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CSI Houston Chapter The Construction Specifications Institute October 2014 Inside this issue: CSI Houston Program 1 Leadership Directory 2 President’s Message; SCR Announcement and Holiday Party Date 3 August Board Meeting Minutes 4 CSI Sponsor Advertisements 5 “More Specification History” 6, 8 CSI Sponsor Advertisements 7 Strictly Smith-ly, “Specifications, Construction Sequence, and Jobsite Observation” 9 Strictly Smith-ly, “Drawing and Specification Review” 10 SCR News 11 CSI Houston Calendar 12 CSI Houston Website: http://www.csihouston.org October 27, 2014 Board / Chapter Meeting 3ਫਠਢਤ+ (66%XLOGLQJ 5430 Westheimer Road 7ਨਬਤਯਬ5HJLVWUDW LRQ and mixer) ਯਬ (Evening Meal & Meeting) &ਮਲਲ਼ $35.00 to non members at the door. 5ਤਲਤਵਠਲ਼ਨਮਭਲ *RWR http://www.csihouston.org October 27nd CSI Houston Chapter Program Student Presentations In the wake of the great success of this year’s golf tournament which directly benefits students through scholarships, we would like to invite you to join this month’s Chapter meeting to hear directly from potential beneficiaries so as to provide an opportunity to learn firsthand about the students’ work and the pro- cess by which they develop they’re projects. It is these future licensed design, construction and engineering professionals who will make decisions about ma- terials and systems that we seek to attract to promote CSI’s mission at this grassroots level. The presentations will be followed by a Q&A where we will attempt to explore how CSI and the students (universities) can benefit from each other and, how CSI’s mission “Building Knowledge, Improving Project Delivery” can be put into action by providing the resources through its diverse membership to enhance knowledge. Presenters: Alex Bernard, AIA, CSI – Moderator, Senior Project Architect, HOK Devonta Magee – Student, Prairie View A&M College of Architecture. Megan Hartensteiner – Student, University of Houston, Intern Kirksey Architecture. Please join us at our October 27, CSI Houston Chapter meeting for an interest- ing and informative evening of discussion. Nov 24 – COH Code Changes Dec 4 – Holiday Event Jan 26 – Economic Outlook for Construction

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  • CSI Houston ChapterThe Construction Specifications Institute

    October 2014

    Inside this issue:CSI Houston Program 1

    Leadership Directory 2

    President’s Message; SCRAnnouncement and HolidayParty Date 3

    August Board MeetingMinutes 4

    CSI SponsorAdvertisements 5

    “More Specification History”6, 8

    CSI SponsorAdvertisements 7

    Strictly Smith-ly, “Specifications,Construction Sequence, andJobsite Observation” 9

    Strictly Smith-ly, “Drawing andSpecification Review” 10

    SCR News 11

    CSI Houston Calendar 12

    CSI Houston Website:http://www.csihouston.org

    October 27, 2014Board / Chapter

    Meeting3ਫਠਢਤ���+�( �6�6��%XLOGLQJ5430 Westheimer Road

    7ਨਬਤ�������ਯ�ਬ���5HJLVWUDWLRQ�and mixer) �����ਯ�ਬ��(Evening Meal & Meeting)

    &ਮਲਲ਼�

    $35.00 to non members atthe door.

    5ਤਲਤਵਠਲ਼ਨਮਭਲ���* R�WR�http://www.csihouston.org

    October 27nd

    CSI Houston Chapter Program

    Student Presentations

    In the wake of the great success of this year’s golf tournament which directlybenefits students through scholarships, we would like to invite you to join thismonth’s Chapter meeting to hear directly from potential beneficiaries so as toprovide an opportunity to learn firsthand about the students’ work and the pro-cess by which they develop they’re projects. It is these future licensed design,construction and engineering professionals who will make decisions about ma-terials and systems that we seek to attract to promote CSI’s mission at thisgrassroots level.

