How does someone become a spec-writer?

Log Out | Topics | Search Moderators | Register | Edit Profile

Author Message Robin E. Snyder Senior Member Username: robin Post Number: 118 Registered: 08-2004 Posted on Tuesday, June 26, 2007 - 09:03 pm:    I have a brother-in-law in the Los Angeles area that is interested in learning to write specifications. I learned through an internship and then working for another spec-writer for 10 years before starting out on my own. How would you suggest someone get started who doesn't have an architecture background? Would they try to work for a spec writer?(and does anyone have time to train someone these days?) How does someone get into our business? Any thoughts, suggestions etc? David J. Wyatt Senior Member Username: david_j_wyatt_csi_ccs_ccca Post Number: 63 Registered: 07-2005 Posted on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 - 09:53 am:    What a great question and topic! Your brother-in-law has a few preliminary decisions to make. How much time is he willing to invest in doing things right? If he is willing to invest the time, he should: 1. Join CSI, start going to chapter meetings and national events. Meet people and listen to them. 2. Live with the PRM, MasterFormat 2004, and the AIA documents until they are engrained in him. These will teach him the correct fundamentals before he acquires any strange professional habits. 3. Get certified (CCS, CCCA). 4. Get familiar with a decent master guide specification system, like MASTERSPEC. THat resource is an encyclopedia of specific construction knowledge. 5. Read other things, but he should beware of things that lead him too far off the path descibed. This will take a few years to accomplish, but they will pass quickly, and it will put him far ahead of those who have been self-taught and learned the hard way. When those few short years are behind him he will be well on his way to success. About ten years ago, Bob Johnson asked me why I was doing what I was doing, because I wasn't doing it very well. He suggested that I read the MOP and get my head on straight or go do something else. Thank God I listened to him and worked my way up. There are some other considerations. What does your brother-in-law love about design and construction? Does he have an aptitude in a particular area of construction, such as vertical transportation systems, security systems, access control, finishes...? Building upon a particular interest can enhance his potential for being a specialist consultant. Being a specialist isn't the only way to go, but a special interest has a way of driving you through the difficult times. I am sure there will be many more helpful posts to come in this thread, written by some great people. Mitch Miller, AIA ,CSI, CCS, MAI Senior Member Username: m2architek Post Number: 114 Registered: 02-2004 Posted on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 - 09:58 am:    I agree with David, on all his points. however, prior to getting the CCS and CCCA, one needs to take the CDT. This also focuses on the fundamentals and PRM. This sounds like a topic to be continued. David, how about a seminar on this? I would certainly be interested in "tag teaming" with you. We could do it as a webinar possibly. I will contact the Institute, as I am scheduling to do several anyway.... David J. Wyatt Senior Member Username: david_j_wyatt_csi_ccs_ccca Post Number: 64 Registered: 07-2005 Posted on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 - 10:13 am:    Mitch, Yes, of course, how could I have overlooked the CDT? See, even "experienced" spec writers need help from their friends. Marc C Chavez Senior Member Username: mchavez Post Number: 207 Registered: 07-2002 Posted on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 - 10:34 am:    Yes to all of the above but let’s not forget learning and knowing products and their application. If using a guide spec like I did, Division 1 is easy money compared to figuring out what q3 in the glazing section means. At least division 1 is in English. On the other hand: …Just get an electric guitar Then take some time and learn how to play And with your hair swung right And your pants too tight It's gonna be all right The Byrds 1965 Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 389 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 - 11:33 am:    Marc, I prefer to think of these lyrics for newbie specwriters: "Come writers and critics Who prophesize with your pen And keep your eyes wide The chance wont come again And dont speak too soon For the wheels still in spin And theres no tellin who That its namin. For the loser now Will be later to win For the times they are a-changin." It scares me to think that future specwriters may have little construction experience...I guess the times they are a-changin. Thank you Bob Dylan. Mark Gilligan SE, CSI Senior Member Username: markgilligan Post Number: 189 Registered: 05-2005 Posted on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 - 12:26 pm:    The knowledge and skills of a specification writer can be divided into those related to the mechanics of compiling specifications and those where the specification writer is a subject matter expert. The mechanics consist of knowledge of the format of the document, the ability to work with and coordinate the many contributors to a project manual, and the ability to manage the flow of information and produce the final document. In addition specification writers typically bring to bear an expertise in one or more areas. Typically specification writers are knowledgeable regarding the content of the Project Resource Manual and this serves as a basis area of expertise. In addition most specification writers develop expertise regarding one or more specification sections. Because specifications are lead by the Architect most specification writers have some familiarity and hopefully expertise in the products and materials the Architect is responsible for. Professional training in engineering or architecture is often