Terms and Definitions

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

Author Message Margaret G. Chewning FCSI CCS Senior Member Username: presbspec Post Number: 170 Registered: 01-2003 Posted on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 - 03:42 pm:    I just had an email from a lady who took the Chapter's Fundamentals and Formats Workshop this spring. She oversees the persons who type up the edits for the specifications in the large A/E office in which she works. Her question to me in part is as follows: "I’ve done some research, however, I have not yet to come across an adequate or rather definite term on a title for someone who edits specification. If so, is there a title by which this field is most identified by? Just wanted to make sure that the formal terminology is being used." I gave my friend the definitions I personally use for each level of expertise and skills in the business of Specifications; but, realize that there probably are no common definitions. I'd like to "throw it out there" to see what ya'll think. I'll let you know what I told her after I've heard from a few of you. Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI Senior Member Username: rliebing Post Number: 987 Registered: 02-2003 Posted on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 - 04:02 pm:    Specifications Editor Admin/Clerical Support Specifications Support Her/Him; Do It Hey, you! Specifications Specialist [not sure about this one-- seems more toward the writer] Doug Frank FCSI CCS Senior Member Username: doug_frank_ccs Post Number: 237 Registered: 06-2002 Posted on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 - 04:07 pm:    how about Construction Document Technologist? Doug Frank FCSI, CCS, SCIP Affiliate FKP Architects, Inc. Houston, TX (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest Posted on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 - 08:43 am:    Doug, I suppose you know of a way to "formalize" that title. I do too. Margaret G. Chewning FCSI CCS Senior Member Username: presbspec Post Number: 171 Registered: 01-2003 Posted on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 - 09:30 am:    Interesting titles, especially yours Ralph. For what it’s worth these are my definitions and titles: Specifier: A person who examines the design documents and drawings being created for the Construction Documents, and develops in collaboration with the Designer/Architect the criteria to describe the materials and administration required in the Project Manual to complement the Drawings for complete Construction Documents. The Specifier also may provide research and recommendations for products and materials for use in the project. Specifications may be written from “scratch” using 3-part SectionFormat or by editing specification masters or guides electronically or in hard-copy. This person must be knowledgeable of specification outline structure (3-part SectionFormat) and familiar with construction techniques, processes and materials. Specification Consultant: A person who provides the services of a Specifier on a contract basis resulting in a complete Project Manual ready for reproduction for use in bidding and construction; and provides training and resources to design firms in producing documents for construction. Spec Tech: A person who word processes the text and hard copy edits from a Specifier, Architect, Designer, or Engineer; by editing a specification master or guide on the computer. This person should be knowledgeable of specification formatting requirements but not necessarily construction techniques and materials. I tend to make a distinction between the Specifier/Spec Writer and the Spec Tech or Typist. I get rather irritated (but that's my problem) when I realize the "Architect" to whom I'm making a proposal thinks that as a Specification Writer all I do is type the spec from the markups on the project manual of their last job, and wants to know why my fee is so high. This is because the Spec Tech they had in their office previously, called herself a specification writer. Don't know if any of the other SCIP's out there have run into the same problem. If so, I'd love to know how you handled it. Robert W. Johnson Senior Member Username: robert_w_johnson Post Number: 11 Registered: 03-2009 Posted on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 - 10:43 am:    Specifier: "knowledgeable of spcification outline structure" and "familiar with construction techniques, process and materials." Only "familiar" with the subject? I would think a stronger word than that is warranted or why would you hire or contract with one? See "Emerging Professional Syndrome" in CSI Blog for Sheldon Wolfe's opinion about our current obsession with naming everything. A "Spec Tech" - isn't this just administrative or clerical support? Why create confusion with another title with spec in it? Does a clerical person who types letters become a "Letter Tech" because they are knowledgeable about the format of letters? Does a clerical person who types contracts become a "Contract Tech" because they are knowledgeable about the format of contracts? Lynn Javoroski CSI CCS LEED® AP SCIP Affiliate Senior Member Username: lynn_javoroski Post Number: 875 Registered: 07-2002 Posted on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 - 10:43 am:    IMHO, the difference between a Specifier and a Specification Consultant (as defined above) is who writes the check. We perform the same services and produce the same results with - most likely - the same amount of work. A Consultant may have a little more clout because the person writing the check actually knows the price of the service. We in-house specifiers don't always work with people who understand that. The question isn't "why do you charge so much", but "why do you need that much time"? The definition of Spec Tech - or Admin. Assistant or Support - makes sense the way it's written. And that person could be on the way to a CDT or certification! Mark Gilligan SE, CSI Senior Member Username: mark_gilligan Post Number: 162 Registered: 10-2007 Posted on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 - 12:22 pm:    I would add another category, that of "knowledge matter expert". This is an individual who knows the technical content and what must be said but is not necessarily knowledgable regarding the 3 part format and specification writing practices. The person writing a specitation section needs to merge three different types of subject matter expertise: technical expertise (knowledge matter expert), knowledge regarding specification writing practice, and project specific knowledge related to General Conditions, Division 1, and coordination issues. The subject matter expert may or may not have all of these expertises, and thus could be the specification writer. The "specification writer" or specification consultant does not necessarily have the subject matter expertise for all sections. Lisa Goodwin Robbins, RA, CCS, LEED ap Senior Member Username: lgoodrob Post Number: 24 Registered: 08-2004 Posted on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 - 01:48 pm:    You have missed our favorite title, Mind Reader. This is the person in the office who creates specifications based on ESP or osmosis. She has that special "automagic" button on her keyboard, which makes specifications appear out of thin air, without getting bogged down with drawings or checklists or lists of materials. Steven Bruneel, AIA, CSI-CDT, LEED-AP Senior Member Username: redseca2 Post Number: 177 Registered: 12-2006 Posted on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 - 05:32 pm:    We have a long time relationship with a major medical provider with numerous completed medical office building and hospital projects working within their project standards. At the start of a project I usually tell the project leader that I can get the specs to 50% CD level by the end of the day, but it will take a lot of hard work on the part of the project team to turn them into SD specs. Christopher E. Grimm, CSI, CCS, LEED®-AP, MAI, RLA Senior Member Username: tsugaguy Post Number: 206 Registered: 06-2005 Posted on Thursday, May 14, 2009 - 08:09 am:    Just to throw out a few more - my titles have been: Technical Resources Coordinator (meaning all around go-to guy for a large A/e firm for specs, reference standards, codes, masters & systems, to facilitate specifications written at least in part by PA's and PM's themselves) Assistant Specifier (an entry level position in a different firm with an official specs department) Specifications Writer (current title, equivalent to Margaret's "Specifier") Our office also now has a Specifications Coordinator (equivalent to "Spec Tech" or "Admin/Clerical"). Our firm also has a Senior Specifications Writer. This title was formerly Director of Specifications.