Blog

New Lunch and Learn Presentation: Understanding Unitized Façade Systems

15 April 2026

Staying up to date with evolving building systems and construction methods is essential for today’s architects and design professionals. As façade technologies continue to advance, understanding how different systems impact performance, efficiency, and installation has become increasingly important. 

To support this need, INTUS Windows continues to expand its Lunch and Learn program, offering accredited, expert-led presentations designed to provide practical, real-world knowledge. 

The latest addition, Understanding Unitized Façade Systems, focuses on one of the most widely used solutions in modern building envelopes. This new session introduces the fundamentals of unitized curtain wall systems, helping professionals better understand their role, advantages, and application in today’s construction industry. 

What are Lunch and Learn Programs

The INTUS Windows Lunch and Learn program is designed to make continuing education both accessible and relevant for today’s building professionals. Tailored for architects, designers, and project teams, these sessions provide a focused opportunity to explore key topics shaping modern construction—without stepping away from the workplace. 

Each presentation combines technical knowledge with real-world applications. Rather than staying purely theoretical, the content is structured to help professionals better understand how systems perform in practice, how they are installed, and how they influence overall building outcomes. 

"Whether you are new to fenestration or have years of industry experience, I can guarantee you will learn valuable information in our time together. We built our Lunch & Learns around what architects actually need; clear, practical information that supports better design decisions. Every session is focused on delivering new ideas, proven strategies, and actionable details that add value to real projects.", Sam Kintzele, Business Development Ambassador at INTUS Windows, leading Lunch & Learn sessions. 

In addition to their practical value, all Lunch and Learn sessions are AIA-accredited, offering 1 LU | HSW credit. These credits are an essential part of maintaining professional licensure, making the program not only informative but also directly beneficial for career development.

A Growing Portfolio of Lunch and Learn Topics

As the building industry continues to evolve, so do the technical demands placed on architects and design professionals. New performance standards, materials, and construction methods require a deeper level of understanding—especially when it comes to building envelopes and fenestration systems. 

To address this, the INTUS Lunch and Learn program has developed a broad and continuously expanding portfolio of educational topics, designed to reflect real challenges faced in today’s projects. 

Built Around Real-World Architectural Challenges 

Rather than offering generic overviews, each Lunch and Learn session is built around practical application. The goal is to help architects and project teams better understand how different systems perform in real conditions, and how those decisions impact energy use, comfort, and long-term building performance. 

Current presentation topics cover a wide spectrum of relevant areas, including: 

  • Energy efficiency in commercial applications, with a focus on reducing operational energy demand;

  • Passive House design principles, supporting high-performance and low-energy buildings;  

  • Acoustic performance, addressing growing concerns around noise in urban environments;  

  • Window systems, materials, and façade components, providing insight into how different solutions influence building envelopes.

Together, these topics create a well-rounded educational framework that supports both early-stage design decisions and detailed technical specification. 

Introducing the New Presentation: Understanding Unitized Façade Systems

As part of its expanding educational portfolio, INTUS introduces its latest Lunch and Learn presentation: Understanding Unitized Façade Systems—a topic that reflects the growing complexity and importance of modern building envelopes. 

Understanding Curtain Wall Systems and Market Trends 

The presentation begins with a broader view of curtain wall systems—placing them within the context of today’s construction landscape. 

Attendees are introduced to the scale and continued growth of the curtain wall market, along with the factors driving this expansion. From increasing demand for high-performance façades to the rise of large-scale commercial and mixed-use developments, curtain wall systems have become a defining feature of contemporary architecture. 

This section helps establish not only what these systems are, but why they are so widely used, and how they continue to evolve. 

Key Differences Between Stick-Built and Unitized Systems 

A core focus of the presentation is understanding the fundamental differences between stick-built and unitized façade systems

This includes a detailed look at: 

  • How each system is fabricated—on-site versus in controlled factory environments  

  • How installation processes differ in terms of sequencing, labor, and coordination  

  • How these differences impact overall performance, quality control, and project timelines  

By comparing both approaches, attendees gain a clearer understanding of when and why each system is used—and how to make more informed decisions during the design phase. 

