Design Standards in Interior Design
A simple guide for designers on the importance of design standards and how to create and manage them.
The process for designing interior spaces is fragmented and requires interior designers to bring together disparate requirements into a cohesive spatial solution. Interior design software can help this process tremendously.
What are design standards?
Design standards in architecture and interior design are guidelines, regulations, or best practices that establish criteria for the planning, design, construction, and occupancy of buildings and interior spaces. These standards are developed by industry organizations, government agencies, professional associations, and other authoritative bodies to ensure the safety, functionality, accessibility, sustainability, and aesthetic quality of built environments.
Here are some common types of design standards in architecture and interior design:
- Design Guidelines: Design guidelines provide recommendations and best practices for achieving functional, aesthetic, and cultural objectives in building design. They may address topics such as building orientation, massing, facade design, landscaping, and historical preservation to ensure compatibility with the surrounding context and community.
- Furniture and Fixture Standards: Furniture and fixture standards establish criteria for selecting and specifying furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) for interior spaces. They may address factors such as durability, ergonomics, sustainability, and compliance with regulatory requirements to ensure quality and performance (read more about ff&e).
- Environmental Standards: Environmental standards promote sustainable design practices and minimize the environmental impact of buildings. They address issues such as energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, materials selection, and waste management. Certification programs like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) provide guidelines for achieving green building certification.
- Health and Safety Standards: Health and safety standards aim to protect occupants from hazards and ensure a healthy indoor environment. They address factors such as ventilation, lighting, acoustics, ergonomics, and hazardous materials to promote occupant well-being and comfort.
- Accessibility Standards: Accessibility standards, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States, establish requirements for making buildings and facilities accessible to people with disabilities. These standards address features such as ramps, doorways, corridors, elevators, signage, and restroom facilities to ensure equal access for all individuals.
- Building Codes: Building codes are legal regulations that govern the construction and occupancy of buildings. They address various aspects of building design and construction, including structural integrity, fire safety, accessibility, plumbing, electrical systems, and energy efficiency. Building codes are enforced by local authorities to ensure that buildings meet minimum safety standards.
By adhering to design standards, architects and interior designers can create spaces that are safe, accessible, sustainable, and visually appealing, while also meeting the needs and preferences of their clients and users. Compliance with standards helps mitigate risks, improve building performance, and enhance the overall quality of the built environment.
Are design standards and design systems the same thing?
No, design standards and design systems are not the same thing, although they are both tools used to guide and improve design processes. They serve different purposes, address different aspects of design, and operate at different levels of flexibility and specificity.
Differences Between Design Standards and Design Systems
What They Have in Common
- Promote Consistency:
- Both ensure that designs adhere to a unified approach, whether through compliance (standards) or aesthetic harmony (systems).
- Guiding Frameworks:
- Both act as guidelines to inform decision-making and streamline the design process.
- Importance Across Disciplines:
- Whether in interior design, graphic design, or product design, both standards and systems are critical to achieving high-quality outcomes.
In Interior Design
- Design Standards:
- Examples include building codes, ADA compliance for accessibility, and ergonomic guidelines.
- Focus: Ensuring spaces are functional, safe, and meet legal requirements.
- Design Systems:
- Examples include branded material libraries, pre-approved color schemes, and reusable layout patterns for offices or retail spaces.
- Focus: Creating cohesive, visually consistent environments that align with a brand or aesthetic vision.
Is the term design system commonly used in the context of interior design ?
The term design system is not as commonly used in interior design as it is in fields like UI/UX design or software development, where it has become a widely recognized concept. However, the concept of a design system absolutely exists in interior design, though it might be referred to using different terminology or described more informally.
Common Terminology in Interior Design
Instead of "design system," interior designers and architects might use terms like:
- Design framework
- Style guide
- Material library
- Standardized design principles
- Modular design approach
These terms often capture the same ideas of repeatable, reusable components, guidelines, and consistency that a "design system" embodies.
Why "Design System" Is Less Common in Interior Design
- Focus on Physical Spaces:
- Interior design deals with physical environments, which are inherently more variable and less modular than digital interfaces. As a result, designers often emphasize guidelines and principles rather than a rigid "system."