    The presentations will be followed by a Q&A where we will attempt to explorehow CSI and the students (universities) can benefit from each other and, howCSI’s mission “Building Knowledge, Improving Project Delivery” can be put intoaction by providing the resources through its diverse membership to enhanceknowledge.

    Presenters:

    Alex Bernard, AIA, CSI – Moderator, Senior Project Architect, HOKDevonta Magee – Student, Prairie View A&M College of Architecture.Megan Hartensteiner – Student, University of Houston, Intern Kirksey

    Architecture.

    Please join us at our October 27, CSI Houston Chapter meeting for an interest-ing and informative evening of discussion.

    Nov 24 – COH Code Changes

    Dec 4 – Holiday Event

    Jan 26 – Economic Outlook for Construction

  • SPEC.TECTONICS

    2014—2015 COMMITTEE CHAIRS

    Programs Alex Bernard, CSI, CCPR(713) 407 7700

    [email protected]

    Membership Bill Lunsford, CSI, CDT(817) 300--7262

    [email protected]

    Certification Greg Quintero, CSI, CDT, AIA, LEED AP(713) 356-1300

    [email protected]

    Awards Amy Salmeron, CSI, CDT713-460-5216

    [email protected]

    Continuing Education Mark Koehler, CSI(713) 781-6006

    [email protected]

    Public Relations/Marketing Grant Groeschel, CSI(713)-520-0155

    [email protected]

    Golf Tournament Holly Jordan, CSI, CCS, LEED AP, SCIP(713) 407-7700

    [email protected]

    Table Top Amy Peevey, PE, RRO, CDT(713) 467-9840

    [email protected]

    CIC Delegate Bill Fairbanks, CSI, CCPR(281) 227-3577

    [email protected]

    2014—2015 CSI HOUSTON SPEC.TECTONICS

    SPEC.tectonics Editor Don Smith, CSI, CCS, RA, LEED AP(713) 688-0092

    [email protected]

    2014—2015 CSI HOUSTON WEBSITE

    Webmaster Logan Vits, CSI, CCPR, LEED AP(281) 703-5201

    [email protected]

    2014—2015 CSI HOUSTON FOUNDATION

    President, Al Pasek, CSI, CCPR(713) 880-4343

    [email protected]

    Past PresidentGreg Roberts, FAIA, FCSI, CCS, ACHA, LEED AP

    Vice President Don Ude, CSI

    Secretary Tom Atwell, CSI, CDT, AIA

    Treasurer Brett Wilbur, CSI, CCS, RA

    Director Bill Fairbanks CSI, CCPR

    Director Di Ann Reid, CSI CCS, CCCA, LEED AP

    Director Jeff Holstien, CSI, CDT

    OCTOBER 2014 - PAGE 2 CSI HOUSTON

    CSI HOUSTON CHAPTER

    2014—2015 CHAPTER OFFICERS

    President Neil Byrne, CSI, CDT, CPA(281) 354-1100

    [email protected]

    Past President Robert P. Byrne, CSI(713) 632-4790

    [email protected]

    President Elect Holly Jordan, CSI, CCS, LEED AP, SCIP(713) 407-7700

    [email protected]

    VP Finance/ Admin. Chuck Vojtech, CSI(281) 227-3577

    [email protected]

    VP Professional Development Tim Wilson, CSI(832) 289-6765

    [email protected]

    VP Member Services Tom Atwell, CSI(713) 877-8879

    [email protected]

    VP Public Services Don Smith, CSI, CCS, RA, LEED AP(713) 688-0092

    [email protected]

    Secretary Betsy Finch, CSI(713) 806-3401

    [email protected]

    Treasurer Bill Fairbanks, CSI, CCPR(281) 227-3577

    [email protected]

    2014—2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    Director through 2015 Amy Salmeron, CSI, CDT713-460-5216

    [email protected]

    Director through 2015 Grant Groeschel, CSI, AIA, LEED AP(713) 934-4891

    [email protected]