helpful in developing this expertise although in a number of areas talking with manufacturers representatives and careful reading of the codes and standards are useful strategies. In many of the engineering specifications sections it is difficult to develop the expertise with out some formal training in that discipline. Success and satisfaction will depend on your ability and willingness to master the mechanics as well on your interest in developing some technical expertise. If your focus is purely on the mechanics of specification writing then there are probably better ways to make money. Richard L Matteo, AIA, CSI, CCS Senior Member Username: rlmat Post Number: 224 Registered: 10-2003 Posted on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 - 02:08 pm:    Robin, Where in the LA area is your brother-in-law? We have 2 local CSI Chapters - 1 in LA (Meets @ New Otani Hotel) and 1 in Orange County (Meets @ Phoenix Club in Anaheim I belong to the OC Chapter Both Chapters also offer preparatory classes for the CDT Exam and the OC Chapter is starting up a Specifications School this fall e-mail or call me and I can provide more info. rmatteo@tbparchitecture.com 949.673.0300 Robin E. Snyder Senior Member Username: robin Post Number: 119 Registered: 08-2004 Posted on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 - 02:12 pm:    Thanks everyone - Rich - if you have info on the LA chapter, that would be great. So, lets say that someone is willing to do all the research, education etc. there - where do they get the hand's on experience? Margaret G. Chewning FCSI CCS Senior Member Username: presbspec Post Number: 130 Registered: 01-2003 Posted on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 - 02:19 pm:    I'm often finding interest in specification writing among the Architectural and Project management assistants at some of my client's offices. Often they come into the field as clerks processing the submittals and various paperwork required in architectural, engineering and construction offices and learn how important that paperwork is. In the right firm it would be a job position where a lot can be learned toward becoming a specifications writer. I still highly recommend attending architectural and engineering courses at a technical school even if the person has no intention of becoming an engineer or architect. The understanding of the process gained through those courses is invaluable to a specifier. Richard L Matteo, AIA, CSI, CCS Senior Member Username: rlmat Post Number: 225 Registered: 10-2003 Posted on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 - 02:27 pm:    Robin, Web site for LA CSI is www.lacsi.org Hand's-on experience would come from working for a firm with an in-house spec. writer/dept. or as you did, working for an independent spec writer/firm - there are a couple of those in the LA/OC area. W. Dean Walker, AIA, CCS, SCIP Senior Member Username: wdwalkerspecs Post Number: 17 Registered: 08-2006 Posted on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 - 03:18 pm:    Margaret, I agree you you. I don't see how someone with no exposure to our business can learn specification writing. The process is very important. Think how hard it is to explain to a layman just just what we do. The spec training I did in the late 70's and early 80's was always directed at Architects. They are currently working for various firms around Chicago. Anne Whitacre, FCSI CCS Senior Member Username: awhitacre Post Number: 573 Registered: 07-2002 Posted on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 - 03:33 pm:    I'm a non-architect (BA History) who has been writing specifications for the past 30 years, and I think that after about the first 4 years, the value of "being an architect" is really overblown. And since fewer architects want to go into specifying, we need to encourage non-architects to get into the business. that being said, I would recommend the following things: 1) first, go to work for either a specifications consultant or a firm that has other specifiers so you can learn from them. 2) go to CSI meetings and build up your contacts and get to know who knows the most about everything. 3) take classes in obscure things if you don't know anything about them, and if there are commercial building inspection classes available, take those -- they tell you a lot about what you're looking at. 4) hang out with the CA guys and find out how the documents are actually working in the field 5) ask a ton of questions -- about everything. the best specifiers I know are very, very curious about the construction process. 6) recognize that it will take 3 to 5 years just to get up to speed with terminology and reading drawings. you simply need to get 10 or 12 jobs behind you to start to get comfortable. I've trained licensed architects who can't specify their way out of a canvas tent; and I have met a lot of competent specifiers who come from a liberal arts background. Ability to handle the language is paramount, as is a mind-set that allows you to see both specifics and generalities at the same time. W. Dean Walker, AIA, CCS, SCIP Senior Member Username: wdwalkerspecs Post Number: 18 Registered: 08-2006 Posted on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 - 03:40 pm:    Anne, I knew I would step on some toes when I made that statement. Its just that I have found in my 45 years of specifying that being a Licensed Architect has carried more weight with my clients. I can understand where the "design team" is coming from. Richard L Matteo, AIA, CSI, CCS Senior Member Username: rlmat Post Number: 226 Registered: 10-2003 Posted on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 - 04:33 pm:    Okay gang, Here's my 2 cents - I have a B.A. Degree in Sociology & Psychology and spent about a year & 1/2 as an English Major - made me a better speller than most Architects. Learned about spec writing from an old technical writer who was not an architect, nor did he belong to CSI - I did join CSI in the late 70's. Earned my