Arc-US 2011
Boca Raton, FL - November 17-20, 2011
 
David Stutzman attended the invitation only seventh annual meetings forum in Boca Raton, Fl hosted by BOND Events Corporation.
 
The conference introduces the principals of Design and Specification from the top US firms to manufacturers in a series of one-on-one meetings. During the two day event, the 104 architects had as many as 24 meetings. The manufacturers shared news about new products, products in development, and some tried and true products. Architects provided feedback on the new products and new features. Both learned from the exchanges.
 
As a result, Conspectus has direct access to senior manufacturers' representatives to help support clients and projects throughout the US.
 
A special thanks to Mike Hoffman at Bradley Corporation who recommended that Conspectus be represented at Arc-US and to the BOND Events staff for such an enjoyable worthwhile event.
 

Indianapolis CSI Chapter Monthly Meeting
Indianapolis, IN - September 22, 2011

On September 22, 2011, Randal Reifsnider of our Louisville office served as the moderator for a panel discussion arranged by the Indianapolis CSI Chapter for their regular monthly meeting.

The program, titled "Bid Day Happenings," was part of a series of panel discussions the Indy Chapter conducted addressing the "real life" issues of design and construction.
 
The panel was composed of 2 construction professionals, 2 sales professionals, and 2 design professionals.  All panel members were highly qualified and well respected members of the Indianapolis Design/Construction community.
 
The focus of the discussion centered on what happens in the "Black Hole" between the time that bids are closed and the contract is awarded with subjects ranging from bid "shopping" to "harvesting" Contract Document conflicts to generate Change Orders.
 
When the formal deliberations ended, questions collected from the audience were read to the panel by the moderator for further discussion.
 
To add a little levity to the proceedings, Randal came prepared with a whistle and a CSI hardhat in case things got rowdy.  However, dialogue was always respectful and orderly in addition to being lively, frank, entertaining, and enlightening.
 
We would like to thank the Indianapolis CSI Chapter for inviting us to participate in this event.
 
For those interested, Ralph Pitman, Official Photographer of the Indianapolis Chapter, has posted photos he took during the event.  View Photos


But That's Not What I Meant! - With a Twist
Presented at Philadelphia AIA Design on the Delaware Conference
Philadelphia, PA - November 7, 2011
 
David Stutzman, principal at Conspectus, and Jim Marchese, Design Technology Manager at Stantec Architecture addressed AIA members and others the 9th annual Design on the Delaware conference. The session combined the content of two complementary sessions into one. Stutzman challenged the architects to use specifications to clearly state design intent, while Marchese challenged the architects to integrate BIM data and specifications. Make the link by specifying work results that coincide with model objects. Enter, extract and share BIM data with the entire design team including the specifier to improve project coordination.
 
For more information or to schedule this presentation for your office or your group, contact David at 609.628.2390 and dstutzman@conspectusinc.com or Jim Marchese at 215.665.7000 and jim.marchese@stantec.com

The program slides and handouts are available at www.conspectusinc.com/AIADotD

But That's Not What I Meant!
Presented at AIA 3D Tristate Conference
Atlantic City, NJ - September 21, 2011
 
David Stutzman addressed the first ever Tristate Conference for AIA members from New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. His topic challenged the architects to use specifications to clearly state design intent to for the Contractor's Estimator, the Contractor's Superintendent, and the Architect's CA staff.
Abandon materials lists in specifications Section Includes articles. Instead, state What, How, and Where to specify the work results. Paint a mental picture of what is required.
 
For more information or to schedule this presentation for your office or your group, contact David at 609.628.2390 or dstutzman@conspectusinc.com.

The program slides and handouts are available at www.conspectusinc.com/AIAtristate.
 

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CSI Honors Conspectus's Tech Tips
Chicago, IL - September 16, 2011
 
The CSI national convention culminated with the annual awards ceremony where Randal Reifsnider (second from left) and David Stutzman (second from right) were presented the Communications Award. Making the presentation were Institute Past President, Dennis Hall (right), and Awards Committee Chair, Jonnie Cox (left).
 
Desktop Digital Toolbox Presented at CONSTRUCT2011
Chicago, IL - September 13 - 16, 2011
 
David Stutzman and Randal Reifsnider presented the world of software beyond Microsoft and tips and tricks, to help everyone who must use a computer to be more efficient. These are gems that we discovered through the course of doing business and our continuous search for anything that helps make life a bit easier.
 
Charles Henricks, AIA, CSI, CDT, LEED AP from Harrisonburg, VA tweeted, "Attending #construct session with @dstutzman to learn all the secrets of the world" followed by "thx for the excellent seminar lots of good tips!"
 
