Tag: Spec Matters

Architects and Specification Writers: Part two

June 29, 2017

A basic tenet of a good set of construction documents is “Mention it once and in the right place.” The contract is between the owner and the contractor, and the specifications communicate to the latter what is required (without telling the contractor how to construct). This second article in a three-part series on architects, specifiers, and construction documentation focuses...

Architects and Specification Writers: Part 3

June 22, 2017

This final article in a three-part series on specifications examines the divisions of MasterFormat .

Architects and Specification Writers: Part 1

June 22, 2017

In more than one instance, this author has heard an architect tell a specifier something along the lines of “You want 250 hours for specifications? I have only budgeted 70 hours.” A project manager once told me, “We provide specifications only because the client requires us to do it—the contractor does not look at the specifications until there is a legal issue.” This is a dangerous line of thinking because it eventually has negative impact on the architectural firm and its reputation.

Spec Matters: What does THAT mean?

April 18, 2017

English is complicated, and misinterpretation of written communication is pervasive. Without the added layer of subtleties of speech tone, body language, and context, many written sentences can be easily misinterpreted. This is especially true when it comes to specifications.

Specs overrule drawings… no, really?!

July 1, 2012

Many specifiers have been called into an uncomfortable meeting with a request to clarify exactly what was intended by the written words in the project manual. One can often be left with the feeling the only reason he or she is there is to take the blame when a satisfactory conclusion has not otherwise come to fruition.

Emerging Professionals & Ideas: Two new specifiers share their perspective

May 1, 2012

When it is at its best, the architectural/engineering industry transcends geographical locations, social demographics, economics, and ideologies—it is a macrocosm of design professionals striving for excellence in the built environment. However, the evolution of technology, building practices, and globalization has created additional challenges within the industry.

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