CS Media

Education

Certified instruction from CS Media

Mark KurillaMark Kurilla is president of CS Media, Inc. an electronics systems contractor based in Minneapolis, MN. Mark has more than 12 years of experience in residential and commercial system design and installation. He has worked in many of the most prestigious projects in the upper Midwest and throughout the country. In doing so he has worked with a wide range of extremely talented designers, architects and contractors. Mark is a member of CEDIA (Custom Electronics Design and Installation Association) and is a CEDIA Certified Instructor and a Certified Outreach Instructor for the AIA.

For more information contact Mark Kurilla:
275 Market Street, Suite 530, Minneapolis, MN 55405
952-486-7345 | mark.kurilla@cs-mediainc.com

Home Integration for Convenience, Comfort, and Safety

Program Description

This newly-revised course highlights the benefits of home automation and systems integration. Elements such as security, lighting, temperature control, communications, and entertainment are included in this course, along with discussion of commonly-held misconceptions related to home automation and systems integration. Attendees will take away such vital information as identifying talking points to use with clients and how to locate an Electronic Systems Contractor (ESC) technology partner, while learning effective ways to incorporate technology into their design and build projects.

Learning Objectives

  • Define home automation/ systems integration
  • Define how home integration influences convenience, comfort, and safety in the home
  • Identify commonly-held misconceptions related to home automation and systems integration
  • Discuss home technology, home automation, and systems integration talking points to use with clients
  • Recognize how systems integration works
  • Define the value of identifying and working with an Electronic Systems Contractor (ESC)

Program Length

Preferred length 1.25 hours. Class is approved for 1 CEU credit for AIA, AIBD, and IDCEC (which governs education for ASID, IDC, IDEC, and IIDA) and is HSW approved.

Structured Wiring for the Integrated Home

Program Description

What is structured wiring and why is it so important in today's modern, integrated home? These questions, and many others, will be answered during this course. Participants will walk away with the ability to define structured wiring, explain why structured wiring is needed, and discuss technologies that use structured wiring infrastructure. Attendees will learn about the key components of a structured wiring system and what key discussion points and questions to raise when engaging the partnership of an Electronic Systems Contractor (ESC) in the design and build process.

Learning Objectives

  • Define structured wiring
  • Identify current technology and trends
  • Explain why structured wiring is needed
  • Identify current and (not so distant) future applications related to structured wiring
  • Define structured wiring infrastructure components and wire types
  • Identify the key components of a structured wiring system
  • Define the value of identifying and working with an Electronic Systems Contractor

Program Length

Preferred length 1.25 hours. Class is approved for 1 CEU credit for AIA, AIBD, and IDCEC (which governs education for ASID, IDC, IDEC, and IIDA) and is HSW approved.

Building Quiet Environments

Program Description

In today's hectic and fast-paced world, homeowners need and want a space that is peaceful and tranquil—a quiet environment where they can relax and enjoy their home without noisy interruptions. This course outlines the fundamentals of sound control and gives examples of noise pollution affecting today's society. Participants will discuss key principles related to sound isolation and the "why, what, and how" components associated with controlling sound. Construction materials and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing considerations will also be discussed, while the participant is guided through the step-by-step process of building a specialty room. Attendees will learn how to locate an Electronic Systems Contractor (ESC) and what questions to ask when partnering with an ESC.

Learning Objectives

  • Define the fundamentals of sound
  • Explain common terms related to sound proofing and isolation
  • Describe the "Why, What, How" components of controlling sound
  • Identify construction components used in controlling sound
  • Identify Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP) considerations
  • Outline the design of a specialty room
  • Define the value of identifying and working with an Electronic Systems Contractor (ESC)

Program Length

Preferred length 1.25 hours. Class is approved for 1 CEU credit for AIA, AIBD, and IDCEC (which governs education for ASID, IDC, IDEC, and IIDA) and is HSW approved.

Home Theater Design and Construction

Program Description

What is a home theater? This may sound like a simple question, but is it? Participants in this course will come away with a very distinct definition of what a home theater is—and what it isn't! Discussions will also include basic acoustical physics, common mistakes in design and construction, "points to remember" to achieve a solid, repeatable process, and spatial and usage considerations. This course will provide guidance related to what goes in the room—from equipment, to wall treatments, to lights—and how to analyze common problems associated with home theater design and construction. Attendees will learn how, when, and why to engage a trained Electronic Systems Contractor (ESC) early in the design and build process.

