Episodes

  • The Intersection of Railing Performance and Design Innovation in Outdoor Living
    Jan 7 2026

    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


    Thanks for listening!

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    50 mins
  • Modern Door Hardware Solutions: Balancing Egress, Accessibility, and Building Resilience
    Dec 18 2025

    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


    Thanks for listening!

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    47 mins
  • Powering Design: Integrating BIPV for Sustainable, Safe, and Aesthetic Building Envelopes
    Nov 19 2025

    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


    Thanks for listening!

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    50 mins
  • Beyond the Door: Designing for Safety, Accessibility, and Smart Integration
    Nov 14 2025

    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


    Thanks for listening!

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    1 hr
  • Beyond Compliance: Integrating Accessibility, Innovation, and Inclusion in Design
    Nov 10 2025

    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!

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    41 mins
  • Building Resilient Schools: Design Practices that Enhance Safety, Security, and Longevity
    Nov 7 2025

    This podcast explores the critical role of door hardware and security solutions in creating safer and more resilient educational environments. Through real-world insights and design strategies, participants will examine how codes, standards, and best practices influence decisions that impact occupant safety, emergency response, long-term durability, and liability. The discussion also highlights sustainability, affordability, and the evolving landscape of school safety innovation. By the end, attendees will have a deeper understanding of how design professionals can contribute to effective, compliant, and enduring solutions that protect students, educators, and communities.

    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!

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    57 mins
  • Designing for Performance: Best Practices in Commercial Roof Drainage Systems
    Oct 31 2025

    Commercial roof drainage systems are often treated as an afterthought in building design, yet their role in protecting occupant wellness is critical. This podcast course explores how design professionals can make informed decisions when specifying gutters, downspouts, brackets, and related components to ensure both performance and aesthetics. Listeners will gain insights into evolving codes and standards, material and climate considerations, recyclability, and the importance of precise specifications in preventing waste, water intrusion, and structural failures. Through real-world case studies and expert guidance, this session equips professionals to integrate roof drainage into sustainable, code-compliant, and resilient building designs.

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



    Contact Us:

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


    Thanks for listening!

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • The Intersection of Materials and Safety in Outdoor Living
    Oct 28 2025

    This podcast explores how modern material innovations are redefining outdoor living design through improved performance, safety, and sustainability. Participants will examine the shortcomings of traditional framing and decking systems and learn how composite and alternative materials address common structural failures, moisture intrusion, and durability challenges. Through analysis of building codes, real-world case studies, and evolving industry standards, design professionals will gain practical insights to enhance occupant safety, extend system longevity, and achieve more resilient exterior 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!

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    1 hr and 2 mins