architectural license the hard way through practical experience then taking the exams to become licensed. Began writing specs in the mid 90's for the same firm where I learned from the old technical writer who was long gone by then. I'm currently writing specs for a firm in CA where you have to take an oral exam to get your architect's license, even with reciprocity. It's a lot harder when you're roughly twice the age of most of the "kids" getting licensed for the first time. Anyway, not having a CA license does not affect my ability write specs & I don't need a license to do that. Anne's correct in a way - being a "licensed architect" does not make you a spec writer - having the experience and background in construction and materials is more important. Lynn Javoroski CSI CCS LEED™ AP SCIP Affiliate Senior Member Username: lynn_javoroski Post Number: 613 Registered: 07-2002 Posted on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 - 04:50 pm:    And as the CCS exam used to imply, you don't even need to know what it is if you know how to write the spec - what's a widget anyway? I think it's most important that you understand technical writing which is different from other formats of writing. Anne Whitacre, FCSI CCS Senior Member Username: awhitacre Post Number: 575 Registered: 07-2002 Posted on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 - 05:00 pm:    Dean- when I started my consulting business I had been an employee of NBBJ for 8-1/2 years (and then two other firms after that); my clients would ask about my experience, and I could see their shoulders relax as soon as I said "I worked for NBBJ for ...". At the time, even my boss at the firm was not licensed. I will admit that I run into that, and at interviews for my last two jobs (ZGF and Gehry) I start out with "if you are convinced you need a licensed architect for this job, we don't need to continue this conversation". some clients are biased that way; some will look at my resume and not worry about it. however, my personal experiences aside: its hard to get people to go into specs, and I think we as a profession have to find a way to welcome people into it no matter what their background. You might ask why I didn't become an architect? The dean at the college of architecture looked me in the eye and said "we don't have good luck with women in this program, so come back after you've worked a minimum of five years". I worked... and never went back. Ron Beard CCS Senior Member Username: rm_beard_ccs Post Number: 208 Registered: 10-2002 Posted on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 - 05:09 pm:    Dean: I have found that the opposite is true about "being a Licensed Architect has carried more weight with my clients." Many architects get very offended by another architect criticizing their designs and/or details. It is surprising the number of details I see that are just poor choices, or will eventually leak, or just plain can’t be constructed in the field as they detail them on their drawings. I have learned that they respond much more favorably by my saying. “Hey, I’m not a trained architect but this detail might not do what you intend it to do [translation = sucks]. That method works almost every time. Usually it is just a matter of bringing to their attention. They respected that - I made them look better. Actually, looking back on my early days, I discovered being bald at a young age made me look older and wiser than I really was. I became project manager in the architectural firms in which I worked long before most of the licensed architects did. I started writing the specs for my own projects then the specs for the entire office. Architects, who traditionally reach their prime at older ages than most professions, like the older looking person because they equate “old” as more experienced. I have proven that statement to be false on occasion but that is another story. IMHO, the bottom line to carry more weight with my clients is to know what you’re talking about when you open your mouth. The reason I never seriously pursued a degree in architecture was quite simple - spec writer paid more than project architect. My academic background was civil engineering which automatically threw me into the technical side of architecture. It was not a good background for proper spelling - mine is actrocious. David R. Brown III AIA/CCS New member Username: skip_brown Post Number: 1 Registered: 06-2007 Posted on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 - 05:13 pm:    All - It is extremely comforting to me to be able to think that I am a specifier. And in this forum to meet and discuss various topics with others of 30+ years experience architects and specifiers. I graduated in 1974, registered in 1982 and am still amazed at what I have yet to learn in this business.....and I do NOT consider myself an expert....just attempting to become one...some day. Basic recommendation: Join CSI and you will find your way. W. Dean Walker, AIA, CCS, SCIP Senior Member Username: wdwalkerspecs Post Number: 19 Registered: 08-2006 Posted on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 - 05:53 pm:    Anne I agree there is a huge shortage of specifiers. I can't say why other than the fact that they were not given the opportunities to really learn the trade as we all apparently did. My degree was in Architectural Engineering from a non accredited school. After drafting for a few years and having to inteprete specs written by outside speciality consultants and then drafting the details to fit the equipment, I was asked to train in specs. My college course in specs had been non-appealing - but I was told to take the person's advice - because "draftsman were a dine a dozen". I trained under the Chief Architect and head of specs in the days before any masters - just some guide specs for CSI, the last good project and some really knowledgable CSI Industry reps. Upon leaving that firm I joined a good design firm where the principals informed me that they really wanted me to get