Regulations

 A regulated professional differentiates from a licensed or certified design professional by their requirement to follow local, state, and federal regulations at all times, which carries the risk of losing their position. States and regions have different legislation that regulate certification and licensure, therefore it is important for professionals to be aware of and abide by the laws that apply to them. This variation emphasizes how educated professionals must make well-informed decisions and that they must take proactive steps to learn about the regulations in the particular area in which they work. Simply put, regulated professionals, like licensed or certified design experts, are committed to competence, but in order to stay in the industry, they have to

stay in compliance with a complicated web of regulatory regulations. 

In a project, to meet clients needs, regulations, and overall building requirements; there is six phases that a project goes through. These phases in order include programming, schematic design, design development, contract documents, construction administration, and post occupancy evaluation. It is very important to complete these phases in order. For example, construction documents, which are towards the end of the phase, cannot be completed without knowing the programming or the schematic design of the building. Construction documents are completed after the design development because that is when all materials and finishes are selected as well as doors and window treatments. 

During these phases, building codes are being met throughout the process. Building codes protect communities and people by ensuring the efficiency, durability, and safety of structures. The well-being of society can be improved by regulation, which reduces the likelihood of structural breakdowns, fire hazards, and other emergencies. Respecting standards also improves a community's ability to withstand natural disasters, which promotes sustainability. Maintaining consistency makes construction methods standardized, which makes inspection and maintenance simpler. In keeping with contemporary standards, it also encourages environmental responsibility and energy efficiency. In general, building regulations must be strictly followed in order to create constructed environments that are safe, resilient, and sustainable, protecting lives and enhancing community well-being.

Additionally, it is important for these codes to indicate a mean of egress. Building codes must have egress, which means  safe exit, in order to ensure the safety of occupants. An efficient and well-organized evacuation is guaranteed in the event of a fire or other emergency by having a specified method of egress. This prerequisite lowers casualties, averts pandemonium, and permits efficient first responder actions. By taking into account elements like door sizes, exit routes, and signage, it designs a methodical escape route. Following to these rules is essential for avoiding disasters and protecting lives, emphasizing the need of a well-thought-out egress route in buildings for the general security and welfare of residents.

JUDSON CAMPUS 

A place on the Judson University campus that I chose to look at and evaluate the ADA requirements is Volkman Hall. I have lived in Volkman Hall for two years now and it is not ADA accessible. First, to get to your dorm room, you must go up stairs located outside. There are not dorm rooms on the first floor. Secondly, if you are just visiting Volkman and want to hangout in the lounge area, people who are in wheelchairs are not able to do that because there are steps that a person must go down to get to the lounge area. There are no ramps put in place to compensate for the steps that are needed to go down. Pictured to the right is the stairs that are needed to go up and down when coming in and exiting Volkman Hall.