- Project-Specific Needs:
- Interior design is often highly customized to the client, project, or space, making it harder to standardize with a comprehensive system.
- Industry-Specific Vocabulary:
- Interior design has historically used terms like "design guidelines," "material libraries," or "specification sheets," rather than "systems," which is more of a tech-driven term.
Where "Design System" Does Fit in Interior Design
While the term itself is less common, its principles are increasingly relevant, especially in contexts where consistency and scalability are priorities, such as:
- Commercial Design:
- Examples: Chain stores, hospitality brands, or coworking spaces (like Starbucks, Marriott, or WeWork).
- Here, a "design system" includes pre-defined layouts, branded materials, lighting schemes, and furniture, ensuring that every location maintains a consistent look and feel.
- Residential Developments:
- For large-scale projects, like apartment complexes or housing developments, a design system might standardize finishes, layouts, and fixtures to streamline construction and design processes.
- Franchise or Brand Rollouts:
- Retail or restaurant franchises often have pre-defined design systems to ensure every location adheres to a cohesive brand identity, from wall colors to seating arrangements.
- Sustainable or Modular Design:
- Modular design principles (e.g., standardized furniture, fixtures, and layouts) reflect the structured thinking of a design system, especially for eco-friendly or prefab interior solutions.
- Modular design principles (e.g., standardized furniture, fixtures, and layouts) reflect the structured thinking of a design system, especially for eco-friendly or prefab interior solutions.
What are examples of design standard libraries in architecture and interior design?
In interior design, design standard libraries are collections of predefined guidelines, materials, components, and specifications used to streamline the design process and ensure compliance, consistency, and efficiency. These libraries often include standards for materials, furniture, lighting, and other design elements.
Below are some examples of design standard libraries used in interior design:
- Material Libraries
- What They Contain:
- Collections of approved or commonly used materials like wood, metal, stone, fabrics, and finishes.
- Information on material properties (e.g., durability, sustainability, fire resistance).
- Examples:
- Wilsonart or Formica libraries for laminates and surfaces.
- Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore color collections for paints.
- Tile libraries from brands like Daltile or Porcelanosa for flooring and wall finishes.
- What They Contain:
- Furniture and Fixture Catalogs
- What They Contain:
- Libraries of pre-approved or standardized furniture and fixtures for specific projects or brands.
- Details about dimensions, materials, finishes, and pricing.
- Examples:
- Herman Miller or Steelcase for ergonomic office furniture.
- Restoration Hardware or West Elm catalogs for residential furniture.
- Kohler or TOTO libraries for bathroom and kitchen fixtures.
- What They Contain:
- Color Palettes and Paint Libraries
- What They Contain:
- Predefined color schemes or palettes to ensure visual consistency across projects.
- Examples:
- Pantone Color Libraries: Standardized color matching for paints, textiles, and finishes.
- RAL Color System: Widely used in industrial and architectural coatings.
- Paint brand collections like Behr’s Designer Color Palette or Farrow & Ball curated palettes.
- What They Contain:
- Fabric and Textile Libraries
- What They Contain:
- Collections of approved fabrics for upholstery, curtains, and wall coverings.
- Specifications for durability, stain resistance, and fire safety.
- Examples:
- Sunbrella for outdoor and stain-resistant fabrics.
- Kravet or Scalamandré for luxury upholstery and drapery textiles.
- CF Stinson libraries for healthcare and commercial-grade fabrics.
- What They Contain:
- Wayfinding and Signage Standards
- What They Contain:
- Libraries of signage types, fonts, materials, and layouts for public spaces.
- Examples:
- SEGD (Society for Experiential Graphic Design) standards for signage and wayfinding.
- ADA-compliant signage specifications for tactile letters, Braille, and contrast.
- What They Contain:
- Modular and Prefabricated Design Libraries
- What They Contain:
- Standardized modules for furniture, cabinetry, or construction elements.
- Specifications for dimensions, materials, and assembly.
- Examples:
- IKEA product libraries for modular furniture systems.
- DIRTT Environmental Solutions for modular walls and partitions.
- Prefabricated kitchen or bathroom units from manufacturers like Porcelanosa Grupo.
