Design Decisions That Work in the Field
You don't install the work, but understanding how it gets done makes you better at your job. Our courses show you how crews actually install systems—so you can write clearer specs, reduce RFIs, and avoid costly field conflicts.
Who This Is For
Architects, engineers, specification writers, and project managers who design or specify waterproofing, restoration, and building envelope systems—but don't physically install them.
You might benefit from U Build if you:
- Write specs for sealants, waterproofing, air barriers, or restoration work
- Review submittals and shop drawings for envelope systems
- Coordinate between trades on complex building envelope projects
- Field RFIs about installation sequencing or material compatibility
- Want to understand constructability before problems arise
The Problem: Design vs. Field Reality
Great designs fail when they don't account for how construction actually happens in the field.
RFIs and Change Orders
Specs that look perfect on paper create questions in the field. 'How do we flash this detail?' 'What's the installation sequence?' 'Can we even access that location?' Every RFI costs time and creates friction.
Coordination Conflicts
Different trades work in sequences you might not anticipate. Air barriers need to tie into waterproofing. Sealants go in after cladding but before windows. Miss the sequencing and you're forcing field fixes.
Constructability Issues
Details that work in theory don't always work in practice. Material limitations, access constraints, weather impacts, crew capabilities—all affect whether your design can actually be built as drawn.
The Solution: See Construction Through Installers' Eyes
Understand How Systems Are Actually Installed
U Build courses show you construction methods, material selection, installation sequencing, and common field challenges. You'll learn from construction professionals with 20+ years of experience.
Clearer specs
Write specifications that match field reality, reducing questions and confusion
Better coordination
Understand trade sequences and material interfaces before conflicts arise
Fewer field issues
Anticipate installation constraints and design around them
Stronger credibility
Speak the same language as contractors and earn their respect
What Design Professionals Use U Build For
Specify What Can Actually Be Built
When you understand how installers actually work, you write specs that make sense in the field. You know which details are realistic, which materials work together, and what sequencing is required.
Instead of specifying a sealant joint detail that requires impossible access, you'll know the limitations before you draw it. Instead of calling out materials that aren't compatible, you'll understand why certain combinations fail.
What you'll learn:
- How different sealant types behave in different joints
- Why surface preparation matters more than the sealant itself
- What 'field conditions' really means when contractors push back
- Which installation sequences work and which create problems
Answer Questions Before They're Asked
RFIs happen when specs don't account for field reality. When you understand installation methods, you anticipate contractor questions and address them in your documents—not through RFIs during construction.
You'll know that waterproofing membranes need proper drainage. That air barriers require continuous sealing at penetrations. That sealant joints need backer rods before caulking. These aren't details to figure out during construction.
What you'll learn:
- Installation sequences that affect coordination
- Material prep requirements (surface cleaning, priming, moisture limits)
- Common installer mistakes and how to prevent them through clear specs
- Why contractors ask certain questions repeatedly
Details That Survive the Field
Beautiful details mean nothing if they can't be built. Understanding installation constraints—access, weather, material limitations, crew capabilities—helps you design systems that actually work.
You'll learn why certain flashing details are impossible to install from a scissor lift. Why some sealant applications require staging that's not in the budget. Why air barrier continuity breaks down at complex corners.
What you'll learn:
- Access requirements for different installation methods
- Weather and temperature impacts on materials
- How crew skill levels affect installation quality
- Material compatibility and long-term performance
Speak the Same Language as Contractors
When you understand how the work gets done, you communicate better with field teams. You ask better questions during submittals. You give better answers during site visits. You earn contractors' respect.
Instead of dismissing contractor concerns as 'not my problem,' you'll understand why they're raising issues. You'll know which field modifications make sense and which compromise the design intent.
What you'll learn:
- How contractors think about sequencing and logistics
- Why certain installation methods cost more than others
- What 'means and methods' really means (and when it matters)
- How to have productive conversations about field conditions
Relevant Courses for Design Professionals
Introduction to Joint Sealants
Why take this as a designer: Understand sealant joint design, movement calculations, and why joints fail. Learn what installers need from your specs—not just what products to specify.
