Design Speak lets you in on a some industry lingo so that you will sound oh-so-smart. From abbreviations to acronyms to phrases to trendy words, we’ll do our best to cover it, and we’ll do it in language you’ll understand.

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valance

(pronounced VAL-an(t)s)

A valance is a short drapery or any kind of horizontal element – such as a wood or metal frame – that is hung at the top of a window. Not only does it add ornamentation, but it also conceals the top of the curtains and/or window hardware for a finished appearance. A valance can also be a drapery that is hung along the edge of a shelf, canopy, bed, table, or altar. In any case, they can be lined, shaped, and trimmed to coordinate with the adjacent décor and decorative elements.

See also: cornice

value engineer

This term that people now use a verb sounds complicated because it has the word engineer in it, but it’s just a fancy term for “this project is too expensive so we’ve got to take out the fun / fancy stuff to get the price down.” You hear Construction Managers and Project Managers use this all time now. We started hearing it in construction meetings in the late 90s when companies started running out of money.

vampire electronics

(pronounced VAM-pIre ih-lehk-TRAH-nihks)

No, this term doesn’t refer to the iPod that would probably be found in the pocket of Edward, the modern, blood-sucking sex symbol of the insanely popular series Twilight. Rather, it describes all of the appliances and electronic gadgets we constantly leave plugged, which, even though they may be switched in the OFF position, still suck energy. This scary stat will make your blood run cold: Up to 40% of power drawn by vampire electronics is wasted in standby mode. Get to unplugging, baby, if you want to save some dough. Also referred to as phantom load.

Vitruvian scroll

(pronounced vih-TROO-vee-ehn skrohl)

Also known as a Vitruvian wave, a wave scroll and a running dog pattern (uh…one of these things is not like the other), a Vitruvian wave is a series of scrolls that form a stylized wave pattern. Whether in the form of a running ornament (2-dimensional) or a running mold (3-dimensional), this motif is common in classical ornament. But where does the “Vitruvian” part come from? From the Roman architect Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, who authored the oldest existing book about architecture and its classical orders.

VOCs

(pronounced as initials: vee-oh-seez)

The initials V-O-C stand for “volatile organic compound,” which is essentially any organic compound which evaporates readily to the atmosphere. Why are we listing this term in the DESIGN SPEAK section? Because they are a hot topic in the growing Sustainable Design trend. VOCs contribute significantly to photochemical smog production and certain health problems. These organic substances easily become vaporous / gaseous, and they are often used as quick dry solvents which, upon evaporation, give off volatiles, an increasing environmental concern. You know that “new car smell” or the lingering aroma hanging in the air after the installation of new carpet, hard-surface flooring, paint, or wallcovering? VOCs! Therefore, in an effort to improve the health of the planet, as well as the health of the end-users of their products, many manufacturers have developed (and are continually refining) production methods to lower, and ultimately eliminate, VOCs in their products.

volute

(pronounced va-LOOT; rhymes with flute)

In its most simple terms, this beautiful word means a spiral or scroll-shaped form. This intricate form frequently occurs in nature due to its amazing structural strength (think shells and mollusks), and the Greeks recognized its beauty, adopting the delicate scroll shape as the distinguishing feature of the beloved Ionic capital. Skilled wood artisans will shape complicated volutes as decorative additions to furniture, cabinetry and trim. Yes, volutes are popular, and you should be able to recognize them.

wainscot

(pronounced WAYN-skeht, WAYN-skaht or WAYN-skoht)

The first time we heard this word, we confusedly thought the person who uttered it was talking about someone named Wayne Scott (who we romantically imagined was Batman’s cousin or something.) Alas, the term couldn’t be more dissimilar from the strapping millionaire leading a double life. Instead, a wainscot (note the three pronunciation options above) refers to the lining of a wall with a material – commonly wood, but also stone, tile, vinyl, etc. – and usually only on the section three to four feet A.F.F. As with many nouns, you can turn it into a verb, which then means to line a wall with wainscoting (an alternative term for wainscot).

