The Texas A&M RELLIS campus continues to thrive as a hub for innovation and hands-on learning, with recent events highlighting its commitment to advancing the construction and architectural engineering industries.

Generational Masonry Class with Daniel Hodges

Last week, Texas A&M RELLIS hosted the "Generational Masonry" class, led by Zero/Six Associate Principle, Daniel Hodges. This technical program provided professionals and students with a historical dive into traditional masonry techniques, emphasizing how evolutional changes in design and detailing of collateral building systems have changed masonry construction in modern buildings. This class highlighted the impact water management has had on masonry construction in addition to HVAC systems and continuous insulation. If you are an architect or designer, you will find this presentation extremely beneficial in explaining the practical side effects to many building enclosure and insulative requirements. Join the NABCTA mailing list to receive notifications of upcoming classes that highlight the building enclosure industry.

Upcoming NABCTA 'Seal the Deal' Class on May 13

Looking ahead, the North American Building Compliance Testers Association (NABCTA) is set to conduct its "Seal the Deal" class on May 13. “Seal the Deal” is designed to provide practical knowledge and hands-on experience in blower door testing, the industry standard method for measuring air leakage through a building’s envelope. The course aims to equip attendees with the skills needed to enhance energy efficiency and building performance across a variety of construction types. Instruction will be led by our favorite Brit, Barry Cope, a recognized blower door expert and member of NABCTA’s advisory board.

The training is ideal for contractors, architects, engineers, project managers, and other building professionals. No formal prerequisites are required, making it accessible to a wide audience. Participants will benefit from a mix of classroom learning, live demonstrations, hands-on equipment use, and group exercises focused on real-world applications.

Given the increasing demand for sustainable and durable construction practices, this class is a must-attend for industry professionals seeking to stay ahead in their field.

Guest Lecture on Risk Management at Texas A&M

In a recent collaboration with the flagship Texas A&M campus, Benjamin Scales had the privilege of delivering a guest lecture on risk management for students in the Department of Construction Science. The session focused on identifying potential risks in construction projects, implementing mitigation strategies, and understanding the financial implications of unforeseen challenges. Engaging with the students, Mr. Scales discussed real-world case studies, emphasizing the critical role of proactive risk assessment in successful project execution.

Texas A&M Students Shine at AEI Conference in Kansas City

Earlier this month, Texas A&M students showcased their talents at the Architectural Engineering Institute (AEI) Conference held in Kansas City. Notably, juniors Mercedes Villena Cassal and Barbara Garza Valdes were appointed as vice-president and secretary, respectively, for the AEI National Student Organization. Additionally, Texas A&M students made up the winning team in the "Bridge The Gap" competition, demonstrating exceptional problem-solving and design skills. These accolades underscore the university's dedication to fostering excellence and leadership in architectural engineering.

Looking ahead

The Texas A&M flagship and RELLIS campuses continue to expand their offerings for learning, professional development, and collaborations; students and professionals alike are encouraged to participate in these building enclosure industry opportunities. Whether it's mastering traditional masonry design techniques, enhancing waterproofing skills, or delving into risk management strategies, through our partnership with Texas A&M, Zero/Six and NABCTA remain a beacon for those committed to advancing in the construction and architectural engineering sectors.