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design support
Design Support for Inspired Solutions
At Apogee Architectural Metals, we believe great design starts with trusted support. Our Architectural Services team is here to partner with you – bringing technical expertise, product knowledge and design insight to every stage of your project.
This is your hub for architectural learning and support:
- Earn AIA Continuing Education credits through our accredited CES presentations
- Explore real-world applications with Learn Glazing’s video-based training
- Dive deep into our comprehensive library of technical documents and design resources
From inspiration to installation, we’re here to help bring your vision to life with confidence and clarity.
Architectural Services Team
Our dedicated Architectural Engineering team focuses on helping you make the right decisions in pre-construction – assuring you use the correct product lines, sizes and performance based on your design needs. Once your relationship with our expert team is established, we will assist your team in developing specifications and design details. We provide you with architecturally focused, project-specific support for your promotion, bidding and submission packets.
Our Team of Experts:
Lisa May
715.846.3474
LMay@apog.com
Director, Architectural Services
David Heckert
240.425.8791
dheckert@apog.com
- Northeast Region
- Southeast Region
Tyler Lemke
715.846.3840
tlemke@apog.com
- Midwest Region
- South Region
Project Support Provided:
Industry Expertise and Education
We share insights and innovations through AIA/CES and other continuing education courses – keeping architects, specifiers, installers and industry professionals at the forefront of evolving standards and technologies.
Collaborative Design Support
Working closely with architects, specifiers and consultants, we offer detailed guidance throughout your project’s design, from initial concept to final specifications.
Project Detail and Specification Review
Our team provides critical schematic drawing reviews, Division 8 specification development, and tailored design details, ensuring your projects align with the latest building codes and performance standards.
Advanced Engineering Analysis
We conduct finite element thermal modeling, preliminary structural analysis, and acoustical assessments, balancing creative design with technical precision.
Value-Driven Engineering
Creative, cost-effective value engineering solutions that meet both aesthetic and budgetary goals, without compromising performance.
Seamless Project Handoffs
We coordinate clear, detailed handoffs to our estimating and engineering teams, which streamlines project execution, reduces lead times and minimizes project risk.
Industry Leadership
Our staff plays leading roles in the industry and shares our expertise as active members in numerous associations, educational presenters and informative authors.
Continuing Education That Connects Design and Performance
At Apogee Architectural Metals, we’re committed to supporting architects with more than just high-performance products – we’re a resource for professional growth and design excellence. We offer a range of American Institute of Architects Continuing Education System (AIA/CES) courses addressing the challenges and innovations for today’s building envelope systems.
These courses help architects and other building professionals stay current with evolving codes, product technologies and sustainable design practices. From curtain wall performance and thermal considerations to hurricane impact-resistance and installation best practices, our CES presentations are rooted in real-world product knowledge benefiting occupant health, safety and welfare.
Each course was developed by our experienced team drawing from their work with EFCO, Tubelite and Wausau Window brands. Whether delivered in person or online, each course offers actionable insights that strengthen your ability to specify, design and deliver high-performing buildings with confidence.
Available Continuing Education Courses
AIA/CES On-Demand Courses Available
1.0 LU HSW per course
FREE
Sustainable & Energy Efficient Aluminum Systems
GRN 201
SFCW101—1 Hr. [HSW]
This course includes a review of the basic components and materials those are made from and how they relate to sustainability issues and how those can comply with programs such as LEED ® and “Living Building Challenge (LBC)”/Red List Free. It covers in depth the energy efficiency gained from aluminum storefront, doors and curtainwall and how such products properly installed contribute to the (HSW) Health, Safety and Welfare of the building occupants. It further discusses how to properly document the properties and compliance of such products for submission to sustainability programs on projects requiring those.
FREE
Suitable Solutions for Better Buildings
Storefront or Curtain Wall
SFCW201—1 Hr. [HSW]
This course includes a basic review of storefront and curtainwall glazing systems. The program will examine industry standards and performance attributes for commercial glazing systems, enabling the design professional to select the appropriate product for their next project. Course participants will have a basic understanding of storefront and curtainwall, seeing through the difference and determining the proper product application based on system performance attributes and installation in terms of environmental quality, human health and safety.
