Whether you’re refining your approach to high-performance design or expanding your understanding of low-impact materials, continuing education is key to staying ahead in sustainable architecture.
These five AIA-approved courses from ARCHITECT U offer practical insights into resilient design, environmentally conscious material use, and global design trends. From the carbon impact of wood to ESG strategies in manufacturing, each course is designed to help architects make informed, sustainable choices in their projects while earning CEU credits.
1. ) Globally Inspired, Forward-Thinking Kitchen Design That Impacts Sustainability, Safety, and Accessibility
Drawing from regions such as Europe, Asia, and Latin America, this course highlights how cultural styles are shaping the modern American kitchen—from French bistro charm to Scandinavian minimalism and breezy island indoor-outdoor concepts. Learn how these global trends are driving innovations in sustainability, safety, and accessibility.
Level: Introductory. Credits: AIA 1 LU | HSW. Course link
2.) The Impact of Wood Use on North American Forests
Learn how wood as a building material affects forest ecosystems and carbon emissions. This course highlights wood’s low embodied energy, renewability, and climate benefits compared to steel and concrete, while also examining forest health, biodiversity, and sustainability practices tied to responsible timber harvesting in North America.
Level: Intermediate. Credits: AIA 1 LU | Elective. Course link
3.) Sustainable Building Envelopes: Harnessing the Power of Metal in Modern Architecture
Examine how metal roofing and wall cladding contribute to sustainable building envelopes. This course, recorded from a previous live webinar, covers energy-saving strategies like cool roof coatings, above-sheathing ventilation, and solar-ready metal surfaces. See how these systems support carbon reduction, improve occupant well-being, and contribute to green building goals such as LEED certification.
Level: Intermediate. Credits: AIA 1 LU. Course link
4.) Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in Building Product Manufacturing and the A/E/C Industry
Explore the evolution and application of ESG principles in the A/E/C industry and see how architects and manufacturers are collaborating to achieve buildings that are healthier for both people and the planet. This program also features a case study of a project that earned the Living Building Challenge certification, demonstrating how both an architecture firm and a window and door manufacturer advanced their ESG goals through sustainable design.
Level: Advanced. Credits: AIA 1 LU | HSW. Course link
5.) Resilient and Sustainable Brick: Another Look at a Time-Honored Material
Highlighting brick’s role in sustainable, resilient design, the course delves into how this material enhances occupant comfort through thermal and acoustic benefits, contains no VOCs, and contributes to durability and low embodied carbon. Learn about brick’s manufacturing process, long lifecycle, and its contribution to a circular, low-waste economy.
Level: Intermediate. Credits: AIA 1.25 LU. Course link
