Florida Building & Design Glossary

Explore 250 common architectural, planning, code, sustainability and construction terms.

A

Accessibility: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Addition: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
ADA: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Adaptive Reuse: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Air Barrier: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Air Infiltration: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Allowance: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Alternate: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Architect of Record: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Architectural Program: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Area Calculation: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
As-Built Drawing: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Atrium: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Awning: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Acoustics: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Adjacency Diagram: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Assembly: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Attic: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Accessible Route: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.

B

Backflow Prevention: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Balcony: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Basis of Design: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Bay: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Beam: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Bearing Wall: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Benchmark: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
BIM: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Blocking: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Building Code: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Building Envelope: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Building Information Modeling: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Building Section: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Bollard: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Breezeway: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Bulkhead: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Building Footprint: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Boundary Survey: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Building Height: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.

C

Canopy: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Cantilever: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Certificate of Occupancy: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Change Order: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Circulation: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Clerestory: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
CMU: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Code Analysis: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Column: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Commissioning: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Concept Design: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Construction Administration: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Construction Documents: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Construction Type: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Consultant: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Contingency: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Contract Documents: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Coping: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Core and Shell: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Corridor: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Curtain Wall: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Civil Engineer: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Clear Width: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Courtyard: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Control Joint: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Construction Classification: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Clear Floor Space: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.

D

Daylighting: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Dead Load: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Demolition Plan: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Design Development: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Design Intent: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Design Review: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Detail: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Door Schedule: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Drainage Plane: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Datum: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Design Charrette: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Design Criteria: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.

E

Easement: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Egress: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Elevation: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Envelope Commissioning: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Expansion Joint: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Exterior Insulation: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Eave: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Energy Model: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Exit Access: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Exit Discharge: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Exterior Elevation: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Emergency Lighting: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Environmental Site Assessment: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.

F

Facade: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Fascia: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Fenestration: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Finish Schedule: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Fire Barrier: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Fire Rating: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Fire Separation: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Floor Area Ratio: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Floor Plan: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Flood Elevation: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Footing: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Foundation: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Framing Plan: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Finish Floor: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Flashing: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Flood Zone: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Foundation Plan: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Fire Alarm System: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Finished Grade: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Floor-to-Floor Height: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.

G

Glazing: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Grade: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Green Building: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Gross Area: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Guardrail: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Gable: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Geotechnical Report: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Green Roof: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Gross Square Footage: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Grid Line: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.

H

Hardscape: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Historic Preservation: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
HVAC: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Head Height: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Heat Gain: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.

I

Impact Glazing: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Impervious Surface: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Indoor Air Quality: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Insulation: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Interior Elevation: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Impact Rating: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Interior Designer: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.

J

Joist: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.

L

Life Safety Plan: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Live Load: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Low-E Glass: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Landscape Architect: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
LEED: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Light Shelf: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Lintel: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Load Path: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Lot Coverage: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Louver: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.

M

Massing: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
MEP: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Mezzanine: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Mixed-Use: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Mullion: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Mechanical Room: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Massing Study: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Module: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.

N

Natural Ventilation: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
NCARB: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Net Square Footage: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Nonbearing Wall: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.

O

Occupancy Classification: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Open Plan: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Owner’s Program: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Occupant Load: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Overhang: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Occupancy Permit: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.

P

Parapet: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Passive Design: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Permit Set: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Phasing: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Plenum: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Porch: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Post-Occupancy Evaluation: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Pre-Design: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Programming: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Project Manual: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Property Line: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Punch List: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Partition: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Pervious Surface: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Plan Review: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Plat: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Preliminary Design: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Project Closeout: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Program Area: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.

R

R-Value: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Reflected Ceiling Plan: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Renovation: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Request for Information: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Resilience: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Retaining Wall: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Roof Plan: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Railing: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Roof Drain: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Roof Slope: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Roof Overhang: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.

S

Schematic Design: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Section: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Setback: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Shop Drawing: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Site Analysis: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Site Plan: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Slab-on-Grade: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Soffit: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Space Planning: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Specification: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Stair Section: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Stormwater Management: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Structural Grid: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Submittal: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Sustainable Design: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Service Area: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Shear Wall: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Site Development: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Site Orientation: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Spandrel: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Stack Effect: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Storm Surge: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Structural Engineer: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Sump: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Space Standard: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Sprinkler System: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Survey: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Stormwater Retention: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Sun Control: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.

T

Tenant Improvement: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Thermal Bridge: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Threshold: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Topography: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Tenant Fit-Out: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Thermal Envelope: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Transom: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Turning Radius: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Topographic Survey: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.

U

Universal Design: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
USGBC: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Unitized System: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Utility Coordination: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.

V

Value Engineering: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Vapor Barrier: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Variance: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Ventilation: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Vestibule: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.

W

Wall Section: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Waterproofing: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Wind Load: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Window Schedule: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Water Table: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Wayfinding: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Windborne Debris Region: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.

Z

Zoning: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Zoning District: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Zoning Map: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.
Zoning Setback: An architecture and construction term used in planning, design, documentation, code review or building performance. Project-specific meaning should be confirmed within the applicable drawings, specifications and standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a client consider first when researching florida building & design glossary?

Begin with the project goals, property conditions, intended users, schedule, regulatory requirements and the decisions that must be resolved before construction.

Why is early architectural planning important?

Early planning helps organize scope, site constraints, code issues, consultant needs, circulation, structure, systems and visual priorities before construction documents are prepared.

How do Florida conditions affect architectural decisions?

Heat, humidity, wind, rainfall, flood exposure, coastal conditions, solar orientation and local building requirements can influence materials, openings, site planning and building systems.

When should an architect become involved?

Architectural involvement is most valuable before major layout, structural, permitting or construction commitments are made.