Join AIA Wisconsin’s Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN) for an exclusive behind-the-scenes exploration of manufacturing, design innovation, and material specification in custom residential architecture.

This immersive educational program begins with a VIP guided tour of Kohler Co.’s manufacturing operations, including the Waste Lab, Artist Editions, and Glass production areas. Participants will gain direct exposure to the processes behind precision-engineered kitchen and bath products and observe how material selection, fabrication methods, craftsmanship, and quality control influence durability, performance, sustainability, and occupant safety in residential environments.

Following the plant tour, attendees will return to the Kohler Design Center to explore integrated kitchen and bath vignettes, product displays, and Kohler’s design history, with emphasis on the relationship between manufacturing capabilities and architectural specification.

The program continues with a shuttle to the Arts/Industry 50th Collective Exhibition Center for lunch and a featured presentation by Michael Seum, Vice President of Global Design at Kohler Co. Michael will discuss emerging trends in residential design, material innovation, global design strategy, and the role of interdisciplinary collaboration in shaping meaningful user-centered environments.

Participants will conclude the formal educational portion of the program with additional guided and independent exploration opportunities within the Kohler Design Center and campus environment, reinforcing the relationship between manufacturing processes, product specification, integrated systems, and user-centered residential design.

This course is designed to help architects better understand how manufacturing processes, integrated product systems, and material specification decisions impact health, safety, welfare, sustainability, and long-term residential building performance.

Agenda:

8:15 a.m.

Arrive at Kohler Design Center
101 Upper Road

8:30 a.m.

VIP Plant Tour — Waste Lab, Artist Editions, and Glass Production Areas
Please wear comfortable closed-toe shoes.

10:30 a.m.

Return to Kohler Design Center
Explore design vignettes, product displays, and Kohler design history exhibits.

11:30 a.m.

Shuttle to Arts/Industry 50th Collective Exhibition Center

12:00 p.m.

Lunch

12:10 p.m.

Featured Presentation — Michael Seum
Vice President of Global Design, Kohler Co.

Michael Seum leads Kohler’s Global Design Studios and has built an international career spanning industrial design, product development, digital design, packaging, brand strategy, and holistic brand environments. His experience includes leadership roles with Kohler, Sterling, Procter & Gamble, Whirlpool (USA and Italy), PepsiCo Sports and Nutrition, Minimal, and Grohe (Germany). His presentation will explore emerging trends in luxury residential environments, material innovation, and insight-driven design leadership.

1:30 p.m.

Conclusion of Guided Program / Shuttle Back to Kohler Design Center

1:45–3:15 p.m.

Optional Guided and Independent Exploration
Participants may continue exploring the Kohler Design Center, product installations, integrated residential vignettes, and campus resources to reinforce course learning objectives related to specification, material application, and user-centered residential design.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe and evaluate key stages in the manufacturing process for residential plumbing fixtures and glass products, including material selection, forming, finishing, and quality control, and explain how these processes influence product durability, precision, and long-term performance in residential environments. (HSW)
• Identify and analyze how manufacturing tolerances, fabrication techniques, and material properties affect occupant safety, maintenance requirements, sanitation, and lifecycle performance in residential kitchen and bath applications. (HSW)
• Assess how integrated kitchen and bath system design contributes to occupant health, safety, and welfare through considerations including accessibility, hygiene, moisture management, ergonomic use, and water efficiency. (HSW)
• Examine how water delivery systems, fixture specification strategies, and coordinated plumbing components impact residential water efficiency, sustainability performance, and code compliance in custom residential projects. (HSW)
• Compare and evaluate material systems used in luxury residential environments—including tile, glass, stone, and specialty surface finishes—based on durability, maintenance requirements, slip resistance, moisture performance, sustainability, and lifecycle impact. (HSW)
• Apply insights gained from manufacturing environments, design center exploration, and interdisciplinary design presentations to improve coordination between architectural detailing, MEP systems, and product specification, reducing construction conflicts and enhancing overall building performance. (HSW)
• Evaluate the role of interdisciplinary collaboration between architects, manufacturers, industrial designers, and interior designers in shaping integrated residential environments that balance aesthetics, wellness, performance, sustainability, and user experience. (HSW)

Submitted for AIA/CES approval.

No refunds day of event.

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