2-Hour HSW Continuing Education Course for Licensed Architects

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Architects don’t size beams, but architects decide where the columns can’t go, which walls the owner wants removed, how big the lobby opening gets, and when the structural engineer first hears about any of it. Those decisions carry structural consequences, and the gap between architectural intent and structural reality is one of the most persistent sources of redesign cost, construction conflict, and  in the worst cases genuine safety risk in practice.

This course builds working structural literacy for practicing architects. Across ten lessons, you’ll trace gravity and lateral load paths through real building configurations; learn why lateral design constrains your plans in ways gravity design doesn’t; compare the major framing systems (wood light frame, steel, concrete, masonry, and mass timber) in terms of what each one demands from the architecture; understand what the geotechnical report and foundation type mean for your site design; learn the renovation triggers that quietly turn a cosmetic alteration into a structural evaluation; and establish a clean working protocol with your structural engineer including deferred submittals and delegated design done properly.

The content draws on public and standards-based sources including the IBC, the International Existing Building Code, ASCE 7’s load framework, and AIA contract document guidance. It addresses project planning and design, and construction and evaluation which are topic areas consistent with AIA’s published HSW criteria. Confirm credit eligibility with your state board and AIA/CES provider status before claiming credit.