ACC Design Guidelines and Construction Standards have been created as the foundation for the design, construction, operation, renovation, modification and general care of our facilities at Austin Community College District (ACC). 

Our Facilities and Construction department is responsible for gathering and maintaining these design guidelines to ensure consistent and efficient development, construction and maintenance of our campus's infrastructure.  Here is a breakdown of how our department carries out this responsibility:

1. Gathering Information:
   The process starts with gathering information from various sources, including industry standards, regulatory requirements, architectural trends, sustainability practices, and the college's specific needs and goals from our IT, Safety and Operation departments. This information forms the foundation for creating comprehensive design guidelines.
   
   

2. Internal Collaboration:
   Our F&C department collaborates closely with various stakeholders within the college community, including administrators, faculty, and staff. Input from these groups helps shape the guidelines to align with the college's mission, values, and educational objectives.
   
   

3. Developing Guidelines:
   The gathered information is used to develop detailed design guidelines covering various aspects of campus development, including architecture, landscaping, accessibility, energy efficiency, materials selection, safety, and more. These guidelines ensure that all future construction and renovation projects adhere to a consistent set of standards.
   
   

4. Review and Approval:
   Before finalizing the guidelines, they undergo a rigorous review process involving architects, engineers, sustainability experts, and other relevant professionals, including ACC Administration. This review helps identify potential issues and areas for improvement, ensuring that the guidelines are comprehensive and accurate.
   
   

5. Documenting Guidelines:
   Once approved, the guidelines are documented in a comprehensive manual or digital format. This manual includes detailed descriptions, diagrams, forms and specifications for various design elements. It serves as a reference for architects, contractors, and other parties involved in campus development projects.
   
   

6. Regular Updates:
   Design guidelines are not static; they need to evolve to incorporate new technologies, best practices, and changing needs. Our department is under the process of establishing a process for regular updates to ensure that the guidelines remain current and effective over time.
   
   

7. Dissemination and Training:
   Once the design guidelines are finalized, our F&C department is responsible for disseminating them across the college community. This can include conducting workshops, training sessions, and presentations to ensure that all relevant parties are aware of and understand the guidelines.
   
   

8. Enforcement and Compliance:
   Our F&C department plays a key role in ensuring that all construction and renovation projects adhere to the established design guidelines. This involves reviewing and distributing project plans, and specifications throughout stakeholders to confirm compliance. If necessary, our team may provide guidance to project teams (architects/engineers) to align their work with the guidelines.
   
   

9. Feedback and Improvement:
   Our F&C department encourages input from project teams and stakeholders through a feedback loop. This input can help identify areas where the guidelines might need clarification or improvement, leading to continuous refinement of the guidelines.

Overall, our Facilities and Construction department's role in gathering and maintaining college design guidelines is crucial for maintaining a cohesive and well-designed campus that aligns with the college's vision and provides a conducive environment for learning and growth.