Posts

Regulations

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 Regulations In interior design it is essential to learn different codes and regulations to make a build and interior safe for the people who will occupy it. Programs like American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other agencies help accomplish this. Building codes help regulate standards that establish requirements for the design and construction fo the building. One process that helps make these regulations easier are the different phases of design planning such as schematic design, and space planning.   One of the first steps in a design process is the programming and schematic steps. The programming steps consist of meeting with the client and developing what the needs and how it will fit into the space. This process also consist of case studies and occupancy type is also determined.  The second step is call schematic design. This process consists of providing the client with design solutions for the space. During this step multiple plans are presented as well as ...

Interior Building Systems

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Interior Building Systems November 10, 2023 Understanding sustainable energy control methods and types is important for today and the world we live in. Another important factor to think about is incorporating appropriate security features into interior design.  As interior designers we have to think about every aspect of the clients well-being, and this also includes ensuring the safety of them and installing security systems that with do so. This can include designing the different vertical circulation and transportation of the building not only to think about safety but also appropriate energy flow.  One important factor to think about when designing a space is the electricity and wires need for the type of space. Let's say you have a conference room, seen to the left, you will need a teleconference room. Often you will then need to incorporated phone wires, LED projector, a TV outlet, and maybe window screening to protect the video from the glare of the sunlight. It is impo...

Indoor Environmental Quality

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Indoor Environmental Quality  One major part of interior design is indoor environmental quality. When an interior is designed successfully this can positively influence the comfort and functionality of the space. Thoughtful material selections when thinking about air quality and acoustics are the main focus of indoor environmental quality. Indoor environmental quality not only is important for interior design but also is highly important for the health and safety for building occupants.  One part of indoor environmental quality is how to create productivity and comfort. In many places privacy is highly important. in Medical Facilities (HIPAA) requires that personal medical information to be protected and in a private area. This is why sound separation by dividers are put in place around hospitals. Partitions are regularly used in workplaces and other corporate buildings. Sound waves can travel through the studs of walls, this is why partitions that create a private space with ...

Plumbing Systems

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 Plumbing Systems  Understanding plumbing is an fundamental part of interior design as it directly impacts the functionality and aesthetic of a space. Plumbing considerations inform the placement of fixtures like sinks, showers, and toilets, which are essential elements in both kitchens and bathrooms. Having a thorough comprehension of plumbing systems helps designers optimize space, ensuring efficient layouts that minimize construction costs and maintenance challenges. There are 3 types of water that is used and divided amongst a building plumbing system, these types of waters are known to be, portable water which is water good for drinking, black water, which is waste water that contains sewage, and gray water, which is waste water from sinks, bathtubs, and washing machines. Different types of plumbing systems include, wetlands, sewer treatment plan, and septic tanks. All of these water treatment systems are placed below the ground. Some of the systems are sustainable and tr...
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Electrical Systems and Lighting  22 October, 2023 In interior design, electrical systems and lighting play an important role in shaping the functionality, environment, and overall feeling of the space. Electrical systems encompass the placement of wiring of outlets, switch, electrical devices. Lighting design is more than illuminating a space, however, it can create energy efficient rooms if done correctly, and can add to the spaces design.  Some different components of electrical systems are; connection to the building, cable types, electrical systems, and energy management devices. The image to the left are electrical symbols often used in electrical plans. Some resemble telephone outlets, switches, 15 AMP duplex, etc... These symbols are used in electrical plans to help decipher which outlets are which and marking the specific electrical systems are used  in the room.  Moving onto lighting, lighting can change the way we perceive of a space. Behavior lighting depe...

Mechanical Systems

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 Mechanical Systems 13 October, 2023 There are various types of Mechanical systems that go into taking care of a building. Some of these systems include, renewable sources, and heating/cooling systems. It is important to make sure the mechanical systems we use are sustainable sources and make the human experience comfortable. Some energy sources that the United States acknowledges are bioenergy, hydrogen, coal, fossil fuels, solar, wind, electric power, etc... Some of these systems are more sustainable than others however each of them have there positive and negative effects.  Energy sources can be divided into two parts, renewable and non-renewable. Renewable sources include wind, hydro, solar, biomass, and others. The reason why renewable was introduced was to lead the earths energy sources toward the direction of clean energy that is more domestic than non-renewable sources. Some non-renewable energy sources are, oil, coal, natural gas, and more. These sources can be taxing...
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Ceilings  6 October, 2023 Ceilings are a huge part of an interior space because depending on the height, finish, or type of ceiling it can totally change the feeling of the interior space. It is important to keep in mind that as interior designers, our job is not to handle the structure of the ceiling, however, our job is to choose the finish of the ceiling. One of the codes that is important to follow is the Suspended Acoustical Panel Ceilings (SAPC), This code is mostly for commercial spaces and it allows space for duck work, sprinklers, electrical work, and noise control. The recommended space is 2'0"x 2'0" or 2'0"x 4'0" The image to the left is an example of the cathedral/sloped ceiling. These ceiling types are special because they mimic the shape of the exterior structure of the roof. Some pros for this ceiling includes, adding height to the cieling, and creating a more spacious interior. Some cons of the cathedral/sloped ceilings include, a lac...