Master the art of writing construction specifications with the techniques provided by a nationally recognized expert in the field.
The demand in design firms for construction specification writers has never been greater. Specification writers must master the techniques for product selection, organizing the project manual, coordinating drawings and specifications, integrating engineering specifications, and more. As few colleges teach specifications, the specification writer learns their craft in design firms with a mentor and within the ever-increasing pace of project design and construction. This topic will cover the basics of specification writing based on our 35 years of active experience on more than 4,000 projects. We identify key issues with a look to the future, as LEED® and BIM require more precision within specifications than ever before.
Learning Objectives
- You will be able to identify performance vs. proprietary specifications.
- You will be able to explain the incorporation of LEED® and green specs.
- You will be able to describe how to implement the CSI MasterFormat, SectionFormat, and PageFormat.
- You will be able to define architectural vs. engineering specifications.
Agenda
The Role of Specifications in the Construction Process
- The Value of Construction Specifications
- Types of Specifications - Sheetspecs, Outline, Short-Form, Full
- Who Writes Specifications and When?
The CSI Project Manual Approach to Specifications
- The New CSI MasterFormat 2020, SectionFormat, and PageFormat
- Bidding Requirements, General Conditions, and General Requirements
- Architectural vs. Engineering Specifications
Common Issues in Specification Preparation
- Product Selection vs. Specification Writing
- Performance vs. Proprietary Specifications
- Use of Reference Standards and Association Standards
- Clear, Concise, and Correct Language
Streamlining Specification Writing
- Specification Checklists
- Master Specification Systems
- Office Master Specifications
- Sources for Specifications Online
The Future of Specification Writing
- Green Specs/LEED® V4/V4.1 Specs
- Building Information Modeling and Specifications
- The Specifier as Knowledge Manager
Speakers
Mark Kalin, FAIA, FCSI, CDT, LEED® AP,
Kalin Associates Inc. Specifications- President with Kalin Associates Inc. Specifications
- Founded in 1984, the firm has prepared specifications for more than 4,000 projects, including more than 400 projects seeking USGBC LEED® certification
- Registered architect, CSI construction document technology certified, and USGBC LEED® accredited professional
- Past-national technical committee chairman, Construction Specifications Institute
- Instructor, Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Wrote Kalin Associates Master Short-Form Specifications and BIMspec Specifiers’ Property Sets
- Co-wrote, Construction Specifications Writing, Sixth Edition, 2010 published by Wiley
- Past-president, Specifications Consultants in Independent Practice (SCIP); past-chair, AIA Masterspec Review Committee
- Can be contacted at mkalin@kalinassociates.com or www.kalinassociates.com
Who Should Attend
This live webinar is designed for engineers, architects, construction and project managers, contractors, subcontractors, presidents, vice presidents, developers, and other construction professionals.
