Regulations

 Regulations 

    Designers need to know the regulations. There are phases of a design project: programming, schematic design, design development, contract documents, construction administration, and post-occupancy evaluation.

In this programming phase, the interior designer discusses with the client what they want or need for the project and the codes that they need to follow, depending on where the client lives.

The Schematic Design, where preliminary design solutions are shown to the client to determine if changes are needed. 

Design development is when the designer begins gathering all materials and finishes for the projects the client has approved.

Contract Documents are the final set of documents that contain all the codes applied to the project.

Construction administration is when the interior goes and checks that the design for the site is carried out as shown in the construction documents.

The Post-occupancy evaluation is where they gather information on how the client feels about the space and if they are satisfied with the final product.

The Building codes are from ICC, which means the International Code Council that develops more codes if needed every 3 years to add to the International Building Code, also known as IBC.

When working in commercial or residential design, designers need to keep in mind the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), enacted in  1990 and amended in 2010. This act helps people access public places, regardless of the type of disability they have. This also helps with residential areas, as it outlines what needs to be done to make it easier for people to get around their homes.

Something that most people see when they go to a public space is the Signage since that is important that it meets the requirements, such as clear symbols that people can understand, and that it contains Braille so people who have visual impairments can read what it says, and that the symbols are clear for people with hearing impairments.