Learning Objectives

  • Define home theater
  • Identify common mistakes in the design and construction of home theaters
  • Assemble "points to remember"
  • Identify usage and spatial considerations and parameters
  • Identify specific home theater design considerations and related elements
  • Analyze design problems related to home theaters
  • Define the value of identifying and working with an Electronic Systems Contractor (ESC)

Program Length

Preferred length 1.25 hours. Class is approved for 1 CEU credit for AIA, AIBD, and IDCEC (which governs education for ASID, IDC, IDEC, and IIDA) and is HSW approved.

Home Audio Made Easy: Residential Speaker Solutions

Program Description

There are many residential speaker solutions available for your client; how do you know which one is best? This course will help participants sort through speaker choices and placement considerations so that they will be better prepared to assist clients with finding the best options! Attendees will learn how speakers produce sound, what factors most influence sound quality, how to position speakers for optimum performance, and the best methods for integrating speakers into décor. This course will help attendees identify the proper electronics professional for the job and how to engage that professional early in the process.

Learning Objectives

  • Describe how speakers produce sound
  • Discuss the impact of room size and acoustical conditions
  • Summarize new speaker technologies and the current types of speakers
  • Integrate speakers into various décor
  • Recall speaker positioning and coverage for multiple speakers
  • Explain sub-woofers and their function
  • Explain the different types of headphones and their respective functions
  • Define the value of identifying and working with an Electronic Systems Contractor

Program Length

Preferred length 1.25 hours. Class is approved for 1 CEU credit for AIA, AIBD, and IDCEC (which governs education for ASID, IDC, IDEC, and IIDA) and is HSW approved.

Understanding the Need for Home Technology

Program Description

Participants will walk away from this course with a comprehensive overview of current home technologies available in today's connected homes. The in-depth discussion will focus on wired vs. wireless, integrated systems—what they are and how they work—and engaging a trained, certified professional Electronic Systems Contractor (ESC). This overview will also help attendees plan for proper wiring infrastructure and other profitable electronic systems that today's savvy clients are looking for, dispel common misperceptions regarding home technology, and assist them in navigating the technologies market by providing a list of "do's and don'ts".

Learning Objectives

  • Explain current home electronic technologies
  • Describe why wiring is so important
  • Describe the differences between wired vs. wireless and wiring with an Electronic Systems Contractor (ESC)
  • Recognize bidding and design center issues
  • Differentiate between the do's and don'ts related to home technology and partnering with an ESC
  • Define the value of identifying and working with an ESC

Program Length

Preferred length 1.25 hours. Class is approved for 1 CEU credit for AIA, AIBD, and IDCEC (which governs education for ASID, IDC, IDEC, and IIDA) and is HSW approved.

Lighting Control

Program Description

Lighting control has become a standard in new home construction...people who have it love it and wonder how they ever lived without it! Participants will walk away from this course with a basic understanding of lighting control terminology and the benefits and solutions related to lighting control—presented in simple, easy to understand language. Attendees will be active participants in discussion surrounding common misconceptions and lighting control design considerations. This course will conclude with an informative checklist of questions to consider when interviewing and hiring an Electronic Systems Contractor (ESC) for electronic systems integration in the home.

Learning Objectives

  • Discuss lighting control terminology
  • Identify the benefits of lighting control
  • Discuss and differentiate between various types of lighting control solutions
  • Clarify common misconceptions
  • Explore design considerations
  • Define the value of identifying and working with an Electronic Systems Contractor (ESC)

Program Length

Preferred length 1.25 hours. Class is approved for 1 CEU credit for AIA, AIBD, and IDCEC (which governs education for ASID, IDC, IDEC, and IIDA) and is HSW approved.

