What does the DSA evaluate in construction projects?

The Division of the State Architect (DSA) focuses on ensuring that construction projects meet rigorous standards for structural safety and accessibility. This agency is responsible for enforcing building codes and regulations applicable to public schools and other state-funded facilities to protect public health and safety.

By evaluating structural safety, the DSA ensures that buildings can withstand various loads and stresses, thus reducing the risk of failure. Accessibility evaluations guarantee compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state accessibility laws, helping to create an inclusive environment for all occupants.

In contrast, environmental sustainability, architectural aesthetics, and construction costs are important factors in construction projects but fall outside the primary purview of the DSA. Environmental sustainability primarily pertains to how buildings interact with their surroundings and impact natural resources, architectural aesthetics focus on the visual appeal and design coherence, and construction costs address the financial aspects of a project. Each of these areas is significant but does not align with the DSA's core mission of ensuring safety and accessibility in construction.