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.

A

angora

(pronounced an-GOR-uh)

Also referred to as angora wool, this natural protein-based fiber is used in textiles and especially in yarns for knitting. Distinct from mohair, which comes from the Angora goat, Angora fiber comes from the downy coat of the Angora rabbit. Angora is known for its thin fibers, which are silky, soft, and lighter and warmer than wool.

See also: mohair

anodized

(pronounced AN-nah-deyezd)

This adjective describes the process of using electrolysis (not the hair removal kind) on metal. Through the chemical process, the coating is etched onto the metal body, permanently enhancing the performance of its surface while altering its appearance. The process can be applied to a variety of metals – aluminum, bronze, nickel, etc. – which can then be used for a variety of applications: any kind of decorative trim and wall panels, electrical accessories, jewelry, sculpture and decorative accessories.

appearance model

(pronounced ah-PIHR-ents MAH-duhl)

See mock-up.

aquatint

(pronounced AH-kweh-tihnt)

Aquatint is a printmaking technique that is a variation on etching. One applies acid to a zinc or copper plate to form marks that will hold ink. A sheet of paper is passed through a printing press with the ink-laden plate, transferring the ink to the paper. With an aquatint, however, instead of ink, an acid-resistant, powdered rosin is used to create tonal variations, resulting in an image having tones similar to watercolor washes. Note that the term aquatint applies to the technique itself, as well as the resulting print.

arcade

(pronounced ar-KAYD)

When most of hear this word, we immediately think of flashing colored lights and loud sound effects associated with coin-operated interactive video games. However, we’re actually referring to arcades of a more architectural nature. This term has a few meanings in that way: 1) an arched covered passageway or avenue (as between retailers and restaurants), 2) a long arched building, and 3) a series of arches that are supported by columns. The latter can even be “blind,” – i.e., as having no actual openings because it’s merely applied to a wall surface as decoration.

architectural area

(pronounced ar-keh-TEK-cheh-rehl ER-ee-ah)

There are all sorts of types of area take-offs that are used for a variety of purposes. Architectural area, which is considered the total floor area of a building and is used mainly for construction cost estimates, is calculated from the exterior surfaces of the building and from the center line of the common walls between two buildings. To get picky, the calcs usually exclude open verandas completely, and covered areas like porches or connecting walkways are counted as half of the actual floor area.

as-builts

Yes, you pronounce this term just as it reads. As-builts are documents that show the conditions of a project or development after construction is completed. The term is used across the board for design, architecture, all types of engineering and even information technology installations. It may come as a bit of a shock to those not in the industry, but not many projects get built as they are drawn. Gasp! For this reason, it can be written into the contract that as-builts are provided to the client at the end of the job. Sometimes they are provided to the client by contractors, the A&D team, engineers or sometimes all of the above. Since they can be a little pricey, many times as-builts go uncompleted, which then leaves it up to future personnel to deal with existing conditions. Let’s just hope they field verify first!

“Why are they called buildings, when they're already finished? Shouldn't they be called builts?” – comedian Stephen Wright

asbestos

(pronounced as-BESS-tuhss OR az-BESS-tuhss)

This eight-letter word has essentially become a four-letter word. This fibrous mineral material actually does have positive attributes: it’s odorless, insoluble, chemically inert, and does not conduct heat and electricity. That’s why asbestos has been the ideal material for a myriad of applications: insulating materials (coating, panels, roofing), friction materials (such as clutches and brakes), and sealing materials. Apparently, however, it has some nasty qualities as well. Like causing cancer. And since it was used prevalently in buildings all over the industrialized world for decades, it’s still hanging around today. If broken, asbestos releases long and narrow fibers, which, if inhaled or ingested, may cause different types of cancer (primarily: lung). For this reason, new applications of asbestos are currently banned by law in most industrialized countries, and existing uses are often being phased out. The way we understand it, the USA hasn’t actually banned asbestos in its entirety*, but there are definitely rules enacted on how to handle asbestos abatement during demolition on commercial and residential remodels and teardowns. (In comparison, Iceland banned asbestos in 1986, and in 1999, the European Union directed its members to implement asbestos bans by 2005.) Asbestos abatement has become big business and testing for asbestos prior to demolition or remodeling is almost always required before work may commence.

