A solid masonry or concrete structural component built to support the lateral and vertical thrust of a bridge or an arch.

A continuous, rhythmic architectural feature consisting of a series of arches supported by columns or piers.

Builders who make a structure valuable on its own account, independently of its uses, by giving it good proportions, fine details, and beautiful materials.

The structural, practical, and visual union of firmness, commodity, and delight (venustas, firmitas, and utilitas).

In classical structures, the lowest element of an entablature, consisting of the main structural beam spanning directly from column capital to column capital.

The part of a contract document that records in general terms what the parties have agreed to do, identifying the parties, the contractor's obligations, and the employer's obligations.

Smooth, square-cut building stones laid horizontally in a precise, regular pattern used for masonry wall facing.

An open-air or skylight-covered central courtyard forming an expansive entrance hall or main hub inside a building.

Fixed installations designed to automatically operate and suppress a fire using agents like water sprinklers, foam, dry powder, or gas.

An architectural railing system formed by a row of repeating small vertical posts or balusters topped off by a uniform coping or handrail.

An ornamental board fixed along the projecting edge of a gable roof, used to decorative effect and to conceal horizontal roof timbers.

A repeated spatial or structural division along a building's profile, such as the repeating window configurations on an exterior wall.

A document typically consisting of preliminaries, preambles, and measured works that provides detailed quantification and descriptions of a project's requirements.

A structural or decorative support element projecting from a wall to carry weight or strengthen an angle under eaves or lintels.

A set of rules put together to ensure safe buildings and related structures meant for human habitation.

A projecting mass of masonry or brickwork built against a wall to absorb lateral forces and provide essential structural reinforcement.

A certificate recording that practical completion of the works has been achieved, which ceases the contractor's liability for liquidated damages and begins the Defects Liability Period.

The high upper level of a building wall containing a row of windows designed to admit light into a central multi-story hall or church nave.

In architecture, something of value, use, and convenience.

Detailed clauses following the articles of agreement that amplify and explain the basic obligations of the parties and provide administrative mechanisms.

The phase in which the project architect manages field observation, documentation tasks, and evaluates compliance with construction documents.

Drawings and specifications from an architect that provide detailed requirements for the construction of a project.

A protective finish layer of brick, stone, or tile capping the top of an outdoor wall, angled to shed water effectively.

A classical structural masonry bracket projecting slightly out from a wall surface to support an overhanging element or molding.

A prominent, decorative horizontal molding projecting outward along the very top edge of a wall or architectural structure.

A contract where the sum is arrived at based on the prime (actual) cost of labor, plant, and materials, plus an added amount for overheads and profit.

A small, domed structure situated on top of a roof ridge to serve as an ornamental feature, lookout point, or light source.

Payment basis for work that cannot be measured and priced normally, calculated using the actual cost of labor, materials, and plant plus an agreed percentage for overhead and profit.

In architecture, a high degree of pleasure and enjoyment derived from a building's aesthetics.

The phase in which the conceptual design is fully developed with specifics in form, material, exact floor plans, cost, and square footage.

All professionals who influence the design of a building, including the architect, project manager, engineers, quantity surveyor, and urban designer.

A vertical window box assembly projecting outward vertically from a sloping roof plane, complete with its own dedicated miniature roof.

Document stipulating what the environmental impact statement on a proposed undertaking will deal with.

The lower edge of a roof system that extends past the exterior wall surface, providing protection from rain.

A planning and decision-making tool applied to a proposed activity or project that may have a significant environmental impact.

An authorization given by the EPA to commence a proposed undertaking or continue an existing one, consisting of the permit and a schedule of conditions.

The principal exterior face of a building, usually emphasized architecturally as the main entry side.

A certificate signifying the contract administrator's satisfaction with the work, the amount finally due to the contractor, or both.

A series of measures and practices designed to prevent fire incidents and reduce destruction by effectively protecting the movement of people to safety.

In architecture, the state of being solidly constructed.

A decorative treatment consisting of shallow, parallel vertical channels or grooves carved into the shaft of an architectural column.

The wide, central horizontal band of a classical entablature, often decorated with intricate relief sculptures or left plain.

The triangular portion of an exterior wall enclosed between the two sloping sides of a dual-pitch roof.

A carved stone waterspout, often shaped like a mythical creature, designed to project rainwater away from a building's masonry walls.

