While reading the AIA recently released "Firm Survey Report 2020[i]" and the November "Architecture Billing Index[ii]" (ABI), there were two corollary findings. First, the Firm Survey reported a decrease in profitability for 2019. The ABI reported the..
Can Architectural Firms Improve Profitability?
by David Stutzman | Jan 8, 2021 | Budget, Estimator, Architect, Specifier
A Stranger in a Strange Land-One Outsider's View into Specifications
by Marlon Hollis | May 18, 2018 | Education, Specifications, Specifier, specifying
Does one need an architectural degree to be a specifier? Elias Saltz, my colleague, argues that though it may be helpful, it is not a necessary requirement. I agree with this assessment. I happen to be one of those specifiers without an architectural..
Architecture Degree - What is it good for?
by Elias Saltz | May 10, 2018 | AIA, Design, Education, Professional Practice, Architect, Specifications, Specifier, specifying
A Twitter discussion broke out recently after Paul Gerber posted this tweet in response to AIA tweeting a November, 2016 article by Ariana Zilliacus on ArchDaily entitled, "21 Careers You Can Pursue With a Degree in Architecture."
A Specifier's Christmas Wish
by David Stutzman | Dec 22, 2014 | contract documents, Professional Practice, Quality Assurance, Specifications, Specifier
Just what would a specifier wish for Christmas? Peace? Goodwill? Perhaps, but there are some more mundane wishes to help improve every construction project. And if they all come true, the entire design team, contractor, and especially the owner will..
Specifications Risk Management
by David Stutzman | Jun 23, 2014 | contract documents, Professional Practice, Quality Assurance, Specifications, Specifier
There are many risks in construction projects, and specifications alone cannot mitigate construction risk in all areas. Good specifications, however, provide valuable benefits to architect/engineer (A/E) design team, owners, and other construction..
Ensuring Construction Quality
by David Stutzman | Jun 9, 2014 | Certification, Construction Administration, contract documents, Part 3, Professional Practice, Quality Assurance, Specifications, Specifier
How can an owner be sure construction produces the quality the owner desires? There is likely no way to be absolutely certain. But specifiers rely on several techniques to help ensure work results meets the owner's project requirements.
Owners - What did you buy?
by David Stutzman | Jun 2, 2014 | C1010, Construction Administration, contract documents, Division 09, Metal Stud, Professional Practice, Quality Assurance, Specifications, Specifier, Tech Tips
Friday, an architect asked for help researching a question about metal stud installation for interior partitions. The question was the result of a site visit. The resolution needed to be speedy. Monday the contractor planned to install gypsum board,..
Contract Documents are Related
by David Stutzman | May 26, 2014 | AIA, Construction Administration, contract documents, CSI, Division 00, Division 01, MasterFormat, Professional Practice, AIA A201, SectionFormat, Specifications, Specifier, UniFormat
It's a debate. The debate is evidenced in all the commercial guide specifications and even CSI's SectionFormat™. Related Requirements is an article heading near the beginning of specification sections. This article gives specifiers an opportunity to list..
Collaboration for a Better Tomorrow
by David Stutzman | Apr 28, 2014 | Contractor, Owner, Preliminary Project Descriptions (PPD), Product Rep, Professional Practice, Architect, Specifications, Specifier, subcontractor, Supplier
Design and construction projects require an enormous number of participants to complete each facility. The basic teams include owners, architects, contractors, and suppliers. The lines of communication are well defined, especially after the construction..
Who is the Specifications Beneficiary?
by David Stutzman | Mar 10, 2014 | contract documents, Professional Practice, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Architect, Specifications, Specifier
Specifications are technical documents - part of a construction contract - describing contracting requirements. Is there really a beneficiary to such a legal document?