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?
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:
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.
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…
Mitch,
Yes, of course, how could I have overlooked the CDT? See, even “experienced” spec writers need help from their friends.
Yes to all of the above but lets 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
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.
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.
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.
949.673.0300
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?
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 cant 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, Im 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 youre 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.
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.
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.