Continuing Education

Continuing education is the cornerstone of advancing your professional development. EDG offers AIA and ASID CEU classes to assist architects and interior designers in the integration of custom home theaters and smart home systems into your projects. Learn how to apply exciting technologies, ranging from home theater rooms and media room layout to elaborate whole house audio and video networks into your designs. Interested in providing members of your firm with the knowledge they need to stay up-to-date on the every changing technology trend? Contact us to schedule a Lunch-And-Learn event at your office. EDG provides lunch and a seminar at your location at no cost to you, thereby eliminating any down time from your busy schedule.

Participants will understand the meaning, components, capabilities, and benefits of "smart home" technology, as well as its relevance to the design process and architectural community. Class members will learn the importance of working with systems integrators, how to determine their qualifications, and to incorporate "smart home" technologies in their media room designs and throughout the house. Through the examination of a case study, students will evaluate and define areas in a project where "smart home" technology can improve efficiency, enrich room aesthetics, enhance functionality, and meet client expectations.

Participants will analyze practical applications and benefits for lighting control systems in residential spaces like the kitchen, foyer, dining room, media room, and landscaped areas. Through examining case studies, students will evaluate various control scenarios and define areas in a project where redesigned lighting controls can improve aesthetics, enhance functionality, and increase efficiency for the end-user. Topics of discussion will include: dimming technology, required components of a lighting control system, reduction of wall clutter, control of preset scenes, integration with other systems, space allocation, time clocks, and security enhancements.

Participants will analyze applications and benefits of residential lighting control systems for New York residential spaces. Through case study format, students will evaluate various scenarios and define areas in a project where light control systems can improve aesthetics, enhance functionality, and increase efficiency for the end-user. Topics of discussion will include: dimming technology, required components of a lighting control system, reduction of wall clutter, control of preset scenes, motorized shades, integration with other systems, wireless systems, space allocation, time clocks, and security enhancements.

Participants will analyze practical applications and benefits of control system integration in a residential application including Audio, Video, HVAC, Lighting, Drapery/Shades, Security, Weather, and Entry Doors. Through examining case studies, students will evaluate various scenarios and define areas in a project where control systems can improve the efficiency, enrich room aesthetics and decor, simplify complicated subsystems and enhance whole house functionality for the residential end-user. Topics of discussion will include: whole house audio and video integration, HVAC integration, controlling subsystems within a single room, and enhancing security features.

From living room and media room design, to boardrooms and training facilities, designing spaces with multiple viewing screens is the hot new topic in custom electronics. Participants will understand the benefits of commercial and home video distribution and explore its practical applications through case study examples. Explore product and system design options, engineering and integration considerations, and common installation challenges. Topics of discussion will include acoustics, lighting control systems and window treatments, video displays, hiding the equipment, ease of use, and proper space planning.

This course highlights the benefits of home automation and systems integration. Elements such as security, lighting, temperature control, communications, and entertainment are included in this course, along with discussion of commonly held misconceptions related to home automation and systems integration. Attendees will take away such vital information as identifying talking points to use with clients and how to locate an Electronic Systems Contractor (ESC) technology partner, while learning effective ways to incorporate technology into their design and build projects.

What is structured wiring and why is it so important in today ’s modern, integrated home? These questions, and many others, will be answered during this course. Participants will walk away with the ability to define structured wiring, explain why structured wiring is needed, and discuss technologies that use structured wiring infrastructure. Additionally, attendees will learn about the key components of a structured wiring system and what key discussion points and questions to raise when engaging the partnership of an Electronic Systems Contractor (ESC) in the design and build process.

Home Audio Made Easy: Residential Speaker Solutions - 1 LU HSW (AIA & ASID)

There are many residential speaker solutions available for your client; how do you know which
one is best? This course will help participants sort through speaker choices and placement
considerations so that they will be better prepared to assist clients with finding the best options!
Attendees will learn how speakers produce sound, what factors most influence sound quality, how to
position speakers for optimum performance, and the best methods for integrating speakers into décor. This course will help attendees identify the proper Electronic System Contractor (ESC) for the job and how to engage that professional early in the process.

Understanding the Need for Home Technology - 1 LU HSW (AIA & ASID)

Participants will walk away from this course with a comprehensive overview of current home technologies available in today’s connected homes. The in-depth discussion will focus on wired vs. wireless, integrated systems—what they are and how they work—and engaging a trained, certified professional Electronic Systems Contractor (ESC). This overview will also help attendees plan for proper wiring infrastructure and other profitable electronic systems that today’s savvy clients are looking for, dispel common misperceptions regarding home technology, and assist them in navigating the technologies market by providing a list of “do’s and don’ts.”

Planning for Residential Electronic Systems - 1 LU (AIA & ASID)

As with other rough-in trades (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing), electronic systems should be planned for well in advance of construction and documented at the construction drawing phase of design. Participants in this course will discuss the roles, responsibilities, and functions
of an Electronic Systems Contractor (ESC), be able to identify different types of residential systems, and analyze the benefits of working with an ESC. Attendees will examine specific design considerations, such as space, framing, electrical, and ventilation requirements. This
course will help attendees identify the proper ESC for the job by providing them a checklist of questions to ask and items to consider when engaging a home electronics partner early in their next design and build project.

Managing Electronic Systems Contractors (ESCs) - 1 LU (AIA & ASID)

What is an Electronic Systems Contractor (ESC) and how do you fit him/ her into your design and build project? These questions and more will be answered during this course! Discover what an ESC will bring to your next project, from “insider” tips to successfully negotiating a contract with this vital subcontractor, to questions to ask during the interview process when locating your trained, professional electronics partner. Participants can expect insightful discussion regarding locating, hiring, and collaborating with the ESC best suited to your project.

Home Technology Within the Design and Build Process - 1 LU HSW (AIA & ASID)

What is an Electronic Systems Contractor (ESC)? How does an ESC impact other crucial subcontractors and their work? The answers to these questions and more will be discussed as you learn how electronic systems can be seamlessly integrated into a home’s design and build process with the help of a trained, electronics professional. Some of the areas addressed include
framing, HVAC, millwork, paint, lighting, window treatments, and security, just to name a few! This course uses multiple visual examples to showcase the quality work that an ESC brings to each and every project.

Hiding Technology - 1 LU HSW (AIA & ASID)

Home electronics should integrate seamlessly into a home’s design and décor. This course reviews the three-pronged approach to hiding technology—advance planning, design philosophy, and product selection— which are available for minimizing the visual impact of electronics without compromising performance. Specific challenges and recommendations related to hiding
video displays, projectors, speakers, controls, cameras, and equipment racks—among others—will be addressed. This course speaks to innovative and creative ways to lessen the visual impact of electronics by making them low-profile, hidden or camouflaged, or even invisible! Attendees will also walk away with an understanding of how to properly engage a trained Electronic Systems Contractor (ESC) in their next project.