the AIA Continuing Education Program?
LUs, or learning units, are the metrics by which the AIA measures accomplishments in its continuing education program. In total, architects must complete 18 LUs each year, of which 12 must come from health, safety, and welfare topics (HSW).
Members must provide their membership number when taking the courses to have their participation counted, and each state’s particular requirements (such as whether carry-over credits are permitted) are unique.
Because the HSW criterion can encompass a wide range of potential topics and issues, it is important to maintain numerous AIA-approved partners throughout the United States. This way, architects can remain aware of key changes throughout their industry through a network of broad-spectrum experience and knowledge.
How Tree Towns Is Contributing
Tree Towns has developed a new course in partnership with Hewlett Packard that AIA approves for HSW credits. The course addresses interior and exterior decoration and how end users and print providers are affected by such choices.
Solvent inks, which are notoriously hazardous due to their combustibility and chemical composition, are being foregone in favor of water-based ink, which is the focus of Tree Towns’ classwork.
The course covers the uses and advantages of such water-based ink, which avoids the odors associated with solvents and contains no pollutants. In addition, Tree Towns’ coursework covers multiple types of wall graphics and the emerging field of architectural fabrics.
It also explores how white ink can be used in architectural applications, and course attendees can delve into substrate choice points and how their actions and decisions can confer benefits for the environment.
Tree Towns seeks to emphasize the stewardship that architects have over their environment and how their decor and graphic choices impact this element.
Tree Towns is uniquely experienced in architectural wall coverings and the impact of décor on both installers and those using the building; thus, their partnership with HP to offer AIA-approved LUs fulfilling the HSW criteria comes from a place of competence.
While it is not necessary for participants to understand the digital printing process, it is useful prior to starting this course.
Descriptions and Learning Objectives for Tree Towns’ Programs
The collaborative program with Hewlett-Packard is not the only way in which Tree Towns is participating in the AIA continuing education program. Tree Towns also offers an additional course intended to educate architects and interior designers on the growth of the interior décor market.
This option covers customization and personalization trends in various industries. It reviews the digital fabrication processes, markets, applications, and materials for walls, floors, windows, and interior free-form and textured surfaces.
Upon successful completion of the course, participants will understand the market trends influencing custom design in digital décor as well as the major application category trends and related processes for both short- and long-term applications.
In addition, Tree Towns educates on the business benefits and opportunities in the digital décor market and what related technologies should be considered when planning digital décor.
By offering two AIA-certified training programs, Tree Towns is eager to participate in growing the skill and expertise of architects throughout the industry and facilitating their licensing and LU requirements. Tree Towns intends to continue its innovation in its field and refine the quality of its offerings over time.
Register for an AIA Continuing Education Program with Tree Towns
Whether you are pursuing licensing for the first time or need LUs to fulfill your AIA membership requirements, Tree Towns is proud to offer multiple high-quality programs.
Its newest continuing education installment, offered in partnership with Hewlett-Packard, provides valuable insight into the realm of health and safety within the realm of décor and wall coverings used for residential and business purposes.
Contact Tree Towns to learn more about its AIA continuing education program offerings or to enroll in the courses offered.