# Specifier questions **URL:** \ **Category:** Archive - Specifications Discussions #6\ **Created:** [March 9, 2018, 2:30am UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/specifier-questions/3380 "2018-03-09T02:30:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![sgantner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/7993a0/32.png) [@sgantner](https://forum.4specs.com/u/sgantner)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2018, 2:30am UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/specifier-questions/3380/1 "2018-03-09T02:30:55Z")
My fellow specification writers. This past weekend I had the pleasure of discussing specifier recruitment what types of backgrounds we come from and where are we going to find our replacements. The discussion spawned many questions and answers, but quite a few good ideas. This is a question that has been around for quite a while with no real answers and Im not sure where this brief informal, non-scientific, survey will lead, but here goes. Please reply to the following: What is your educational background? What is your professional background? How did you learn to be a specifier? What are three things you love about specification writing? If you have anything else you would like to post about this topic, please do so. After a few weeks, Ill collect results and post the findings in an informal article. Thanks to Holly Jordan for allowing me to present with her and to Beth and David for suggesting this poll, and thank you for your help. Steve Gantner ---
**Author:** ![michael\_chusid](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/michael_chusid/32/211_2.png) [@michael\_chusid](https://forum.4specs.com/u/michael_chusid)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2018, 4:40am UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/specifier-questions/3380/2 "2018-03-09T04:40:56Z")
What is your educational background? B.A. in non-architectural field, M.Arch What is your professional background? Worked with building product mfr., then architectural internship where I discovered I was a better writer than draftsman, then jr specifier and then senior specifier for a large firm, then a freelance specifier, then transitioning into a consultant to mfrs – 30 plus years ago. How did you learn to be a specifier? First I learned to speak, then ask questions, observe, and write. Got to play with building toys as kid and watch home builders. Leaned to build on High School Stage Crew. Architecture school concentration was architectural administration and building technology. Work for manufacturer was very detail oriented product development position. In my first architectural job, the principal didn’t have time to write specs, and was delighted to let a junior guy do it. This was cut and paste and typewriter days. Got a job with large firm to apprentice under a very seasoned specifier. Joined CSI and found lots of mentors and joined a study group to pass CCS. The rest, as they say, is practice. What are three things you love about specification writing? I didn’t have to learn CAD or BIM. I protect health safety and welfare. I have earned a livelihood. ---
**Author:** ![sheldon\_wolfe](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/sheldon_wolfe/32/197_2.png) [@sheldon\_wolfe](https://forum.4specs.com/u/sheldon_wolfe)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2018, 6:33am UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/specifier-questions/3380/3 "2018-03-09T06:33:31Z")
We’ve done informal surveys before, though with different questions. Institute has spent a lot of money on external surveys over the years; I wonder why we haven’t done a comprehensive study of our own members? I’ll respond later. If you’re interested in previous surveys, Steve, see [http://discus.4specs.com/discus/messages/7868/7468.html](http://discus.4specs.com/discus/messages/7868/7468.html) and [http://discus.4specs.com/discus/messages/23/8268.html](http://discus.4specs.com/discus/messages/23/8268.html). ---
**Author:** ![sgantner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/7993a0/32.png) [@sgantner](https://forum.4specs.com/u/sgantner)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2018, 1:49pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/specifier-questions/3380/4 "2018-03-09T13:49:47Z")
Thanks Michael. Sheldon, I have seen those surveys and ones institute has completed. Not sure why there isn’t a more comprehensive one done by the industry. Perhaps this will lead to something more in the near future. ---
**Author:** ![brian\_payne](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/brian_payne/32/356_2.png) [@brian\_payne](https://forum.4specs.com/u/brian_payne)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2018, 1:57pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/specifier-questions/3380/5 "2018-03-09T13:57:50Z")
What is your educational background? Bach. in Architecture What is your professional background? Architect / Project Manager How did you learn to be a specifier? While reviewing/marking up my specs written by others, but almost entirely on the job after becoming sole office spec writer. What are three things you love about specification writing? 1. That I am doing something that I never wanted to do, and turned down the opportunity to do, but now really enjoy. Proof that we aren’t the best judge of ourselves sometimes. 2. Integrating BIM and Specs. This is the reason I finally said yes to moving into a specifiers role, and is my favorite part of the job. I get to create and organize content that makes my job as a spec writer easier and projects more successful. 3. It meant I don’t have to be a PM, which I never loved doing anyways. ---
