Education

We are committed to advancing education across the acoustics and building design community. Catalyst actively partners with leading industry organizations such as the Ceilings and Interior Systems Construction Association (CISCA) and the National Council of Acoustical Consultants (NCAC) to support ongoing professional learning. Our employees regularly contribute to thought leadership initiatives and deliver both virtual and in-person educational presentations focused on acoustics and interior environments.

In addition to hosting educational webinars, we offer continuing education units (CEUs) through AEC Daily that are accredited by organizations including the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the International Design Continuing Education Council (IDCEC).

Through the links below, you can access a comprehensive library of virtual training and educational resources designed to support professional development at every stage.

Available Continuing Education Units (CEUs):

Acoustical Doors:
Enhancing Sound Control in Architectural and Industrial Design

Acoustical doors are vital in managing sound transmission in various architectural and industrial settings. This course discusses evaluating, specifying, and integrating acoustical doors into projects that demand effective noise control, speech privacy, and occupant comfort. It also examines how acoustical doors may help meet credit requirements in the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction rating system and the WELL Building Standard™ version 2. Compliance with fire safety codes and SCIF specifications is also discussed.

CEU Information:
Online Course: AIA/CES Learning units:1.00
Live Face-to-Face Course: AIA/CES Learning units:1.00

AIA approved course.
AEC Daily reports Learning Units on members’ behalf.

aec daily logoaia ceu course


Acoustics A-Z:
Products & Applications for Architectural & Industrial Noise Problems

Unwanted sound can become more than a mere annoyance. Excess noise has been found to increase stress and distraction, reduce learning and productivity, and even lead to hypertension and permanent hearing loss. This course presents an overview of how sound is described and measured and describes the many industrial and architectural products available to control noise in virtually any environment.

CEU Information:
Online Course: AIA/CES Learning units:1.50
Live Face-to-Face Course: AIA/CES Learning units:1.00

AIA approved course.
AEC Daily reports Learning Units on members’ behalf.

aec daily logoaia ceu course


Acoustics and Noise Control in Building Design

In designing successful interior building spaces that positively impact their occupants, it is critical to have knowledge of the principles of acoustics and noise control and link them to design methodology. This course explores these principles, with a special emphasis on common building types where acoustics and noise control are often required and noise can have detrimental effects on users, such as athletic facilities and performance spaces.

CEU Information:
Online Course: AIA/CES Learning units:1.00
Live Face-to-Face Course: AIA/CES Learning units:1.00

AIA approved course.
AEC Daily reports Learning Units on members’ behalf.

aec daily logoaia ceu course


Acoustics and the Modern Human: Sound Elements as Part of Biophilic Design

Rapidly changing trends in our society, such as urbanization and a modern lifestyle, have resulted in the isolation of humans from experiences within nature. Research has shown that the psychological effects of biophilic design on noise perception have a significant influence on the well-being and health of humans. In this course, we review the science of sound, identify the potential problems associated with noise, and introduce the range of acoustic solutions formed from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) felt designed to provide sound-dampening benefits for busy commercial, educational, and healthcare facilities.

CEU Information:
Online Course: AIA/CES Learning units:1.00
Live Face-to-Face Course: AIA/CES Learning units:1.00

AIA approved course.
AEC Daily reports Learning Units on members’ behalf.

aec daily logoaia ceu course


Acoustics in Learning Environments

Undesirable acoustics in educational spaces adversely affect the learning and teaching processes. The impact on students’ academic achievement, social adaptation, and mental health can be profound and long lasting. This course examines the impact of different sound problems and presents solutions that create synergy between the architecture and the classroom environment to optimize student learning and engagement and teacher retention.

CEU Information:
Online Course: AIA/CES Learning units:1.00
Live Face-to-Face Course: AIA/CES Learning units:1.00

AIA approved course.
AEC Daily reports Learning Units on members’ behalf.

aec daily logoaia ceu course


Data Centers: Why, Where, and Addressing Noise

This course focuses on the rapidly growing data center industry and how critical it is to control noise for facility employees and residents living in neighboring areas and to follow city ordinances. The noise issues data centers pose for their workers and their external surroundings are examined, and practical solutions are reviewed.

CEU Information:
Online Course: AIA/CES Learning units:1.00
Live Face-to-Face Course: AIA/CES Learning units:1.00

AIA approved course.
AEC Daily reports Learning Units on members’ behalf.

aec daily logoaia ceu course


Designing for Room Acoustics: Principles & Myths

Properly selected acoustical solutions are necessary to provide acoustical comfort and performance for a range of applications. This course reviews acoustic theory and design methodology to facilitate the design and specification process. A particular emphasis is placed on performance-oriented designs and strategies for different project types.

