Facilities

Design Standards Manual 2026

The George Mason University Design Manual is composed of 2 documents to be used in tandem by design consultants, contractors, University stakeholders, and partners in the planning, development and execution of new and renovation building projects within George Mason’s campuses. The Design Manual is not intended, in part or full, to be specifications, and should not be copied into the final project specifications, which are the responsibility of the project’s architect/engineer.

Design Guidelines

The Design Guidelines is intended to help in the pre-planning and design phases by leading design consultants and stakeholders in continuing to create a unified physical campus environment that reflects, and reinforces George Mason’s mission and core values.

Design Standards

The Design Standards is a technical document composed of 3 sections. The Divisions in the Construction Specifications Institute’s (CSI) MasterFormat numbering and naming system, provide all the physical materials requirements which are specific to George Mason and must be incorporated into all facilities, unless exceptions are requested and approved in writing by the University. The second section is composed of Appendices which in narrative form provide technical requirements for all George Mason facilities, including building exteriors, interior and exterior spaces, and building systems.  Lastly, the third section is composed of Standard Details in George Mason’s campuses, and referenced in the Design Standards Divisions and Appendices.