Designing a science lab is kind of like putting together a jigsaw puzzle – only the stakes are higher and the pieces include chemicals, safety protocols and students who aren’t always following the rules.
It’s not just about square footage and storage. It’s about how the space works. How it supports learning. How it protects everyone inside it. That’s where continuing education comes in.
The best continuing education units (CEUs) teach you something you can actually use on your next project, especially when you’re designing high-impact, safety-sensitive spaces like science labs.
CEU Requirements for Architects and Designers
Most licensed professionals are required to complete a certain number of continuing education units annually to maintain their credentials. If you’re a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), you’re required to earn Learning Units (LUs) annually, many of which must focus on Health, Safety and Welfare (HSW). Our CEUs qualify for HSW credit.
Requirements can change, so we always recommend checking directly with AIA’s website for the most current info.
Interior designers affiliated with organizations like ASID, IIDA, or IDC also meet annual development requirements through IDCEC-approved courses.
When it comes down to it, taking these courses isn’t just about staying compliant. It’s about staying competitive. The real value of CEUs shows up in your day-to-day work – solving layout challenges, understanding safety and making better design decisions.
Benefits of Continuing Education Units
Here’s what high-quality continuing education units for architects and designers can bring to your design process:
- Smarter layouts. Plan for traffic flow, emergency access and workstation spacing that work in a busy, high-use classroom. No more guessing where the eyewash station should go.
- Up-to-date code and compliance knowledge. Stay current on ventilation standards, ADA guidelines, chemical storage and safety codes. The kind of insight that helps you avoid surprises!
- Practical, project-tested strategies. Our CEUs focus on challenges that show up during the design process – like planning for flexibility, shared use or storage that actually fits the curriculum.
- Stronger communication across your team. When you understand the “why” behind specs and layouts, it’s easier to align with clients, engineers and contractors from day one.
- Fewer roadblocks mid-project. Avoid common issues like unclear sightlines, poor utility placement or missed safety features before they become change orders.
- Knowledge that grows with your work. Science labs are constantly evolving. CEUs help you stay ahead, so your designs do too.
Smarter Design Starts with Smarter Learning
Continuing education units are part of the job, but they can also be part of your design strategy. At Diversified Spaces, our AIA- and IDCEC-approved CEU courses are short, focused and built around the decisions designers make every day when planning science labs. Whether you’re starting fresh or modernizing an older space, we equip you with the tools to make smart calls early in the process.
View our available CEU courses or sign up below to request additional information.
Sign Up for a CEU Course
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