**Author:** ![ColinG](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9de053/32.png) [@ColinG](https://forum.4specs.com/u/ColinG)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2018, 1:58pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/specifier-questions/3380/6 "2018-03-09T13:58:18Z")
I work primarily with marketing managers and manufacturers. They are being sold many programs that do not support the specifier or architect (in my opinion). 13 years ago I did a survey and have been considering updating the survey. Any suggestions on what to include would be appreciated. Here is the results of that survey: [http://www.4specs.com/survey/2005\_survey\_results.pdf](http://www.4specs.com/survey/2005_survey_results.pdf) New questions would include the value of social media in making product decisions (Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter) and the value of smart phones in making product decisions. Planned for this summer. Suggestions? ---
**Author:** ![sgantner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/7993a0/32.png) [@sgantner](https://forum.4specs.com/u/sgantner)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2018, 2:24pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/specifier-questions/3380/7 "2018-03-09T14:24:50Z")
All, the purpose for me posting these questions, as opposed to the other surveys that have been done, is to come up with reasons why someone would want to become a specifier and to show them that, while a degree in a construction related field is helpful, it may not be necessary. We are all well aware that specification writing is in a precarious position that isn’t seeing a lot of new people, but architecture is heading in a similar direction. I defer to the article in Architectural Record, “Architecture Education Now” in the September 2017 issue. In it, they note that “40% plan to join a private practice - a 16% plunge from 2017.” I don’t want to skew the survey, but I have a theory that the reasons people chose specifications will be intriguing to others and we may be able to “steal” some people away who were unaware of what we do. Also, I believe we need to stop minimizing our roles in a project, myself included. We have all been guilty of playing down our role or joking about it, but we are getting to the point where this isn’t funny any more. Let’s do a better job of promoting what we do in a BIM age, we are the “I”. ---
**Author:** ![jsandoz](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/jsandoz/32/84_2.png) [@jsandoz](https://forum.4specs.com/u/jsandoz)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2018, 3:31pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/specifier-questions/3380/8 "2018-03-09T15:31:19Z")
What is your educational background? Bachelor of Science in Biology, Master of Architecture What is your professional background? Standard architecture school graduate path: intern, project coordinator, project architect How did you learn to be a specifier? Worked alongside and excellent mentor and took advantage of CSI membership and programs What are three things you love about specification writing 1. Helping solve complex issues in construction 2. Contributing to the effort to create structures which meet or exceed our clients’ needs 3. Sharing my 25+ years’ experience with the next generation to move the profession forward. I do share your opinion that the practice of architecture as we know it is in a precarious position. Steve, I will add a fourth thing I like about being a specifier: I get invited to symposia like the one we attended earlier this week. There I get to tap into the vast knowledge of many very intelligent and diligent people. I cannot understand why someone would not want to be a specifier. Maybe I over-sell the position. ---
**Author:** ![Marlon\_Hollis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d07c76/32.png) [@Marlon\_Hollis](https://forum.4specs.com/u/Marlon_Hollis)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2018, 3:50pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/specifier-questions/3380/9 "2018-03-09T15:50:53Z")
What is your educational background? JD from Rutgers University Law School, BA History from Rowan University. What is your professional background? Aviation field (maintenance): USAF, NJ Air National Guard, The Boeing Company. How did you learn to be a specifier? Hired by current employer, where I am being trained. I am still learning. What are three things you love about specification writing? 1. The occasional opportunity to see the specified building being built (I’ve seen one so far), or see the completed building (have not yet seen any of my buildings completed). 2. Learning a new field I never knew existed before. 3. Satisfaction of completing a project. ---
**Author:** ![michael\_chusid](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/michael_chusid/32/211_2.png) [@michael\_chusid](https://forum.4specs.com/u/michael_chusid)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2018, 5:57pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/specifier-questions/3380/10 "2018-03-09T17:57:46Z")
Marlon Welcome to the profession. You see my phone number in the signature. Feel free to use it if you want to reach out to others in the business. ---
**Author:** ![presbspec](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e95f7d/32.png) [@presbspec](https://forum.4specs.com/u/presbspec)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2018, 6:07pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/specifier-questions/3380/11 "2018-03-09T18:07:31Z")
What is your educational background? AS in Construction management and BSET in Engineering Technology; Note, got my CCS 10 years before my BSET. What is your professional background? Started as an engineering aide at Navy Exchange maintenance; Drafting and project manager at a developer firm; CQC on site for contractor; Drafting and SpecsIntact specifier for various AE firms; Code Inspector/Clerk of works for University Capital Outlay projects; Project Mgr on site for NRHA; Independent Specifier; How did you learn to be a specifier? Most of my training has been SOP or through programs at CSI Events. What are three things you love about specification writing? solving puzzles, interpreting the designer’s drawings into the written portion of the documents; as an independent-flexibility in how I work to provide the services needed to produce the Project Manual. Interesting item to note: When in High School, my Mother urged me to take typing. I was bound and determined at the time not to end up in a typing pool as I wanted to “work on the boards” as an architect. What do I do now? TYPE on a computer keyboard. The “wisdom” of youth! ---
