Live Webinar – Post Pandemic Design Standards: What is the Future of Commercial Design

AIA Triangle Virtual Lunch

Sponsored by

Post Pandemic Design Standards: What is the Future of Commercial Design?

Thursday, June 11 | 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm | 1 HSW Credit

AIA Members & AIAT Annual Sponsors: $0 | Non-members: $20

Online Meeting via Microsoft Teams

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

(Deadline to register June 11 at 10:00 am)

Link to online meeting will be emailed to registrants

PROGRAM

This unprecedented time presents many challenges and it seems a little hard to imagine what the post-pandemic office will look like. No doubt the coronavirus has raised everyone’s level of awareness about the potential for their surroundings to serve as breeding grounds for communicable viruses or disease. The good news is that smart design can decrease the rate of sickness, alleviate symptoms of illness, and improve mental functions, outlook, and mood. Design and renovations of the modern office where large numbers of people work in close proximity for long periods of time is sure to undergo long-lasting transformation. The industry conditions resulting from COVID-19 have caused us to reevaluate our use of space, health standards, and emerging technologies in order to place occupant health at the front and center of our projects. Understanding how new social distancing guidelines can be used in conjunction with technology and design will be more crucial for public health than ever. This presentation will provide an overview of safety measures and systems which can be integrated into your existing buildings and designs to create a safer work environment for building occupants. We will explore some short-term and long-term strategies and solutions including focus on indoor air quality, advanced air-filtration systems, addition of biophilic design elements as well as new space-planning protocols. The take away for the attendees is that no one really knows to what extent the current pandemic will revolutionize how we live, but it seems likely that there will be a long-lasting impact on the way we work and how our workplaces function – the modern office will look very different.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Participants will identify the impacts of potential pandemics on commercial design using existing data from the current pandemic, and determine how these impacts affect their current designs or renovations.
• Participants will be able to use new social distancing guidelines & safety measures on their projects, and integrate them with minimal changes to building design.
• Participants will discuss what factors should be considered when selecting materials and finishes for their project, and specify the options that will reduce building occupants’ exposure to pathogens.
• Participants will examine various building systems used to increase the health and safety of building occupants, and summarize how these systems can be integrated into their existing projects

PRESENTED BY

Keith Pehl, P.E. is the President and Founder of Optima Engineering, PA. Based in North Carolina with offices in Charlotte and Raleigh, Optima has provided high-quality M/E/P engineering and sustainable design consulting services to architects and design professionals throughout the Southeast for over two decades. With over 30 years of experience as an electrical engineer, and registrations in over 30 states, Keith is a strong advocate for sustainable and Net Zero design in communities nationally. He frequently speaks to various organizations on the topics of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and Net Zero energy facilities. He is the former State Advocacy Chair for USGBC North Carolina. A native of Charlotte, he earned an MBA from UNC Charlotte and an electrical engineering degree from NC State University.

Tom Capodicasa, RCDD is an Electrical Designer and Registered Communications Distribution Designer at Optima Engineering. Tom’s extensive experience designing power distribution systems, lighting and lighting control systems, I/T infrastructure, fire alarm, and other special systems enable him to provide designs that utilize the latest technological advances and are consistent with the codes, standards, and budgets while maximizing owner needs, desires, and requirements.