The most important consideration when specifying textiles for a commercial interior is ensuring they meet all applicable legal and life-safety requirements. The interior designer's primary responsibility is to protect the Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) of the public. This is achieved through strict adherence to building codes (e.g., International Building Code - IBC) and specific product performance standards (e.g., NFPA 701 for draperies, ASTM E84 for wallcoverings). These regulations govern flammability, smoke development, and toxicity, which are critical in public spaces. All other factors, such as performance, aesthetics, or maintenance, are secondary to these non-negotiable safety mandates.

A. While crucial for functionality and longevity, these factors are evaluated only after a textile meets mandatory code and safety requirements.

B. Color and durability are important performance attributes but are subordinate to the primary, legally-mandated requirements of life-safety and code compliance.

D. Health and environmental impacts of maintenance are significant considerations in sustainable design but do not supersede the immediate life-safety mandates of building codes.

1. Ballast

D. K. (2018). Interior Design Reference Manual: Everything You Need to Know to Pass the NCIDQ Exam (6th ed.). Professional Publications

Inc. Chapter 10

"Building and Finish Standards

" emphasizes that finish selections in commercial interiors are governed by building codes

particularly regarding flammability and smoke density. It details standards like ASTM E84 as a primary filter for material selection (pp. 10-14 – 10-17).

2. Piotrowski

C. M. (2017). Professional Practice for Interior Designers (6th ed.). Wiley. Chapter 15

"Codes and Regulations

" establishes that code compliance is a fundamental legal and ethical responsibility for designers. It states

"The interior designer is responsible for designing projects that meet all applicable codes

ordinances

and regulations... This responsibility cannot be delegated" (p. 345).

3. Cornell University

College of Human Ecology. (n.d.). DEA 2510: Materials for Design Course Description. The course objectives explicitly include the ability to "Understand and apply relevant codes

standards

and regulations to material selection

" highlighting this as a foundational skill in design education for professional practice.