Justin R. Cole, Assoc. AIA, ASLA, CSI, CDT, LEED-AP BD+C from Athens, GA tweeted: "My Favorite speakers from #CONSTRUCT #FF @CSIConstruction @thegainesgroup @dstutzman @rreifsnider."
 
For more information or to schedule this presentation for your office or your group, contact Randal at 502.228.9370 or rreifsnider@conspectusinc.com.

The program slides and handouts are available at www.conspectusinc.com/construct2011.
 
Storefronts, Windows, Window Walls, and Curtain Wall - What's the Difference?
Presented at CONSTRUCT2011
Chicago, IL - September 13 - 16, 2011
 
David Stutzman presented Storefronts, Windows, Window Walls, and Curtain Wall - What's the Difference? to a packed house at the CSI national convention. The session highlighted the principal differences among the systems: structure, glazing, attachment, size limitations, and water management.
 
Amy Randy, CSI, CDT from Minneapolis, MN commented: "I enjoyed your presentation and think it clarifies the differences between systems very well.  I am sharing this with our technical committee to see if there are other issues not addressed. Thanks!"
 
For more information or to schedule this presentation for your office or your group, contact David at 609.628.2390 or dstutzman@conspectusinc.com.

The program slides and handouts are available at www.conspectusinc.com/construct2011.
 
Conspectus Attends CONSTRUCT2011 and CSI National Convention
Chicago, IL - September 13 - 16, 2011
 
Randal Reifsnider, Conspectus Louisville Office Manager, and David Stutzman, Conspectus President attended the CSI national convention in Chicago. Randal and David presented two educational sessions at the convention and attended many more.
 
David attended two, exclusive invitation only, meetings to offer opinions on two new CSI initiatives. Institute President Paul Bertram held a meeting about CSI leading the industry in coordinating BIM and specifications. And Institute Executive Director, Walt Marlowe, met to discuss the CSI Master Specifier Retreat.
 
Conspectus Attends SCIP National Convention
Chicago, IL - September 13, 2011
 
Specification Consultants in Independent Practice (SCIP) held its national convention on Tuesday, September 13, 2011, concurrent with CONSTRUCT2011.  David Stutzman, Conspectus President and SCIP Vice President; and Randal Reifsnider, Conspectus Louisville Office Manager and SCIP member, attended this meeting in Chicago.
 
The day-long secession addressed issues of concern for the independent specifier (the future of specifications and specifiers, legal and technical issues, and the job market in general) as well as general business.

Social Media for Construction Professionals, Joy Davis
Wednesday, September 21, 20117:30 PM - 9:00 PM EDT

Randy Reifsnider of our Louisville office will be participating in the presentation given by Joy Davis, CSI, CCPR (CSI's Communications & Web Community Manager) to the CSI Allentown Chapter titled "Social Media for Construction Professionals."

You too can join the webinar by registering at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/453368744.
 
 
CSI Indianapolis Chapter - Monthly Meeting
Thursday, September 22, 2011 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM EDT

Randy Reifsnider of our Louisville office will be moderating a panel discussion for the CSI Indianapolis Chapter at their regular monthly meeting.  The topic, Bid Day Happenings, will stir an exciting and engaging discussion on what happens just after bids are received. Sometimes known as the “bid day black hole,” our panel will explore what really goes on behind the scenes after the blood, sweat, and tears of specifications, drawings, estimating, and bidding have happened.  The meeting will be held at the Riverwalk Banquet Center 6729 E Westfield Blvd, Indianapolis, IN 46220-1172.

To register to attend go to:
http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?llr=6tpetldab&oeidk=a07e4nex4lkd7341f01

Tech Tips honored by CSI
Alexandria, VA - July 2011
 
Conspectus' Tech Tips will be honored by The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) with the Communications Award. The award will be presented September 16 at CSI's annual convention to be held in Chicago. The award recognizes Conspectus for its contribution to educating the construction industry about current technical topics and promoting improved building construction through it Tech Tips publications.
 
The Philadelphia Chapter CSI compiled and submitted the nomination for Tech Tips in May this year.
 
All Tech Tips are archived on the Conspectus website at http://www.conspectusinc.com/tech-tips.htm. The documents are filed by UniFormat™ numbers and titles. Each document includes filing information for the current editions of both UniFormat™ and MasterFormat® to help readers search and find the information quickly. The Conspectus website search function allows visitors to locate Tech Tips by keywords and phrases or UniFormat™ and MasterFormat® numbers.
 
