About AIA Education

To ensure architects remain at the forefront of the industry, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) mandates the acquisition of Continuing Education credits or Learning Units (LUs). One area offering rich learning potential is the field of architectural signage. ASI is an experienced resource for architects looking to delve deeper into this subject and earn AIA credits. 

AIA Continuing Education credits serve as a measure of an architect’s commitment to professional growth. Each year, AIA members are required to accrue a designated number of LUs, with a subset dedicated to topics concerning health, safety, and welfare (HSW). 

Signage and Architectural Design

Signage is an integrative element in architectural design. Effective signage guides usability, ensuring end-users can navigate a building effortlessly; ensures safety, indicating emergency routes, hazards and regulations; and enhances aesthetics, acting as a design focal point, either complementing or contrasting surrounding architecture.

ASI, as a leader in the architectural signage industry, is well-versed in the interplay between architecture and signage. To facilitate architects in keeping up to date on the latest in signage trends and materials, ASI offers AIA-accredited courses focusing on the many facets of signage. These courses are tailor-made to provide insights while contributing to an architect’s LU tally.

Beyond theory, ASI provides on-site experiences, like facility tours, allowing architects and designers to grasp the practical aspects of signage production and implementation.

Continuous learning is a key tenant of architectural excellence. With a learning partner like ASI offering AIA-accredited courses, architects are able to explore the multifaceted world of signage. Not only does this cater to the need for LUs, but it also adds depth and dimension to an architect’s design philosophy. Interested in continuing education with ASI? Contact us and we’ll connect you with your local ASI office for more information. 

AIA Courses

Introduction to Recognition Systems

In this module, you will learn the following:

  • Learn the impact of donor growth and how recognition displays can encourage future giving.
  • How to educate and promote social awareness and environmental initiatives through recognition systems.
  • Real-life examples of successful recognition systems that also incorporate ADA and Wayfinding solutions.

ADA & Accessibility Guidelines

In this module, you will learn the following:

  • General legal framework for the ADA and ADAAG and their relationship to local and state codes and regulations.
  • Major ADAAG regulations currently governing interior signage.
  • Impact of the “new” ADAAG on signage design.

Introduction to Digital Signage

In this module, you will learn the following:

  • Understand digital signage utilization by market segment.
  • Overview of hardware, software and content components that create a turn-key solution.
  • Common uses to address wayfinding, identification and other critical information needs.
  • Impacts of accessibility guidelines, such as ADA and ADAAG.

Wayfinding: The Psychology of Movement

In this module, you will learn the following:

  • Introduction to wayfinding concepts and terminologies.
  • Conducting a wayfinding assessment of a building or location.
  • Applying traffic-flow theories to a building or location’s wayfinding plan.
  • Determining the necessary signage placement to properly support the wayfinding needs of a building or location.

Green: The Strategies for Signage

In this module, you will learn the following:

  • Introduction to green concepts and terminologies.
  • Green strategies for signage including: material selection, modularity, durability and end-of-life management.
  • How signage affects LEED® certification.

Green: Introduction to Solar Signage

In this module, you will learn the following:

  • Benefits of solar-powered signage.
  • Primary components of solar-powered signage.
  • Solar-powered signage design & related considerations.
  • Impact of sustainability programs on brand promotion.

Color Theory and Architectural Signage

In this module, you will learn the following:

  • The materials and color palettes most commonly implemented in architectural signage design.
  • Principles of contrast and legibility as defined by the ADAAG, including recommended contrast levels using Light Reflective Value (LRV).
  • Common color harmonies that impact the design of signage and architectural design.

Typography: The Hidden Art of Letters

In this module, you will learn the following:

  • Basics of typography as used in architectural signage: terminology, measurement, cases and typestyles.
  • Principles of legibility, character spacing, contrast and color.
  • ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) as applied to typography used in signage.

Recognition Systems

ADA & Accessibility

Color Theory

Typography

Solar-Powered Signage

Green Strategies

Digital Signage​

Wayfinding