A ceiling structural form produced by the perpendicular intersection at right angles of two barrel vaults.

A project delivery approach that integrates people, systems, business structures, and practices into a collaborative process to optimize results and maximize efficiency.

Issued at regular intervals as construction proceeds, entitling the contractor to be paid a certain proportion of the contract price based on work done.

The central, wedge-shaped stone at the highest point of a masonry arch, locking all the other stones into position.

A horizontal structural beam spanning across an opening between two vertical supports, typically over doors or windows.

A covered gallery or corridor at ground level that is open to the elements on at least one side, supported by a colonnade.

A contractual arrangement where the contract sum is determined before construction work starts, and the contractor undertakes a defined amount of work for that agreed sum.

A contract where the sum is not finalized until completion, assessed via re-measurement of executed work against previously agreed unit rates.

An intermediate, low-ceilinged partial floor built between two main stories of a building, usually projecting like a balcony.

A continuous decorative strip of wood, stone, or plaster with a distinct profile, used to accent edges or transitions on surfaces.

A vertical element or bar that forms a structural division between the individual panes of glass or units in a window assembly.

Description

The long, central main hall or gathering area of a traditional church, stretching from the entrance to the transept.

A selection method where the client approaches a specific contractor of their choice based on reputation, specialized skills, or business relationship.

A circular opening or window located at the crown of a dome or in a wall, designed to admit light.

A method where a project is publicly advertised and all contractors are free to quote a price without prior inquiry into their competence.

A low protective wall or railing extending along the edge of a roof, balcony, terrace, or bridge structure.

Non-active building measures installed to increase available escape time and reduce the time required to escape (e.g., fire-resistant materials).

A classical architectural element consisting of a low-pitched triangular gable resting above a horizontal structure supported by columns.

A solid, heavy vertical masonry or concrete mass designed to support vertical structural loads, distinct from a lighter column.

A shallow, rectangular architectural element projecting slightly from a wall to visually simulate a column without carrying structural weight.

A roofed structure or porch forming the main entrance to a building, supported by a formal row of regular columns.

Indirect project costs that cannot be measured under specific work sections, such as transportation, site huts, security, and lighting.

A study required for moderately significant impact undertakings to provide adequate information for decision-making.

An allowance calculated for the supply of work or materials to be provided by a client-nominated contractor or supplier, exclusive of main contractor profit markup.

The primary designer of a specific project within an architectural firm.

The member of the design team who handles construction administration.

Funds set aside in the bills of quantities for work that has not been finalized or for unknown costs at the time of budget preparation.

A technique in which basic design parameters for a project are established, and the scope and objectives of the fire strategy are defined.

A legal claim in which a contractor seeks payment for the reasonable value of the work completed for the employer.

Large, prominent cornerstones laid at the external angles of a building's walls to visually frame the structure and provide masonry strength.

One of a series of inclined, parallel structural timber or steel beams that form the main slope and support of a pitched roof.

A graphic representation or drawing that defines the overall concept or scheme of a home or building.

A document setting out the extent of an environmental impact assessment to be carried out, including a draft terms of reference.

A process to decide which proposed projects need environmental consideration by evaluating potential environmental impacts.

Bidding restricted to a pre-selected, limited number of contractors with established skill, integrity, and proven competence.

A system of negotiating further contracts with a company that has already successfully completed a similar project, using the same bill of quantities rates.

A procurement method based on comparing price quotations obtained from several suppliers for readily available, small-value off-the-shelf goods or simple works.

The exposed underside of an architectural element, such as a roof eave, an archway, a staircase, or an overhanging beam.

A document defining the materials, products, quality of finishes, performance criteria, and standard of workmanship required for a project.

A tall, acutely tapering conical or pyramidal structure built on top of a church tower or roof ridge.

Process that determines the boundaries, area, or elevation of land or structures on the earth's surface.

A sequential construction method characterized by the complete separation of the design phase (managed by the client's consultants) from the construction phase (executed by a contractor).

The transverse section of a cruciform building that crosses the main long hall at right angles, forming the wings of a cross shape.

A rigid structural framework composed of straight timbers or steel elements arranged in triangles to span a wide open space safely.

A small, slender tower that projects vertically from the wall or corner of a building, typically seen in medieval-style architecture.

A small, enclosed entrance chamber or antechamber positioned between the outer exterior door and the main interior of a building.