WELCOME TO THE BASIS OF DESIGN
A POAH Building Design Resource
WELCOME TO THE BASIS OF DESIGN
A POAH Building Design Resource
THE RIGHT CHOICES MATTER.
The Basis of Design (BOD) specifies performance criteria based on durability + maintenance requirements, availability, and energy + water efficiency and provides sample products. By standardizing building performance across the portfolio, we can ensure quality-built homes for our residents.
The Basis of Design is a product specification/selection resource, not a product purchasing platform.
PRODUCTS + SPECS
PRODUCTS + SPECS
Build America, Buy America (BABA) Compliant: Products with this logo are confirmed compliant with BABA. All sample products meeting these criteria can be found by searching “BABA” or “BABA Compliant”. For more information on BABA, please click here.
Red List Free: Products with this logo are confirmed Red List Free, which means that they don’t contain any chemicals or materials listed on the International Living Future Institute’s Red List. The list contains chemicals and materials known to pose human health and indoor air quality risks. All sample products meeting these criteria can be found by searching “Red List” or “Red List Free”. For more information on the Red List, please click here.
PRODUCTS + PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
This PDF was last updated on 07/15/2025. Please redownload if you’re currently working from an older version.
UNIT FINISH OPTIONS
UNIT FINISH OPTIONS
UNIT FINISHes
FORMS + NEGOTIATED PRICING
FORMS + NEGOTIATED PRICING
HELpful forms
Provide POAH Design + Building Performance Dept. the information needed to get your flooring project underway.
Provide POAH Design + Building Performance Dept. the information needed to get your painting project underway.
NEGOTIATED PRICING
POAH has negotiated pricing with select manufacturers and wholesalers. When purchasing and installing new products please contact the following representatives:
CONTACT
CONTACT
CONTACT
For questions, comments, or recommendations, please fill out the following form:
or contact:
Paige Panek
basisofdesign@poah.org
617-449-1017
Preservation of Affordable Housing
2 Oliver Street, Suite 500
Boston, MA 02109