Stutzman Presides over Philadelphia Chapter CSI
Philadelphia, PA - July 2011
 
As of July 1, 2011, David Stutzman assumed the role as Chapter President for the Philadelphia Chapter of The Construction Specifications Institute. The term of office runs for two years. The planning process for the coming years is already underway to review the current programs and services and develop new ideas to better serve the chapter members.
 
Steve. Lawrey will continue to serve the chapter as Immediate Past President, offering guidance and counsel to the entire Board of Directors.
 
The Chapter meets the 4th Monday of the month September through June at the Holiday Inn, 4th and Arch Streets, Philadelphia, PA beginning at 6:15 PM. Mark your calendars. Come enjoy yourself and learn something new, too.
 
Tech Tips Included in Inaugural Digital Journal
West Bloomfield, MI - June 2011
 
The Spring 2011 edition of The Flooring Contractor, the official journal of The Flooring Contractors Association, included Conspectus' Floor Slab Flatness and Levelness. The spring edition was the first time the journal went digital.
 
The article discusses concrete finishing specifications including all the information required for floor slab tolerances. Specifying single values for flatness and levelness may result in ambiguous requirements. F-Number and straightedge methods require two sets of values to ensure the expected results are clearly stated.
 
Kimberly Oderkirk, Senior Editor for The Flooring Contractor magazine, commented: "I want to thank you for your contribution to The Flooring Contractor magazine.  We hope you will consider contributing in future issues."

Design on the Delaware Conference Presentation
Philadelphia, PA  - June 2011
 
AIA Philadelphia accepted David Stutzman's presentation proposal for the annual Design on the Delaware conference to be held November 7 - 9, 2011 in Philadelphia, PA. Stutzman and Jim Marchese from Stantec will jointly present two related topics "But That's Not What I Meant!" and "BIM and Specs - The Missing Link."
 
Stutzman will present how to document the Architect's Intent throughout the design process so the contractor's estimator will understand what is expected. Marchese will show how the intent can be captured through building models and provide the link to the construction specifications.
 
Design on the Delaware is the 9th annual conference sponsored by AIA Philadelphia. The conference offers nearly 40 continuing education sessions, tours, a trade show, and a design charette.
 
CSI Selects Stutzman for Technical Committee
Alexandria, VA - June 2011
 
The Construction Specifications Institute selected Conspectus' David Stutzman to serve on the Institute Technical Committee for FY 2012, beginning July 1, 2011. The Technical Committee has overall responsibility for all CSI documents including MasterFormat® and SectionFormat that are construction industry standards for specifications.
 
This appointment extends Stutzman's current position on the Technical Committee that began July 2010.

Conspectus Sponsors WRT Architects' CANstruction Entry
Philadelphia, PA - May 2011

The WRT team is proud to present Food for Thought- an interpretation of Rodin's The Thinker sculpture made entirely out of CANS of human food.

All of the cans used in the structure will be donated to the Philabundance charity. This year this event raised over 20,000 cans of food for vulnerable families in the Delaware Valley.
 
Submit your vote for the People’s Choice Award!

To vote for Team #7 - Food for Thought, please follow this link: http://www.philabundance.org/canstruction2011/

Conspectus Supports New Jersey AIA Components
Teaneck, NJ - May 2011
 
Conspectus will be exhibiting at the 22nd Annual Architects Trade Show May 19, 2011. The event is located at the Marriott at Glenpointe, Teaneck, New Jersey. The event includes 15 educational seminars and vendor exhibits. Seminars begin at 1:00 PM and the Exhibit begins at 4:00 PM.
 
This event is hosted by the AIA Newark & Suburban, and Architects League of Northern New Jersey sections that encompass the entire northern half of New Jersey.  This is the third year Conspectus will be exhibiting at the event.
 
For more information about the Trade Show see: http://aians.org/tradeshow
 
CSI Election Results
Louisville, Kentucky and Philadelphia, PA - May 2011
 
Randal Reifsnider, Conspectus Office Manger, was elected as Vice-President and President Elect for the Louisville Chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) for a one year term beginning July 1.
 
Meanwhile, David Stutzman, Conspectus Principal, was elected a President for the Philadelphia Chapter CSI for a two year term beginning July 1.
 
Reifsnider (27 year member) and Stutzman (31 year member) are active participants in CSI at the Chapter, Region, and Institute levels of the organization.
 
 
Hospitality Projects Rebound
 
Casino projects have been non-existent for the past two years even though these had been a mainstay of Conspectus' portfolio for many years. Now, Conspectus is actively working on three casino projects: a casino expansion, a new casino, and a new casino resort.
 
Perhaps these are a precursor to other hospitality projects that will emerge as the economy begins to rebound and financing becomes available, again. Operators that are able to show their patrons new or renovated facilities will have the advantage.