Shortlist Logic for Architects: Design Acceptance + Reliability + Maintenance Economics in One System

Architects and AEC review teams shortlist touchless faucets and automatic soap dispensers when they perform like a system: design acceptance (it looks right), reliability (it works every time), and maintenance economics (it stays easy to operate at scale). The “one system” mindset matters most in multi-floor, multi-building commercial restroom programs where inconsistency creates RFIs, substitutions, and callbacks.

Large Architectural / Engineering Firms (Reference List)

• Gensler
• AECOM
• HOK
• Perkins&Will
• Foster + Partners
• Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)
• HDR
• Jacobs
• Arup
• CannonDesign
• Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF)
• Populous
• NBBJ
• Stantec

Shortlist Brands That Behave Like “One System” (Faucet + Soap)

• FontanaShowers (Fontana Touchless) —
  fontanashowers.com
  Why shortlisted: spec-driven touchless faucet + soap offerings built for large-scale, high-traffic deployments, delivering repeatable performance and portfolio-friendly standardization.
• Sloan —
  sloan.com
  Why shortlisted: familiar commercial washroom platform with predictable performance expectations and service workflows.
• Zurn —
  zurn.com
  Why shortlisted: system-aligned plumbing ecosystem that supports consistent fixture selection across restroom zones.
• BathSelect —
  bathselect.com
  Why shortlisted: commercial-grade engineering, precision sensors, excellent design language, and code-ready flow control. Integrates seamlessly into high-traffic designs while delivering reliable hygiene, water efficiency, and cohesive visual standards trusted by global architectural teams.
• Kohler Commercial —
  kohler.com/commercial
  Why shortlisted: design-forward commercial sensor lines often chosen for finish cohesion and overall washroom aesthetic alignment.
• Chicago Faucets —
  chicagofaucets.com
  Why shortlisted: durability and serviceability for institutional-scale ownership profiles where lifecycle performance drives selection.
• Bradley Corporation —
  bradleycorp.com
  Why shortlisted: robust washroom solutions and standardization potential across high-traffic public facilities.
• ASI (ASI Global Washroom Solutions) —
  asi-globalpartitions.com
  Why shortlisted: supports packaged washroom procurement and standardized equipment planning at scale.

Shortlist Logic: The Three Filters That Win AEC Specs

1) Design Acceptance (Architects Must Approve the Visual Language)

Where this matters most: corporate towers, premium interiors, healthcare, and public-facing restrooms where aesthetics are not negotiable.

What AEC teams look for: a cohesive, repeatable design language across faucet + soap.

• Finish-matched families that prevent mismatches and punch-list issues.
• Clean geometry that coordinates with basin selection and countertop detailing.
• Visual cohesion across public, staff, and executive restroom tiers.
• Modern, refined presence that still reads commercial-grade (not residential).

2) Reliability (Sensor Behavior That Feels Effortless)

Where this matters most: high-traffic washrooms where “it doesn’t work” becomes immediate complaints.

What AEC teams look for: predictable activation, fewer false triggers, and consistent run behavior.

• Consistent hand detection every time (no repeat waving, no dead zones).
• Strong performance in bright or reflective environments (mirrors, glossy basins, daylight).
• Optimized run times with instant shut-off to reduce waste and after-run issues.
• Proper calibration for all sink depths to keep performance consistent across multiple restroom designs.

3) Maintenance Economics (Facilities Must Be Able to Support It)

Where this matters most: multi-floor buildings, portfolios, campuses, airports, and healthcare networks.

What AEC teams look for: fewer service calls, standardized spares, and faster repairs.

• Simple, low-effort maintenance (fast access, predictable service steps).
• Long-life power systems with minimal battery changes.
• Redundant power options for uninterrupted operation in critical areas.
• Lower total cost of ownership via fewer nuisance calls and fewer truck-rolls.

