| Author |
Message |
anonymous (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Saturday, April 05, 2014 - 07:42 pm: |    |
has anyone else made the transition from full-time specifier working for architects (independent or in-house it doesn't matter which) to full-time specifier for a manufacturer?
any comments on this process would be interesting. |
anon (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, April 07, 2014 - 11:35 am: | |
Does this job even exist? Sounds wonderful! I'd love to make a living maintaining a mere handful of specifications versus the hundreds that I have to deal with in my daily work as a specifier for an architectural firm.
Please do share! |
anonymous (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Monday, April 07, 2014 - 04:39 pm: | |
I know, it would be great if it were that easy wouldn't it? I'm sure there would actually be a whole new set of challenges. So, wondering if anyone here has done it and can say what some of the pitfalls and rewards are like. Who is on the chopping block more in lean times if all other things were equal, that type of thing. It is to develop a concept for searching, as much as anything. |
George A. Everding, AIA, CSI, CCS, CCCA
Senior Member
Username: geverding
Post Number: 734
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 08, 2014 - 01:54 pm: | |
Three years ago, after almost four decades in architecture including ten as a full time specifier, I took a job as a specification consultant with a door hardware manufacturer. My move was prompted by the recent economic downturn and a perception on my part that my job as a specifier might not be as secure as it was previously. I found this current position through CSI connections.
Leaving architecture for manufacturing is a major decision – much more difficult than changing from one architecture firm to another. As pointed out, an architectural specifier needs to be conversant with a hundred or so sections. I really enjoyed learning and increasing the breadth of my knowledge about construction. In fact, what I regret most is that I am not able to keep current with all the various other products now that door hardware is my focus. I notice the atrophy of hard-earned knowledge and the waning of well-honed skills through disuse.
On the other hand, working for a manufacturer requires more intense probing into one topic, or a small handful. Learning about door hardware has been a challenge, and very rewarding. I still am able to make valuable contributions on significant projects, although those contributions are much more tightly focused and much more deeply detailed. My career started out as a generalist, and has gotten more and more specialized over the years to the point now where it is about as detailed as it can go. And I am okay with that progression.
In my case, the move from architecture to manufacturing was been worthwhile, but I know others who have been less happy with the change. I have been lucky to find a good situation with a good employer. In fact, I know we have openings for specification consultants, including one in St. Louis, so check out our website if you are interested. I’d be happy to have a candid conversation with you if you want to carry this further – george.everding@allegion.com I wish you the best of luck.
George A. Everding AIA CSI CCS CCCA
Allegion PLC (formerly Ingersoll Rand)
St. Louis, MO |
Brian E. Trimble, CDT
Senior Member
Username: brian_e_trimble_cdt
Post Number: 75
Registered: 08-2005
| | Posted on Friday, April 11, 2014 - 11:35 am: | |
I don't want to speak for him, but Steve Lawrey of the Philly chapter who now works for CertainTeed, was/is a spec writer. You may want to contact him to see how his transition went. |
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