my license. I felt that was very important. They also told me that I would never advance to an Associate if I didn't. I studied hard, passed the 4-day exam and was named an Associate and Head of the Department, I also joined AIA, here again at the recommendation of one of the Principals. Being licensed and in AIA continued to be a good thing as I moved from frim to firm, other than my short stent in Phoenix in '79-'80 I was a Senior Associate and VP of a large design firm before I left it all and went into consulting in '98. I continue to tell my clients that they design building with "lines" - while I design it with "words". That being the case having a good understanding of the English language is very important as has been pointed out by several others. ken hercenberg Advanced Member Username: khercenberg Post Number: 5 Registered: 12-2006 Posted on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 - 06:05 pm:    It is always a pleasure to see what people went through to become specifiers. Dennis Hall once wrote a great article a few years back about what it takes to be a specifier. Basically it can be any number of variations of the stories that appear in this thread. To become a good specifier, you must know how to communicate. That is what we do. Becoming certified via CDT, CCS, and CCCA shows the industry that you have learned how to speak the language. Take at least a couple of classes on reading construction drawings. That will be one of the most important ways that architects will be communicating with you. You'll know that you've reached a milestone when you can look at a detail and make it better. Become detail-oriented. That's another key aspect to our function. We're here to make sure that every aspect of the project has been addressed in a meaningful manner. Unlike many of us, internalize the 4 C's - Clear, complete, concise, and correct. It's easy for each of us to go on about this forever; we're passionate about it. Personally, I was a physical sciences major who went to work for my father because he had to fire 3 spec writers in a month; they weren't focused on the details. I started out measuring buildings and drawing up floor plans. After a few months I was able to sit in on planning meetings with the hospital staff where I learned about programming space. Then I learned how to put a set of drawings together. Finally came my chance to feel like a complete idiot, writing my first spec. That was 1976 and I'm learning more now than I was able to learn then. I'm not a registered architect, just a CCS and CCCA. Oh, I do teach Construction Specifications at the local community college (maybe a good place for you to look into classes on spec writing and drawings) and I'm involved in teaching the certification prep classes every year with other members of our profession. That's the best way for me to learn. Robin, I hope your brother-in-law finds his niche. I look forward to welcoming him into our little community. Phil Kabza Senior Member Username: phil_kabza Post Number: 267 Registered: 12-2002 Posted on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 - 09:50 pm:    The challenge is to figure out how to get from the idea of being a spec writer to being one. More people are perceiving the need in the market place. Compensation is on the upswing. People are also encountering the unusual, rich camaraderie of the specifier guild that we see here, in CSI, and in other venues. It's attractive, and hard to find these days. So how do we get interested people from the idea to the reality, knowing it takes quite some time working as a spec writer before you actually are one? How do our firms and consulting practices provide a place for people to learn the ropes? What approaches do you use to bring a "newbie" on board? Comments welcome - as we are all facing this right now in this market. Stephan Reppert CSI, CCCA, assoc. AIA Senior Member Username: steprepp Post Number: 14 Registered: 09-2003 Posted on Thursday, June 28, 2007 - 07:16 am:    I've been writing specs off and on for about 14 years now and have found the evaluations in ARCOM's Masterspec to be invaluable (no pun intended) for information on both writing specs and the why and how of materials, components and assemblies for the built environment. Also, a good web site to visit is http://www.aecdaily.com. They have free course downloads you can take to increase your knowledge of building materials and systems, without having to pay for classes. Free? It must be good Russell W. Wood, CSI, CCS Senior Member Username: woodr5678 Post Number: 93 Registered: 11-2003 Posted on Thursday, June 28, 2007 - 09:15 am:    I've been in the biz since 75...I used to be an Arch PM. One day way back when, I was rushing to get an important project done and I asked my boss "who's gonna write the specs?" (meaning which outside consultant)...and he said "I'm looking at him"! Panicked I said "me...why what did I do?" Well I performed a massive cut and paste job and came up with a nice thick spec (didn't know what 3/4 off it meant) got the project permitted, built, and no law suits...so I thought I must have succeeded quite well. Many years and many specs later, I was reborn as a spec writer when I found CSI. Studying for my CDT and CCS opened my eyes that the wheel had already been invented and I also began to realize how much I didn't know once I began to learn how much there is to know (starting with the CSI MOP & PRM). You can become a Doctor on your own, but it's more efficient to go to Med-School. To spec writers, CSI is our Med-School...so go be a Doctor. Phil Kabza Senior Member Username: phil_kabza Post Number: 268 Registered: 12-2002 Posted on Thursday, June 28, 2007 - 09:50 pm:    Most of us have found an individual path to becoming a specifier. My own led from an English major, through carpentry work, architecture school, contracting business, architectural practice in medium and large firms, management, and then consulting practice. But how do we turn to interested people in