More Lunch and Learns

Our lunch and learns have been plentiful over the last few weeks. Not only have we gotten new information but often AIA credits. About 12 credits are needed yearly to maintain your architectural licensing (each state has slightly diffferent requirements).

Last weeks Lunch and Learn was on roof and wall sheathing. Michael Machernis with Huber Engineering Woods presented the need for minimizing water penetration, air leakage and water vapor while presenting their Advantech flooring and Zip System. The Zip System offers built-in moisture barriers and offers a pressure-sensitive tape designed for temperature extremes to reduce air leakages.

This weeks Lunch and Learn on flooring was presented by David Cameron of B.K.M. Total Office and Carrie Bartucca of Michael Halebian & Co. They stressed the often over-looked importance of the:
Sub-floor preparation work,
Asbestos abatement and
Moisture testing to insure the manufacturer's installation and manufacturers warranty requirements are met.

Window Factory & Training Center

Recently, Peter and I traveled to the Marvin Window factory in Warroad, Minnesota. This was Peter's fifth time out there and my first.

Through demonstrations, lectures, and tours, the window and door company educates professionals such as architects, dealers and installers, about its many products. For some members of our tour group, seeing windows that they had designed or specified, in various stages of construction, was one of the highlights. Using everything from basic hand tools to the latest in computer-controlled machinery, hundreds of people work to make finished windows out of raw materials.

Any designer who attends takes away not only his or her required continuing-education credits, but also a greater appreciation and understanding of the many things that must occur to make drawings and ideas into important building components.

Lunch and Learn

LED 101 was the focus of yesterday's Lunch & Learn.
An overview of LED lighting was presented by Philips' sales rep, Cliff Gilbert to firms Architects' Guild and 72 Architects. Lightolier, now a Philips group brand, introduced track lighting in the 1960s. It was also the time when they began research and innovation in downlighting reflectors. Their patented remote phosphor technology converts blue light to white light increasing light performance and color consistency.

Did you know, most people say they prefer daylighting but when shown day light and white light - they really prefer white light.

With all LEDs thermal management is most critical.