What you'll learn:
- Joint design principles (width-to-depth ratios, movement capacity)
- Surface preparation requirements (why painters' caulk isn't structural)
- Installation sequencing (when sealants go in relative to other trades)
- Common specification mistakes that create field problems
Introduction to Air Barriers
Why take this as a designer: Air barrier design requires understanding how systems are installed. Learn about material selection, continuity requirements, and what 'continuous' actually means in the field.
What you'll learn:
- How air barriers control moisture and energy (building science fundamentals)
- Material options and when to use each type
- Critical details: penetrations, transitions, rough openings
- Installation sequencing and trade coordination requirements
- Testing and commissioning (what installers need to prove performance)
Introduction to Below-Grade Waterproofing
Why take this as a designer: Foundation waterproofing specs often ignore field realities. Learn how membranes are actually installed, what drainage details work, and what causes the most failures.
What you'll learn:
- Different waterproofing systems and when to use each
- Installation requirements (surface prep, curing, weather)
- Drainage design and why it's more important than the membrane
- Details at penetrations, transitions, and terminations
- Common constructability issues (access, soil conditions, scheduling)
Introduction to Traffic Coating Systems
Why take this as a designer: Parking deck and plaza coatings fail when specs don't match installation requirements. Learn what contractors need to know to install systems correctly.
What you'll learn:
- System selection based on exposure and traffic
- Substrate preparation requirements (concrete quality, moisture, slope)
- Application methods and why they matter
- Drainage and why standing water kills coatings
- Maintenance requirements (what building owners need to know)
Introduction to Concrete Repair
Why take this as a designer: Restoration projects require understanding crack causes before specifying repairs. Learn how to identify structural vs. non-structural cracks and what repair methods actually work.
What you'll learn:
- Why concrete cracks and when it's a problem
- Structural evaluation basics (what engineers look for)
- Different repair methods (injection, routing & sealing, patching)
- Material selection based on crack type and cause
- Specification requirements for successful repairs
Restoration Pre-Work Assessment
Why take this as a designer: Good restoration specs start with accurate condition assessment. Learn how to document existing conditions and identify root causes—not just symptoms.
What you'll learn:
- Systematic building envelope assessment methods
- How to identify failure modes and root causes
- Documentation requirements (photos, measurements, testing)
- How assessment findings inform repair specifications
- Common mistakes in restoration scoping
How It Works for Design Professionals
Choose Relevant Courses
Browse courses based on the systems you design or specify. Focus on building envelope, waterproofing, and restoration topics that affect your projects.
Learn at Your Own Pace
Complete 6-8 hour courses on your schedule. Watch videos, review materials, take quizzes. Access content on any device—desktop, tablet, or phone.
Apply to Your Work
Use what you learn to write better specs, coordinate trades more effectively, and reduce field conflicts. Reference course materials when reviewing submittals or answering RFIs.
What You Get
For Each Course:
- Lessons from construction professionals (not other designers)
- Downloadable reference materials
- Quizzes to test understanding
- Certificate showing course completion
After Completing Training:
- Better understanding of field conditions
- Vocabulary to communicate with contractors
- Knowledge to write constructability-focused specs
- Ability to anticipate installation issues
- Reduced RFIs and change orders on your projects
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Benefits Most
Specification Writers
Write specs that contractors can actually follow. Reduce ambiguity and anticipate field conditions.
Architects on Envelope Projects
Design details that are constructible. Understand material interfaces and installation sequences.
Project Managers
Communicate better with field teams. Understand why contractors raise certain issues and when they're legitimate.
Junior Engineers
Build field knowledge faster than waiting years for site experience. Understand how theoretical knowledge translates to practice.
Building Envelope Consultants
Stay current on installation methods. Understand what contractors actually do vs. what specs say.
See Construction Through Installers' Eyes
Invest a few hours to understand how the systems you design actually get built. Learn from construction professionals with 20+ years of field experience.