- What They Contain:
- Sustainability Libraries
- What They Contain:
- Standards and materials that prioritize sustainability and eco-friendliness.
- Certifications for energy efficiency, recycled content, and environmental impact.
- Examples:
- FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood products.
- Cradle to Cradle Certified™ materials for circular design.
- Living Building Challenge (LBC) materials library for green building.
- What They Contain:
Design standard libraries are valuable resources for design professionals, providing access to a wealth of pre-defined design elements and specifications that can be leveraged to streamline the design process, improve accuracy, and enhance the quality of architectural and interior design projects.
Why are design standards important for a team?
Design standards are essential for a team because they provide a shared framework that ensures consistency, efficiency, and quality across all aspects of a project. When multiple team members are working together—especially on complex, large-scale, or long-term projects—design standards serve as a foundation for collaboration and alignment.
Key Reasons Why Design Standards Are Important for a Team
1. Consistency Across Projects
- Design standards ensure that every team member adheres to the same principles, materials, and guidelines, resulting in a cohesive output.
- This is especially important for branding, where consistency is critical for maintaining a recognizable identity.
- Example: In interior design, a team designing multiple retail stores for a brand can maintain a uniform look across all locations using the same materials, finishes, and layouts.
2. Improved Collaboration
- With clear standards in place, team members can work seamlessly without misunderstandings or conflicting design decisions.
- Standards provide a common language, reducing the time spent on debates or clarifying expectations.
- Example: A designer and a contractor can refer to the same design standards when selecting fixtures or finishes, avoiding miscommunication.
3. Efficiency and Time-Saving
- Design standards eliminate the need to repeatedly make decisions about routine elements, allowing the team to focus on creative and strategic aspects.
- Pre-approved materials, templates, or processes reduce the time spent on approvals or iterations.
- Example: A team using a standard library of materials (e.g., paint colors or flooring options) can quickly select items without having to start from scratch.
4. Quality Assurance
- Standards set minimum requirements for quality, ensuring that the final output meets expectations regardless of who worked on it.
- This helps avoid errors, inconsistencies, or deviations that could compromise the project.
- Example: Design standards might specify ergonomic dimensions for workstations, ensuring that every desk and chair meets usability and comfort requirements.
5. Scalability
- Design standards make it easier to scale projects, whether expanding across multiple locations, replicating designs, or onboarding new team members.
- A standardized approach ensures that growth doesn’t lead to a decline in quality or consistency.
- Example: A hotel chain with standardized room layouts and finishes can rapidly design and build new locations without reinventing the process.
6. Adaptability for New Team Members
- Standards act as a guide for onboarding new designers, contractors, or collaborators, allowing them to quickly understand the project’s expectations and processes.
- This reduces the learning curve and ensures continuity even with team changes.
- Example: A new interior designer joining a project can reference the team’s design standards to understand the approved material palette and layout guidelines.
7. Compliance with Regulations
- Design standards ensure that the team adheres to industry regulations, safety codes, and accessibility requirements.
- This minimizes the risk of costly revisions, fines, or legal issues.
- Example: Standards for ADA compliance in interior design help the team ensure that spaces are accessible to all users.
8. Clear Expectations
- Standards establish a baseline for decision-making, reducing ambiguity and ensuring everyone is on the same page.
- This is particularly helpful when working with external collaborators, such as contractors or vendors.
- Example: A lighting standard specifying the required color temperature (e.g., 3000K for ambient lighting) helps the entire team source appropriate fixtures.
9. Cost Control
- By standardizing materials, finishes, or processes, teams can optimize costs through bulk purchasing or streamlined workflows.
- Standards also reduce errors or rework, which can be expensive.
- Example: A team using a standardized tile across multiple bathrooms in a commercial project can save money by ordering in bulk.
10. Brand Identity
- Design standards protect and reinforce a brand’s identity by ensuring that every design reflects the same visual and functional principles.
- This is crucial for companies with a public-facing presence, like retail stores, hospitality spaces, or offices.
- Example: A retail brand with specific design standards for store layouts, lighting, and signage ensures customers have a consistent experience across all locations.
Benefits for the Team
- Streamlined Decision-Making: Fewer debates and faster resolution of design questions.
