Spec Shaman

As energy codes and performance expectations continue to evolve, rainscreen design requires a whole-building approach that considers much more than the exterior cladding. This podcast explores how rainscreen assemblies interact with air barriers, structural attachments, and other building envelope components to influence thermal performance, durability, and resilience. Design professionals will examine thermal bridging, attachment frequency, structural loads, and current energy-code considerations. The discussion will also explore how thermal modeling and performance-based design can inform decision-making while supporting energy efficiency, building longevity, adaptive reuse, and broader sustainability goals.

Design professionals who listen to the podcast can earn AIA CE credit by logging in to www.ronblank.com and taking the online quiz.

Sponsored by Hohmann & Barnard. 

https://www.h-b.com/

Contact Us:

• https://www.ronblank.com
• https://specshaman.com


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This podcast examines the role of moisture mitigation in improving the performance, durability, and sustainability of concrete systems. Participants will explore how water vapor transmission affects concrete slabs and contributes to common failures in flooring and coating systems, as well as the associated risks to occupant safety and building performance.

The program highlights how integral water vapor reduction admixtures (WVRAs) can be used to control moisture within concrete, reduce the need for topical mitigation systems, and extend the service life of building assemblies. Through a discussion of material science, installation considerations, and lifecycle impacts, participants will gain insight into strategies that support resilient, low-maintenance, and environmentally responsible construction.

Design professionals who listen to the podcast can earn AIA CE credit by logging in to www.ronblank.com and taking the online quiz.

Contact Us:

• https://www.ronblank.com
• https://specshaman.com


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This podcast examines how restroom and locker room design impacts building performance, occupant experience, and long-term operations in commercial environments. Through a guided podcast discussion, participants will explore how early design decisions influence layout efficiency, accessibility, material selection, and maintenance outcomes.

Key topics include applicable codes and standards, user-centered planning strategies, and material considerations for durability and lifecycle performance. The course also highlights approaches to improving operational efficiency and coordination through informed design and collaboration, providing practical insights for creating resilient and effective restroom and locker room environments.

1.        Explain how early design decisions influence layout efficiency, accessibility, and overall performance in restroom and locker room environments.

2.        Evaluate how applicable codes and standards impact design coordination and compliance.

3.        Assess material and design strategies that support durability, maintenance, and long-term performance in high-use spaces.

4.        Identify approaches to improving user experience and operational efficiency through thoughtful planning and coordination.

Design professionals who listen to the podcast can earn AIA CE credit by logging in to www.ronblank.com and taking the online quiz.

Contact Us:

• https://www.ronblank.com
• https://specshaman.com


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This podcast examines how panelized railing systems influence project outcomes through material selection, fabrication precision, protective coatings, and installation strategies. Participants will explore how design decisions impact lifecycle performance, maintenance requirements, and long-term durability in exterior conditions. The podcast also reviews key code considerations, inspection requirements, and industry trends shaping the specification of exterior elevated elements. Through practical discussion and real-world application examples, design professionals will gain insights into selecting and specifying railing systems that support safe, durable, and well-coordinated outdoor living environments.

Design professionals who listen to the podcast can earn AIA CE credit by logging in to www.ronblank.com and taking the online quiz.

Contact Us:

• https://www.ronblank.com
• https://specshaman.com


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This podcast course explores the building science behind rainscreen assemblies and ventilated wall systems, emphasizing the role of capillary breaks, drainage gaps, and airflow in protecting occupant health, safety, and long-term building durability. Participants will review the four primary wall design types, examine how evolving IRC and IBC code requirements and ASTM E2925 testing standards influence specification decisions, and discuss common causes of moisture-related failures. Through practical insights and real-world applications, the program highlights best practices for coordinating cladding, air barriers, water-resistive barriers, and drainage components to create resilient, code-compliant wall assemblies that support indoor environmental quality and sustainable building performance.

Design professionals who listen to the podcast can earn AIA CE credit by logging in to www.ronblank.com and taking the online quiz.

Contact Us:

• https://www.ronblank.com
• https://specshaman.com


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This podcast introduces design professionals to the fundamentals of cable-infill railing systems, covering how materials, tensioning mechanics, fittings, and post selection contribute to structural safety and long-term performance. The session reviews key code requirements, common design and installation challenges, and best practices for documenting compliance under CSI Division 05. Listeners will also explore material sourcing, sustainability considerations, and maintenance strategies that support durability and minimize liability. The program provides practical guidance to help architects specify and coordinate cable-rail systems that perform reliably throughout the building’s lifecycle.

Design professionals who listen to the podcast can earn AIA CE credit by logging in to www.ronblank.com and taking the online quiz.

Contact Us:

• https://www.ronblank.com
• https://specshaman.com


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This podcast provides design professionals with a comprehensive exploration of how door hardware contributes to safe egress, accessible pathways, and long-term building performance. Through a blend of industry context, technical guidance, and real-world lessons learned, we will examine how evolving codes, ADA requirements, building standards, and sustainability priorities influence hardware selection and design decisions. Listeners will gain insight into the function of exit devices, access control technologies, weatherization strategies, and durability considerations across a range of occupancy types. The session highlights how proper specification, documentation, and coordination promote occupant safety, support universal design, enhance project resilience, and reduce the risk of performance failures.

Design professionals who listen to the podcast can earn AIA CE credit by logging in to www.ronblank.com and taking the online quiz.

Contact Us:

• https://www.ronblank.com
• https://specshaman.com


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This podcast explores the integration of Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) into modern architectural design as both a functional energy source and a defining aesthetic feature. Participants will learn how BIPV systems can transform façades into renewable-energy generators while maintaining compliance with critical safety standards and design codes. Through discussion of system fundamentals, design applications, lifecycle benefits, and fire-testing standards such as NFPA 285, the course will illustrate how architects and design professionals can advance occupant welfare, building performance, and sustainability goals. By connecting design innovation with measurable environmental and safety outcomes, this session provides a framework for incorporating BIPV into projects pursuing LEED, WELL, or other green-building objectives.

Design professionals who listen to the podcast can earn AIA and GBCI CE credit by logging in to www.greence.com and taking the online quiz.

Contact Us:

• https://www.ronblank.com
• https://specshaman.com


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This podcast explores the evolving intersection of design, technology, and human experience in door hardware and access control systems. Through expert discussion, listeners will gain insight into how innovative hardware solutions can simultaneously enhance security, accessibility, and design intent. The conversation examines how divisions 8 and 28 converge to influence specifications, the growing role of IoT and mobile credentials, and how retrofit-friendly and sustainable platforms extend building life cycles. From high-end residential to multifamily and commercial environments, the course highlights real-world strategies for achieving both performance and aesthetic excellence in modern access design.

Design professionals who listen to the podcast can earn AIA CE credit by logging in to www.ronblank.com and taking the online quiz.

Contact Us:

• https://www.ronblank.com
• https://specshaman.com


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Accessibility in architecture has evolved far beyond compliance; it’s now a defining element of inclusive, sustainable, and human-centered design. This podcast explores how design professionals can integrate barrier-free solutions that enhance occupant health, safety, and well-being across project types. Through discussion on current standards, emerging technologies, and real-world applications, participants will examine how universal design principles create spaces that serve all users with comfort, safety, and dignity. Attendees will gain insight into how innovation, aesthetics, and code compliance can coexist to shape safer, smarter, and more inclusive environments.

Design professionals who listen to the podcast can earn AIA CE credit by logging in to www.ronblank.com and taking the online quiz.

Contact Us:

• https://www.ronblank.com
• https://specshaman.com


Thanks for listening!