No would be architect enters college hoping to someday be a spec writer. No intern studies to take their architectural registration exam yearning of the day they will be able to write specifications on their own. No newly registered architect longs for a client who will let he or she write the set of specs they have dreamed of doing.
Architects are designers not writers. Doing sketches on napkins comes naturally. However, getting an architect to write specs is like trying to get a cat to take a bath and like it. It is just not in their nature.
Despite this innate aversion to writing specifications, there are a few architects who have overcome their revulsion and will reluctantly write specs. There are even a small number who have mastered spec writing and LIKE it! (It is definitely an acquired taste.)
So, if there are already some architects who write specs and even some who enjoy it, why should other architects consider getting involved with the Construction Specifications Institute's (CSI) Certification Program?
For one thing, CSI's Certification program is not just about specification writing. It is about the entire Contract Document and Construction process.
Even so, why bother with all that technical legal and procedural stuff when there are others who can deal with it?
There are lots of noble and altruistic reasons for getting a CDT (Construction Document Technologist) followed by a CCS (Certified Construction Specifier) or a CCCA (Certified Construction Contract Administrator) Certificate - to further your professional education, to learn to conduct your business in a more professional manner, and to provide a better service to your clients are some examples -, but what about the purely selfish motives?
How does obtaining POWER and CONTROL sound as good, egocentric rationales?
Whether you draft, write specs, administer contracts, manage an office or Design (with a capital D); the knowledge gained by studying for the CDT, CCS, or CCCA gives you more CONTROL over the quality of your project's construction and the POWER to ensure your Design is fully realized.
It will also give you more POWER and CONTROL over your career. A CDT, CCS, or CCCA after your name provides a definite advantage in a tight market place whether it is landing a project or finding a new employer. These initials will get you noticed. No one ever asks me about the AIA behind my name; occasionally, I am asked about the CSI and LEED; but I am always asked about the CCS. (SCIP gets some questions too, but that I will save for another blog entry.)
Oh, and if you think you already have all the POWER and CONTROL you need because you have been in the architectural profession for 20 years or more and already know it all, guess again. Doing it wrong for 20 years or more doesn't make it right. Furthermore, times change. You will be amazed at the misconceptions you have been working under. Your experience may actually be a handicap. Younger certification candidates have a much higher passing percentage than older candidates with lots of experience.
If you are interested in gaining more POWER and CONTROL over your projects and career and would like to learn more about the CSI Certification program, contact your local CSI Chapter's Education or Certification Chair or go to the CSI Certification web page.
Information about your local CSI Chapter and committee chairs can be found at http://www.csinet.org/Main-Menu-Category/Communities-2109-14280/Chapter-Locator.aspx
CSI Certification web page: http://www.csinet.org/certification
Randal J. Reifsnider, AIA, CSI, CCS, LEED AP, SCIP