the industry and help them on their paths to becoming qualified specifiers? I had some success with this in a large firm, but have any small consulting practices had similar success in "growing" a specifier? Anonymous   Posted on Friday, July 06, 2007 - 09:08 am:    Age must play an significant role in becoming a spec writer. You generally don't find fledglings fulfilling the role of specifier in most offices. You can say it's really experience that defines a specifier, but lets face it, we're probably not the young end of the Architectural profession. It would be interesting to survey the age of most specifiers. I'll go first...I'm 50, or there abouts. J. Peter Jordan Senior Member Username: jpjordan Post Number: 242 Registered: 05-2004 Posted on Friday, July 06, 2007 - 10:06 am:    I started writing specs in 1979 when I was 30. I was a licensed architect with several years of experience. Now (almost 30 years later), I cannot distinguish between the the contributions to my expertise made by my formal architectural architectural education and the ones made by my practical experience. When younger spec writers (and architects) ask me how I know what I know, I tell them that I would not be very bright at all not to have learned something in all of those years. My assistant has a degree in professional writing (a BS in English). Many of you have probably heard that I would prefer to teach him about architecture than to teach an architectural intern (or architect) how to write. I know many well respected spec writers who came up through the ranks as administrative and then paraprofessionals, and I believe this career path holds a lot of promise. This is confirmed by my many conversations with younger architects, interns, and students who seem to believe that writing specifications is not practicing architecture. I believe good spec writers have command of (1) forms and formats of construction specifications, (2) basics of contract law (especially as it pertains to the practice of the design professions and construction), and (3) technical knowledge about building products and systems and their integration into a functional building. I will say that earning the CDT and CCS certifications doesn't automatically make you a spec writer (and I would add that having a BArch or MArch doesn't automatically make you an architect, at least in the USA). These credentials demonstrate to the world that you have a mimimum level of understanding of the first two categories I described above. What makes a good specifier? Writing lots of specifications (this is almost a direct quote from Anne Whitacre). The more specifications you write, the more expertise you should develop. It helps immmensely to have feedback from design professionals, product reps, and contractors, but at some point you have to develop enough expertise to be self-critical as well. I would suggest that after writing specifications for 15 or 20 years in a supporting environment, the difference in the level of expertise that a specifier who is an architect and one who is not will generally diminish to the point of insignificance. Margaret G. Chewning FCSI CCS Senior Member Username: presbspec Post Number: 131 Registered: 01-2003 Posted on Friday, July 06, 2007 - 11:47 am:    OK I'll admit to being 54, but I've been writing specs since I was in my early 20's right out of school in addition to being a draftsman. This was mainly because I was the only "engineering aide" in a maintenance department for a retail chain. Fortunately I had good guidance from my boss and he purchased a great handbook for me in Hans Meiers' Construction Specifications Handbook. I also found that my experience in the field as a construction and code inspector really added to my knowledge. Ronald L. Geren, RA, CSI, CCS, CCCA, SCIP Senior Member Username: specman Post Number: 489 Registered: 03-2003 Posted on Friday, July 06, 2007 - 12:08 pm:    I'll jump in: I'll be 46 (in little over two weeks). I wrote my first spec (and cost estimate) as a brand new second lieutenant in the Air Force. There's nothing like being thrown into the fire right from the start. Needless to say, I had to "unlearn" a few things as I gained a little more experience and did some self-study. I didn't have a spec "mentor," but always looked to books, articles, seminars, etc. for guidance. Anne Whitacre, FCSI CCS Senior Member Username: awhitacre Post Number: 582 Registered: 07-2002 Posted on Friday, July 06, 2007 - 12:42 pm:    I was assigned my first project when I was 24 and I would suggest that it doesn't take 15 or 20 years -- it takes some number of jobs and getting yelled by the field guys. even at a minimum, most specifiers are going to work on 10 projects a year; most architects are going to work on 2. I'm almost 54 now, so my experience seems to parallel Margaret's in that regard. Richard L Matteo, AIA, CSI, CCS Senior Member Username: rlmat Post Number: 227 Registered: 10-2003 Posted on Friday, July 06, 2007 - 12:53 pm:    I started doing door and hardware specifications in the early 70's for the large design firm I grew up in. I wrote my first full spec in the late 80's for a small firm, which I also could not have done without Hans Meiers' Construction Specifications Handbook. I started writing specs full time for the large design firm (I returned in 1990), in the mid 90's and have been doing it ever since. I was fortunate to have a 'spec mentor' and also was mentored by both of the senior PM's who are now principals. I turned 62 in April and will probably continue to do this until they cart me out feet first. George A. Everding, AIA, CSI, CCS, CCCA Senior Member Username: geverding Post Number: 326 Registered: 11-2004 Posted on Friday, July 06, 2007 - 02:43 pm:    I admit to writing my first specification as a 28-year old project architect in 1979; I also admit to writing my first GOOD specification about twenty-five years later, after exposure to the rigors of CDT and CCS. I write BETTER specifications today as a 56-year old than I ever have, and I hope the BEST is yet to come. That’s part of the joy of this specialty, the continual learning and growth. I admit to coming into life as a full time specifier with the bias that a well-rounded architectural background was the only way to become competent as an architectural specifier. I confess that I was thoroughly disabused of that notion by frequent exposure to many of the folks who are posting on this thread. The most amazing change I have noted in three decades of being an architect: how much specifiers have changed. To illustrate, when I was first working in architect’s offices, specifiers seemed to be washed up withered old architects who were quite dull and uninteresting. Now, thirty years later, specifiers seem to be young vibrant exciting and even, dare I say, sexy. Why is that? Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI Senior Member Username: rliebing Post Number: 649 Registered: 02-2003 Posted on Friday, July 06, 2007 - 03:25 pm:    I agree with George on the transition/change in writers over the 4 decades I've practiced., but Started college; 1953 [see 54 years does have a real meaning other than births] Registered; 1963 First solo spec; 1964 [for a building my dad was associated with] Also first in office to use gelatin stencils and Gestetner mimeo as opposed to blue-printed, back-carboned onion skins!!!! First million dollar project specs; 1966 Since you all saw me in THE SPECIFIER, I will avoid any and all allusions to "sexy"!! Bob Woodburn Senior Member Username: bwoodburn Post Number: 197 Registered: 01-2005 Posted on Friday, July 06, 2007 - 03:27 pm:    George, I guess it's all in one's point of view. How do you suppose we (I have 8 years seniority to you in age, if not experience) appear to the "young, vibrant, exciting and...sexy"? Are we now the "washed up withered old architects...dull and uninteresting"? (Or was that your point...?) Robin E. Snyder Senior Member Username: robin Post Number: 125 Registered: 08-2004 Posted on Friday, July 06, 2007 - 03:33 pm:    I'll take young, vibrant exciting and downright sexy! Ronald L. Geren, RA, CSI, CCS, CCCA, SCIP Senior Member Username: specman Post Number: 490 Registered: 03-2003 Posted on Friday, July 06, 2007 - 03:48 pm:    I'll take that, too! Where do I go to become that? And how much would it cost? John Regener, AIA, CCS, CCCA, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: john_regener Post Number: 314 Registered: 04-2002 Posted on Friday, July 06, 2007 - 03:55 pm:    I wrote specifications for my own projects, beginning in my late 20's. I also occasionally wrote specs for other projects. During this time as a recently-annointed registered architect, I was invited by my employer to join CSI and learn more about specifications. I was exposed to and learned about specifications from highly-professional specifications writers in San Francisco. They modeled what it means to be a spec writer and they did it in a way that imparted professionalism and honor in the job. From early on in my career, I participated in construction contract administration, eventually doing it full-time for several years. This provided insight and battle scars about how construction contract documents do and don't work. Along the way I also learned about detailing and drafting: the graphic form of construction contract documents. Later, while continuing to write specifications for my own and other's projects, I became involved in the world of "forensic architecture," a great opportunity to learn at the expense of others. After relocating to another region, I took on the job of full-time, in-house specifier and wrote specifications for architectural and engineering disciplines. When the firm dissolved, I became an independent specifications writer. My first client was my previous employer, a situation that many others have followed. That was 15 years ago. I joined SCIP a little more than 20 years ago. At the time, one could be a member if there was the intention of becoming an independent specifications writer (consultant) within 5 years. I met that criteria. Now, the Affiliate category is available for in-house and other specifiers to belong to SCIP, without a time restriction or commitment to becoming independent. So, my career in architecture is 34 years overall, with only the first couple of years excluding spec writing and with the last 20 as a fulltime specifier. I'm looking at another 10 years of work primarily in written construction contract documents (whatever "written" means in the future). I see the role of "specifications writer" evolving into more of a resource person than document producer. And considering the BIM discussion, I foresee the "specifications writer" being more involved with the Schematic and Design Development phases of a project, while still providing resources and guidance to those producing detailed information during the Contract Documents and Construction phases. How does one prepare to be a specifications writer? This is one example and one that I know many others have similarly followed. There are other paths and they are valid too. Ann Baker (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest Posted on Friday, July 06, 2007 - 01:38 pm:    Since we're talking about how we got here (to being specifiers), my path is also unique - I have a degree in English and yes, it helps me spell better than most architects. I came to architecture late, earning a dreaded four-year degree after I had two kids - but, I am a registered architect, and always got frustrated with the way specs were left for the fifteen minutes before the project was kicked out of the door. I am also convinced that, even with the imperfections, I write better specs than most architects. I have been writing specs full-time for about six or so years (oh, how I wish I could say that I've been doing it for 30 years!), and though I'm nearly 58, I plan to keep on until they take my computer glasses away. Anonymous   Posted on Friday, July 06, 2007 - 04:14 pm:    Ron