Designer's Guide to Building Construction and Systems, 1st edition

For courses in Building Construction and Systems.

Designer’s Guide to Building Construction and Systems for Residential and Commercial Structures offers students a concise, easy-to-understand guide for learning about building construction and systems in preparation for a successful practice as an interior designer. Using language geared for students of interior design, the text covers basic structural principles applied to the building environment through a review of common building methods including timber frame, masonry, and steel construction for residential and commercial projects as applicable. 

Covers industry jargon—pertinent to building construction, the preparation of construction documents, and building and accessibility codes.  

• Technical terms and vocabulary appear in italics throughout the text and are also included in a glossary.   

Covers structural, mechanical, and electrical systems—in detail.

• Structural systems covered in the text include foundations, beams and columns, floors, walls, roofs, doors, and windows.
• Mechanical and electrical systems, acoustical control, and plumbing are presented through an array of contemporary theories and techniques employed in the design of buildings.   

Code issues are presented—in the context of the construction process. 

• Codes are referred to in the book as general guidelines only, and students must be aware that code compliance begins at the municipal level.
• The International Code Council is the primary reference source for code issues discussed in this book.   

Through photographs, detailed drawings, and case studies—students gain insight to the construction methods used for built environments.

• Begins with the exterior building envelope and continues through interior finish details such as millwork, floor coverings, walls and ceilings. 
• Photographs accompanying the text provide further explanations showing the application of building construction and systems for the visual learner.

Key information on "green" design–is presented in sidebars throughout the text.

• Offers students timely insight on the growing use of "green" design in construction.
• In addition, each chapter offers a list of interesting, informative websites for further study.