**Author:** ![George\_Everding](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/george_everding/32/20_2.png) [@George\_Everding](https://forum.4specs.com/u/George_Everding)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2018, 6:31pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/specifier-questions/3380/12 "2018-03-09T18:31:45Z")
Marion- Ditto what Michael said. I responded on the CSI website and wasn’t going to repeat it here, but will because this forum was my number one training for being a specifier. Contact Colin Gilboy directly and get signed up with him. Join CSI if you haven’t already. ---
**Author:** ![George\_Everding](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/george_everding/32/20_2.png) [@George\_Everding](https://forum.4specs.com/u/George_Everding)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2018, 6:34pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/specifier-questions/3380/13 "2018-03-09T18:34:28Z")
What is your educational background? Architecture, Washington University in St. Louis What is your professional background? Forty years as an architect, specifier, construction administrator, and teacher How did you learn to be a specifier? Before I became a full time specifier, I was an architect so I obviously knew everything there was to know about specifications. When this proved to be inaccurate, 4specs discussion group was my go to for going from really dumb to really smart really quickly. Many of my online mentors I now know in person, and there are too many to name without omitting someone, but I will acknowledge and remember three deceased specifiers whose wisdom and friendship was especially invaluable: Bob Johnson, John Regener, and Ralph Liebing. Becoming involved with my local CSI chapter introduced me to a wealth of specification knowledge and fostered friendships that endure today, and to the late Ed “Fritz” Glock, who gave me all his Manuals and Practice and his teaching guides when he moved on to becoming Mr. Division 04 in St. Louis. And, also, learning by doing and making mistakes, some of which I am sure Steve Gantner is still correcting today. What are three things you love about specification writing? It’s a challenge and an opportunity to learn things you never knew you’d be interested in. It’s a chance to work on different types project you touch every job if you work for a firm, and you touch many different firms if you are an independent. It’s fun. ---
**Author:** ![elias\_saltz\_1](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/elias_saltz_1/32/12_2.png) [@elias\_saltz\_1](https://forum.4specs.com/u/elias_saltz_1)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2018, 7:05pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/specifier-questions/3380/14 "2018-03-09T19:05:04Z")
Anyway, here are my answers: What is your educational background? I have a BA with a major in architecture from Washington University and a Master of Architecture from Miami of Ohio. What is your professional background? I worked in architecture firms as an architect from 1994 through 2016. The last ten years or so of that time was spent as an in-house specifier. Beginning in 2017 I began working as a specifications consultant. How did you learn to be a specifier? Mostly, I was thrown into the fire. The firm I was working for had a retiring specifier, and I was invited to take that role. His time at the firm overlapped my initiation as a specifier by a few months, but there was no formal training period. What do I love about specification writing? I love the constant learning that is integral to the profession. In no other part of architecture is so much knowledge required and seeking out the information is a necessary part of the job. I love that I see and contribute to dozens of vastly varied projects over the course of any year, whereas when I was working as an architect, I might work on only one project for multiple years. I love that Im considered a resource by clients as well as by other members of the AEC community. Elias Saltz, CSI, CCS, SCIP Conspectus, Inc. ---
**Author:** ![Marlon\_Hollis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d07c76/32.png) [@Marlon\_Hollis](https://forum.4specs.com/u/Marlon_Hollis)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2018, 7:16pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/specifier-questions/3380/15 "2018-03-09T19:16:47Z")
Steve, I suppose a question that needs to be answered is what are the core requirements for being a Specifer? Then advertise in those areas where those skills are learned/developed. Many people without a construction or Architectural background may have either never heard of the field or dismiss it because they don’t have such a background, even though they may have the skill set (writing, research, etc.). How do we then formulate and formalize these core requirements? In an accredited college/university curriculum with a Specifications degree or certificate? Do we also professionalize the field through state licenses? I am recalling earlier professions, such as law and medical doctors, that had to something similar ---
