Foundations of Good Design

Early design decisions for internal walls and ceilings are critical because they shape the project’s compliance pathway, construction efficiency and how the building will function in the long term. Choices around fire ratings, acoustic targets and thermal performance must be aligned with NCC requirements from the outset, as retrofitting performance upgrades later in the process often requires major redesigns. System coordination with services, structure and finishes is also easier to resolve early, reducing the risk of of complex site issues.

Foundations of good design: A guide to early-stage decision-making for walls and ceilings introduces a structured three-step process that supports architects in making informed choices from the very beginning of a project. The guide begins with performance definition, setting out requirements for fire safety, acoustics, structural integrity, sustainability and accessibility before products are selected. It then examines design integration and buildability, ensuring that wall and ceiling systems can deliver project outcomes and be installed efficiently. The final stage focuses on evaluation and optimisation, where specifications are tested, refined and aligned with lifecycle objectives.

Choosing Himmel at the early design stage provides access to comprehensive interior solutions. With expertise spanning compliance pathways, including the NCC, AS/NZS standards and sustainability frameworks such as Green Star and WELL, Himmel can help you develop specifications that meet regulatory requirements without compromising design intent.

Download this paper to explore a three-stage process—performance definition, design integration and buildability, and evaluation and optimisation—that supports architects in the early design and specification of wall and ceiling systems.