Bohlin Cywinski Jackson Adopts Conspectus Cloud: A Case Study

Industry

Technology

Challenge

Bohlin Cywinski Jackson (BCJ), a large architecture firm, sought to improve its specification writing process. This case study examines BCJ's transition from previous systems to Conspectus Cloud, highlighting the benefits and challenges experienced during the first six months of implementation.

Results

BCJ's experience with Conspectus Cloud has been largely positive. The firm has found the platform to be user-friendly, with excellent support. They are an "enthusiastic proponent" of the software. BCJ is beginning to leverage the platform for master specification development and sees the value in using the SPD functionality. Conspectus Cloud has proven to be a valuable tool for BCJ, contributing to successful project completion.

Key Product

Conspectus Cloud

www.bcj.com/

The fact that Conspectus Cloud was built by industry-leading specifiers gives me immense confidence in the platform. And knowing that I can connect with actual specifiers for support? That's a game changer.

Jesse Pointon

Director of Building Technology, Senior Associate

Penn Gutmann College House_Jeffrey Totaro

About BCJ

Bohlin Cywinski Jackson (BCJ) is a multidisciplinary architecture firm with five studios nationwide, recognized for delivering context-driven, high-performance design solutions. The firm engages deeply with each project’s specific parameters—site conditions, material systems, stakeholder needs, and programmatic goals—to create built environments that are both functionally rigorous and experientially rich. Their work reflects a commitment to craft, environmental responsiveness, and long-term adaptability in the face of evolving user and performance demands.

Project photo: University of Pennsylvania, Gutmann College House © Jeffrey Totaro

The Challenge

Before adopting Conspectus Cloud, BCJ relied on a hybrid approach—using Word document masters alongside a legacy industry specification platform. The firm found the platform to be lacking in readiness for real-world project demands reflecting concerns around usability, reliability, and overall functionality. This underscored the firm’s need for a more dependable, streamlined, and modern solution to manage their specifications more effectively.

The Solution

BCJ transitioned to Conspectus Cloud following a recommendation from David Stutzman, founder of Conspectus, Inc., with whom the firm had an established and trusted working relationship. This prior collaboration gave BCJ confidence in both the integrity of the platform and the expertise behind it. The decision was rooted not only in a desire for a more capable specification tool, but also in the trust built through firsthand experience with a respected industry expert. This relationship helped streamline the onboarding process and reinforced BCJ’s confidence in adopting a new approach to specification development and project documentation.

We’ve known and worked with David for years, so when he recommended Conspectus Cloud, we trusted his judgment. That trust, combined with the platform’s capabilities, made the transition an easy decision.

Implementation & Results

Onboarding: BCJ reported a highly positive onboarding experience with Conspectus Cloud, highlighting a smooth transition and effective, hands-on training. The platform’s intuitive design, combined with personalized support from the Conspectus team, allowed users to quickly gain confidence and begin contributing to projects with minimal disruption. This thoughtful onboarding approach helped establish early momentum and laid the foundation for long-term success with the platform.
Technical Support: The firm has been highly satisfied with the level of technical support provided, noting Conspectus Cloud’s responsive, knowledgeable team as a key factor in their positive experience. The reliable assistance has reinforced trust in the platform and ensured continued project momentum.
Usability: BCJ described Conspectus Cloud as “intuitive” and “easy to learn,” underscoring the platform’s user-friendly design. The streamlined interface and logical structure made it accessible for team members at all levels, allowing them to get up to speed quickly and focus more on content development than navigating the tool. This ease of adoption contributed to a smooth transition and increased overall engagement with the specification process.
Specification Writing Process: BCJ's project architects (PAs) primarily handle specification writing.
Project Success: BCJ successfully delivered a $100 million dormitory project with the support of Conspectus Cloud, showcasing the platform’s ability to large-scale work. The software played a key role in improving coordination among project stakeholders, maintaining transparency throughout the design process, and ensuring clear, consistent documentation. This contributed to a more streamlined workflow and supported BCJ’s commitment to delivering high-quality, well-executed architecture.
Master Setup: With several successful projects completed in Conspectus Cloud, BCJ is now advancing to develop a firmwide master specification. This progression reflects their growing confidence in the platform and marks a strategic move toward greater consistency, efficiency, and standardization in their documentation process.
System and Performance Description (SPD): While BCJ did not utilize the System and Performance Description (SPD) function on the dormitory project, they recognize the value of standardized Schematic Design narratives (UNIFOMAT®) and anticipates using SPD in future projects.
Publishing & Export: BCJ received assistance with publishing specifications close to a deadline, suggesting that Conspectus Cloud support is helpful in time-sensitive situations. A current limitation is the continued use of Word.doc for the final table of contents (TOC), indicating an area for potential improvement in Conspectus Cloud's output capabilities.
Content Development: As BCJ began using Conspectus Cloud for active projects and master specification development, they collaborated closely with the Conspectus team to tailor content to their needs. The platform’s flexibility allowed them to build on past project experience while streamlining updates and maintaining consistency. This partnership approach empowered BCJ to continuously refine their specifications and align them with evolving project requirements and firm standards.