Glossary

CHECKITx is written in the Australian version of English, which sometimes needs translation to be understood by Americans and other nationalities not used to ‘Strine’ idioms. Here’s a partial list that responds to requests received (with thanks to Sarah Satterwhite at Architectural Resources Group in San Francisco). We’ll add more as we are made aware of them.

• Architraves: door/window trim.
• Brief: roughly same as Program.
• Builder: contractor.
• Builder’s work: work performed by the general contractor typically required as a result of the work of other trades.
• Building Maintenance Unit (BMU): permanently installed window washing platforms and equipment.
• Building Services Engineer (BSEng): mechanical-plumbing-fire protection-electrical engineer; can also include elevators, moving walkways, etc.
• Ceiling module: lay-in ceiling grid.
• Computer floor: raised access floor (for running mechanical and electrical below the floor).
• Detailed brief: see “brief” – same as Program, but more detailed.
• Ducted skirting: electrical run along the wall base, rather than within the depth of the wall framing.
• Electrical substation: electrical transformer.
• Energy management system (EMS): a set of software tools used to monitor, control, and analyze a building’s energy consumption (one definition – there are many depending on context of use).
• Fire control panel: fire alarm control panel.
• Functional diagrams: functional space plans.
• Ironmongery / door furniture: door hardware.
• Joinery: cabinet work.
• Lift: elevator.
• Materials descriptions: can be model and manufacturer names and numbers or other descriptive information that defines product characteristics and use.
• Plant room: mechanical equipment room.
• Quantity Surveyor (QS): same role as a cost estimator; the difference being that a cost estimator is typically employed by the architect/engineer, whereas a QS is an independent consultant.
• Sheave beam: elevator hoist beam.
• Skirting: baseboard