Also available are in-person AIA/CES Lunch & Learns.
Seeing Through the Difference
Storefront or Curtain Wall
SFCW101—1 Hr. [HSW]
This course includes a basic review of storefront and curtainwall glazing systems. The program will examine industry standards and performance attributes for commercial glazing systems, enabling he design professional to select the appropriate product for their next project. Course participants will have a basic understanding of storefront and curtainwall, seeing through the difference and determining the proper product application based on system performance attributes and installation in terms of environmental quality, human health, and safety.
Upon completion of this program, the learner should be able to:
1. Identify storefront and curtainwall systems.
2. Evaluate the differences between storefront and curtainwall in relation to structural integrity and water management.
3. Comply with thermal codes.
4. Understand performance and cost considerations.
Don’t Be Left in the Cold
Energy Efficient Fenestration
EEF101—1 Hr. [HSW]
This course examines the process of selecting energy efficient aluminum framing systems including storefronts, curtainwalls and entrance doors for the commercial construction industry. The program defines energy codes, design criteria and definitions enabling the design professional to select the appropriate product for their next project. Recommendations for specifications are provided along with an in-depth look at industry standards and test methods in accordance with the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), and the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning
Engineers (ASHRAE).
Upon completion of this program, the learner should be able to:
1. Recognize how energy loss occurs in commercial buildings and the advantages of utilizing energy efficient fenestration products to reduce energy consumption.
2. Discuss the necessary steps to evaluate fenestration systems in the building envelope and design criteria that can affect energy performance.
3. Review energy codes, applicable testing, and certification for code compliance to ensure project requirements are satisfied including occupants’ health, safety, and welfare
4. Investigate the number of options available to optimize energy performance in aluminum storefront, windows, and curtainwall fenestration products through the application of structural thermal barriers and high-performance glazing.
5. Examine practical applications, including performance results, LEED® contributions and energy
savings through case studies initiatives.
Weathering the Storm
Hurricane Impact-Resistant Fenestration
HIRF101—1 Hr. [HSW]
This course includes a comprehensive review of the protective glazing storefront, curtainwall and entrances intended for use in coastal regions requiring windborne debris protection. The program will examine industry standards, test procedures, and performance attributes for commercial glazing systems, enabling the design professional to select the appropriate product for their project.
Upon completion of this program, the learner should be able to:
1. Recognize the destructive force of hurricanes and the potential for building structures to become pressurized due to high velocity winds and flying debris associated with hurricanes.
2. Identify the challenges when designing and specifying architectural aluminum storefronts, curtainwalls, and entrances on projects located in designated hurricane prone regions requiring windborne debris protection.
3. Examine building codes, testing standards and product certification for protective glazing assemblies impacted by missiles and exposed to cyclin pressure differentials.
4. Understand that hurricane impact-resistant glazing systems are considered complete systems including the frames, laminated impact-resistant glass, gaskets, sealants, and fasteners.
Selecting the Best Defense
Blast Mitigation Fenestration
BMF101—1 Hr. [HSW]
This learning program is a comprehensive introduction to blast mitigation fenestration utilized on government facilities. Course participants will review the basic physics of a bomb blast, compare blast mitigation standards as recognized by the Department of Defense and the General Services
Administration, and discuss challenges when designing and specifying protective glazing systems that reduce damage associated with a bomb blast.
Upon completion of this program, the learner should be able to:
1. Analyze the basic physics of a bomb blast and its destructive potential based on peak over pressures and duration.
2. Compare blast mitigation standards as recognized by the Department of Defense (DOD) and General Services Administration (GSA).
3. Review glazing systems blast performance proven through government recognized test procedures.
4. Recognize the challenges when designing and specifying glazing systems that minimize damage from a bomb blast while protecting building occupants.
The In's and Out's of Aluminum Doors and Frames
ENTRANCES
ENT003—1 Hr. [LU]
Learn the advantages of architectural aluminum doors and frames, industry standard sizing, and standard hardware options. The course also provides participants with an overview of architectural finish options for aluminum doors and frames.