    Director through 2016 Don Ude, CSI(281) 685-0164

    [email protected]

    Director through 2016 Logan Vits, CSI, CCPR, LEED GA(713) 703-5201

    [email protected]

    Director through 2017 Jeff Holstien, CSI, CDT(281) 850-4659

    [email protected]

    Director through 2017 Alex Bernard, CSI, CCPR(713) 407 7700

    [email protected]

    Board Advisory Director Doug Frank, FCSI, CCS(281) 660-6246

    [email protected]

    CSI SOUTH CENTRAL REGION (http://www.scr-csi.org) / INSTITUTE LEADERS (http://www.csinet.org)

    SC Region President Melody A. Stinson, CSI, CCS, AIA, LEED AP Institute Director Kirby M. Davis, CSI, CDT(405) 942-7337 (203) [email protected] [email protected]

    Institute President Robert W. Simmons, FCSI, [email protected]

  • SPEC.TECTONICS OCTOBER 2014 - PAGE 3 CSI HOUSTON

    October 2014President’s Messageby Neil P. Byrne, CSIPresident, CSI Houston Chapter

    September was anoth-er great month at CSIHouston. Thank youto all who attended theSeptember meeting,“Pedestrian Pete” hadan interesting and en-thusiastic program puttogether on the City ofHouston. With a quar-ter of the 2014-2015fiscal year behind us,we are off to a greatstart and I aim to keepthat momentum going.

    October has our much anticipated golf tournamentto look forward to, along with another quality pro-gram. There is no rest for the weary however, wewill roll right into our November program followedby a new twist on an old tradition for our Holidayevent in December. This year’s Holiday event willstill have the happy hour at a local bar/restaurantas our backdrop but it will now involve putting to-gether wagons, decorating the same and fillingthem up with toys for a local charity. This will beteamed event with prizes and other surprises.Stay tuned for more details.

    I look forward to seeing you all at the golf tourna-ment and the October meeting. Remember,please do your part to increase membership andmember participation at CSI Houston!

    December 2014Holiday Partyby Neil P. Byrne, CSIPresident, CSI Houston Chapter

    Mark your calendars to set aside December 4th forthe CSI Holiday Party get together Our party plan-ning committee is hard at work finding a location inthe Heights for our annual get together.

    Watch for details to follow.

    I hope to see you there.

    At each monthly meeting, the Chapter encourages Indus-try Members to provide a table top display of their prod-ucts and services for the inspection and education ofthose attending the meeting.

    The table top display is also encouraged to be presentedduring the social hour and after the program for anyquestions by attendees.

    The presentation fee is $200 for members and $250 fornon-members, or free with a Golf Sponsorship pledge.

    Contact: [email protected]

    WHERE IS YOUR BUSINESSADVERTISEMENT?

    A quarter page ad is only $250 for 12 issues

    A half page ad is only $500 for 12 issues

    A business card ad is only $225 for 12 issues

    Contact Don Smith at

    (713) 688-0092 or [email protected]

    for more information.

  • SPEC.TECTONICS OCTOBER 2014 - PAGE 4 CSI HOUSTON

    CSI Board Meeting MinutesHouston Chapter CSILocation: HESS Building – 5430 WestheimerRoad – Houston, TXAugust 25, 2014

    Present: Alex Bernard, Betsy Finch, Bill Fair-banks, Bill Lunsford, Chuck Vojtech, Don Smith,Don Ude, Greg Quintero, Holly Jordan, Jeff Hol-stein, Jim Krueger, Neil Byrne, Tom Atwell

    President Neil Byrne called the meeting to orderat 4:00 p.m.

    The July 2014 Board Meeting Minutes were ap-proved.

    Vice President Reports:

    Finance/Administration: Chuck VojtechTreasurer’s Report: Bill FairbanksBill presented the current Profit & Loss statementto the board.

