Courses

PAMA & AIA

As a member of PAMA, a division of ATA, you can be involved in The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Continuing Education System (CES). PAMA, has a course that you may present to architects in your area.

AIA plays an active role in the continuing education of its members. The AIA offers valued opportunities for AIA members to maximize their professional skills through effective learning partnerships with firms, continuing education providers, and all AIA components.

The AIA makes specialized information available to registered CES providers as well as to AIA members. PAMA provides this opportunity by being a division of ATA, an official provider of the American Institute of Architecture (AIA) Continuing Education System (CES).

Architects will receive credits for the courses and learn more about the advantages of incorporating shade systems into their designs. To maintain accreditation, architects are required to attain 24 credit hours of continuing education every 2 years. Below is PAMA’s AIA-accredited course that architects can attend to obtain credits to help fulfill architect certification, as well as create mutually beneficial one-on-one relationships with architecture and design firms.

Course #1

The Fabric Advantage of Shade Systems | PAMA AIA CEU Presentation | 1 LU-HSW

For centuries, humans have looked for ways to reduce the impact of the sun on their environment. One highly effective method that has stood the test of time is shade structures that block the sun’s damaging rays. Sustainable, durable textiles for shade are now the industry norm and when combined with modern designs can reduce energy consumption in buildings and minimize their carbon footprints. Fabric shades today provide a low-cost option that can lead to substantial energy cost savings as well as health benefits. Today’s course will provide the participant with an in-depth look at the durability, value, and sustainability benefits of fabric shade structures. Case studies combined with technical reports support the lecture.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify multiple options that incorporate shade into buildings and their settings to increase ROI.
  • Leverage the value of fabric shade structures that reduce heating and cooling costs.
  • Explain the positive benefits of fabric shade structures over other material options and that lead to reduce carbon footprints.
  • Learn design techniques and installation methods to reduce change orders on projects.
Brochure for a CEU course on fabric shade systems, featuring a vibrant layout with a tented shade structure, drawings, and clear text.

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Course #2

Creative and Functional Design for Fabric Shade Structures | PAMA AIA CEU Presentation | 1 LU-HSW

Objective of this course is to explore design applications for performance fabrics and their use in shade structures. While technical textiles provide many practical applications such as UV protection, energy savings, branding etc., this course delves more into the aesthetic and form-making aspects of shade structures. Through examples of successful, cutting edge designs and professionally fabricated shade structures, this course will discuss creative applications of fabric and its benefits from a design perspective.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify various non-traditional uses for fabric, incorporating functional shade and creative design.
  • Recognize how fabric paired with intentional design can meet and exceed client needs and impact ROI.
  • Explain how to take ideas from concept to reality through appropriate fabrication methods and engineering.
  • Discuss creative and innovative approaches to awning and shade design.
  • Provide lasting examples of Covid impact on the outdoors and creative use of outdoor spaces including retractable roof and wall systems.
Course overview for fabric shade structures, outlining objectives and learning goals with images of shade installations and design elements.

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Course #3

Introduction of Textiles as a Communication Medium | Fabric Graphics AIA CEU Presentation | 1 LU-HSW

Explore fabric as a medium for art, wayfinding, branding, and placemaking with material selections that can help transform the built environment into a sensory experience. Learn about the categories of fabric used to layer, stretch, stitch, sew and print as we explore lighting effects, acoustics, and sustainability. Technical details on textile constructions and print technologies will be provided.

Learning Objectives:

  • Gain materiality insight to integrate vibrant, environmental graphics into architectural solutions (Transformation)
  • Learn the universal language to clearly specify fabric products ensuring initial design intent carries through fabrication and installation (Technical)
  • Obtain ways to solve for impactful human-centered experiences using fabrics including a focus on lighting and acoustics. (Lighting / Acoustics)
  • Explore sustainability now, near, and next (Sustainability)

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Interested In Taking Our Courses?

For more information contact Jill Newman, Education & Events Manager:
651-225-6953 or jill.newman@textiles.org

AIA Course Lunch and Learn Sign Up

Instructions for AIA course sign up

Complete the form to confirm your interest in teaching an AIA PAMA course.
Please sign up to present at least 1–2 weeks before your scheduled presentation date with the architecture firm.

I am interested in teaching. *