Frequently Asked Questions

What is DesignProLeads?

DesignProLeads is an architectural marketing and lead-generation platform from Ron Blank & Associates (RBA) that helps building-product manufacturers connect with architects, specifiers, engineers, and other design professionals. Programs include targeted architect presentations, accredited continuing education, and bundled marketing programs designed to increase product awareness, engagement, and specification opportunities.

Who is Ron Blank & Associates?

Ron Blank & Associates is an architectural marketing firm founded in 1985 and based in San Antonio, Texas. RBA was a founding online AIA continuing education provider and operates a family of sites including RonBlank.com, GreenCE.com, CE Academy, and InfoSpec. The firm has served building-product manufacturers across six U.S. and Canadian regions for 40 years.

How do building-product manufacturers get their products specified by architects?

Specification follows exposure and education. Manufacturers get products in front of architects through one-on-one presentations, educate design professionals on performance and application through accredited continuing education, and supply the technical documentation architects need to write the product into a spec. RBA delivers all three.

Who are these programs for?

Building-product manufacturers and their marketing, architectural sales, and specification teams, particularly companies with small staffs that need national reach with architecture and design firms, and companies with sustainable product lines seeking LEED and WELL exposure.

What continuing education credits do RBA courses provide?

RBA courses carry AIA HSW, GBCI/LEED, IDCEC, RCEP, IIBEC, ADA, and WELL credit, delivered through six formats including on-demand online courses, podcast courses, national webinars, regional web-series, classroom events, and lunch and learns.

What is the Architectural Specification Program?

The Architectural Specification Program (ASP) is Ron Blank & Associates’ architect presentation service, established in 1985. RBA books targeted one-on-one online presentations between building product manufacturers and architects, specifiers, and engineers at firms actively designing in the manufacturer’s product category, with regional tour coverage across six U.S. and Canadian regions.

How do building product manufacturers get AIA continuing education credit for their courses?

A course must be developed and submitted by an accredited provider. Ron Blank & Associates is a founding online AIA continuing education provider and handles course development, accreditation, hosting, marketing, and credit reporting on the manufacturer’s behalf. RBA-accredited courses can carry AIA HSW, GBCI/LEED, IDCEC, RCEP, IIBEC, ADA, and WELL credit.

What’s the difference between architect presentations and a CE course?

Architect presentations put your product in front of a specific design firm in a one-on-one meeting, which produces named contacts and direct follow-up. A continuing education course reaches a broader national audience of architects who are earning required credit hours, generating leads continuously as design professionals complete it. Presentations go deep with individual firms; CE courses go wide across the profession.

Which program is right for my company?

It depends on product category, target audience, regional goals, and budget. RBA reviews each company before placing them in a program and will recommend the format that gives your product the best specification exposure. Manufacturers wanting both depth and reach typically choose a bundled package combining ASP presentations with CE course placement.

How much do RBA programs cost?

Pricing varies by program, region, and course format. Ron Blank & Associates provides custom quotes based on your product category and marketing goals.