I have been invited to speak at a college to a class of interior designers. The class is on professional practice and the topic is specifications. I have about 1 hour to speak.
My thought is to first explain what specs are and how they are used. I might also get into types of specifying and brief overview of MF '04.
Any other ideas on what I should cover?
Division 1 !!!
Interior designers use the term “specifications” differently than specifiers. Generally interior people are preparing a “spec” that is actually a purchase order.
You may need to explain the differences between interior design “specs” and our specifications.
David, In addition to the need for and use of Division 1, talk about what information should be included on the drawings and what information is needed to write a proper Division 6, 9, or 10 specification. I find way too many offices specifying all the plastic laminate manufacturers on the drawings and then asking that I put the colors in a schedule in the specs. The use of abbreviations is seldom adequately applied.
The concept of terminology recognition is another point. Call the material the same generic thing on the drawings so that it always refers to the same thing in the specs.
And make sure they understand that most carpet and stone manufacturer’s websites are pretty lacking in technical information for a specification, so they should really gather as much data as they can for the specs, as soon as their client has made up their mind.
David
I just spoke to a class of interior designer students this past Wednesday. However, I had 2-1/2 hours, and it was hardly enough. I think the most important topics to emphasize are how to work with specifiers and show examples of “real” specifications. If they will be required to provide a separate Finishes Manual, it can go in an Appendix attached to the Project Manual, but the product sections still have to include a description of the materials.
Most of the time the interior designers are the last consultants to be engaged by the Owner, but they should be aware that the specifier needs their input early so sections can set up and coordinated.
Other items covered included a profile of a specifier, Division 01, master guide specifications, CSI principles, spec language, and green specs.
I also brought membership forms, certificate exam applications, and CSI manuals to look at. One positive result is that the instructor decided to apply for CDT and sign up for our Chapter’s exam review classes.
Correction…Division 01!
We have problems with our interiors people wanting to by-pass specs in favor o “drawing notes”, and have a real battle for a cultural change. They do not seem to think anything is needed beyond selecting a model number or color ID. Division 01 is absolute mystery to them.
Even now that we have numerous spec sections they insist on placing a lot of information on the drawings, and do not understand the need for backup information that addresses liability, quality control,etc.
I would say they are quite naive in their approach thinking the contractors will do everyhting right or as they wish without much said in the specs.
Remember to tell them:
You can move the partitions…but the columns have to stay!
RE: Their predisposition to include the specification information on the Drawings . . .
Show them a copy of SectionFormat, and explain the information that goes into each of the Article headings, and the IMPORTANCE of that information (to the overall QUALITY of the project).
Then point out to them that by indicating [what they think are] specifications on the Drawings, they are, in fact, only addressing a small portion of PART 2 (manufacturer, product, and color).
Then ask them how they intend to address all the information that needs to be included in PART 1 and PART 3. Their stunned silence will speak volumes.
If they respond “that’s the contractor’s problem,” or “that’s the architect’s responsibility,” you may want to strongly suggest a follow-up visit.
David,
I would focus more on methodologies for documenting design decisions (what, where, when, and why) including purpose of specifications, type designations and purpose of drawings. What information should be scheduled and what information should be drawn because it is to complex for a cell in a spreadsheet. Conclude with brief explanations of CSI stuff (MasterFormat, SectionFormat).
Explain the value of the Room Finish and Color Schedule that allows the designer to do more with less (less redundant over drafting) and as posted above, the value added of consistent terminology in drawings, specifcations and schedules. That said, your audience will be under the standards of their employer for better or for worse.
I agree with David R., this will require follow up visits (plural).
I sounds like the preference of the interiors people for drawing notes is similar to the issue with many engineers.
The solution is education followed by pressure and reward. You will not solve the problem just through education. Somebody needs to tell them that if they do not change then they will not have a job. Once this is established then you need to provide them assistance in learning how to do it right.
The only place education by itself is effective is when they have not learned any bad habits (students)and are trying to understand how things work.
I have a program entitled “Specifications for Interiors: Protecting Your Design Intent” that I would be happy to share. I have given it at NEOCon 5 or 6 times with positive results.
Send me an email michael@mcaspecs.com
Some interior designers have a very good understanding of achieving quality work during the construction stage and are accustomed to working closely with selected installers and manufacturers. But most lack any concept of the principle of achieving competitive pricing for their clients. This laissez-faire attitude comes no doubt from their schooling, which focuses on surfaces and colors and textures, while avoiding larger issues of the public health, safety, and welfare or contract enforcement that are part of the day to day world of the specifier.
You could lose folks in a specspeak discussion of MF04. I’d focus on service to the client through quality documentation. It matters less that project requirements appear on the drawings or in a separate written document than that client needs and requirements are met. The Four Cs are a good principle to introduce. So are “Say it once … etc.” I’d show some examples of outline and small project specs, and talk about competitive pricing and constructability.
I believe Phil has it right. Ten minutes into a discussion of Division 01 or MF04, and their eyes will be glazed over.
However, you can give them handouts on these topics they can read and learn from later.
It kills me how many people (people who should know better) think you can cover the waterfront on specs in a 1-hour slot!
While Phil and David’s comments are valid, my experience presenting specifications to interior designers has been quite positive. My premise is that the designer must understand how Division 1 can hurt or help them protect their design intent. Also, I have identified the specific issues within Division 1 and individual spec sections to help them get oriented. When they begin to grasp the power of specifications and its impact on design their eyes unglaze real quick.
In the end all successful technical presentations ultimately have to identify the audience’s self-interest and speak to it.
Great discussion!
I always found it ironic that most of the Interior Designers I worked with proudly displayed a book by S.C. Reznikoff titled “Specifications For Commercial Interiors”, but obviously had never cracked it open, judging by the doucments they produced.
Several years ago, I went through an education process with the in-house interior design group at a firm I was with. You can’t cover everything I did in one talk (I had six meetings, spread over a period of about 3 months), but here are some key points I covered:
A/E-Owner-Contractor relationship under A201 (Interior Designer cannot order the contractor to stop work because the carpet is the wrong color)
Division 1, with particular focus on-
Submittals (you can’t ask for a mockup durng construction and get it for free)
Substitutions (many contractors in our area have interior designers convinced the designer is responsible for delays resulting from the contractor not ordering materials on time)
Operations and Maintenance Data (Contractor’s responsibility, not the designer’s. Unfortunately a major ID firm in our area has convinced their clients that this is a “service” the design firm provides, and issues voluminous 3-ring binders full of data, which may or not be correct)
Function of Parts 1 and 3 - Once the designers understood this, they were very willing to get rid of all the “General Finish Notes” cluttering up their drawings.
Also got them dialed into using a Finish Schedule instead of numerous “Finish Plans”.
It takes some time and patience, but if the designers are willing to listen, you can educate them on proper coordination of drawings and specs.
Both I and my former colleagues have gone on to different firms, but I do work with some of them regularly, and most of the training seems to have stuck.