*Established uses of asbestos include car brakes, asphalt roof coatings, and asbestos cement pipes and sheets. Established asbestos-containing products can still be both manufactured and imported into the USA. The US Federal Court reasoned that if asbestos products were produced and used under controlled conditions, humans would not suffer significant exposure to asbestos fibers; that today's substitutes for products containing asbestos could pose more risks than the asbestos products themselves; and that asbestos products offered "significant benefits" that couldn't be found in alternate products.

ASI/Architect’s Field Instructions

(pronounced like the initials: ay-ef-eye)

See FI.

ASI/Architect’s Supplemental Instruction

(pronounced like the initials: ay-ess-eye)

In the world of construction administration, an architect or interior designer may need to issue an ASI to clarify some part of a set of contract documents, whether within the contract drawings or the specifications. As long as the contractor reviews, agrees and accepts that the clarification will not result in a change in contract sum or contract time, then the ASI will be logged, noted and closed. However, if the contractor takes issue and indicates that additional funds or time will be involved, then the ASI will remain open and will have to be resolved.

Assisi embroidery

(pronounced eh-SEE-see ihm-BROY-der-ee)

An integral part of Italy’s long tradition of embroidery, Assisi embroidery gets its name from the famous Italian town where the technique originated. This form of counted-thread embroidery outlines – but does not fill in – animal figures such as birds and mythical creatures, along with flora in the form of leaves, branches, flowers and fruit. Only two colors are used: one for the motifs’ contours and the other for the filled background.

astragal

(pronounced AS-trih-gal)

As much as this sounds like a piece of debris hurdling through outer space, it most certainly is not. More terrestrial in nature, this term can mean at least two different things in the design world.

First, in an ornamental sense, it is an architectural element: a narrow, convex half-round bead-type molding that can appear on the top or base of columns or as a framing device on interior panels, exterior walls, cabinetry, and pieces of furniture. To get picky, the profile should be comprised of a half round surface flanked by two flat planes, which are known as fillets. Sometimes an astragal is referred to as a miniature torus, but most people will think you’re talking about a Ford Taurus automobile if you use this latter term, so just don’t.

The second meaning of astragal tends to be the more common one: a vertical strip on the edge of a door that projects, acting as a seal – primarily on double doors. Astragals also appear on shutters to block light and/or provide privacy, but they are usually integrated into the construction of the shutter and match the woodwork’s finish. On doors, especially commercial and more industrial in nature, the astragal is added on later and may be made of an entirely different material – e.g. metal, wood, polymer, etc. – than the door it is serving. These are referred to as “T-astragals” as they are in the shape of the letter T. T-astragals are more heavy duty and provide an effective weather seal, extra security, and, occasionally, acoustical properties since they seal off the air gaps that create sounds leaks. On a pair of double doors, when both doors are active, a separate stile or astragal for each door is needed for maximum effectiveness; however, when only one door is active in the pair, only an astragal is required for the active door.

We just like any excuse to say the word astragal.

atelier

(pronounced a-tehl-YAY)

A fancy French way to describe a designer’s or artist’s studio or a skilled craftsman’s workroom or workshop. Keep your eyes peeled for this term in the fashion magazines when writers refer to the fashion house (a.k.a. atelier) of the likes of Chanel, Gucci, etc.

Aubusson

(pronounced oh-beh-SOH(n))

Though the name of a village in central France, the word Aubusson is now synonymous with very meticulous, finely woven tapestry that is used for wall hangings, carpets and upholstery. Designs were inspired by engravings and often featured figures set among bucolic, stylized backgrounds.