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.

R

reveal

(pronounced rih-VEEL)

Let us reveal what a reveal is – in the architecture and design world, of course. We simply have used the term to describe a small notch or space used as a design technique to add definition and to create an illusion of depth or thickness in a wall, ceiling, or series of panels. This definition is what is reflected in the associated images (courtesy of gordonceilings.com). However, when researching a little further, we found that a “reveal” can mean a variety of things, all similar in nature, but each a little different (who knew?!?):

• A small return, which is at right angles to the face of the work, surrounding an arch, window, or doorway to suggest depth and thickness.
• Portion of a jamb that is revealed at the edge of a window or door casing.
• The clearance between the panel and inside of frame.
• An opening in the skirt that reveals a separate panel underneath.
• In an overlay door mounting application, the exposed portion of the cabinet side panel not covered by the door when closed.
• The end of a door that is exposed only when the door is open.
• When in a “closed” position, the dimension from the inside face of a door to the face of the frame at the side opposite from the direction of the door swing.
• The area of masonry or frame visible between the outer face of a wall and a door or window which is set back from it.
• A visible edge of a door or window opening in a wall not covered by the frame.
• The surface at the side of an opening indicating the thickness of a wall.
• The amount of space between the top of a tread to the stop of a stringer or in front of the first riser.
• In carpentry, a feature resembling a rabbet, but constructed of separate pieces of wood. A reveal may typically be seen at the edge of a door or window where the face molding is set back to reveal the edge of the casing plank.
  

RFI

(pronounced as the initials R.F.I.)

Stands for “Request For Information”. This standardized information gathering process is used in both the general business and construction worlds. If an A&D firm sends out an RFI, it’s usually to various vendors. The goal is to collect written information about the vendors’ various capabilities and offerings needed for a particular application or project. Normally it follows a format that can be used for comparative purposes.

When a General Contractor sends out an RFI, it’s to the A&D firm that has issued a set of construction drawings or specifications. This usually happens during the bid process. One GC might issue the RFI, but the A&D firm will send an official answer to all bidders. If the answer will require no change in cost, the A&D firm can merely issue a Clarification. However, if the GC catches something that will substantially affect the construction cost, then the A&D firm will issue an Addendum to the contract documents.

RFP

(pronounced as the initials R.F.P.)

Stands for “Request For Proposal”. When companies need any kind of service done (i.e. interior design, communications, web design, etc.) that will cost a significant amount of money, they may send out an RFP to several firms. The RFP will list out parameters for the work, and – if interested – each firm will return the completed RFP with its bid (or proposal) for the work for the company to review. From this process, the company hopes to get the best work for the best price.

rheostat

(pronounced REE-ah-stat)

Know what a dimmer is on a light fixture? You’ve seen them hundreds of times. It’s a device that allows you to adjust the brightness of a bulb (also known as a lamp, but we’ll get to that at another time). For years the most common was that round dial kind, but now there are all sorts of dimmers available… sliders, toggles, etc. These will all be addressed in the future. Fun with rheostats!

rocaille

(pronounced roh-KIE)

See rococo.

rococo

(pronounced ruh-KOH-koh)

Capitalized or not, with two “c’s” or three (rococco), this term delineates a decorative style characterized by ornate adornment and whimsical curved asymmetrical forms. In the 18th century, France's Louis XIV preferred a weighty, dominating Baroque style. Louis XV, however, sought out a lighter and more elegant touch, which tended toward the flamboyant: scrolls, foliage, scallop shells, flowers, long-winding grapevines, elongated S and C curves, and slenderized cabriole legs. Along with intricate furniture pieces, artisans created equally as ornate paneling, sometimes in color schemes such as blue and white, pink and white, and sea-green and white – all enriched with gold, of course. FYI: The term can also be used in a more general way to describe anything that is excessively intricate or overly elaborate. We think you can see why.

rolltop desk

(pronounced ROHL-tahp dehsk)

This type of desk features a slatted tambour panel that slides down via parallel slats on either end, allowing the writing surface, and any storage compartments sitting atop the surface, to be hidden from view and secured with a locking mechanism. Though this historical style of furniture conjures visions of candlelight and fountain pens, it continues to be made today in both traditional styles and new interpretations as the concept behind it is still an effective one.

See also: tambour

rosette

(pronounced roh-ZEHT)

This term is so easy to remember – just think of a rose and its rounded shape. In classical architecture, a rosette is a carved medallion or disk having a floral motif or even just a simple, more abstract design in relief. Other industries use this term too, however. In fashion, it describes when material is gathered, arranged or pleated as to resemble – you guessed it – a rose. In the culinary world, a rosette refers to garnish or surface decoration (especially on desserts) imitating the shape of the flower of love and romance.

rough opening

A construction term meaning the wall opening into which a frame is to be installed. This could be for a door, window, paper towel dispenser, ventilation grille, electrical panel… We could go on and on. The space must be slightly larger then combined size of the item and the frame. Sometimes you’ll see the term abbreviated as R.O.

rough-hewn

(pronounced RUHF-hyoon)

Also used to describe rugged, coarse people who lack refinement and polish, the term rough-hewn describes something that is crudely created, rough in appearance and to the touch, and often appears unfinished.

running bond

(pronounced RUHN-ning bahnd)

Although this term could technically describe 007 in hot pursuit of an evil megalomaniac in Ian Fleming’s iconic spy series, we’re speaking of bonds a little less glamorous, but equally as international and ubiquitous: bricks and mortar. The running bond is the most basic and humble of bonds – i.e., brick patterns. It is comprised of continuous horizontal joints, but the vertical joints are consistently offset.

running dog pattern

(pronounced RUH-ning dahg skrohl)

See Vitruvian scroll.

running ornament

(pronounced RUHN-ing OR-nah-mehnt)

When we hear this term, we immediately think of bunch of anthropomorphic Christmas ornaments hanging on some grand tree bungee jumping to freedom and scuttling off underneath some oversized furniture. But we digress… Running ornament is any molding in which the design continuously flows. The term running mold is interchangeable, but you can imagine what our mind conjures up when we hear that…

See also: fret, guilloche