PROGRAMME DES FOURNISSEURS D’ÉDUCATION (PFÉ)

Learning how to move around the kitchen is important, but is it you or is it the layout? This course focuses on redefining what it means to have proper workflow in the kitchen. We will discuss some of the major changes that take place during kitchen renovations and how that affects the flow of the kitchen. Kitchen triangles are a concept of the past, but we all understand why it’s important. This course will focus on parsing out the details of the concept and redefining it to a new palatable concept of what we know as workflow. Finally, we discuss an important appliance being utilized to prep, cook, plate, and serve in kitchens that uncorks the secret to a successful kitchen workflow.

Some colors may be calming and relaxing, while other hues may be energizing and lively. Colors are known to create feelings of joy, while others leave us feeling unsettled. Color has the incredible ability to evoke both physical and emotional reactions in humans that are unique to each individual, making this a highly subjective topic. By understanding how color impacts humans on both physical and emotional levels, we are better equipped to select hues for our spaces that contribute to a desired sensibility. Likewise, color is an ideal communication tool; using the many associations had with colors across the spectrum. This course explores physical and emotional responses to color that shape our color preferences, in addition to insight on color trends with the Color Trends 2021 Palette and Color of the Year.

Schools are a cornerstone of childhood development. Numerous studies have shown that the teaching environment can significantly influence academic outcomes and student wellbeing. In ground-breaking research, architects, scientists, educators and artists collaborated to explore how biophilic design elements within a Baltimore middle school classroom enhance human experience and learning outcomes. This presentation will explore the scientific justification for biophilic design, how biophilic design patterns can be applied at minimal cost to classrooms, and how doing so positively impacts student stress recovery, environmental perceptions, and test scores.

This course explores the outdoor kitchen as a dynamic extension of the home—an environment that fosters connection, leisure, and cultural expression. Participants will examine how thoughtful design supports year-round use, with an emphasis on safe layouts, accessible features, and material choices that promote comfort, durability, and well-being. The course also highlights the importance of tailoring each space to reflect the client’s lifestyle, ensuring both lasting value and a deeper emotional connection to the space.

The Power of Choice is the bridge between science and human experience in the workplace. As the world of work evolves, so do the expectations of the people within it. Choice and flexibility have shifted from desirable perks to essential components of performance, engagement, and well being. This course explores the forces driving that change including technological advancement, the pandemic, artificial intelligence, and generational evolution and examines how human psychology and design intersect to create workplaces where people thrive. Participants will learn to apply research based design principles that support autonomy, competence, and connection, and understand the measurable return on investing in environments that empower choice.

This course examines the color wheel and the Munsell Color system, along with other historic contributions to our modern understanding of color. You will also learn about the importance of color, how to distinguish between the latest fads and trends, and understand the impact of color in business by exploring the emotions associated with each color by using examples of successfully used color schemes in retail design.

Color & Light educates professionals on what elements of light must be considered when making color and paint selections. Course topics include: Obtain an overview of the properties of color and light, in addition to history on lighting options. Discuss the various types of lighting available today and how light technologies can enhance or alter colors within a space. Understand metamerism, Color Rendering Index (CRI), Light Reflectance Value (LRV) and how these elements impact design decisions.

This course provides a foundational understanding of crystalline silica, its health risks in countertop fabrication, and the importance of proper handling practices. Participants will also learn how to recognize key sustainability certifications among manufacturers and explore the latest advancements in silica-free and low-silica technologies—innovative materials that deliver high performance while reducing risk. Lastly, the course examines case studies on how sustainability practices within the industry influence consumer behavior.

This course reviews designing with hardwood flooring and the technical requirements of the material and its application.

This presentation is based on a 2024 research project that originated from the 2023 Healthy Building Summit in Chicago. The summit brings together architects, designers, researchers, planners, facilities teams, and other education sector stakeholders for two days of interdisciplinary discussion. The 2023 theme explored the intersection of building maintenance and healthy environments, leading to a simplified approach to understanding the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of building materials. Dr. Ted Weidner, professor of Engineering Practice and TCO expert, joined forces with Cameron Christenson, Head of Operations at Princeton University, and Jonathan Stanley, Director of Public Sector at Tarkett, to conduct the research presented here.

An overview of materials transparency and how it relates to green building, and socially and environmentally responsible manufacturing. The program contains an explanation of products™ life cycle and associated environmental impacts from creation, use, and disposal as well as the ways transparency documents can be used when determining the appropriate material choices when designing the built environment.

This course discusses the dangers of the typical home of aging people or those with mobility or other challenges. It discusses solutions to safety and accessibility issues, based on both the 7 Principles of Universal Design, as well as ADA standards. It also demonstrates to architects the benefits of creating a home that is safe and accessible for people of all generations. And it shows how professionals who are savvy in this topic can engage in a prosperous older economy.

Ultracompact surfacing (UCS) material offers architects and designers many options for both exterior and interior building projects. In this course, we will learn about the technology and innovation, including cutting-edge functional performance that makes Ultracompact surfacing the best material for all projects. We will learn all use cases for UCS and the advantages it carries over other options.

Lighting isn’t just about functionality. With good lighting design, you can transform the aesthetic value and overall experience of a space. This course will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of how to design lighting plans with the needs of clients in mind. That includes going over various areas of the home to consider, questions to ask, best practices, and more. By learning the fundamentals of lighting design, participants will have the tools to deliver more personalized and satisfying living spaces for their clients.

This session will focus on the principles behind light distribution and its practical application in downlighting. It will cover essential topics such as the physics of light, color temperature, Color Rendering Index (CRI), and beam angles. The discussion will dive into how different downlighting solutions influence space design and user experience, focusing on the role of optics, glare control, and how to choose the appropriate downlighting fixtures for specific architectural applications. The goal is to help Architects and Lighting Designers make informed decisions when selecting and integrating downlighting into their projects.