Technical Terms

ADA refers to the Americans with Disabilities Act.

An abrasion test is a method used to measure the wear resistance of materials.

Acoustics is the branch of science that deals with the study of sound and how it is perceived in an environment.

An appliance refers to a device or piece of equipment designed to perform a specific task, often used to refer to household or kitchen items.

A barrel vault, also known as a tunnel vault or a wagon vault, is an architectural element characterized by its semi-cylindrical shape.

A custom home builder is a professional responsible for the construction of personalized homes according to specific client requirements.

The physical barrier that separates the interior of a building from the exterior environment.

A building permit is an official approval issued by local government or regulatory authority for the construction or substantial alteration of a building.

A building trade professional is an expert skilled in the construction, renovation, or repair of buildings.

Casters are small wheels or rollers designed to be attached to the bottom of an object to enable it to move easily.

Client Purchase Price refers to the cost price of items or services purchased on behalf of a client in the context of interior design.

Construction drawings are detailed plans and drawings produced by architects and designers to guide the construction or renovation of a building.

A cross stretcher is a structural element used in furniture design for added support and stability.

Drawer glides are mechanisms that allow drawers to slide in and out smoothly.

A fall front is a hinge-mounted panel typically found on desks or secretaire that folds down to provide a writing surface.

Contract Documents are legally binding agreements and detailed plans used in the execution of interior design projects.

Dovetail is a type of interlocking joinery technique used in woodworking.

A sub-contractor, often shortened to sub-contractor, is a specialist who is hired by the main contractor to perform specific tasks or services on a larger project.

Drawn to scale refers to the replication of an object or space on paper or software, proportionately adjusting its dimensions to fit a specific size reference.

Firmness refers to the physical strength and stability of a structure or material.

A system used in theaters for hanging and moving scenery and equipment.

Eight-Way Hand Tied is a traditional method of sofa and chair construction known for its durability and comfort.

Evolute is a term primarily used in mathematics and architecture, referring to a curve generated from another curve.

A development permit is official approval from local authorities allowing new construction, expansion, or alteration of buildings.

Direct lighting refers to a lighting solution where the majority of light is directed downwards towards a specific area or task.

NRC is a standard measure to indicate how much sound an acoustic material can absorb.

NSF International is a global independent organization that develops standards, and tests and certifies products in the interest of public health and safety.

A detailed checklist used near the completion of a project to verify all work is done to specifications.

The numerical rating of a material's ability to block sound transmission.

A sketch is a freehand drawing that captures the basic ideas and concepts of a design.

Specifications are detailed descriptions and guidelines for the execution and completion of design elements within a project.

A legal document issued by a city or county to halt construction or renovation activities.

A notation or label used to identify materials or items for a specific project or client in interior design.

A thumbpiece is a decorative or functional element, often found on the lids of metal or ceramic containers, that assists in lifting or opening.

Turning refers to the process of shaping materials, particularly wood, by rotating them against a cutting tool.

UVC, or Ultraviolet C, is a type of ultraviolet light with germicidal properties.

An X-Stretcher is a cross-shaped support structure found in furniture.

Incidental and consequential damages are types of losses that may occur due to a breach of a contract or an agreement.