Written By:
William Richards
When specifying windows, doors, and skylights, there are key ways architects shape how buildings of every type and scale perform—not to mention how they feel. These components impact energy use, comfort, maintenance, aesthetics, and occupant well-being, so getting them right is a matter of both technical precision (covered by WDMA’s standards) and thoughtful design (the architect’s domain). Specifying windows, doors, and skylights might often happen downstream in the design process, but having a clearer picture upstream creates a greater opportunity to source the best possible materials. Why? Architecture should pencil-out for cost, codes, and context in the beginning, but our built environment determines a lot about our quality of life in the end. Here are seven things to consider on your current and next projects:
Energy Performance & Efficiency
Energy-efficient windows, doors, and skylights are not just good for sustainability—they’re a core part of meeting energy codes and lowering operating costs. Performance attributes like U-factor, solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), and air infiltration directly affect heating and cooling loads, and products with low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings, filled with argon or krypton gas and thermally broken frames, offer significantly improved insulation. It’s crucial to select glazing systems appropriate for your climate zone and building type. In colder climates, prioritize low U-factors to reduce heat loss; in hotter regions, minimize SHGC to keep interiors cool.
A striking example of energy-conscious glazing is OMA’s design (with LMN Architects) for the Seattle Central Library, clad in a custom curtain wall system fabricated by Seele and manufactured by Okalux. This double-skin facade moderates solar heat gain and distributes daylight efficiently—showing how technical performance and transparency can coexist at an urban scale. Seattle? Solar heat gain? Absolutely—it might be famously cloudy in the Pacific Northwest, but thermal performance matters a lot for indoor comfort. (If you’re interested in learning more, WDMA’s standards help verify the thermal performance of fenestration systems in lots of regions, ensuring they meet the necessary benchmarks for high-performance buildings.)
Daylighting & Views
Well-designed fenestration maximizes natural light while minimizing glare and heat gain. The goal? A perfectly modulated experience of comfort, luminescence and energy savings. Window orientation, size, and glazing characteristics all matter here, and south-facing windows may benefit from overhangs while north-facing ones should deliver diffuse, low-glare light. If window orientation relative to the quality of light has made its way into everyday real estate pitches, then you know how basic and important it is. What you don’t often hear about are the studies that show that access to natural light and exterior views supports cognitive function, mood, and overall health. In educational and office settings, this becomes even more critical.
Take Frank Gehry’s undulating IAC Building in New York—with its iconic, sail-like curtain wall, manufactured by Permasteelisa. It uses a combination of fritted glass and a carefully engineered curvature on its surfaces to achieve both expressive form and interior comfort. Though the building’s shape is sculptural, the glazing system was optimized to control light, manage solar exposure—especially to the powerful midday and afternoon sun setting over the Hudson River. It also supports energy performance for 130,000 square feet of Class A office space, while also staying in line with Gehry’s signature approach (achieved using aerospace software—but that’s another story).
Ventilation & Operability
Operable windows and vented skylights offer valuable passive strategies for cooling, air exchange, and occupant control. Natural ventilation can reduce reliance on mechanical systems, improve indoor air quality, and enhance user satisfaction. In residential and mixed-use buildings, operability is often expected, but even in commercial applications, carefully placed operable units—especially in transition spaces or double-height zones—can be beneficial.
That said, operable systems come with trade-offs: air leakage, security risks, and higher maintenance. WDMA performance classifications help you select systems that strike the right balance between ventilation potential and weather-tightness. Design teams should coordinate closely with mechanical engineers to avoid overventilation or conflict with HVAC operations. Also, consider safety mechanisms such as limiters or sensors for large or automated units.
Aesthetics
Glass can be the basis for expressive, sculptural architecture—and it works just as hard as the structure to bring a design vision to life. Packaged as fenestration, glass contributes significantly to architectural expression. For that reason, glazing systems, doors, and skylights should align with the broader design language, whether minimalist, historic, or boldly contemporary. Frame profiles, sightlines, finishes, and proportions all influence how these elements read within the facade and interior. Uniformity across a project—or intentional variation—can create rhythm, depth, and coherence.
In landmark projects like the Seattle Central Library or the IAC Building, fenestration becomes part of the architecture’s identity. But even in modest additions to homes, thoughtful integration of doors and windows can elevate the entire composition. Center-hall colonials are often embellished with a front portico or entry that might only be a few square feet, but largely defines everyone’s first impression of the home. That comes down to pilasters and door handles, but it largely comes down to how fenestration is utilized. If there’s one tip here (or in any project), it’s to avoid product selection that undermines your design goals. Ensure hardware, finishes, and proportions reflect the project’s overall tone.
Durability & Maintenance
Glazing and framing materials must stand up to the realities of climate, wear, and building use. Aluminum and fiberglass offer superior durability and low maintenance, especially for commercial applications. Wood remains prized for its beauty but requires ongoing care and protection.
Think about site conditions: coastal exposure, extreme temperatures, or high-traffic entrances all demand materials and assemblies designed to withstand stress. Where vandalism or heavy use is expected, reinforced or laminated glass, impact-resistant doors, and robust hardware are essential. Ease of cleaning and maintenance—especially for skylights or high curtain walls—should also factor into early design choices. Operable units should be tested for cycle life and accessible for repairs. WDMA standards give clarity on durability testing, material performance, and product lifecycle, helping you make choices that last.
Cost
Cost is always part of the equation. But focusing solely on first costs can be shortsighted. The total cost of ownership—including energy savings, durability, and maintenance—often tells a more complete story. Energy-efficient systems may carry a higher upfront cost but deliver long-term operational savings. Durable materials reduce repair and replacement frequency. And factory-assembled units may shorten installation time and reduce labor costs. Mock-ups, performance modeling, and life cycle assessments can support more informed cost evaluations. WDMA’s guidance can also help navigate budget-friendly products that still meet essential performance benchmarks.
Safety
Safety is a foundational consideration. Code compliance—especially regarding fire protection, impact resistance, and egress—is non-negotiable. Specify products that meet or exceed requirements for safety glazing (tempered or laminated), structural performance, and forced-entry resistance.
Windows in multi-story buildings should include limiters or opening control devices to prevent falls. In coastal areas, hurricane impact-rated windows are critical. Fire-rated doors must meet UL or NFPA standards and be coordinated with building compartmentalization plans. WDMA’s standards help identify products that meet these rigorous safety requirements, supporting compliance without compromising design.
William Richards is a writer based in Washington, D.C., and Paris and the co-founder of Team Three, an editorial and creative consultancy.
Webinar: Understanding Window, Door & Skylight Certification
Understand the benefits of window, door and skylight certification and how certified products can enhance your projects.
Webinar: Understanding Window, Door & Skylight Certification
The Understanding Window, Door & Skylight Certification webinar is designed to help architects and remodelers understand the benefits of window, door and skylight certification and how certified products can enhance their projects.
