# Building Enclosure Course Online

Canonical URL: <https://vdci.edu/courses/the-building-enclosure>

## Overview

This course focuses on one of the most important and often overlooked parts of a building: the enclosure. As part of the Construction Fundamentals series, it looks at how buildings are wrapped, protected, and made comfortable for the people inside. You’ll learn how exterior walls, cladding systems, roofing, and curtain walls are designed and built to hold up over time, while managing heat, air, and moisture so the building performs the way it should.

You’ll explore how walls, roofs, and foundations work together as a system, and how controlling thermal, moisture, and air flow can significantly improve energy efficiency. The course covers how to choose materials based on climate, budget, and building use, and how to spot and address common issues like moisture intrusion and thermal bridging before they become major problems. Sustainable practices are part of the discussion throughout, along with the importance of working closely with other construction and design professionals to get the best possible enclosure performance on real projects.

## What you'll learn

- Understanding the primary functions and components of building enclosures (walls, roofs, foundations).
- Controlling thermal, moisture, and air flow to improve energy efficiency.
- Selecting appropriate materials based on climate, budget, and building use.
- Identifying and addressing common issues like moisture intrusion and thermal bridging.
- Implementing sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact.
- Collaborating effectively with professionals to optimize building enclosure performance.

## Instructors

### David Sellers — Instructor

David, the Chief Academic Officer, has a Bachelor of Architecture Degree from Penn State University and an MBA from Point Loma Nazarene University. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects. He has been teaching Autodesk programs for over 10 years and enjoys working and teaching in the architectural industry. In addition to working with the Autodesk suite, he has significant experience in 3D modeling, the Adobe Creative Suite, Bluebeam Revu, and SketchUp. David enjoys spending his free time with his wife, biking, hanging out with his kids, and listening to audiobooks by the fire. 

**Credentials:**

- Licensed Architect
- Autodesk Certified Instructor (ACI SILVER – Certified \> 5 Years)
- Autodesk Certified Professional: AutoCAD, Revit, Fusion 360
- Adobe Visual Design Specialist
- SketchUp Certified 3D Warehouse Content Developer

### Luis Hernandez — Instructor

Luis has a Bachelor of Architecture Degree from the University of Southern California and over 10 years of professional AEC industry experience. He has made extensive use of AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit and Photoshop in his work, and is happiest when helping others achieve success. He’s an avid traveler who has run 10 marathons and enjoys reading, yoga, camping, volunteering and attending music festivals all over the world.

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $279