Design Standards & Technical Specifications

The Design Standards and Technical Specifications develops and maintains District standards and design guidelines for the planning and design of District schools. These standards are to assure conformance to District requirements for instructional function and to improve the quality and economy of construction, maintenance and operation.

The guiding principle of Design Standards and Technical Specifications is to continually improve the school environment to enhance students’ learning, achievement, and wellbeing.

The Section prepares and publishes the documents that compose the "Design Guidelines" as defined in the Architect's agreement. They include the School Design Guide, Educational Specifications, Guide Construction Specifications, and the Standard Technical Drawings.

The District standards are "living documents", which require ongoing updates. To prepare and update these documents, the Section collaborates with members of the District's Educational and Instructional Services, Information Technology, Maintenance and Operations and Environmental Health and Safety, as well as conducting independent research on new materials and systems.

In addition to the District standards the Section provides other services, such as Peer Design Review, Technical Support to other departments or branches, Special Studies, Product Evaluations and Reviews. Design Standards also participates in Lessons Learned, Sustainability, Energy Efficiency and Green Initiatives, and Commissioning.