NCIDQ Interior Design Professional Exam (IDPX) Practice Exam

The selection of wall assembly for a high-end legal office demands a balance between durability, sound attenuation, and aesthetic quality. The choice of a 3 5/8" metal stud with 5/8" gypsum board on either side serves these needs effectively for several reasons.

Firstly, using metal studs introduces enhanced stability and durability, especially in an environment like a legal office that requires longevity and robustness in its construction materials. Metal studs are also less susceptible to warping or damage from moisture or pests compared to wood studs, making them suitable for high-end applications where maintaining the integrity of the office's appearance and functionality is crucial.

Additionally, the thickness of 5/8" gypsum board greatly contributes to acoustic performance. Legal offices often require confidentiality and reduced noise distraction; thus, thicker gypsum board can aid significantly in sound attenuation between rooms, ensuring that conversations remain private and minimizing outside noise infiltration.

Furthermore, the combination of wider metal stud framing and thicker board allows for the possibility of electrical and data infrastructure to be easily accommodated within the wall without compromising the structural integrity or the aesthetics of the design.

In contrast, different options utilizing thinner wood or metal studs and gypsums with less thickness may not meet the required standards for sound attenuation and structural performance