Standards & Guidelines

Standards & Guidelines provide a direction and consistency in our facilities and campus systems. Guidelines provide recommendations to guide project architects, engineers, and contractors, as well as UNM’s staff on campus projects, including capital projects, campus improvements, and any other environmental design elements, including signage/wayfinding and circulation. Standards describe the requirements that must be followed for all new construction and renovation projects. Design guidelines should be used along with the project specific program.

Campus Environments

UNM adopted the Integrated Campus Plan (ICP) in August 2024 and again in May 2025 when Design Guidelines were added. Below are important sections to refer to during project development.

• Design Guidelines, Chapter 4 of the Integrated Campus Plan--These guidelines were added to the ICP in May 2025 and inform the work of design teams, University staff, and project stakeholders by providing clear and actionable design direction while allowing for flexibility and innovation that responds to UNM’s evolving needs and unique identity (navigate to page 90 of the PDF)

• Main Campus Zones, Chapter 5 of the Integrated Campus Plan--These urban design guidelines for the Albuquerque Campuses, grouped into 21 zones, provide design teams, University staff, and project stakeholders detailed access, safety, and sustainability guidance on how campus improvements should be implemented in accordance with the Framework Vision and recommendations (navigate to page 121 of the PDF)

• Signage and Wayfinding, Chapter 6 of the Integrated Campus Plan--An overview of UNM’s current signage and provides a streamlined signage family and recommendations for wayfinding locations that aim to optimize wayfinding on the Albuquerque campuses in alignment with the Framework Vision (navigate to page 165 of the PDF)

• Signage and Wayfinding Design Intent Documents--find detailed drawings to aid in construction and installation of campus signs

Building Design/Renovation

• Building Efficiency Ratio Guidelines
• Flooring Standards 
• Interior Paint Guidelines
• UNM Interior Design Standards 
• Interior Signage Standards 
• Temporary Signage Guidelines
• Learning Environments Design Guidelines (LEDG)
• Office Space Guidelines
• Restroom Remodel Finish Standards
• View Control Standards

Furnishings

• Classroom Furnishing Guidelines
• Outdoor Furnishings Standards
• Private Office Furnishing Guidelines

Click here to see the full list of UNM's Standards and Guidelines.

Visit iss.unm.edu to see a full list of environments & facilities-related standards & guidelines