When it comes to federal building design, applying the “right” building code isn’t simply a matter of referencing the latest edition on the shelf. Federal projects occupy a unique regulatory space – one that balances national consistency with local adaptation, agency-specific requirements, and overarching federal mandates. Understanding how these layers intersect is essential for architects and engineers navigating design compliance, ensuring not only that facilities meet technical and safety standards but also that they align with the complex hierarchy of federal and model building codes.