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Author Message Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 320 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Friday, February 23, 2007 - 06:27 pm:    So now that everyone, except you guys on the west coast, have left the building - yes even I am taking the night off - I have a question - what is the one book, other than Graphics Standards or Timesavers that you would include in your library and recommend to other spec writers - newbies included. I was recently asked that question by a up and coming spec writer - my answer - Andrew Civitello's - "Contractor's Guide to Change Orders" - any one else have any suggestions for my newbie. George A. Everding, AIA, CSI, CCS, CCCA Senior Member Username: geverding Post Number: 259 Registered: 11-2004 Posted on Friday, February 23, 2007 - 06:31 pm:    You should exclude the PRM too. That's the obvious answer. Anne Whitacre, FCSI CCS Senior Member Username: awhitacre Post Number: 453 Registered: 07-2002 Posted on Friday, February 23, 2007 - 07:38 pm:    I honestly can't function without the ACI PS-15 "Field Reference Manual - Specifications for Structural Concrete". it used to be a smallish book that was easy to cart around and like everything else, its gotten thicker and heavier. however, its a nice compilation of 19 standards that cover cast in place and precast concrete work. Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 321 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Friday, February 23, 2007 - 11:13 pm:    Yes George, you are right, the basic books like the "PRM" and John's "Construction Specification Writing" - these are classics, I'm talking about the other books you find thru years of specwriting. Civitello's book has several chapters I've photocopied, highlighted, and refer to on a regular basis as cheat sheets in the world of specwriting. As this thread grows I'll add more of my favorites, but I am curious what other specwriters find as necessary in their library- perhaps I need to add some of these to my current library...the question is where will I find the space? Also, I'm sure this question about favorite books has been asked before, Colin can you advise on those threads? Perhaps we can come up with a list of recommended books for the newbie and/or the experienced specwriter. And if the book you recommend is difficult to find and you know a link or a location for a fair priced publication, please post that as well. I don't know too many newbie specwriters who can afford the thousands of dollars I have invested over the past 15 years on my library. Margaret G. Chewning FCSI CCS Senior Member Username: presbspec Post Number: 117 Registered: 01-2003 Posted on Friday, February 23, 2007 - 11:33 pm:    I have a well thumbed good quality thesaurus and dictionary close at hand as well as a good construction terms dictionary/encyclopedia that was used frequently in my earlier years as a spec writer. Also the "bible" I learned from 30 years ago is Hans Meier's Construction Specifications Handbook. Lynn Javoroski CSI CCS LEED AP SCIP Affiliate Senior Member Username: lynn_javoroski Post Number: 494 Registered: 07-2002 Posted on Sunday, February 25, 2007 - 10:40 am:    AWI Standards and the Tile Council of America handbook are references I use frequently. Since the advent internet access, my thesaurus and dictionary reside in cyberspace: OneLookDictionary and Mirriam Webster have replaced the books. Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI Senior Member Username: rliebing Post Number: 545 Registered: 02-2003 Posted on Monday, February 26, 2007 - 07:00 am:    Hope the newbies can hold on a while-- I have a specs primer blocked out [more orientational that Rosen/Regener and PRM] and looking for a publisher. Small book in mind like Correale's one on building codes [if you know that one]. Trying to hit the real 'starter" basics [for academics and IDP use] before getting to real world with all of the nuances and "good" stuff others discuss for increrased success. Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 323 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Monday, February 26, 2007 - 08:59 am:    Ralph, I'm reserving my 'autographed' first edition now, let me know who to send the check to. Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI Senior Member Username: rliebing Post Number: 546 Registered: 02-2003 Posted on Monday, February 26, 2007 - 09:17 am:    Now I will find out who my "real" friends are-- Jerome, for kindnesses offered, yours is a freebie [whenever its published]! Lynn Javoroski CSI CCS LEED AP SCIP Affiliate Senior Member Username: lynn_javoroski Post Number: 496 Registered: 07-2002 Posted on Monday, February 26, 2007 - 09:38 am:    HEEEYYYY! What do you mean "real" friends? The rest of us on this forum were just being polite and didn't want you to tire out your arm, signing all those books! George A. Everding, AIA, CSI, CCS, CCCA Senior Member Username: geverding Post Number: 260 Registered: 11-2004 Posted on Monday, February 26, 2007 - 10:25 am:    Even though spec writers don't often write specs (we usually edit masters), good writing skills are an essential requirement for what we do. My favorite little book is Strunk and White's "Elements of Style". It is the one book on the written word that has been a constant companion since college. Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI Senior Member Username: rliebing Post Number: 547 Registered: 02-2003 Posted on Monday, February 26, 2007 - 10:37 am:    Come on,Lynn, you well know I have "real" friends and "polite" friends, and some times they are not the same. I still have my rubber signature stamp, so if need be we can institute a "real" signature, and a "polite" signature program as need be. And I now have a real dilemma in that I can use a legible X or my usual non-descript scrall!!! And for "doggone good" friends, I can have my Frenchie imprint with a paw print!! How's that for being exclusive? Tracy Van Niel Senior Member Username: tracy_van_niel Post Number: 204 Registered: 04-2002 Posted on Monday, February 26, 2007 - 10:46 am:    How about friends with dogs?? ... I'd love one with the Frenchie paw print (my three Border Terriers would probably be giving that book a good sniff!) Lynn Javoroski CSI CCS LEED AP SCIP Affiliate Senior Member Username: lynn_javoroski Post Number: 497 Registered: 07-2002 Posted on Monday, February 26, 2007 - 10:55 am:    George, I haven't thought about that book for years. You're right; it's a keeper and I still have mine from college! I also have one called "Technical Writing" which is more applicable to spec writing; I used that in school, too. It was my brother's first (I may have permanently "borrowed" it from him). Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI Senior Member Username: rliebing Post Number: 548 Registered: 02-2003 Posted on Monday, February 26, 2007 - 11:00 am:    Tracy, I'll talk to my Frenchie's manager and see what I can do. Must, though, have a notarized committment that resricts acivity to sniffing!!! Wayne Yancey Senior Member Username: wyancey Post Number: 288 Registered: 05-2005 Posted on Monday, February 26, 2007 - 12:57 pm:    In addition to all of the above, I recommend "Architectural Quality Control, An Illustrated Guide" by Fred Nashed, AIA, McGraw-Hill, ISBN 0-07-143920-X. $59.95 U.S.A. Quality Control over drawigns is an aspect of the specifications deliverable I cannot ignore. As specification writers, we review drawings with the same critical eye as the Contractor but we are concerned more with quality than quantity. Other publications I refer to often include: The Gypsum Construction Hanndbook by USG. SMACNA Manual Copper Development Association Inc. Sheet Copper Applications. Redicheck Interdisciplinary Coordination GA-600 Fire Resistance Deisgn Manual NRCA Manuals Webster's New World Speller/Divider. I want to get my hands on Andrew Civitello's - "Contractor's Guide to Change Orders" Where is it avaiable? Thanks Wayne Julie Root Senior Member Username: julie_root Post Number: 76 Registered: 02-2004 Posted on Monday, February 26, 2007 - 01:29 pm:    Wayne - What an intersting find. I just checked out 'Architectural Quality Control' on Amazon...The excerpts from the book is are great. Is the whole book like that? Mark ups of details, etc.? Amazon has it new for $50 and used for $27. I ordered Civitello's book from Amazon within the last six months. Dale Roberts CSI, CDT Senior Member Username: dale_roberts_csi Post Number: 19 Registered: 10-2005 Posted on Monday, February 26, 2007 - 03:15 pm:    If anyone would like a free copy of the TCNA (Tile Council of North America) handbook for ceramic tile installations, please E-mail me your address to dalero@cbpmail.net and I will send you one. George A. Everding, AIA, CSI, CCS, CCCA Senior Member Username: geverding Post Number: 261 Registered: 11-2004 Posted on Monday, February 26, 2007 - 03:36 pm:    Dale- 2006 or 2007 edition? Is 2007 out yet? Lynn Javoroski CSI CCS LEED AP SCIP Affiliate Senior Member Username: lynn_javoroski Post Number: 498 Registered: 07-2002 Posted on Monday, February 26, 2007 - 03:45 pm:    If it's newer than the 2005 one I have, count me in! Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 324 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Monday, February 26, 2007 - 03:51 pm:    Dr. Joseph Lstiburek, a building science guru is the author of a series of books published by the Energy & Environmental Building Association (EEBA) www.eeba.org - my favorite being the 'Builder's Guide to Hot Humid Climates" and one that I use constantly to explain to my clients how vapor barriers work in the southeast. There are additional versions for Cold Climates, Hot Dry Climates, and Mixed Humid Climates. They are in a 9 x 5 format, paperback, with wonderful line drawings illustrating his theories...which many of my clients follow. The cost is approx $45 each. Wayne Yancey Senior Member Username: wyancey Post Number: 289 Registered: 05-2005 Posted on Monday, February 26, 2007 - 05:01 pm:    Julie, I think the book is a must. It is the most thorough and up to date book on the subject. It concludes with a chapter "Starting a QC Consulting Business" and solutions to the exercises in the book. Get 5 stars from me. Wayne Wayne Yancey Senior Member Username: wyancey Post Number: 290 Registered: 05-2005 Posted on Monday, February 26, 2007 - 05:08 pm:    I second Jerome's review of Dr Lstiburek's publications. I also recommend "Water Management Guide" by Dr Joe, also available from EEBA. It is 85 pages long but very clear and concise. It is not for high-rise. I think mine was $19.95. Wayne Dale Roberts CSI, CDT Senior Member Username: dale_roberts_csi Post Number: 20 Registered: 10-2005 Posted on Monday, February 26, 2007 - 05:32 pm:    If you can wait, the 2007 Handbook should be out in about 2 to 4 weeks. I have the 2006 available now. Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 325 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Monday, February 26, 2007 - 05:43 pm:    Another good publication is MIA's Dimension Stone Design Manual, a bit pricey, available from the MIA website http://www.marble-institute.com - its one of the best sources of reliable information on Dimension Stone that I have found. Ron Beard CCS Senior Member Username: rm_beard_ccs Post Number: 172 Registered: 10-2002 Posted on Monday, February 26, 2007 - 05:46 pm:    Dale: Is the 2007 edition available in a digital format with downloadable details? Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 326 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Monday, February 26, 2007 - 05:52 pm:    For those Construction People to read in your 'free time' - "Construction Nightmares - Jobs from Hell and How to Avoid Them" by Arthur O'Leary, paperback, may be harder to find, Amazon has it, but if you google it you should come up with other sources of used versions. David Axt, AIA, CCS, CSI Senior Member Username: david_axt Post Number: 813 Registered: 03-2002 Posted on Monday, February 26, 2007 - 05:59 pm:    Another good hard to find book is "Building Materials Technology - Structural Performance & Environmental Impacts" By L. Reed Brantley and Ruth T. Brantley. Julie Root Senior Member Username: julie_root Post Number: 79 Registered: 02-2004 Posted on Thursday, March 22, 2007 - 05:06 pm:    Does anyone have recommendation with regards to books about how one researches building materials? I have a really great project assistant with some building knowledge that wants to get into researching materials for teams. Maybe a future spec writer. Whoo! Whoo! David Axt, AIA, CCS, CSI Senior Member Username: david_axt Post Number: 840 Registered: 03-2002 Posted on Thursday, March 22, 2007 - 06:18 pm:    Actually I changed my mind. If I had one book that I would recommend to specifiers it would be The Bible. This is because I pray to God that the Architect designs the building correctly, the Contractor builds it according to the Documents, and that the Owner does not become his own worst enemy. Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 340 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Thursday, March 22, 2007 - 11:28 pm:    Julie - two books: "Fundamentals of Building Construction" by Edward Allen & Joseph Iano and "Construction Principles, Materials, and Methods" by Leslie Simmons for your future spec writer. Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI Senior Member Username: rliebing Post Number: 567 Registered: 02-2003 Posted on Friday, March 23, 2007 - 07:00 am:    Not to be contrary, Jerome, but the latest version of Simmons, is called, "Olin's Construction: Principles, Materials and Methods, 8th ed. A hefty volume, well worth the price. This is a marvelous book. Have taught from it since 1972, and through several editions. Basics often overlooked or ignored by academics, but essential to being a GOOD well-rounded architect/engineer. For research, I don't know of a book, per se. I think you have to make the newbie aware of the need to break things down, and then search them[and the web is a trove of info]. For example, how many "issues" or items can you get by breaking down masonry- brick, CMU [a zillion types], joints, joint reinforcement, etc. You simply cannot take one word or issue and go some place and find all you want to know about the topic. 'Course, you can bug real old-timers like Lazar for info from his bottomless well of construction info, plus a wonderful array of trivia!!! Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 341 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Friday, March 23, 2007 - 08:15 am:    OLD TIMER Ralph, how is it you have never met me yet you refer to me as an 'old-timer'...for all you know I could be in my twenties and just plain brillant...or maybe not? "Thanks" for the compliment, I think? David R. Combs, CSI, CCS, CCCA Senior Member Username: davidcombs Post Number: 212 Registered: 08-2004 Posted on Friday, March 23, 2007 - 08:54 am:    Another good material research reference work is the Evaluations from ARCOM's MasterSpec. For me, they are an invaluable resource. They alone are worth the price of the subscription. Ron Beard CCS Senior Member Username: rm_beard_ccs Post Number: 181 Registered: 10-2002 Posted on Wednesday, April 04, 2007 - 11:16 pm:    For anyone interested, eBay has an auction for a 1940 Sleeper book. The auction is listed as: "Architectural Specifications by Sleeper, 1940" Wayne Yancey Senior Member Username: wyancey Post Number: 340 Registered: 05-2005 Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 10:57 am:    I am looking for the definitive book or chapter on "DIMENSIONING" for architectural drawings. I have the National CAD Standards but the examples do not go deep enough. Words and pictures! I need pictures illustrating how to demension curved walls, segmented curved walls, angled walls, etc. Our interns are inventing some new and unusul methods for dimensioning. I require some backup to demonstrate that I anm not forcing my own opinions and methodologies. Even a chapter from your own drawing guidelines would suffice. HELP! I am sinking in a quagmire of dimentions lines and extension lines. While I am in the asking mood, what is your recommended dictionary of choice. Thanks Nathan Woods, CCCA, LEED AP Senior Member Username: nwoods Post Number: 196 Registered: 08-2005 Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 11:30 am:    I could use dimensioning tutorials in my office as well. As for dictionaries, I really like the: "Dictionary of Architecture & Construction" third edition, edited by Cyril M Harris, published by McGraw Hill Mark Gilligan SE, CSI Senior Member Username: markgilligan Post Number: 151 Registered: 05-2005 Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 11:57 am:    "Architectural Office Standards and Practices, A Practical User's Guide" by Larry jenks has a few pages of advice on dimensioning. This book was written by the AIA Denver Chapter and published by McGraw-Hill. Helaine K. (Holly) Robinson CSI CCS CCCA Senior Member Username: hollyrob Post Number: 306 Registered: 07-2003 Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 12:08 pm:    A search at Half.com produced more information: Architectural Office Standards and Practices Author: Larry D. Jenks, McGraw-Hill Format: Hardcover ISBN-10: 0070015333 ISBN-13: 9780070015333 Jul 1995 Publisher: McGraw-Hill Language: English Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 345 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 12:14 pm:    Fred A. Stitt published a book in 1980 - "Systems Drafting - Creative Reprographics for Architects and Engineers, a 2nd edition was published in 1983 and looks to be available used on several web sites. I have the first edition. Has some information on dimensioning. Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 346 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 12:25 pm:    Fred also published a book entitled "Production Systems for Architects and Designers" that looks very good, but at $140 at Amazon, I think I'll wait for the movie - maybe someone on this board with a large office that afford this book can offer some insight as to its validity - its write up sounds like its an awesome publication. Hardcover Book published in 1993 ISBN-10: 0471284521 ISBN-13: 978-0471284529 Lynn Javoroski CSI CCS LEED™ AP SCIP Affiliate Senior Member Username: lynn_javoroski Post Number: 543 Registered: 07-2002 Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 12:40 pm:    The "Guest" is me - not quite sure what was happening with the recognition of my computer. Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 347 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 12:51 pm:    Actually "Production Systems for Architects and Designers" is available used for $105 from alibris.com Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI Senior Member Username: rliebing Post Number: 580 Registered: 02-2003 Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 12:52 pm:    OK, despite my ego tellng me NOT to do this, may I offer my book, ARCHITECTURAL WORKING DRAWINGS, 4th ed. out of Wiley [1999], as a book with a chapter on dimensioning, etc. This uses actually working drawings with misspellings, bad line work, etc. as teaching tools. Been around a while and is intended to bridge manual drafting to CAD, bringing old values to current use. Can be had cheap as used books on amazon.com [My royalty check blesses you!} But I think/know it's a d _ _ _ good book!!!! [couldn't restrain my ego any longer] Helaine K. (Holly) Robinson CSI CCS CCCA Senior Member Username: hollyrob Post Number: 307 Registered: 07-2003 Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 01:09 pm:    Half.com: Architectural Working Drawings (Hardcover, 1999) Author: Ralph W. Liebing Format: Hardcover ISBN-10: 0471348767 ISBN-13: 9780471348764 Sep 1999 Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Inc 684 pages Illustrated Edition: 4 Language: English Best Price: $64.00 List Price: $99.00 (Save 35%) Helaine K. (Holly) Robinson CSI CCS CCCA Senior Member Username: hollyrob Post Number: 308 Registered: 07-2003 Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 01:11 pm:    I also see another of Ralph's books at Half.com: The Construction Industry: Processes, Players, and Practices: Ralph W. Liebing Paperback, 2000 - Buy it for $19.99 (Save 73%) Format: Paperback ISBN-10: 0138638535 ISBN-13: 9780138638535 Apr 2000 Publisher: Prentice Hall Language: English Helaine K. (Holly) Robinson CSI CCS CCCA Senior Member Username: hollyrob Post Number: 309 Registered: 07-2003 Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 01:23 pm:    Also on Half.com: Architectural Working Drawings: Ralph W. Liebing Hardcover, 1990 - Buy it for $12.99 (Save 84%) NOTE EARLIER EDITION Architectural Working Drawings: Mimi Ford Paul, Ralph W. Liebing Binding Unknown, 1977 - Buy it for $0.75 Binding Unknown, 1983 - Buy it for $5.50 NOTE EARLIER EDITION Construction Contract Administration: Ralph W. Liebing Hardcover, 1997 - Buy it for $36.13 (Save 70%) Construction Regulations Handbook: Ralph W. Liebing Hardcover, 1987 - Buy it for $68.86 Systematic Construction Inspection: Ralph W. Liebing Binding Unknown, 1982 - Buy it for $4.00 Introduction to Construction: Management and Methods: Ralph W. Liebing Hardcover, 2007 - Not in stock. Add to Wish List Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI Senior Member Username: rliebing Post Number: 581 Registered: 02-2003 Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 01:35 pm:    Geez, all this and I don't even pay Holly 10% as my PR person. I do apologize for the blatant commercialism on my part-- sincerely just trying to help. FYI [guess I just can't stop} but last listing above is for a new one due out in mid-August; addresses the progression of a project, inception to completion] The line forms at the right, in front of Holly and behind Jerome Lazar and Wayne Yancey Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 348 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 01:36 pm:    Helaine - does Ralph give u a commission for being his PR? Ralph, I had no idea you were so well published, you must be rolling in the dough? Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI Senior Member Username: rliebing Post Number: 582 Registered: 02-2003 Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 01:47 pm:    Thanks, Jerome, can just see the next e-mail from Holly!!!!! And be advised that I "roll" because I'm fat, not because I am independently wealthy like you!!! What will you be wearing in Baltimore so I can avoid you and the punches to my mouth? Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 349 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 01:59 pm:    Ralph, I don't know if I will be in Baltimore, I may be in Israel that week, my father is 92 and in failing health, he lives in Jerusalem and as soon as the State Department approvs my Passport Renewal I'll be making plans to fly there...I'll pray for good book sales at the Wailing Wall....we will have to meet up somewhere else, didn't you say your office was doing a project in South Florida - I see a road trip in the future. Ron Beard CCS Senior Member Username: rm_beard_ccs Post Number: 182 Registered: 10-2002 Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 02:04 pm:    John (Regener): It's OK for you to toot your horn, too. Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI Senior Member Username: rliebing Post Number: 583 Registered: 02-2003 Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 02:07 pm:    How wonderful and good thoughts here about your dad. Usually even prayer is hard put to sell my books! I was in Palm Beach last year-- suppoed to be an expert witness, but so frightened the defense that I didn't have to testify. We have projects in Auburndale, Boca and South Beach, and couple of other "maybes". Unfortunately they don't trust me to travel and really CA the projects. Helaine K. (Holly) Robinson CSI CCS CCCA Senior Member Username: hollyrob Post Number: 310 Registered: 07-2003 Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 02:16 pm:    No, I don't receive a commission! Yermiyahu - give me your Dad's Hebrew name and I'll put him on our Mishberach list. Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 350 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 02:22 pm:    Holly, I believe its Moisha, I'm calling my brother today (he lives with and takes care of my dad) anyway, so I'll ask, hopefully they will talk to me, with Passover and their being Lubovitch, I never know when is the proper time to call. Thanks for the offer. Helaine K. (Holly) Robinson CSI CCS CCCA Senior Member Username: hollyrob Post Number: 311 Registered: 07-2003 Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 02:25 pm:    Moshe ben ___________ (mother's name)? It's Chol HaMoed - they should answer the phone today. Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 351 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 02:48 pm:    Holly I never met any of my grandparents, they all died in Europe...paperwork on my father's family is non-existent. Its too late to call now, I usually call around 3AM EST. I'll let you know. Helaine K. (Holly) Robinson CSI CCS CCCA Senior Member Username: hollyrob Post Number: 312 Registered: 07-2003 Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 03:04 pm:    Tomorrow is also Chol HaMoed and should be safe to call. (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 12:30 pm:    IMHO, Engineer drawing conventions will be stricter than architectural. That being said, our office has a large CADD manual that includes office standards as well as instructions for using the abilities of the CADD software to its fullest. This sounds like a great opportunity to develop office standards, based on accepted conventions and common sense. Bring in a contractor or two to help explain the way dimensions are used in the field. George A. Everding, AIA, CSI, CCS, CCCA Senior Member Username: geverding Post Number: 393 Registered: 11-2004 Posted on Monday, January 21, 2008 - 11:51 pm:    This Chistmas, I received "Sister Bernadette's Barking Dog: The Quirky History and Lost Art of Diagramming Sentences" by Kitty Burns Florey. What a hoot! It brought back fun and sometimes painful memories of learning to diagram sentences. I think anyone who loves language, as specifiers must, will enjoy the Barking Dog. Ronald L. Geren, AIA, CSI, CCS, CCCA, SCIP Senior Member Username: specman Post Number: 608 Registered: 03-2003 Posted on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 - 01:38 am:    Along that same line, I would add "Eats, Shoots & Leaves" by Lynne Truss regarding punctuation. David J. Wyatt Senior Member Username: david_j_wyatt_csi_ccs_ccca Post Number: 98 Registered: 07-2005 Posted on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 - 03:21 pm:    I concur with Ron Geren's comment about Lynn Truss's book. In addition to being a useful punctuation guide, it is very entertaining. Paul Fussell's book "Class" has a great chapter on language. There is a general tendency for people to over-express themselves in order to impress people. Fussell assails them. Spec writers would love it.