2026 Code Series | Basics Matter: Code Foundations in Early Design Careers
This is the fourth session in the 2026 Code Matters Series presented by AIA Seattle’s Code Committee.
Basics Matter is a two-day virtual training that will provide a basic overview of code essentials. It will discuss the foundation of a working code knowledge.
Topics will explore how code knowledge supports safe, inclusive and resilient design; how codes are developed; and the permitting process. This session is for design professionals that are early in their career and/or seeking to deepen understanding of code basics.
Join us online October 13-14, 12:00 – 2:00 pm PT both days for 2026 Code Series: Basics Matter (4 LU/HSW).
This is a 2-day program. Participants must attend the live webinars both days in order to receive continuing education credit or a certificate of completion. No partial credit will be awarded. All registration and credit questions can be directed to Pamela Tagata.
Meet the Speakers
TBD
Ray Cockerham is a Building and Fire Code Official with 36 years of experience in building safety, code administration, and public service. He oversees the Building Department, including building plan review, building inspections, the permit center, and fire prevention programs. Ray works closely with the Washington State Department of Health, Tacoma–Pierce County Department of Health, local water utility districts, the Master Builders Association of Pierce County, and the chamber of commerce to support consistent and effective regulatory coordination across the region.
Ray is the Immediate Past President of the Washington Association of Building Officials and serves on the WABO Government Relations Committee, contributing to statewide policy discussions and legislative engagement. He holds multiple International Code Council certifications, including Building Inspector, Plans Examiner, and Certified Building Official.
He currently teaches Building Official presented by WABO courses 401 and 402, supporting the development of future code professionals.
Zoram brings over 20 years of dedicated expertise in commercial
doors, frames, and architectural hardware to Allegion Services
Group. With a comprehensive background that spans specification
consulting, estimating, and project management, Zoram has a proven
track record of delivering complex, multi-phase facilities across
diverse vertical markets. His deep mastery of fire, life-safety, and
accessibility codes makes him a critical asset for this project to
remain safe, compliant, and universally accessible
*All sessions and speakers subject to change.
Learning Objectives
- Identify key building code requirements related to occupancy, construction type, fire safety, and means of egress.
- Explain the role of the code in building and occupant safety.
- Describe best practices for permit submittals.
- Identify how the codes are developed and utilized by jurisdictions.
Cost
Includes continuing education credit (4 LU/ HSW)
$104 AIA Member/Corporate Allied Partner (CAP)/Allied Member
$104 Government
$52 Associate Member
$204 Non-Member
FREE Student/Emeritus
REGISTER
Early Bird Deadline: Tuesday, September 29, 5:00pm PT. After this time, the price increases 15%.
Registration Deadline: Monday, October 12, 5:00pm PT.
Reduced rate options are available! Please submit the Continuing Education Scholarship / Reduced Rate Request form via email by Tuesday, September 29, 5:00pm PT.
Learn more about our program pricing, the member ticket rate, and other benefits associated with membership. Explore the other major education programs we offer.
Accessibility
- This program will be conducted via Zoom Webinar, with closed captioning enabled. Visit the Zoom Accessibility Guide to learn more about leveraging accessible features on Zoom.
- All sessions will be recorded for later viewing and will be accessible to registered attendees for up to a year after the session concludes.
- Presenter files and other program materials (as applicable) will be available on the password-protected attendee resources page at least 1-2 business days before the program. The password will be sent in follow-up email communications to all registered attendees.
- We encourage speakers to create accessible presentations to ensure attendees can fully engage with the session content.
If you have accessibility needs for this program, please note them in your registration form or contact Programs Coordinator, Pamela Tagata. You can reach Pamela via email at pamelat@aiaseattle.org or via phone at 206-957-1922. Please reach out by September 22. We will do our best to support any needs conveyed after this date.
Special Thanks to the Code Committee
Special thanks to the Code Committee for planning this session and the entire 2026 Code Matters series!
CODE COMMITTEE CHAIRS:
Che Fortaleza AIA
Miriam Hinden AIA
