Gerard,
A couple years ago our CSI chapter presented a program on specification writing. It was our first time at it, and I made notes afterward of areas we might explore or improve the next time around. We designed the program to correlate with the NCARB IDP requirements for specs, thinking that some interns would find it an interesting opportunity. Well we were wrong about “some.” There were many, and they filled the room. It may be difficult for young architects to find the opportunities to satisfy those requirements, and our class helped to fill that void. We had hands-on excercises so the attendees could work with some sections while having three of us mentor/instructors available when they had questions. In hindsight I would make the exercises correspond more closely with the exercises in the IDP program, and look into student licensing for some sample master sections of various types. It sounds like you maybe are targeting a bit more experienced architects though so not sure if that’s what you had in mind.
Chris, very interesting comments about the IDP. Do you have more information on your chapter’s program? This may be something that I would like to consider for Philly.
These are the links I had to the NCARB IDP requirements for specifications, can’t tell for sure on my phone but perhaps neither of them work now?
http://www.ncarb.org/idp/idpdescrip.html#smr
http://www.ecompanion.org/specifications-and-materials-research/
Somewhere I have an agenda, will try to send it to you David.
Chris, would you also send the agenda to me?
ljavoroski@flad.com
Thanks.
Chris, I tried both links and they are no longer working. If you have any updated materials related to the IDP specifications requirements I would like to be included in your post. Thanks
“when it’s crunch time I go to my reps.”
Ditto. And I’ve been on the internet since it consisted of interconnected dialup bulletin boards with something called “electronic mail” we could send to another board!
Hang on - my wife’s having trouble with the Model T crank…
Anyway - 95% of the time I can find what I need on the 'net (it’s really in knowing how to use the various search engines - which most computer users, sadly, don’t). When I’m stumped - or if something smells bad, or if the scope is REALLY weird (which is kinda my specialty anyway) I call a rep.
But IMO it’s important to note what J. Peter said about regional differences and reps. Since I spent about 15 years at least partially on that side o’ the fence, I can state in all confidence that there are great are horrendous reps with most of the larger companies.
Nowadays I have no time for sit-down office meetings (I’d have to move my guitars anyway) where I’d get the same info I could get through email or phone. So I try to find or be referred to the go-to guy or gal at each company. I don’t care if they’re in Kansas (I’m in L.A.) - the “go-to” person will understand regional differences/requirements.
One thing that makes me respect a rep…probably THE biggest thing…is when they say "dang - I have no idea if that will work or not - but I will contact the folks that do and get back to you by “x:xx” and DOES. That rep is invaluable, and I couldn’t care less if they can’t tell a catalyst from a retard…er.
“Doers” - ones that try their hardest, but sometimes fail - are a dime a dozen. “Getter-done-ers” - those that may not know squat but ALWAYS find the answer in time are a rare breed.
Chris - I would like to see this also.
hollyrob19@gmail.com
I recommend the “The Gypsum construction Handbook (6th Edition)” by USG. You can view this book online or purchase a hard copy. http://www.usg.com/index.html
I had to buy my own book because the USG rep would not give me one. It is worth the $40 I spent.
OK, David; there you have a perfect example of the oposite of a “golden rep”; a “lead rep” (rhymes with “dead rep”).
I would start specifying a lot of GP and National Gypsum products.
Another good resource that you can get for FREE is Armstrong’s “Guaranteed Installation Systems (F-5061)” and “General Maintenance Recommendations (F-8663)”.
http://www.armstrong.com/commflooringna/request_lit.jsp
Or online copy:
http://www.armstrong.com/commflooringna/f5061en.html
The USG example reminded me of one other thing -
I haven’t requested a catalog in several years. The USG “book” is a perfect example of what I prefer - it’s a set of PDF files. I keep a downloaded set in my “library” - which resides on a cloud drive (actually several - I’m better organized with different categories of documents on different cloud systems, but that’s just me).
Every important piece of catalog information is with me at all times via my laptop, iPad or iPhone.
If I get a catalog in the mail unsolicited it hits the recycle bin (if it’s something I DO need I’ll bookmark their website).
If a company does not have critical documents on electronic media by now they are WAY behind the times. Granted, many electronic guide specs are poorly done, but they’re just as bad in print form and catalogs take up space.
My actual “catalog” library is down to a couple of 3’ shelves - and I could probably pitch half those and never miss 'em.