- Increased Productivity: Time saved on repetitive decisions allows for focus on creative and strategic tasks.
- Higher Accountability: Clear standards make it easier to identify and address deviations.
- Reduced Confusion: Everyone knows what is expected, from designers to contractors to clients.
What are examples of furniture and fixture online product catalogs or libraries?
The terms catalog and library come from a past where most product information and specification was distributed in the form of books and catalogs that would make up a design library in a physical office. Today, much of this has moved online as the demand for speed, flexibility and cross-regional practice has become the norm. Product data changes much more quickly than it did in the past and the thought of printing large volumes seems quaint today.
Examples of furniture and fixture libraries include:
- Manufacturer Websites: Many furniture manufacturers and suppliers provide online catalogs or libraries of their products, including 3D models, specifications, and pricing information. Designers can access these libraries to explore a wide range of furniture options, such as seating, tables, storage units, lighting fixtures, and accessories. Hem and Restoration Hardware are great examples of this.
- Canoa Public Catalogs: Canoa is an online lightweight design tool for architects and interior designers that has a vast repository of furniture and fixture specifications published directly by the brands that make those products. Brands that publish their catalogs on Canoa become discoverable in Canoa's recommendation engine, a big draw especially for smaller brands that don't have the marketing budgets of their large competitors. Learn more about catalogs.
- Product Data Aggregators: Product data aggregators are typically websites that provide editorial, search and discovery opportunities for brands to get in front of designers. Sites like Material Bank or Ecomedes are examples of places where architects and interior designers go to research and select specific products based on critical product information. Other sites like Archiproducts, Metropolis or ArchDaily provide similar value but from the perspective of a product's application in a finished design.
These are just a few examples of furniture and fixture libraries that designers can access to find a wide range of products and components for their architectural and interior design projects. Depending on their specific software preferences and project requirements, designers may explore additional resources and platforms to find suitable furniture and fixture options.
What are ways in which Canoa can help teams create and manage design standards?
Canoa offers a suite of tools and features designed to assist teams in creating, managing, and maintaining design standards, thereby enhancing collaboration, consistency, and efficiency in interior design projects.
1. Centralized Design Platform
Canoa provides a unified workspace where teams can collect, design, and share their work. This centralized approach ensures that all team members have access to the latest design standards and resources, reducing miscommunication and discrepancies.
2. Canvas: Scaled Design Editor
The Canvas is a browser-based, scaled design editor that allows interior designers to create data-rich furniture layouts, product schedules, presentations, and digital mood boards. It serves as a sandbox for collecting, arranging, and collaborating on designs without feeling limited.
3. Catalogs: Organized Product Libraries
Canoa's Catalogs feature enables teams to save and organize collected inspiration, products, and furniture specifications. This allows for the reuse and sharing of products from past projects, keeping everything together in one place effortlessly.
4. AI-Powered Recommendations
Canoa's AI recommendation engine helps designers explore a larger design space through product recommendations prompted by user behavior. This patented approach learns about your preferences and assists in discovering products and brands you may not have known before, aiding in the development of comprehensive design standards.
Learn about how machine learning powers your product discovery
5. Design Standard Libraries
Canoa offers a collection of standard products within its Public Catalogs database, which includes tens of thousands of SKUs published by manufacturers. These standard products can be used to design mood boards and layout floor plans, serving as placeholders in furniture layouts. Each product includes a name, image, basic sizing dimensions, and a scaled 2D drawing, making them great for space planning.
Learn about how to use templates
6. Templates and Resources
Canoa provides templates and resources to help teams get started quickly. These templates allow for the collection of inspiration photos, drawings, sketches, and more. They also offer guides on the ecosystem of design tools, spatial design for starters, design standards, and circularity in the world of FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment).
Learn about how to use templates
7. Collaboration and Sharing
Canoa enables teams to create and share pixel-perfect design presentations. Designs can be shared with others through public or private links that update in real-time, and can also be downloaded as PDF, JPG, or PNG files. This facilitates seamless collaboration and ensures that all stakeholders are aligned with the design standards.
Learn about collaboration and sharing
By leveraging these features, teams can effectively create and manage design standards, ensuring consistency and quality across all projects.