from what I saw you are doing just fine! Ron Beard CCS Senior Member Username: rm_beard_ccs Post Number: 212 Registered: 10-2002 Posted on Friday, July 06, 2007 - 04:31 pm:    Sexy?? ...reminds me of the Barbie Specifier thread from several years ago when I first joined this fine group. Ralph, you really are older than dirt!! I joined the same architectural firm that the late Everett Spurling had just left when he became one of the first independent specifiers back in the mid-1960's. While there, I learned more about spec preparation and was amazed how fast those old IBM punchcards could spit out a spec. Just don't trip while carrying them across the room. I would have to say that having Everett and Carl Ebert as my mentors helps not to neglect all the other very fine members of the DC Metro CSI from those early days. Later, for a very short period of time, I worked for Everett in his office. That is a humbling experience. I learned how much I really didn't know. After that I worked in several architectural firms as a project manager who wrote my own spex. In 1971, I become the Chief Specifier for the largest local architectural firm in DC [75 professionals]. When they were bought out by HOK in 1976, I became independent. I agree with Anne and John, you’re not a complete specifier until you have some experience in the field complete with the resulting scars and eye opening experiences of reality. Would anyone believe 39? Bob Woodburn Senior Member Username: bwoodburn Post Number: 198 Registered: 01-2005 Posted on Friday, July 06, 2007 - 04:39 pm:    Ann, you wrote, "I am also convinced that, even with the imperfections, I write better specs than most architects." With all due respect for your spec writing ability, some of us (including architects like me) may suspect you mean that as an inside joke, since we know that many and perhaps most architects would be very poor spec writers--IF you could even get them to write specs. In fact, I'm convinced that most architects would rather do anything else than write specs...so, there will always be a place for spec writers, won't there? Bob Woodburn Senior Member Username: bwoodburn Post Number: 199 Registered: 01-2005 Posted on Friday, July 06, 2007 - 04:43 pm:    Robin & Ronald: Looks like other certification opportunity here -- CYVEDS: Certified Young, Vibrant, Exciting and Downright Sexy! Ronald L. Geren, RA, CSI, CCS, CCCA, SCIP Senior Member Username: specman Post Number: 491 Registered: 03-2003 Posted on Friday, July 06, 2007 - 05:31 pm:    "Ron from what I saw you are doing just fine!" Who was that "masked" complimenter? Actually, it makes me a little nervous--what did he/she see? Did I say "he"?.... Richard L Matteo, AIA, CSI, CCS Senior Member Username: rlmat Post Number: 228 Registered: 10-2003 Posted on Friday, July 06, 2007 - 06:25 pm:    Oddly enough, I started as an Office Boy - as such, one of my duties was to print the specifications on a small A.B. Dick Offset Press 1 page at a time - odd pages first, then even pages on back - real easy to mess up. You didn't want to see the look on the Secretary's (that's what we called them back then) face when the machine ate one of the masters. I don't miss carbon paper either! Lynn Javoroski CSI CCS LEED™ AP SCIP Affiliate Senior Member Username: lynn_javoroski Post Number: 614 Registered: 07-2002 Posted on Monday, July 09, 2007 - 09:58 am:    Armed with an undergraduate degree in psychology (with a minor in English), I returned to school to earn a MArch when my kids were about 11 and 7; I graduated 4 years later. After working at the typical jobs one gets just out of school, I landed a position doing ADA surveys and writing subsequent reports on the findings. Those reports evolved into specifications; my boss said he would write Division 01 because it was much too complicated for me to tackle. Never give me a challenge like that: 5 years later, I'd started writing specifications full time, joined CSI, and earned my CDT shortly after. I worked and learned under a very picky, very good spec writer. I left there when I realized I was at least as good and the company refused to compensate me adequately. I've been writing specs for about 12 years. I'm certainly not done learning and I've not yet written my best specification! I'll be 64 in a month or so, and plan to keep trying for a few more years. With luck, I'll have the opportunity to mentor my replacement. Karen L. Zaterman, CDT, LEED-AP Senior Member Username: kittiz Post Number: 40 Registered: 10-2005 Posted on Saturday, September 08, 2007 - 11:17 am:    OK, I can't resist it anymore... let's get back to the original question. Robin, feel free to email me & I'll send you my contact info for your brother-in-law. I'd love to talk to him & help him. kzaterman@moffattnichol.com To your brother-in-law: I'm a member of both LA & OC (on the Board at former). I don't have the years of industry experience that many on this forum do -- I graduated from architecture school in 2002 and now work in an Engineering firm in Long Beach. I believe that I could teach anyone fairly bright, with the desire to learn, to do what I do. I came to this firm and figued out how to write specs by myself, although I had the mentorship and encouragement from many at CSI -- it started with Jo Drummond around the time I graduated. From an Engineering perspective, Mark Gilligan has hit the nail on the head. Re-read David Wyatt's and Anne Whitacre's posts -- although there are quite a few other gems throughout this thread, too. The point I want to make is that it doesn't really matter what your background is, you WILL find your own path. There are mutliple routes to travel. And there are plenty of people willing to help you. Don't be afraid... just go for it! Best Regards, Karen Julie Root Senior Member Username: julie_root Post Number: 89 Registered: 02-2004 Posted on Sunday, September 09, 2007 - 11:31 pm:    Also Robin....I am at ZGF in LA and returned to the firm to deal with specs. We are looking to hire a research