NORMSAND GUIDELINES FOR DESIGN - Office of Property and Construction - July 2026

Oct 29, 2026

Upload by Marglet

NORMSAND GUIDELINES FOR DESIGN outlines planning and construction requirements for the Diocese of Raleigh, intended to supplement the Diocese planning and construction manual. It establishes governance for new building projects, including review by diocesan commissions and roles for architects and liturgical consultants. The guidelines define expectations for programming documents and concept design review before publication. It also provides building element directives covering materials, maintenance and replacement, acoustics, and key spatial considerations for church entrances and interior visibility.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages20

Reading Time50 min

AccessFree to download

NEW BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

1. NEW BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

2. BUILDING ELEMENTS

6. LITURGICAL ASPECTS

7. MUSIC GUIDELINES

NORMSAND GUIDELINES FOR DESIGN July 2026 OFFICE OF PROPERTY AND CONSTRUCTION Office of Property and Construction NORMSAND GUIDELINES FOR DESIGN This document is promulgated by the Most Reverend Luis Rafael Zarama, Bishop of Raleigh, and effective immediately in the Diocese of Raleigh. All particular law or anyother practice introduced with the passage of time contrary to these guidelines is abrogated with this promulgation. Given on , 2026 at the Offices of the Diocesan Chancery TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. NEW BUILDING CONSTRUCTION 1 | 2. | Architect
Liturgical Consultant
Programming Document
BUILDING ELEMENTS | 1 1
1
2 | | --- | --- | --- | | 3. | Materials
Design for Maintenance, Repair, and Replacement Acoustics
Doors
Interior View Panels Pews
Seating
Digital Displays within Churches Security Cameras Defibrillators and First-Aid Kits
Windows Roof Elevator Classrooms
Reconciliation Room Staff Toilet Facilities Rectory Resident Suites
SITE | 2 2
2 2
3 3
3 3
4 4
4 4
4 5
5 5
5
5 | | 4. | Cellular Equipment Leases Crosswalks
Dumpsters
On-Site Retention Ponds Burial of the Deceased Rectory and Parish Offices
PARKING | 5 5
5 5
6 6
6 | | 5. | Number of Spaces
Location
Accessible Parking
DOCUMENTS | 6 6
6
7 | Contract 7 Master Plan 7 Schematic Design 8 Design Development 8 Drawings 8 Programming Document 8 Sustainability Plan 8 Security Plan 9 6. LITURGICAL ASPECTS 9 | Altar
Ambo
Baptismal Font
Columbarium
Crucifix
Holy Eucharist
Other Adornments
Parochial Liturgical Formation
Sacred Images
Sacristy
Sanctuary Platform
Worship Space
Alteration/Renovation of the Sanctuary or Nave
7. MUSIC GUIDELINES | 9 9
9
10
11
11
12
12
12
13
13
14
14
14 | | --- | --- | Liturgical Programming Plan 14 Liturgical Programming Elements 15 NORMSAND GUIDELINES FOR DESIGN These Norms and Guidelines are meant to supplement and clarify the Diocese of Raleigh Planning and Construction Manual and are intended to provide summary information for the use of the parish building committees and their architects. 1. NEW BUILDING CONSTRUCTION a. Architect i. All design issues related to new building construction are subject to review by the Diocesan Building and Real Estate Commission. ii. The architect for the project may be chosen from among those recommended by the Diocesan Director of Property and Construction, from among local firms, or from outside the Diocese of Raleigh. iii. The architect chosen for any new church construction is to be known for the design of traditional and timeless buildings which use classical architectural forms. iv. The selection of the Architect for any new church construction must be reviewed with the Vicar General prior to selection and signing of the contract for the project. b. Liturgical Consultant (New Church Construction) i. A Liturgical Consultant may also be chosen to assist the architect in the overall design work, as well as for the liturgical appointments, and should also be known for the design of traditional and timeless elements of classic form. ii. The selection of the Liturgical Consultant (if applicable) must be reviewed with the Vicar General prior to selection and signing of the contract for the project. iii. All new churches that come before the BRE Commission shall have liturgical design approvals by the Vicar General, prior to the BREpresentation. c. Programming Document (New Church Construction) i. The Architect chosen for the project is to develop a Programming Document with the Parish Building Committee in order to guide the Concept Design for the church building. The document will state the intended architectural form of the building which should be complimentary to any existing building(s). ii. Once developed with the Pastor or Pastoral Administrator, in collaboration wit

FAQs

Who promulgates the Norms and Guidelines for Design, and when do they take effect?

The document is promulgated by Most Reverend Luis Rafael Zarama, Bishop of Raleigh, and is effective immediately in the Diocese of Raleigh.

What is required for architectural selection for a new church construction?

The architect may be chosen from recommended sources, local firms, or outside the Diocese of Raleigh, and the selection must be reviewed with the Vicar General prior to signing the project contract.

What guidance is provided for building materials and maintenance in new buildings?

Parishes are encouraged to use the highest quality materials, with life cycle cost and aesthetics guiding priorities. Systems and equipment must be designed and located to enable ease and efficiency of future maintenance, repairs, and replacement.

Oct 29, 2026

Upload by Marglet