Components, Terminology, and Installation Basics 

To support this introduction, the presentation also covers the basic components and terminology associated with unitized façade systems. 

Attendees will become familiar with: 

  • Core elements such as frames, glazing units, anchors, and seals  

  • The sequence of installation, from delivery to final placement  

  • Key technical terms used in façade design and construction  

This foundational knowledge helps bridge the gap between design intent and construction execution, making it easier to communicate with consultants, contractors, and manufacturers throughout the project lifecycle. 

Why This Topic Matters for Today’s Projects

The way buildings are designed and constructed is changing rapidly—and façade systems are at the center of that shift. 

Across the industry, there is a growing demand for prefabrication and off-site construction methods. As projects become larger and more complex, developers and contractors are looking for solutions that improve efficiency, reduce on-site labor, and minimize construction risks. Unitized façade systems directly support this approach by moving much of the fabrication process into controlled environments, where quality and precision can be better managed. 

At the same time, expectations for building performance continue to rise. Energy efficiency, airtightness, and long-term durability are no longer optional—they are fundamental requirements. High-performance building envelopes play a critical role in meeting these standards, and façade systems must be designed accordingly. 

This is particularly relevant for commercial, institutional, and large-scale residential projects, where façade design has a significant impact on both performance and project timelines. In these cases, the choice between stick-built and unitized systems can influence everything from construction speed to long-term maintenance. 

For architects, understanding these systems early in the design process is key. It allows for better coordination with consultants, more accurate specifications, and ultimately, more efficient and successful project outcomes. 

Why Architects Choose INTUS Lunch and Learn Sessions

With so many continuing education options available, architects are increasingly selective about where they invest their time. INTUS Lunch and Learn sessions stand out by focusing on what matters most: practical knowledge that can be applied directly to real projects. 

Focused on Real-World Application 

Each presentation is designed to go beyond theory. Instead of abstract concepts, sessions address real challenges faced in design and construction—helping architects better understand how systems perform, how they are installed, and how decisions made early in a project impact long-term outcomes. 

Led by Industry Experts 

INTUS Lunch and Learn sessions are developed and delivered by professionals with hands-on experience in high-performance building systems and façade solutions. This ensures that the information presented is not only accurate, but grounded in current industry practices and project realities. 

Aligned with Project Needs 

From energy efficiency to façade systems, each topic is carefully selected to reflect the evolving demands of modern construction. This makes the sessions highly relevant for architects working on commercial, multi-family, and high-performance buildings where technical understanding directly influences project success. 

Accredited and Professionally Valuable 

In addition to their practical value, all sessions are AIA-accredited, offering 1 LU | HSW credit. This allows architects to meet continuing education requirements while gaining knowledge that directly supports their day-to-day work. 

By combining technical depth, real-world relevance, and professional accreditation, INTUS Lunch and Learn sessions provide a well-rounded learning experience that goes beyond traditional continuing education. 

Schedule a Lunch and Learn for Your Team

Bringing expert-led education to your team is simple. 

INTUS Lunch and Learn sessions are designed to be easy to schedule and flexible to your needs. Whether you’re looking to explore a specific topic—like unitized façade systems—or want a broader overview of high-performance window and façade solutions, sessions can be tailored to fit your team and project focus. 

With a range of available presentations and a straightforward request process, it’s easy to organize a session that delivers real value without disrupting your workflow. 

Schedule a Lunch and Learn and give your team the opportunity to gain practical insights, ask questions, and stay current with industry developments. and give your team the opportunity to gain practical insights, ask questions, and stay current with industry developments. 

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
Stay up-to-date with the latest news, announcements and articles
ELEVATE YOUR BUILDING WITH PREMIUM WINDOWS
Enhance your project's appeal and energy efficiency. Get started today to elevate your building with our high-quality windows. Schedule your consultation NOW