Chapter 14 Commercial Interior Design Applications 483 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. low absenteeism. Employee wages are typically three- fourths or more of the cost of doing business. Designing a commercial space to enhance employee satisfaction is a critical consideration when developing the fi nal design solution. A third group includes the customer or guest using the space. This group generates the revenue to keep the business open. A poorly designed supermarket will not remain open if it is not functional for those using it. Therefore, how and when the space is used is critically analyzed during the design process. Health, Safety, and Accessibility of Public When designing and building a commercial facility, the health and safety of the public is the most critical issue. Commercial interior designers are knowledge- able about many codes that regulate the construction or remodel of the building. Building codes are laws created by federal, state, and local jurisdictions to ensure the safety of the public. Commercial interior designers are also aware of occupancy classifi cations for the building type before designing the client’s space. Building occupancy classifi cations refer to categorizing structures based on their usage. These classifi cations relate to the design of interior spaces because they guide egress practices due to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) fi re code standards. For example, a residence classifi ed under Group R specifi es that hallways can be as narrow as 36 inches. This dimension supports the belief that a family can safely exit a burning building using those hallway widths. Conversely, Group B, for businesses, specifi es that hallways must be a minimum of 44 inches wide because many strangers exiting a larger building will need more space. Commercial interior designers are also knowledge- able about accessibility codes such as the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). These codes, set by the Department of Justice, include a set of federal rules and regulations that ensure architectural barriers are removed to make every building and structure accessi- ble and usable by all persons, including those persons with any type of disability. Knowledge of Systems A commercial designer has to consider multiple systems when designing a client’s space. Each system impacts how employees perform their work. These systems relate to the building as well as the comfort and safety of the people using the space. Due to the complexity of these systems, specialists are hired by the design and construction team to design and install them. Building systems include ■ Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC). Factors that infl uence HVAC systems include sun paths into building, building structure generated heat, and internal heat loads from lights, people, and equipment. ■ Lighting and electrical systems. Designer concerns include electrical supply and demand, lighting systems such as controls for fl uorescent lighting, occupancy sensors, and emergency backup lighting systems. ■ Security systems. These are systems— such as alarms and lights— that protect the occupants and end users. ■ Communications systems. Designers must be concerned about technologies related to data and telecommunications. ■ People systems. People-related systems are those that allow the fl ow of occupants from one space to another. This includes sources of vertical transportation, such as stairs and elevators, as well as pathways to spaces and equipment—both in and out of the building, Figure 14-3. Technical information does not end with understand- ing building systems. There are also new technologies within each specialty area, such as high-tech equip- ment used in hospitals. There are also new technolo- gies across all commercial design facilities such as factors that impact the acquisition of LEED certifi cation or and lighting design advances and updates. Commercial designers may juggle fi ve to fi fteen differ- ent design projects at various stages of the design process. You can understand why commercial design is a fast-paced, demanding but satisfying career.