See also: A.F.F.

wall acne

(pronounced wahl AC-nee)

Though the term is somewhat crude, it’s quite descriptive. Wall acne describes the all-too-common array of wall switches that clutter up walls in both commercial and residential interiors. So many times extreme attention is paid to exquisite detailing of a space, only to have an unsightly bank of light switches become a blemish on the fine finish-out. More and more designers are recommending lighting control systems that will easily solve this problem by creating multiple lighting “scenes,” all of which can be set with a touch of a button on a single switch. Wall acne can also refer to other distracting wall-installed items that compromise a design because of their thoughtless or poor placement by their respective trades: emergency strobes, fire alarms, sprinkler heads, speakers, etc.

wallboard

(pronounced WAL-bord)

See drywall.

waste

We’re not exactly talking about what’s in your trashcan at the moment. In regard to manufacturing, waste is considered any material that is produced and/or cannot be used as part of the manufacturing process because it has to be sacrificed to achieve a specific, desired end result or product. More and more these days, the emphasis is on green design and reducing said waste, either by incorporating the materials into other products or coming up with technological solutions to eliminate the leftovers altogether. The old idiom is true: Haste does indeed make waste… but thoughtful planning reduces it.

wave scroll

(pronounced wayv skrohl)

See Vitruvian scroll.

wayfinding

(pronounced WAY-find-ing)

Wayfinding seems pretty self-explanatory – i.e., finding one’s way – but there’s actually a little more to it than that. Wayfinding refers to the use of signage and navigational tools within a public environment, as well as the ability of a person to navigate within these environments, which can encompass everything from shopping complexes, hospitals and hotels to airports, college campuses and parking garages. Wayfinding has become a very researched subject, and many people within the industry specialize in it. Finding one’s way around a space has always been important, but the focus on it’s importance increased when the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was adopted. Wayfinding goes way beyond simple signage. The most successful wayfinding involves the collaboration of environmental graphic designers with interior designers and architects so that elements such as colors, textures, motifs, patterns, detailing, etc. aid in a person’s orientation within the space. More and more, electronic systems are being added into the mix, providing dynamic mapping graphics, visual cues and audio instructions.

weephole

(pronounced WEEP-hohl)

A bit of a creepy term for a necessary item. A weephole is a small hole in a material – primarily exterior masonry walls – that allows water to drain out, preventing mildew, mold and rot of the interior structure. Larger weepholes have nylon or plastics screens to prevent insects and debris from entering or blocking.

welting

(pronounced WELT-ing)

You know how when your annoying little brother used to hit you (out of any supervising adult’s sight line, of course), occasionally leaving a nasty raised mark on your body (which really got him into trouble)? That’s called a welt. Use this less than attractive visual image to remember what welting means in the design industry: a raised seam on an upholstered item that is used for both support and decoration. Welting trims out upholstery seams where the textile meets wood or metal frame or where two textile pieces come together. It is usually made up of cord wrapped in fabric, but leather can also be used to cover the cording. Once you start paying attention, you’ll see welting everywhere: pillows, window treatments, headboards, upholstered walls, car, plane and boat interiors, luggage, handbags, shoes, and clothing. Welts can be used singly or in multiples for extra ornamentation. They can be large and shirred or small and smooth. And just to clarify: a welt is a single portion of cording, while welting refers to the cumulative welts on an item.

white paper

(pronounced like the individual words)

The term itself hints at its relative lack of excitement: colorless, yet useful and necessary. A white paper is what you call a detailed or authoritative report on a subject. As you can imagine, they usually read like academic research and concern themselves with informing, not entertaining. White papers regarding the interior design industry are being published all the time with subjects like “Health Risks of Children in Day Care Facilities,” “Difficulties in Code-Compliant Aisle Lighting Design,” and “Individual Characteristics and Open-Plan Office Design.” Check out informedesign.com for an extensive list.