Glossary of Common Design Terms

This is only a short list of terms we've used in this website so far and is ongoing.  We will be adding to it as time permits.

cornice - any prominent, continuous, horizontally projecting feature surmounting a wall or other construction, or dividing it horizontally for compositional purposes

dormer - a gabled extension built out from a sloping roof to accommodate a vertical window 

elevation - drawing of an exterior front, side or back of a structure

muntin - a vertical bar in a window sash dividing the individual panes of glass; also called grilles

pediment - a wide, low-pitched gable surmounting the façade of a building in the Grecian style

pilaster - a shallow rectangular feature projecting from a wall, having a capital and base and usually imitating the form of a column

sash - a fixed or movable framework, in a window or door, in which panes of glass are set

transom - a horizontal crosspiece over a door or between a door and a transom window above it

water closet - the toilet fixture in your bathroom