Architectural Jargon Explained – A Simple Guide from PSK Architect

If you’ve ever sat in a design meeting and heard words like cantilever, cladding, or fenestration fly around, you might have wondered if we architects are speaking a different language. We promise we’re not trying to confuse you — architecture just has a rich vocabulary that helps describe designs precisely. Here’s our plain-English guide to some common terms you might hear during your project.

1. Floor Plan

A floor plan is like a bird’s-eye view of your home, drawn to scale. It shows the layout of rooms, walls, doors, and windows — helping you visualise how the spaces connect and flow.

2. Elevation

An elevation is a flat drawing of one side of a building, showing what it will look like from the outside. You’ll often see front, side, and rear elevations as part of your plans.

3. Cladding

This is the material fixed to the outside of a building for protection and style. It could be brick, stone, timber, metal, or even specialist panels — and it plays a big part in the building’s appearance and insulation.

4. Fenestration

A fancy word for the arrangement of windows and doors on a building. It’s not just about looks — good fenestration improves natural light, ventilation, and even energy efficiency.

5. Cantilever

A cantilever is a structure that projects out without visible support underneath — think of a balcony that seems to float. It’s a clever engineering solution that can create striking designs.

6. Building Envelope

This is the physical barrier between the inside and outside of a building — including walls, roof, windows, and doors. A well-designed building envelope keeps you warm in winter, cool in summer, and protected from the elements.

7. Renders

Renders are realistic images or videos created from the architectural design to show you exactly what your finished project will look like — long before construction begins.

8. Section

A section drawing slices through the building to reveal the inside structure, like looking at a cake from the side. It helps us explain ceiling heights, staircases, and how different floors connect.

At PSK Architect, we always aim to make the architectural design process clear and enjoyable. If you’re ever unsure about a term we use, just ask — we’re more than happy to translate architecture-speak into everyday language, so it’s easier for our clients to understand.

To continue the series, this Jargon Buster is just the beginning. Two further posts are on the way — one that delves deeper into architectural and design-specific terminology, helping to demystify the language used throughout the design process, and another focused on sustainability and eco design jargon, explaining the terms behind energy efficiency, low-carbon design and environmentally responsible building. Together, these guides are designed to give you greater confidence and clarity when discussing your project, from early concepts through to delivery.

From residential extensions and home renovations to commercial architecture and bespoke new-build projects, understanding architectural terminology can make a real difference to how confidently you approach your design journey. Clear communication between client and architect leads to better outcomes, fewer surprises on site, and a smoother planning and construction process. By breaking down common architectural jargon, PSK Architect aims to empower homeowners, developers and businesses to engage fully with their projects. Whether you’re at early concept stage, navigating planning permission, or preparing for detailed design, having a shared understanding of the language helps turn ideas into well-considered, successful spaces.