Current Issues in New Jersey Residential Design and Construction
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Streamable MP4/PDF
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Agenda
Webinar instructions will be emailed 24-48 business hours before the date of the webinar.
Please log into the webinar 15 – 30 minutes before start time.
Monday, August 25, 2025
9:00 am – 4:00 pm EDT
Agenda:
Presented by Christopher “CJ” Aker
Trends in Single Family Residential Design and Construction
- Overview of current and anticipated residential design trends
- The emerging role of artificial intelligence and residential architecture
Designing in Floodplains in New Jersey
- Designing for resilience in flood-prone areas
- Anticipated regulatory changes, including the reel initiative (REEL)
- Overview of the newly released AISC 24-24 standards
- FEMA technical bulletins as a design resource
- Architectural impacts: elimination of basements, taller home profiles, importance of half-stories, and 5A construction methods
- Market, zoning, and insurance considerations
The Bidding Phase and Value Engineering
- Cost estimating strategies in a volatile construction market
- Cost-plus vs. competitive bidding: pros, cons, and client expectations
- Value engineering methods to maintain design intent while reducing cost
- Managing client expectations and scope evolution
- Case study: Princeton–Vida
Taking Energy Efficiency to the Next Level
- New technologies and systems
- RES-Check and advancements in energy-efficient design strategies
- Passive strategies and long-term performance
- Balancing sustainability, code compliance, and architectural goals
- Batt insulation versus spray foam insulation
Webinar Instructions
All attendees must log-on through their own email – attendees may not watch together if they wish to earn continuing education credit. HalfMoon Education Inc. must be able to prove attendance if either the attendee or HalfMoon Education Inc. is audited.
Certificates of completion can be downloaded in PDF form upon passing a short quiz. A link to the quiz will be sent to each qualifying attendee immediately after the webinar. The certificate can be downloaded from the Results page of the quiz upon scoring 80% or higher.
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Windows 10 or higher, macOS 11 or higher, Linux, Google Chrome OS
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Credits
Engineers
6.0 PDHs
Architects
6.0 HSW CE Hours
AIA - American Institute of Architects
6.0 HSW LUs
ICC - International Code Council
.6 CEUs (Building)
Continuing Education Information
This webinar is open to the public and is designed to qualify for 6.0 PDHs for professional engineers and 6.0 HSW continuing education hours for licensed architects in New Jersey.
HalfMoon Education is an approved continuing education sponsor for engineers in New Jersey (Approval No. 24GP00049300). Courses approved by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) are deemed approved for New Jersey architects (13:27-4A.3(a)(1)).
The American Institute of Architects Continuing Education System has approved this course for 6.0 HSW LUs (Sponsor No. J885). Only full participation is reportable to the AIA/CES.
The International Code Council has approved this event for .6 CEUs in the specialty area of Building (Preferred Provider No. 1232).
Attendance will be monitored, and attendance certificates will be available after the webinar for those who attend the entire course and score a minimum 80% on the quiz that follows the course (multiple attempts allowed).
*On-Demand Credits*
The preceding credit information only applies to the live presentation. This course in an on-demand format is not pre-approved by any licensing boards and may not qualify for the same credits; please consult your licensing board(s) to ensure that a structured, asynchronous learning format is appropriate. The following pre-approvals may be available for the on-demand format upon request:
6.0 HSW LUs (AIA)
Speakers
Christopher "CJ" Aker
New Jersey Architect & EducatorMr. Aker, known to many as CJ Aker, is a dedicated architect with deep roots in New Jersey. Born in Belmar and raised on a 12-acre horse farm in Howell, he developed a strong work ethic from an early age. After graduating from Howell High School, he began his architectural journey working for local architect Rich Grasso in Manasquan. His early freelance work, particularly on house raises and lifts after Hurricane Sandy, solidified his passion for architecture. CJ pursued formal education at Brookdale Community College’s architecture associate program, which he still considers his most valuable educational experience. He later attended NJIT and Drexel University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Architecture in 2014. While balancing work and studies, he gained invaluable experience at OSK Design Partners, contributing to high-end residential projects along the coast in Southern New Jersey.
In 2018, CJ became a licensed architect and returned to Howell Township to establish his own residential architecture practice in Point Pleasant. As demand grew, articularly during the COVID-19 housing boom, he leveraged his expertise in floodplain regulations, municipal codes, and modern design technologies to create sought-after homes in Monmouth and Ocean counties.
Today, CJ leads a small but talented team, Akertect Design LLC, specializing in custom highend residences along the Jersey Shore. He remains dedicated to his craft, continuously learning, and collaborating with top builders to shape the future of luxury home design. When he’s not designing, CJ enjoys time with his wife and two sons, Jack and Logan, born in 2019 and 2021.
AIA Info
AIA Provider Statement:
HalfMoon Education Inc. is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number J885. All registered AIA/CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider of learning program may be sent to AIA/CES (cesupport@aia.org or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3).
This learning program is registered with AIA/CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.
AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA/CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA/CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.
Course Title: Current Issues in New Jersey Residential Design and Construction
Delivery Method: Live Online
Course Description: This six-hour course focuses on four emerging aspects of residential design in New Jersey: contemporary design trends, flood resistance, value engineering, and energy efficiency.
Learning Objectives:
Learning Objective 1: Learners will be able to discuss current trends in single family residential design, including the emerging role of artificial intelligence and residential architecture.
Learning Objective 2: Learners will be able to explore the challenges of designing for resiliency in flood-prone areas and utilize FEMA technical bulletins as a design resource.
Learning Objective 3: Learners will be able to adopt value engineering methods to maintain design intent while reducing costs and consumption.
Learning Objective 4: Learners will be able to explore new technology and systems that enhance residential energy efficiency and discuss how to balance sustainability, code compliance and architectural goals.
LUs: 6.0
LU Type: LU|HSWs
Prerequisites: None
Advance Preparation: None
Program Level: Intermediate
Course Expiration Date: 05/02/2028
Complaint Resolution Policy:
Complaints regarding this course can be emailed to fchapman@halfmoonseminars.org or by calling (715) 835-5900. A HalfMoon Education representative will respond within 72 hours to resolve the complaint, which will include, but not limited to, access to another CE activity at no or reduced cost or a full or partial refund. Each instance will be resolved on a case-by-case situation.
6 Knowledge Points
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