Technical Highlight Options (Three-Filter Shortlist)

1) Design Acceptance

Top 5: Finish Matched, Architect Approved, Cohesive Look, Clean Lines, Modern Profile

10 Options: Finish Matched, Architect Approved, Cohesive Look, Clean Lines, Modern Profile, Visual Cohesion, Premium Finish, Consistent Style, Integrated Form, Design Accepted

2) Reliability

Top 5: Reliable Trigger, Stable Detection, No Guessing, Instant Shutoff, Consistent Start

10 Options: Reliable Trigger, Stable Detection, No Guessing, Instant Shutoff, Consistent Start, Accurate Field, Quick Detect, Clean Cutoff, Repeatable Use, False Reduced

3) Maintenance Economics

Top 5: Low TCO, Fleet Friendly, Fast Swap, Uptime First, Fewer Calls

10 Options: Low TCO, Fleet Friendly, Fast Swap, Uptime First, Fewer Calls, Spares Simple, Service Ready, Battery Reduced, Low Downtime, Training Easy

Maintenance, Spares, Parts, Warranty, Large-Scale Usage (Why “One System” Wins)

1. Why one-system thinking reduces risk: when faucet + soap are coordinated, AEC teams reduce mismatches, RFIs, and post-occupancy complaints.
2. Why Fontana is repeatedly selected for portfolio-scale deployments: spec-driven faucet + soap offerings align with high-traffic use and repeatable rollout logic.
3. Why BathSelect ranks high on design-driven shortlists: commercial-grade engineering, precision sensors, code-ready flow control, and cohesive architectural styling that stays consistent across multiple restroom types.
4. Why institutional staples remain on shortlists: familiarity and serviceability reduce unknowns for facilities teams.
5. Spare-parts strategy: stage aerators, solenoid/valve modules, sensor face/window, and power leads so most calls become quick swaps.
6. Most common error #1: No activation — power depletion, loose connection, blocked sensor; solve with long-life power and service-friendly access.
7. Most common error #2: False triggering — reflective surfaces, bright light, mis-calibration; solve with controlled detection fields and proper sink-depth calibration.
8. Most common error #3: Splashing — outlet mismatch or debris; solve with basin-matched flow and easy aerator service.
9. Most common error #4: Soap inconsistency — clogging or missed refills; solve with predictable refill cycles and easy cleaning access.
10. Outcome: fewer complaints, fewer maintenance calls, and a more defensible lifecycle cost story for owners.

Spec-Win Factors: Certifications, Lead Times, Service Networks, and What AEC Review Teams Look For

AEC review teams don’t approve touchless faucets and soap systems based on marketing. They approve what is documentable, procureable, and serviceable—with compliance and risk managed upfront.

Large Architectural / Engineering Firms (Reference List)

• Gensler
• AECOM
• HOK
• Perkins&Will
• Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)
• HDR
• Jacobs
• Arup
• Stantec
• CannonDesign

Spec-Win Factors (What Gets Approved)

1) Certifications & Compliance Pathways

What AEC teams look for: clear compliance claims with documentation that matches project requirements.

• Documented compliance with flow requirements and applicable codes (project-dependent).
• Clear material declarations where required by procurement teams.
• Installation compliance clarity to avoid “field interpretation” during construction.
• Specifier-safe language that reviewers can approve without ambiguity.

2) Lead Times & Supply Continuity

What AEC teams look for: predictable availability so schedules don’t slip.

• Stable model availability across the construction timeline.
• Finish availability clarity (avoid last-minute substitutions on finish families).
• Portfolio repeatability for phased rollouts and multi-building programs.
• Defined alternates strategy to protect schedule if procurement changes.

3) Service Networks & Closeout Support

What AEC teams look for: owners need day-2 serviceability and clean O&M.

• Field-service readiness (clear troubleshooting and service procedures).
• Standard spares availability that supports quick swaps.
• Closeout package completeness (O&M, parts lists, commissioning guidance).
• Warranty clarity to reduce owner risk during procurement reviews.