librarian to deal with materials/samples and some interesting material research initatives. I would love to find someone for this position who would be interested in writing specifications. Please have him email me if he just wants to talk through the possibility. jroot@zgf.com Anonymous   Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 10:34 am:    I know a firm that recently hired a woman that applied for their spec writer opening. She has no background in Architecture, Engineering, construction, or contract writing...in fact she's a former school principal so she wouldn't know a spec from a grocery list. However, the applicants were so sparse that after 2 years of looking they hired this rookie at 80k/year. Go figure!?! Anonymous   Posted on Thursday, September 13, 2007 - 04:52 pm:    That's more than I make and I am a professional specifier and licensed architect with 20 years of experience!!!!! Robin E. Snyder Senior Member Username: robin Post Number: 133 Registered: 08-2004 Posted on Thursday, September 13, 2007 - 05:04 pm:    Second annonymous - want to move to Phoenix? Ronald L. Geren, RA, CSI, CCS, CCCA, SCIP Senior Member Username: specman Post Number: 520 Registered: 03-2003 Posted on Thursday, September 13, 2007 - 05:06 pm:    Robin: I knew it wouldn't take you long to respond to that. :-) PS - We missed you last night at the chapter meeting. Robin E. Snyder Senior Member Username: robin Post Number: 134 Registered: 08-2004 Posted on Thursday, September 13, 2007 - 05:30 pm:    Thanks - I had planned on going, but, pesky clients (and law school) sort of took over the night. Richard L Matteo, AIA, CSI, CCS Senior Member Username: rlmat Post Number: 237 Registered: 10-2003 Posted on Tuesday, September 18, 2007 - 02:40 pm:    First - to Anonymous: What state was this where they hired a total novice @ 80k /year - I'm definately underpaid! Second - to Robin: What's this about law school? Do you really want to become one of those? Lawyers and spec writers are like oil & water. Anne Whitacre, FCSI CCS Senior Member Username: awhitacre Post Number: 639 Registered: 07-2002 Posted on Tuesday, September 18, 2007 - 03:03 pm:    and.. anonymous with 20 years experience is underpaid for today's market -- Ronald L. Geren, RA, CSI, CCS, CCCA, SCIP Senior Member Username: specman Post Number: 523 Registered: 03-2003 Posted on Tuesday, September 18, 2007 - 03:42 pm:    Richard: Lawyers and ANYBODY are like oil and water. But seriously, what we spec writers do is similar in some respects to what some lawyers do: prepare contract documents. Having a legal background (or degree, in Robin's case) can only benefit your employer or client when it comes to advising them on owner-contractor agreements, conditions of the contract, and other legal documents, provided you're properly licensed to do so. I've investigated taking some courses on contract law just to get a better understanding of contracts in general--but I'd never torture myself like what Robin is doing. Kenneth C. Crocco Senior Member Username: kcrocco Post Number: 108 Registered: 04-2003 Posted on Tuesday, September 18, 2007 - 04:34 pm:    I know three lawyers who mix very well with specification writers: Warner Sabo (Attorney and Architect) and Jim Zahn (Attorney and Architect and Specifier). The third is my brother and blood is thicker than water. There are some lawyers out there who understand architects and specifiers very well. Glen Aplanalp was an attorney ; but I only saw him at conventions. Anne Whitacre, FCSI CCS Senior Member Username: awhitacre Post Number: 640 Registered: 07-2002 Posted on Tuesday, September 18, 2007 - 05:07 pm:    and Marc Chavez is married to an attorney... I actually took enough business law in college that I had a minor in it, which was an asset because I came into architectural offices not knowing anything about architecture. My ability to read and comprehend contracts got me my first job in a big firm. of course, anything I learned in college 30 years ago is outdated, but I continued to take the legal updates and contract classes as they were available. I think its valuable just to not be intimidated by those documents. Richard L Matteo, AIA, CSI, CCS Senior Member Username: rlmat Post Number: 238 Registered: 10-2003 Posted on Tuesday, September 18, 2007 - 07:11 pm:    Actually I agree. I was only teasing Robin. I wished I had time earlier in my career to take some law courses. We have an in-house architect/lawyer who I can go to. Although I've accused him of sounding more like a lawyer than an architect sometimes. Gerry Katz, who has spoken at the 2 CSI Academies I have gone to is also a very knowledgable construction lawyer as well. David Axt, AIA, CCS, CSI Senior Member Username: david_axt Post Number: 897 Registered: 03-2002 Posted on Tuesday, September 18, 2007 - 07:41 pm:    This begs the question. Since a lawyer is technically the only person who is allowed to write a contract that he/she is not a party to......then what the heck are we doing as specifiers? What is the difference? Anne Whitacre, FCSI CCS Senior Member Username: awhitacre Post Number: 641 Registered: 07-2002 Posted on Tuesday, September 18, 2007 - 08:20 pm:    billing at a lesser hourly rate than an attorney David J. Wyatt Senior Member Username: david_j_wyatt_csi_ccs_ccca Post Number: 75 Registered: 07-2005 Posted on Wednesday, September 19, 2007 - 07:52 am:    I think the difference is that we don't write contracts per se. We prepare contract documents in our areas of expertise (consultants fill in the gaps), which the owner approves and uses to procure construction. The owner determines the construction delivery method, form of agreement, and the conditions of the contract. But we are starting to digress into another potentially long thread. Kenneth C. Crocco Senior Member Username: kcrocco Post Number: 109 Registered: 04-2003 Posted on Wednesday, September 19, 2007 - 09:09 am:    I thought this thread was "How does someone become a Lawyer" you become a spec-writer first.