An innovative new Architect + Designer’s Guide to Architectural Ironmongery has been published by the GAI.
The guide has been produced to bring together all the information that architects, designers and other specifiers need to make the scheduling and specification of an architectural ironmongery package run smoothly and achieve the best possible result.
Structured around a brand-new overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work, the document provides unique clarification on where the architectural ironmonger can add value at each stage of this industry-standard model for the design and construction of buildings.
Published by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the RIBA Plan of Work organises the process of briefing, designing, constructing and operating building projects into eight stages, to ensure that all aspects of the project are considered and addressed. Numbered 0 to 7, each stage represents a phase in the project lifecycle and explains the outcomes, core tasks and information exchanges required at each stage.
Taking each stage in turn, the GAI’s new guide helps architects and designers identify the ways in which GAI Registered Professionals can help them meet requirements for the demonstration of professional competence, the Golden Thread of information, and the functional, performance, and design considerations raised by architectural ironmongery scheduling.
Moving beyond the design stages, it then illustrates how the architectural ironmonger can help ensure great design is turned into effective and compliant supply, installation, handover and long-term outcomes.
Alongside the new RIBA Plan of Works overlay, the comprehensive 32-page guide features practical advice, checklists, potential pitfalls, and extensive illustrations of best practice relating to hardware products such as hinges, door closing and locking devices, door handles and furniture, grab rails, window fittings and sophisticated electronics to control locking and access.
The guide is available as a free download on the GAI website at www.gai.org.uk/SPECIFIERS. As well as making it available directly to architects, designers and other specifiers, the GAI is encouraging architectural ironmongery companies to include the guide in their own customer relationship processes.
GAI chief executive Simon Forrester said:
“By highlighting the contribution that a GAI Registered Professional can make at every stage of the RIBA Plan of Work, this innovative new guide will help architects, interior designers and contractors more easily achieve fully compliant hardware packages which, as well as meeting design considerations, ensure the long-term safety, security and accessibility of buildings.”