Specifications are the written documents defining qualitative construction requirements. Specifications complement drawings that define quantitative construction requirements. Drawings are a series of symbols representing construction assemblies the..
How Will Specifications Drive Productization?
by David Stutzman | Apr 24, 2022 | information sources, specifying
Making Use of New Communications Tools
by Elias Saltz | Jun 11, 2018 | Communication, Online Tools, Professional Practice, Specifications, specifying
There are a few significant challenges when it comes to performing specification consulting work. Obviously, there are the fun and interesting challenges, like gathering, updating, and retaining the significant knowledge required to write good..
A Traditional but Not-So-Smooth Path Into Specifications
by Elias Saltz | May 22, 2018 | Education, Professional Practice, Architect, Specifications, specifying
Last week, my colleague Marlon Hollis wrote eloquently about his meandering path from military aviation and law school into construction specifying, and the benefits of bringing a fresh perspective to the work. My own path to specifying might seem more..
A Stranger in a Strange Land-One || Outsider's View in 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."
It's Just a Spec
by David Stutzman | Jul 14, 2014 | Bad Specs, bidding, contract documents, Professional Practice, Quality Assurance, Spec language, Specifications, specifying
Yes it is a spec, and it deserves attention - the proper attention to be certain the contractor delivers what is required by the contract. The design team created the drawings and specifications defining the project to meet the owner's requirements and..
Is the Spec Open or Closed?
by David Stutzman | Apr 14, 2014 | comparable products, Construction Administration, contract documents, Division 01, Professional Practice, Specifications, specifying, substitutions
Is the contractor permitted to submit substitutions or propose comparable products? Not if the spec is closed, he is not. Be careful if you think you know, just from reading a technical section of the specifications. The manufacturer and product..
Check the Limitations
by David Stutzman | Feb 3, 2014 | CSI, Design Considerations, ICC, Product Applications, Product Failures, Product Rep, product selection, Specifications, specifying
Product selection for construction projects is all about finding the right product at the right price to satisfy the owner's project requirements. Wading through all the choices and the product data can be daunting. Often designers (and specifiers)..
A Script for Specifications - in 3 Acts
by David Stutzman | Jan 13, 2014 | contract documents, notes, Professional Practice, Architect, Specifications, Specifier, specifying
Writing is the easy part. Knowing what to write is another story.
Tracking Issues Needing Resolution
by David Stutzman | Jan 6, 2014 | Communication, Coordination, notes, Professional Practice, Automation, Specifications, specifying
Writing construction specifications is like assembling a jigsaw puzzle. Except puzzles always have a photo of the completed puzzle on the cover of the box.