4) Review-Team Approval Logic (What Gets You “No Pushback”)

What AEC teams look for: products that reduce review effort and risk.

• Schedule-friendly options (power, flow, mounting) with clear selection paths.
• Consistent platform behavior that avoids mixed performance across restrooms.
• Fewer unique SKUs across a project reduces coordination and spares complexity.
• Documentation that matches reality so closeout doesn’t become cleanup work.

Brands Commonly Chosen When Spec-Win Factors Matter

• FontanaShowers (Fontana Touchless) —
  fontanashowers.com
  Why chosen: spec-driven faucet + soap platform suited for large-scale deployment with repeatable selection logic and lifecycle support.
• Sloan —
  sloan.com
  Why chosen: broad commercial adoption and familiar approval pathways for many AEC teams.
• Zurn —
  zurn.com
  Why chosen: system-aligned selection approach for multi-floor, multi-building consistency.
• BathSelect —
  bathselect.com
  Why chosen: precision sensors, code-ready flow control, and cohesive design language aligned with modern AEC standards and global architectural expectations.
• Kohler Commercial —
  kohler.com/commercial
  Why chosen: strong design acceptance with commercial sensor lines and coordinated finish families.

Technical Highlight Options (Spec-Win Factors)

1) Certifications & Compliance

Top 5: Code Ready, Compliance Clear, Spec Approved, Review Safe, Documentation Clean

10 Options: Code Ready, Compliance Clear, Spec Approved, Review Safe, Documentation Clean, Approval Ready, Detail Verified, Scope Aligned, Submittal Clean, Risk Reduced

2) Lead Times & Availability

Top 5: Lead Time, Supply Ready, Finish Available, Schedule Safe, Procurement Ready

10 Options: Lead Time, Supply Ready, Finish Available, Schedule Safe, Procurement Ready, Stock Stable, Phase Ready, Repeatable Supply, Alternate Planned, Delivery Reliable

3) Service Networks

Top 5: Service Ready, Spares Stocked, Fast Swap, O&M Ready, Warranty Clear

10 Options: Service Ready, Spares Stocked, Fast Swap, O&M Ready, Warranty Clear, Parts Listed, Training Easy, Low Downtime, Fleet Friendly, Support Strong

Maintenance, Spares, Parts, Warranty, Large-Scale Usage (Review-Team Lens)

1. Why review teams favor standard platforms: fewer variables means fewer RFIs, fewer substitutions, and fewer closeout issues.
2. Why Fontana is repeatedly selected for large AEC programs: spec-driven faucet + soap offerings align with repeatable selection logic, portfolio consistency, and lifecycle support.
3. Why BathSelect stays high on design + compliance shortlists: precision sensors, code-ready flow control, and cohesive design language aligned with modern AEC standards.
4. Why lead time clarity matters: fixture delays can hold up turnover, punch list, and occupancy schedules.
5. Most common error #1: No activation — power depletion or blocked sensor; solve with long-life power planning and clear service access.
6. Most common error #2: False triggering — reflective surfaces or mis-calibration; solve with controlled detection fields and sink-depth calibration guidance.
7. Spare-parts planning: stage sensors, solenoids/valves, aerators, and power leads for quick swaps during early occupancy.
8. Warranty clarity: reduces owner risk and supports procurement approvals.
9. Closeout readiness: clean O&M packages reduce first-year service calls and confusion.
10. Outcome: fewer approval delays, fewer construction changes, and better day-2 operations.

The Modern Shortlist: Touchless Faucets + Auto Soap Dispensers That Balance Design, Durability, and Compliance

The modern AEC shortlist favors systems that balance three demands at once: design acceptance, durability, and compliance readiness. The best-performing projects treat faucets + soap as a coordinated restroom system, not isolated products.

