Project Resources
So you're ready to start a new project? Great! On this page you'll find many different resources for various stages of design development. Unsure how to start? Follow the steps below to get going. Learn more about programming, find manufacturers, and get acquainted with sustainability standards and building codes.
The Basics
Manufacturers
Below are some furniture, lighting, and finish manufacturer resources for your next Residential or Commercial project. While these can serve as a great starting point, we will always encourage self exploration to find your unique style and preference.
Furniture can serve a multitude of functions within a space. Understanding a piece's style and purpose are crucial to integrating it effectively into a design.
Lighting is vitally important to any good design. It has the power to set a desired atmosphere, create focal points, and add dimension to a space.
Finishes define the look and feel of designs. The right finish can create a striking space that is both comfortable and visually appealing.
Sustainability & Wellbeing
Two of the biggest initiatives in interior design and architecture right now are sustainability and wellbeing. These two concepts relate not just to the materials used to build a structure, but also the mindful design of the space to ensure its inhabitants are comfortable, safe, and happy. Here you'll find information on two design standard super powers as well as resources for better understanding and implementing sustainability and wellbeing in your designs.
WELL Building Institute
The WELL Building Institute is a people-first organization dedicated to ensuring everyone lives their best and healthiest life. With their science-backed intensive list of standards, they prioritize design concepts that allow access to nature and purified water, encourage movement, promote community and nutrition, and more.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a globally recognized rating system for green buildings. It was developed to aid building owners in utilizing sustainable materials and operating under a greater environmental conscience.
Sustainability Sites
The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed into federal law in 1990 to protect people with disabilities from discrimination in various areas of public life. In the design industry, there are many codes we must comply with to ensure the safety and accessibility of spaces in both residential and commercial environments.
Building Codes
Regardless of where you design, there are codes and standards that must be followed to ensure occupant safety and wellbeing. Above are links to both the International Code Council and the various New York State Building Codes. As you move forward in your degree, these will be invaluable resources. Gaining a familiarity with these codes will allow you to work more mindfully and ensure your designs are not just aesthetically pleasing, but practically functional and safe.