The demands placed on today's building envelopes have never been greater. Architects are expected to create spaces that are safe, energy efficient, resilient, visually appealing and supportive of occupant well-being—all while navigating evolving codes, regulations and performance expectations.

In our latest podcast episode, we sit down with Devin Bowman, General Manager of Technical Glass Products, to discuss how the glazing industry is responding to these challenges and what architects need to know about the future of façade design.

Glazing's Contribution to Safer School Design

Technical Glass Products General Manager Devin Bowman explores how advances in glazing technology are helping architects balance school safety, daylighting, occupant well-being and sustainability goals. He also discusses emerging policy and regulatory trends, evolving performance expectations and the growing role of high-performance glazing in meeting energy and carbon reduction targets.

Recently, Bowman joined industry leaders in Washington, D.C., for the National Glass Association's Advocacy Days, where glazing professionals met with lawmakers to discuss critical issues impacting the built environment. Drawing from those conversations—as well as years of experience advocating for safer school design—Bowman shares valuable insights into the intersection of policy, performance and innovation.

The Building Envelope Issues Shaping Industry Conversations

What are policymakers and industry leaders focused on today? Bowman provides an inside look at the discussions taking place in Washington and explains how legislative and regulatory decisions could influence future building design, construction practices and product performance requirements.

Designing Safer Schools Without Sacrificing Learning Environments

School safety remains a pressing concern for communities across the country. Bowman explores how modern glazing technologies have evolved to provide protection against forced-entry and ballistic threats while preserving daylight, transparency and the welcoming atmosphere that educational facilities require.

Balancing Security, Daylighting and Occupant Well-Being

Architects and school districts are increasingly seeking solutions that support multiple performance goals simultaneously. In this conversation, Bowman discusses how project teams are navigating the often-competing priorities of safety, natural light, energy efficiency and occupant comfort.

Managing Multiple Performance Demands

From bird-friendly glass and hurricane-resistant systems to advanced thermal performance, today's glazing products address a wide range of challenges. Bowman explains how building owners are prioritizing these demands and what factors are influencing specification decisions across different project types and regions.

Glazing's Growing Role in Sustainability

As energy codes tighten and carbon reduction targets become more aggressive, glazing systems are playing a larger role in helping projects achieve sustainability goals. Bowman discusses the latest advances in glazing technology and how architects can leverage these innovations to improve building performance.

Policy Trends That Could Influence Future Façade Design

What changes are on the horizon? Based on his conversations with lawmakers and industry stakeholders, Bowman shares his perspective on the policy and regulatory developments that could have the greatest impact on façade design over the next five years.

The Next Generation of Glazing Performance

Building owners and designers are asking more from glazing systems than ever before. Bowman offers his predictions on the performance capabilities that will become standard expectations in the coming decade and how architects can prepare for what's next.

Why Architects Should Listen

This episode goes beyond product innovation to examine the broader forces shaping the future of building design. Architects will gain valuable perspective on emerging regulations, evolving safety requirements, sustainability strategies and the performance expectations driving the next generation of glazing systems.

Whether you're designing educational facilities, commercial buildings or high-performance façades, this conversation provides practical insights into how glazing technology can help address today's most pressing design challenges while preparing for tomorrow's demands.

Listen now to hear Devin Bowman's expert perspective on school safety, sustainability, advocacy and the future of building envelope performance.