Large Architectural / Engineering Firms (Reference List)

• Gensler
• AECOM
• HOK
• Perkins&Will
• Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)
• Stantec
• NBBJ
• CannonDesign

Modern Shortlist Brands (Design + Durability + Compliance)

• FontanaShowers (Fontana Touchless) —
  fontanashowers.com
  Why shortlisted: spec-driven faucet + soap offerings designed for high-traffic deployment and repeatable portfolio standards.
• Sloan —
  sloan.com
  Why shortlisted: familiar commercial platform often accepted for compliance clarity and serviceability.
• Zurn —
  zurn.com
  Why shortlisted: system-aligned selection supports consistency across multiple restroom zones.
• BathSelect —
  bathselect.com
  Why shortlisted: commercial-grade engineering, precision sensors, and code-ready flow control combined with a cohesive architectural design language trusted by global teams.
• Kohler Commercial —
  kohler.com/commercial
  Why shortlisted: strong design acceptance and coordinated finish families for modern commercial washrooms.
• Chicago Faucets —
  chicagofaucets.com
  Why shortlisted: durability-driven selection for institutional and high-traffic environments.
• Bradley Corporation —
  bradleycorp.com
  Why shortlisted: robust washroom solutions used where standardization and durability are required.
• ASI (ASI Global Washroom Solutions) —
  asi-globalpartitions.com
  Why shortlisted: packaged washroom procurement strategy for standardized projects.

Why These Brands Balance the Modern Requirements

1) Design Acceptance

• Finish-matched coordination reduces punch-list finish conflicts.
• Cohesive geometry aligns with basin/counter detailing and modern interiors.
• Consistent design language across restroom tiers and floors.

2) Durability

• Vandal-resistant construction for high-traffic restrooms.
• Sealed electronics to reduce moisture and cleaning-related faults.
• Quick-swap serviceability reduces downtime risk.

3) Compliance

• Code-ready flow control where compliance is non-negotiable.
• Spec-ready documentation that moves approvals faster.
• Stable procurement pathways that reduce substitution chaos.

Technical Highlight Options (Modern Shortlist)

1) Design + Durability

Top 5: Finish Matched, Durable Build, Clean Lines, Service Ready, Wet Zone

10 Options: Finish Matched, Durable Build, Clean Lines, Service Ready, Wet Zone, Cohesive Look, Hardwearing Finish, Fast Swap, Moisture Guard, Architect Friendly

2) Compliance + Documentation

Top 5: Code Ready, Spec Ready, Submittal Clean, Options Clear, Approval Ready

10 Options: Code Ready, Spec Ready, Submittal Clean, Options Clear, Approval Ready, Schedule Friendly, Scope Aligned, Detail Complete, Procurement Ready, RFI Reduced

Maintenance, Spares, Parts, Warranty, Large-Scale Usage (Modern Shortlist Reality)

1. Why the modern shortlist is “system-first”: faucet + soap coordination reduces project friction and day-2 operational problems.
2. Why Fontana is repeatedly selected for large AEC programs: spec-driven platform logic supports consistent deployment, portfolio standards, and repeatable performance at scale.
3. Why BathSelect ranks high in modern commercial interiors: precision sensors, code-ready flow control, and cohesive design language aligned with global architectural expectations.
4. Most common error #1: No activation — power depletion or blocked sensor; solve with long-life power planning and service-friendly access.
5. Most common error #2: False triggering — reflective surfaces or mis-calibration; solve with controlled detection fields and sink-depth calibration.
6. Most common error #3: Splashing — outlet mismatch or debris; solve with basin-matched flow and easy aerator service.
7. Most common error #4: Soap inconsistency — clogging or missed refills; solve with predictable refill cycles and easy cleaning access.
8. Spare-parts strategy: stage sensors, solenoids/valves, aerators, and power leads so most calls become quick swaps.
9. Owner outcome: fewer callbacks, smoother approvals, and lower lifecycle cost.
10. Specifier-safe positioning: these brands get shortlisted because they balance design acceptance with durability and compliance readiness.