Upon completion of this program, the learner should be able to:
1. Present the advantages of aluminum doors and frames.
2. Identify door components and standard sizes.
3. Discuss industry standard hardware items.
4. Look at basic aluminum finishing options.
Sustainable & Efficient Aluminum Systems
architectural framing systems
GRN004—1.0 Hour [HSW]
This course includes a review of the material nature of components that make up aluminum storefront, doors, and curtainwall systems and how they relate to sustainability issues, and how these systems can comply with programs such as LEED® and LBC/Red List Free. It covers in depth the energy efficiency gained from aluminum storefront, doors, and curtainwall and how such products properly installed contribute to the health, safety, and wellbeing of the building’s occupants. It further discusses how to properly document the properties and compliance of such products for submission to sustainability programs on projects requiring those.
Upon completion of this program, the learner should be able to:
1. Recognize the different materials that make up commercial glazing system products and which components commonly contain chemicals that are not red list compliant. Such materials and finishes will be discussed and how alternatives can be used to contribute to building occupant Health, Safety, and Wellbeing.
2. Discover the benefits of designing and specifying aluminum storefront, doors and curtainwall systems which are environmentally friendly, energy efficient and sustainable thereby assisting in attaining LEED® points and complying with various “Green” programs nationally (such as Living Building Challenge/Red List Free).
3. Examine the energy efficiency capabilities of aluminum storefront, doors, and curtainwall systems and how this applies to the various “Green” programs in place today.
4. Identify the LEED® points and “Green” program compliance paths that aluminum storefronts, doors, and curtainwalls contribute to and how to document their compliance for submission to USGBC, etc.
ADA Accessibility for Windows
Windows
WAU037—1 Hr. [HSW/L]
Local authorities having jurisdiction, school districts, and university housing offices nationwide are requiring operating windows to comply with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as outlined in ICC/ANSI A117.1 “Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities.” This program offers a review of underlying legislation and government guidelines.
Typical operating forces are presented, along with an overview of the provisions of American
Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) publication AAMA 513-12 “Standard Laboratory Test Method for Determination of Forces and Motions Required to Activate Operable Parts of Operable Windows and Doors in Accessible Spaces.”
Upon completion of this program, the learner should be able to:
1. Cite the basis of accessibility codes for windows.
2. Assess reach, protrusion, approach area, forces, and motions necessary to activate operating parts of window.
3. Understand local code requirements.
4. Specify the AAMA 513-12 test method.
Balcony Door Systems
ENTRANCES
WAU029—1 Hr. [HSW/L]
Building design professionals desire to provide occupants with expansive views and a connection to the outdoors has led manufacturers to develop new and innovative exterior door systems. These can be used in retail, residential, or mixed–use environments, to access terraces, patios, decks, outdoor seating areas, mall fronts, balconies, and lanais. Choices include storefront doors, architectural terrace doors, folding doors, and sliding glass doors – in both conventional and European “lift and slide” options.
This Wausau AIA/CES presentation presents the characteristics of each balcony door option, along with their respective functionality and inherent performance limitations.
Topics include fenestration provisions of the International Building Code, some key local/regional codes, determination of design criteria, testing and evaluation. Accessibility, energy efficiency, acoustical performance and condensation resistance are addressed at a high level. As the fenestration industry’s primary standards development organization, American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) standards are reviewed.
Upon completion of this program, the learner should be able to:
1. Review the application of doors for access to patios, terraces, and lanais.
2. Understand door types, commonly used hardware, and functionality.
3. Ensure weather-ability, energy efficiency and structural integrity.
4. Address accessibility needs.
5. Design for ease of installation.
Historically Accurate Windows
WINDOWS
WAU024—1 Hr. [HSW/L]
Perhaps no action demonstrates social responsibility and environmental stewardship more profoundly than respectful modernization of a classic architectural masterwork. Art and science come together in the design of historically influenced windows – with today’s energy efficiency and ease of operation.
Private sector redevelopment projects seeking federal tax credits of up to 20% of project value are reviewed by State Historical Preservation Offices, The National Park Service and Internal Revenue Service for eligibility and historic accuracy. Credits require compliance with the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s “Standards for Rehabilitation” helps ensure historic preservation through retention of distinctive features, finishes and construction techniques. Standards applicable to windows are reviewed in detail.