Planning for Residential Electronic Systems

Program Description

As with other rough-in trades (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing), electronic systems should be planned for well in advance of construction and documented at the construction drawing phase of design. Participants in this course will discuss the roles, responsibilities, and functions of an Electronic Systems Contractor (ESC), be able to identify different types of residential systems, and analyze the benefits of working with an ESC. Attendees will examine specific design considerations, such as space, framing, electrical, and ventilation requirements. This course will help attendees identify the proper ESC for the job by providing them a checklist of questions to ask and items to consider when engaging a home electronics partner early in their next design and build project.

Learning Objectives

  • Discuss the roles, responsibilities, and functions of an Electronic Systems Contractor (ESC)
  • Identify the different types of residential systems
  • Analyze the benefits of working with an ESC
  • List the specific design considerations to be addressed in the planning process
  • Explain the importance of engaging an ESC early in design and build process
  • Define the value of identifying and working with an ESC

Program Length

Preferred length 1.25 hours. Class is approved for 1 CEU credit for AIA.

Other Scheduled dates for this program

Mark has not taught this class yet. It's a newly released class as of a few months ago.

Managing Electronic Systems Contractors (ESCs)

Program Description

What is an Electronic Systems Contractor (ESC) and how do you fit him/ her into your design and build project? These questions (and more!) will be answered during this course! Discover what an Electronic Systems Contractor (ESC) will bring to your next project, from "insider" tips to successfully negotiating a contract with this vital subcontractor, to questions to ask during the interview process when locating your trained, professional electronics partner. Participants can expect to understand the history of ECS and identify all the components of a successful partnership. They will be able to discuss those components of a successful partnership and project agreement and define the value of identifying and working with an Electrical Systems Contractor.

Learning Objectives

  • Outline the history of the Electronic Systems Contractor (ESC)
  • Identify components of a successful partnership with an ESC
  • Discuss components of a successful partnership and project agreement
  • Define the value of identifying and working with an ESC

Program Length

Preferred length 1.25 hours. Class is approved for 1 CEU credit for AIA, AIBD, and IDCEC (which governs education for ASID, IDC, IDEC, and IIDA).

Home Technology within the Design and Build Process

Program Description

What is an Electronic Systems Contractor (ESC)? How does an ESC impact other crucial subcontractors and their work? The answers to these questions and more will be discussed as you learn how electronic systems can be seamlessly integrated into a home's design and build process with the help of a trained, electronics professional. Some of the areas addressed include framing, HVAC, millwork, paint, lighting, window treatments, and security, just to name a few! This course uses multiple visual examples to showcase the quality work that an ESC brings to each and every project. Define the scope of work for the ESC and identify the crucial areas where the ESC will impact the subcontractors work.

Learning Objectives

  • Define scope of work for the Electronic Systems Contractor (ESC)
  • Identify the crucial areas where ESCs impact subcontractor work
  • Define the value of identifying and working with an ESC

Program Length

Preferred length 1.25 hours. Class is approved for 1 CEU credit for AIA, AIBD, and IDCEC (which governs education for ASID, IDC, IDEC, and IIDA) and is HSW approved.

Other Scheduled dates for this program

Mark has taught this class at Sharratt Design in May of 2009 only. No other dates are schedule for this class.

Hiding Technology

Program Description

Home electronics should integrate seamlessly into a home's design and décor. This course reviews the three-pronged approach to hiding technology—advance planning, design philosophy, and product selection—which are available for minimizing the visual impact of electronics without compromising performance. Specific challenges and recommendations related to hiding video displays, projectors, speakers, controls, cameras, and equipment racks—among others—will be addressed. This course speaks to innovative and creative ways to lessen the visual impact of electronics by making them low-profile, hidden or camouflaged, or even invisible! Attendees will also walk away with an understanding of how to properly engage a trained Electronic Systems Contractor (ESC) in their next project.

Learning Objectives

  • Discuss the roles, responsibilities and functions of an Electronic Systems Contractor (ESC)
  • Identify different types of residential systems
  • Explain the importance of engaging an ESC early in the design and build process
  • Discuss how advanced planning, design philosophy, and product selection affect your project
  • List a variety of methods and strategies for hiding technology
  • Define the value of identifying and working with an ESC

Program Length

Preferred length 1.25 hours. Class is approved for 1 CEU credit for AIA, AIBD, and IDCEC (which governs education for ASID, IDC, IDEC, and IIDA) and is HSW approved.

Check it out

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