About | Division08bydesign

A technical education program focused on the full lifecycle of openings

SPC Alliance presents

Division 08 by Design

Division 08 by Design is an ongoing education platform dedicated to the systems, components, and coordination required within Division 08. The program is built around applied learning connecting specification decisions to real-world performance across design, documentation, installation, and operation.

AIA HSW Learning Units are available through structured, instructor-led sessions within the Division 08 by Design program. Each course is developed to address life safety, accessibility, coordination, and performance within opening assemblies.

Instructors

Andrew North

Business Development Manager, ABH

Andrew North is a Business Development Manager supporting architects, spec writers, and distribution partners in the commercial door and hardware market. His role centers on specification support, coordination, and helping teams navigate hardware decisions with confidence.

Yukari Kubo

Sustainability Consultant, Materials Collab

Yukari Kubo is an architect and sustainability consultant specializing in low-carbon and healthy material strategies for the built environment. With more than a decade of experience across architecture, materials consulting, and public policy, she integrates whole-building life-cycle analysis, material transparency, and climate-responsive design into measurable project outcomes. Yukari partners with architects, developers, manufacturers, and public agencies to advance resilient, low-carbon, and regenerative building practices.

Constantino Ramos

Mechanical Solutions Manager, TownSteel

With a background in Mechanical Engineering and certification as a Door Hardware Consultant (DHC) from the Door Hardware Institute, Constantino leads technical training initiatives, project management efforts, product testing, and third-party certifications to ensure TownSteel products meet all applicable industry standards and compliance requirements. He also serves on the Builders Hardware Manufacturing Association (BHMA) subcommittees focused on the revision of industry specifications, contributing to the ongoing development and advancement of door hardware standards.

Jason Robison, AHC

Sr Vice President, FR International LLC

Jason Robison, AHC, is an experienced door hardware professional with a background in sales leadership, operations, and project coordination. He works closely with architects, spec writers, and project teams to navigate complex hardware requirements, bringing a practical, detail-driven approach to problem solving. His leadership is grounded in technical understanding, clear communication, and performance in fast-paced environments.

John Bergstrom

Director of Business Development, Accurate Lock and Hardware

John is currently the Director of Business Development at Accurate Lock and Hardware. With 39 years of experience in the door and hardware industry, he uses literature-resistant hardware for his own safety. After nearly four decades around specifications, submittals, and hardware schedules, he has learned that sometimes the most dangerous object in the room is a stack of product binders. Fortunately, experience has also taught him that the right hardware, and the right sense of humor, can solve most problems before they ever reach the door.

Michael Rittner

General Manager, PBB

Michael Rittner studied Accounting at Michigan State University and began his career at Duff & Phelps, analyzing complex financial and operational decisions. He entered the architectural hardware industry three years ago and now focuses at ALREX on using technology to improve the specification and integration of door hanging and closing hardware. Michael combines financial expertise with digital innovation to enhance how architects, distributors, and end users engage with Division 08 products.

Zach Sternberg DHT, CFDAI

Inside Sales Rep, Outside Sales Rep, PDQ

With eight years of industry experience, Zach began his career as a Project Manager for a national door hardware distributor before moving to the manufacturing side. He currently works as an Inside/Outside Sales Representative for PDQ Locks and holds Door Hardware Technician and Fire + Egress Door Assembly Inspector certifications.

Brian Kenley

Director of Technical Services, Command Access Technologies

Brian Kenley is Director of Technical Services at Command Access Technologies, bringing over 25 years of experience across the access control industry. Since joining at the company’s founding in 1999, he has led product design, testing, and training with a focus on electromechanical locking and latch retraction systems. Brian integrates field feedback into product innovation, ensuring solutions are reliable and installer-friendly.

Roland Rittner

President & CE0, PBB

Roland (Rollie) Rittner is a recognized leader in the door and architectural hardware industry, bringing more than 35 years of executive experience across sales, marketing, and manufacturing. From owning a successful manufacturers’ sales agency to leading North American Sales and Marketing for PDQ and Don-Jo, he has consistently driven growth and strengthened distribution networks. Today, as President and CEO of PBB Architectural, he continues to advance innovation and performance in door hanging products, reinforcing the company’s leadership in architectural hinges and related hardware.