Historically accurate preservation demands more than just a nod to the architectural vernacular - Respectful restoration calls for replication of character-defining features. Narrow sightlines, TDL muntin grids and strict attention to detail set apart the fenestration of landmark structures - Then and now.
Glassmaking technology in the years prior to World War II limited the size of individual glass lites, mitigating the use of putty-glazed muntin grids. Only true divided lite (TDL) design can reproduce this aesthetic with the fidelity required for rigorous historical preservation. Subtle differences in TDL glass plane between lites create a subliminal visual effect that can’t be matched by applied muntin grids.
Case studies are presented, including one significant project highlighted in a National Park Service “Tech Notes” publication.
Upon completion of this program, the learner should be able to:
1. Recognize the opportunity for preservations tax credits.
2. Understand the roles of the National Park Service and State Historic Preservations Offices.
3. Select true divided lite (TDL) muntin grids where appropriate.
4. Understand energy impacts of window replacement.
5. Relate to historic preservation case studies across the U.S.
Protective Window Design
WINDOWS
WAU035—1 Hr. [HSW/L]
This course provides an overview of behavioral, blast and hurricane windows. Recommendations for specifications and application are given, along with a review of industry standards, codes, and test methods.
This presentation provides design professionals with valuable information on the newly adopted American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) human impact test standard, updated Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) and Inter-Agency Security Committee (ISC) blast design criteria, and updated codes and standards affecting hurricane design.
Upon completion of this program, the learner should be able to:
1. Recognize behavioral health, blast, and hurricane protective glazing systems.
2. Develop design criteria for protective glazing systems.
3. Understand testing and certification requirements.
4. Understand applicable codes and standards.
5. Define performance requirements for specifications.
Window Selection for Sustainability and Long-Term Performance
WINDOWS
WAU033—1 Hr. [HSW/L]
This program explores design, manufacture, and installation at a basic technical level.
The importance of “balanced design” is reviewed, with particular emphasis on those criteria most appropriate for selecting fenestration used in commercial, institutional, and high-rise residential occupancies. Criteria include weather-ability, structural integrity, energy efficiency, condensation resistance, and sound control.
Recommendations for specifications and application are given, along with an in-depth look at industry standards and test methods, from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), American Architectural
Manufacturers Association (AAMA), National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC), and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), as well as the US Green Building Council LEED® Green Building Rating SystemTM.
Upon completion of this program, the learner should be able to:
1. Distinguish between fenestration types.
2. Establish appropriate window selection criteria.
3. Use industry standards to define performance levels.
4. Compare products.
5. Understand LEED® impacts.
Additional Tools and Resources
We are proud to partner with Learn Glazing, an industry-leading online training platform developed specifically for glazing contractors.
As one of the original supporters through our Tubelite brand, we’ve helped shape a resource that delivers practical, real-world knowledge in a flexible, accessible format. Learn Glazing offers step-by-step video training that covers everything from system installation to project management—making it an essential tool for new hires, seasoned professionals, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of aluminum framing systems.
Many of our most popular products are featured throughout the training modules, giving contractors a direct, visual reference to the systems they work with every day. Whether you’re onboarding a team or sharpening your skills, Learn Glazing is a smart investment in quality, safety, and long-term success.
To make specifying our products as simple and accurate as possible, our full library of Tubelite product details is available on CADdetails.
A leading online resource for design professionals, CADdetails provides downloadable CAD, BIM and specification files for architects, engineers and contractors. This allows you to integrate our storefronts, curtain walls, entrances and other Tubelite systems directly into project drawings with confidence. CADdetails’ users easily access up-to-date, ready-to-use files that align with project requirements and industry standards. It’s one more way we support efficient design, accurate documentation and better project outcomes from the start.
Access our growing library of technical information and resources. Topics span a full range of educational content, checklists and best practices about architectural metal products and industry updates. Categories include:
- Air, water and structural performance
- Energy efficiency and sustainable design
- Acoustic performance and condensation resistance
- Glass and glazing
- Hurricane impact and blast hazard mitigation
- Framing materials and finishes
- Building Information Modeling - BIM
- And much more...