West

Credit type: 1 AIA HSW LU
Provider: Safti First

Architects have always pushed the limits of what building products can do, and fire rated glazing is no exception. This program shows how fire rated glazing has evolved from small doorlites and openings using wired glass and ceramics to floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall, multi-tasking fire resistive glazing systems. Case studies showing these innovative design applications in real-word settings will be used to show participants how architects continue to push the boundaries of what fire rated glass can do.

Learning Objectives

• Review updated IBC and fire and safety requirements when designing for life safety
• Provide you with the latest fire rated glazing product information
• Clarify the difference between fire protective vs. fire resistive glazing products as it relates to protecting people and property
• Identify the correct, code-approved glazing products based on the application

Presenters

Geoff Pettis

Architectural Sales Representative

Geoff Pettis

Geoff Pettis has over 18 years of experience in architectural fenestration applications across various commercial buildings. As a direct architectural sales representative at SAFTI FIRST, he brings his extensive knowledge and expertise of fire rated glazing systems and fenestration in general when working closely with architects, specifiers, glazing contractors and code officials. Geoff is a dynamic presenter and speaker who has been delivering the company’s AIA-registered presentation to various architecture firms, AIA local chapters, CSI local chapters, and at other architectural and glazing industry events.

Credit type: 1 AIA HSW LU
Provider: Evolv Surfaces

Materials used on building facades need to withstand many things, including water, wind, sunlight, and sometimes severe weather conditions. They also need to hold up to the effects of people who may inadvertently or even intentionally cause damage. Choosing materials used for facades is certainly influenced by the ability to hold up over time but also by the available size, not to mention the appearance, of the material. Being able to install it in a manner that is efficient and cost-effective usually rounds out the criteria for selecting a building material for building facades. There is one new product category that will be the focus of this course, namely sintered stones that can be used for curtain walls, rain screens, siding applications, and other common wall systems for both residential and commercial buildings.

Learning Objectives

• Identify and recognize the characteristics and beneficial properties of sintered stones.
• Investigate the manufacturing process of sintered stones and the suitability of the product to both interior and exterior building applications.
• Assess the functional contributions of sintered stones as they contribute to green and sustainable building design.
• Specify sintered stones in a variety of green and conventional buildings and formulate appropriate selections related to specific applications.

Presenters

Bill Gamble

A&D Account Manager

Bill Gamble

Working with the leading Architects and Designers of our Generation Bill Gamble has been involved with the Surfaces Industry in Northern California for the last 25 years sourcing and overseeing the installation of both Natural stone and Composite materials in both Residential and Commercial applications. Understanding the need to find safer and heathier materials his focus is now looking toward finding a balance between the beauty of natural stone and the unique properties of mineral based composites and how the two can be paired together to provide better solutions to today’s design challenges.

Credit type: 1 AIA HSW LU
Provider: Equitone

This presentation provides detailed information on high-density fiber cement facade materials available and how they can be specified/designed to meet the needs of various project types.

Learning Objectives

• Understand what through-colored fiber cement cladding materials are, their most important characteristics, and how they can benefit the health of the building
• Understand the material application, fastening techniques, and function of the cladding
• Understand the history of fiber cement and architectural facades with fiber cement materials
• Understand the general design possibilities with through-colored fiber cement facade materials in ventilated rainscreen applications

Presenters

Eric Kuhlman

Midwest Business Development Manager

Eric Kuhlman

Eric Kuhlman, a Chicago native, has spent decades in the building-envelope and construction materials industry and joined EQUITONE in January 2025 as Midwest Business Development Manager. Throughout his career, Eric has worked across architectural cladding, façade systems, and high-performance building materials, developing deep expertise in the technical and collaborative nature of commercial construction. His experience with architectural sales, project management, and regional business development gives him a strong understanding of how façade materials perform in real-world applications. Eric represents EQUITONE throughout the Midwest, partnering closely with architects, specifiers, contractors, and distributors to support projects from early design conversations through construction.