Form follows function

Returning and new site visitors will find a refined and inviting homepage at ICPI.org.

Contractors, designers and homeowners are now able to access the specific information they need simply by clicking on the corresponding portal. A “Members Only” portal rounds out the quartet of initial entry points for exploration. More importantly, the new website also features a new search-by-proximity function for users to quickly find the resources and service providers closest to their location.

Ultimately, the new website design resulted from understanding the need to get ICPI members and the general public access to ICPI’s technical resources in an easier and more eye-appealing manner. In such a visual industry, ICPI chose to harness the stellar work of its members to showcase a range of design possibilities.

Given the depth and breadth of information ICPI provides, the institute structured the site by curating information specific to the needs of a particular site visitor – contractor, designer, or homeowner.

Another noteworthy change is the first item in the green navigation bar: Paving Systems.

Here, visitors can learn about the benefits, installation and maintenance requirements of concrete pavers, permeable pavers, paving slabs and grids.

The Idea Gallery of old has been reimagined and renamed Project Profiles, providing more imagery and more information about each project. The familiar Resource Library tab is a search tool retained from the old site due to its usefulness for quick searches.

Education & Certification remains a top-level category for visitors to access this important information. Events and Newsroom complete the homepage offerings of the green navigation bar.

Not only does the new site include more photos, they are given more prominence to bring projects to life on screen. Also featured are designs for do-it-yourself ideas. Information on best practices gives guidance on homeowner topics such as how to choose the right contractor. For design professionals and contractors, Tech Specs provide a wealth of information to help design, specify, construct and maintain a project.

For contractors.
The contractor portal explains the benefits of being an ICPI contractor member. Contractors can enter and view some featured projects, easily access information on how to become certified, learn how to sign up for courses or access archived webinars for the purpose of self-guided education and read tips on installation and maintenance. The contractor portal features: 

• Awards
• Benefits
• Certification
• Education
• FAQ
• Installation
• Maintenance
• Resources

For members only.

The benefits of this section include: Tools to manage one’s profile and preferences, upcoming events, a bookmark feature to collect articles and access to the Member Directory.

Additional resources include: minutes from past meetings and agendas for those upcoming, guidance for marketing one’s business, information on government relations; chapter resources and information on promotions, incentive programs, how to sponsor an ICPI course for contractors or become an instructor.