**Author:** ![lynn\_javoroski](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/lynn_javoroski/32/188_2.png) [@lynn\_javoroski](https://forum.4specs.com/u/lynn_javoroski)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2018, 4:40pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/specifier-questions/3380/16 "2018-03-10T16:40:39Z")
What is your educational background? I have a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, which helps more than I ever thought it would, and a Master’s in Architecture. What is your professional background? For about 10 years after graduating with that MArch, I did the usual sort of stuff - detailing bathrooms, and addition work for friends. Then the ADA got passed into code/law, and I started doing surveys and writing sheet specs for those surveys. My boss said HE would write Division 01, because it was too complicated, and I was challenged. Shortly after that, I started writing specifications. How did you learn to be a specifier? I worked with two guys who were good at writing specifications, and who understood the process. They encouraged me to study for and take the CDT exam. I passed, and about 5 years later did the same with the CCS, What are three things you love about specification writing? The specificity, the brevity, and the ability to tell someone what to do. (grin - sort of) ---
**Author:** ![lynn\_javoroski](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/lynn_javoroski/32/188_2.png) [@lynn\_javoroski](https://forum.4specs.com/u/lynn_javoroski)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2018, 4:44pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/specifier-questions/3380/17 "2018-03-10T16:44:15Z")
And hi, Marlon. Welcome! Glad to have your input. ---
**Author:** ![David\_Stutzman](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/david_stutzman/32/6_2.png) [@David\_Stutzman](https://forum.4specs.com/u/David_Stutzman)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2018, 5:34pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/specifier-questions/3380/18 "2018-03-10T17:34:24Z")
Steve, thanks for the post asking the question. I enjoyed talking with you about the state of affairs, and hope you get a good response. Educational background: Bachelor of architecture. This was a result of a high mechanical drawing school teacher saying “you should be an architect.” Professional background: Started as designer/draftsman for a design-builder. Primarily worked as a specifier for engineering or E-A firms with heavy emphasis on engineering including railway, water-wastewater, power generation, and pharmaceutical, biotech, and semi-conductor manufacturing before starting an independent spec consulting firm. Learning to Specify: This was the result of the first project out of school for an Army Corps of Engineers energy retrofit of 65 buildings. Measured and drew all the buildings, calculated energy savings, created the estimate. Then the project manager said I had to write the spec. I asked what is a spec. The PM was a good mentor and teacher. I found my calling and gave up design. Loving It: 1. Discovering and researching new materials and methods to solve our clients’ design problems. 2. Helping to keep architects and engineers out of trouble by offering advice on product selection, product application, code compliance, and the constructability of their designs. 3. Sharing what I have learned with anyone who wants to know to advance the collective industry knowledge. ---
**Author:** ![lazarcitec](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/3bc359/32.png) [@lazarcitec](https://forum.4specs.com/u/lazarcitec)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2018, 8:34pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/specifier-questions/3380/19 "2018-03-11T20:34:02Z")
My apologies for the late response, I actually have a question to add for my peers, perhaps its not too late. Education: Two yr degree from Junior College, BArch from Univ of FL, MArch from Univ of FL. (took 6 years, ran out of money) Professional Background: Draftsman to Project Architect to Project Manager (Private and Public Sector work) Learned to be a Specifier by working with a Senior PM who wrote Specs. Self taught the rest of the way, joined CSI and SCIP, passed my CCS. What I love about specwriting: Learn something new everyday, I can work independently without staff and still get the specs done, usually better than with a staff. Solve problems, contribute as a valued member of a team of professionals on small and large projects. Now my ADDED QUESTION?: What do you HATE about Specwriting? (Independents’ contribution here important) Please do not list “Last to be paid, as a Hate”…we all hate to be paid late. For me: 1. Being considered as an expert in any one area - I may write a Waterproofing spec, but it doesn’t mean I am a Waterproofing expert. 2. Loss of respect for specifications as part of the Contract Documents. In Florida (esp So FL) Specifications are considered detrimental to the Contract Documents, they are feared by Architects. 3. Being told that Specifications are archaic due the the Section Number, the validity of the Specification Section is determined by the Specwriter, not by the number of digits in the Section number. ---
**Author:** ![michael\_chusid](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/michael_chusid/32/211_2.png) [@michael\_chusid](https://forum.4specs.com/u/michael_chusid)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2018, 5:20am UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/specifier-questions/3380/20 "2018-03-13T05:20:34Z")
Hate is a strong word. Three times (at about 10 year intervals) economic cycles have kicked me in the butt. I know this is a reality throughout the construction industry, but company doesn’t love misery. Still, I have no regrets. [Next page](https://forum.4specs.com/t/specifier-questions/3380.md?page=2)