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Modern Door Hardware Solutions: Balancing Egress, Accessibility, and Building Resilience

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Wednesday, December 17, 2025 Season 1, Episode 10

This podcast provides design professionals with a comprehensive exploration of how door hardware contributes to safe egress, accessible pathways, and long-term building performance. Through a blend of industry context, technical guidance, and real-world lessons learned, we will examine how evolving codes, ADA requirements, building standards, and sustainability priorities influence hardware selection and design decisions. Listeners will gain insight into the function of exit devices, access control technologies, weatherization strategies, and durability considerations across a range of occupancy types. The session highlights how proper specification, documentation, and coordination promote occupant safety, support universal design, enhance project resilience, and reduce the risk of performance failures.

Learning Objectives: 
  1. Identify how door hardware contributes to safe egress and occupant protection.
  2. Recognize key ADA and universal design requirements that influence hardware selection.
  3. Apply relevant codes, standards, and performance testing to ensure compliant specifications.
  4. Evaluate durability, material performance, and environmental factors that impact long-term hardware reliability.
Professions: 
Architecture
Design Category: 
(08) Doors, Windows and Openings
Podcast Host: 

Megan Vipond

Megan Vipond

With a Master’s degree in Architecture, Megan has a unique blend of technical expertise and practical experience. She has a foundation in architectural design and an understanding of both design and construction processes, honed through years of hands-on project coordination and fostering on-site relationships. Currently, as a Specification Consultant, she works closely with architects to introduce innovative new products and navigate the latest advancements in the industry.

Podcast Guest(s): 

Russell Hansmann

Russell Hansmann

Russell’s career in the door hardware industry began in 1988 when he joined Detex Corporation as a repair technician. He soon moved to Product Support and became Supervisor of the Technical Support department. He has extensive experience working directly with locksmiths, spec writers, architects and electricians on installations, applications and troubleshooting, and for more than 35 years he has been sharing his experience with others as a trainer on door hardware and electronic watchclock systems.

Applicable Credits