CEU Information:
Online Course: AIA/CES Learning units:1.00
Live Face-to-Face Course: AIA/CES Learning units:1.00

AIA approved course.
AEC Daily reports Learning Units on members’ behalf.

aec daily logoaia ceu course


Division 9 Finishes:
Wall and Ceiling Acoustic Treatments

Good acoustic and aesthetic environments are important to the health, safety, comfort, satisfaction, productivity, and general well-being of all building users. This course outlines the benefits of and methodologies for simultaneously creating both with wall and ceiling acoustic treatments. The highly illustrated course includes detailed descriptions of the many acoustic wall and ceiling treatment options available, as well as sample installations.

CEU Information:
Online Course: AIA/CES Learning units:1.00
Live Face-to-Face Course: AIA/CES Learning units:1.00

AIA approved course.
AEC Daily reports Learning Units on members’ behalf.

aec daily logoaia ceu course


Improving Soundscapes in Educational Spaces with PET Felt

Undesirable acoustics in educational spaces have long been considered averse to our goals to effectively teach, create, collaborate, listen, and learn. Now, in the wake of implementing pandemic protocols, our acoustic comfort in these spaces is greatly challenged. This course examines the impacts of poor soundscapes in educational facilities and introduces innovative solutions for improving acoustics in these areas while keeping us comfortable and safe from exposure to emerging viruses.

CEU Information:
Online Course: AIA/CES Learning units:1.00
Live Face-to-Face Course: AIA/CES Learning units:1.00

AIA approved course.
AEC Daily reports Learning Units on members’ behalf.

aec daily logoaia ceu course


Noise Control Construction: Beyond STC and IIC

When designing noise control measures for a building, it is critical to look beyond the sound transmission class (STC) and impact insulation class (IIC) ratings in order to create an ideal environment that promotes occupant well-being, protects their hearing, and fulfills the project’s needs. This course provides an overview of noise control principles, construction composites, and design methodologies that reduce noise, with an emphasis on performance-oriented designs requiring third-party acoustical consultants.

CEU Information:
Online Course: AIA/CES Learning units:1.00
Live Face-to-Face Course: AIA/CES Learning units:1.00

AIA approved course.
AEC Daily reports Learning Units on members’ behalf.

aec daily logoaia ceu course


Quiet by Design: Acoustic Strategies for Pickleball & Other Sport Courts

Architectural acoustic design focuses on managing airborne and impact sound within indoor and outdoor spaces. This course addresses the acoustic challenges associated with outdoor recreational spaces, focusing on the surge in pickleball popularity. Participants will learn the fundamentals of sound propagation in open-air environments and explore how modern acoustic products can reduce unwanted noise while maintaining functionality and the design intent. Acoustic solutions for indoor spaces requiring noise reduction are also covered, as well as the role of acoustic barriers in meeting the requirements of the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems and the WELL Building Standard™ v2.

CEU Information:
Online Course: AIA/CES Learning units:1.00
Live Face-to-Face Course: AIA/CES Learning units:1.00

AIA approved course.
AEC Daily reports Learning Units on members’ behalf.

aec daily logoaia ceu course


Sound and Noise Control in Hospitality Facilities

The hospitality industry thrives on positive customer experiences. These experiences are often shared on social media, and reviews of a restaurant or hotel now commonly include the acoustical aspects of the experiences. Hospitality venues must be constructed to the highest standards in order to achieve the necessary level of customer satisfaction; this includes providing a positive acoustic environment for a wide range of situations. In addition to reviewing the basics of sound, sound movement, and sound measurement, this course details the comprehensive range of applications available to the designer to block unwanted noises, control the acoustics in large venues, and provide complete privacy where it is needed while improving the aesthetic appeal of each space as a result.

CEU Information:
Online Course: AIA/CES Learning units:1.00
Live Face-to-Face Course: AIA/CES Learning units:1.00

AIA approved course.
AEC Daily reports Learning Units on members’ behalf.

aec daily logoaia ceu course


Vibration Isolation Solutions for Mechanical Systems

The operation of mechanical equipment generates vibration and noise, which, if left untreated, can damage the building structure and the equipment itself and be a source of discomfort for building occupants. This course examines HVAC equipment vibration and the specification of isolation solutions. It provides discussions on each of the ASHRAE isolator and base types and describes some acoustical floor treatments.

CEU Information:
Online Course: AIA/CES Learning units:1.00
Live Face-to-Face Course: AIA/CES Learning units:1.00

AIA approved course.
AEC Daily reports Learning Units on members’ behalf.

aec daily logoaia ceu course


Wood Acoustics: Natural Solutions for Noise Control

Wood is not only visually appealing; it plays a vital role in shaping acoustics. This course examines the acoustic properties of wood and its applications in wood-based architectural solutions, focusing on how acoustic wood products can help control noise in commercial and residential environments. Also reviewed is how these products support sustainable design objectives, including their role in meeting the criteria of the LEED® v5 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems, as well as the WELL Building Standard™ v2. The presentation features design strategies and case studies that illustrate the effectiveness of acoustic wood products in achieving superior performance.

CEU Information:
Online Course: AIA/CES Learning units:1.00
Live Face-to-Face Course: AIA/CES Learning units:1.00

AIA approved course.
AEC Daily reports Learning Units on members’ behalf.

aec daily logoaia ceu course