    Professional Development: Tim WilsonContinuing Education: Greg QuinteroNo report.

    Academic Affairs:No report.

    Certification:No report.

    Technical Committee: J. Peter JordanNo report.

    Member Services: Tom AtwellPrograms: Alex BernardAlex reported he has programs scheduledthrough January 2015.

    Membership: Bill LunsfordBill reported the chapter has one hundred seventysix members, including three new members. Healso stated Institute increased membership dues.

    Awards: Amy SalmeronNo report.

    Table Top Display: Amy PeeveyThe board members discussed the chapterproviding one drink ticket per person at the chap-ter meetings and the chapter assuming the ex-pense. Holly “moved the chapter buy one drinkper person for the August 2014 meeting.” Motion

    At each monthly meeting, the Chapter encourages Indus-try Members to provide a table top display of their prod-ucts and services for the inspection and education ofthose attending the meeting.

    The table top display is also encouraged to be presentedduring the social hour and after the program for anyquestions by attendees.

    The presentation fee is $200 for members and $250 fornon-members, or free with a Golf Sponsorship pledge.

    Contact: [email protected]

    seconded and approved.

    Public Services: Don SmithSPEC.tectonics: Don SmithDon reported the August SPEC.tectonics issuewas posted on the website. Don also stated heneeds support from Institute and the region forinput into the newsletter.

    Public Relations: Holly JordanHolly reported the contract had been signed withFalcon Point for the upcoming golf tournament.She also reported Logan posted the golf tourna-ment information on the website, and sponsorsare linked to their websites.

    Electronic Communication: Logan VitsNo report.

    Other BusinessHoliday Event: Holly JordanHolly discussed with the board the possibility ofdoing something different for the holiday event.She suggested CSI members complete a projectby working together in groups and competingagainst each other. Neil gave the approval to pro-ceed with the event. Holly will spearhead thisevent.

    CIC: Bill FairbanksBill stated this organization is more for a profes-sional representative than a product representa-tive and it is important for CSI to remain involvedin the organization. Greg Quintero stated he wouldbe interested in this position. Bill “moved to ap-point Greg Quintero as the CIC delegate for theHouston CSI chapter.” The motion was secondedand approved.

    Meeting adjourned at 5:20 p.m.

    Betsy Finch, CSIChapter Secretary

  • SPEC.TECTONICS OCTOBER 2014 - PAGE 5 CSI HOUSTON

  • SPEC.TECTONICS OCTOBER 2014 - PAGE 6 CSI HOUSTON

    More Specifications HistoryBy Sheldon Wolfe, RA, FCSI, CCS, CCCA, CSC

    In the last post, "Where have I heard that be-fore?" (http://bit.ly/1maQmDs) I used several ex-cerpts from a 1920 edition of the American Architectmagazine. The comments showed a general concernabout the importance of specifications, and about theabsence of specifications in architectural education,stating "the preparation of specifications receivesless study and attention in proportion to its im-portance than any other phase of architectural or en-gineering practice."

    While investigating the history of specifications, I wassurprised to find references like this, as I had learnednext to nothing about specifications in school (I thinkthe word was spoken the first day of ProfessionalPractice class, never to be mentioned again). It was-n't until I became a specifier that I understood whatspecifications are, thanks to my local CSI chapter.However, as good as the education and certificationclasses were, my understanding was that CSI prettymuch invented specifications.

    Until the advent of CSI in 1948, it was AIA, the Illi-nois Society of Architects and similar organizations,the American Architect magazine, the AmericanSpecification Institute, and similar sources that dis-cussed the preparation and use of specifications. Inthis post, we'll look at the ninth edition of The Ameri-can Architect Specification Manual, published in1927, and the Specification Record of the AmericanSpecification Institute, Volume 4, published in 1931,with a few quotes from each.

    The American Architect Specification Manual

    Most of the book's 353 pages are used for a collec-tion of specifications. Primarily produced by manu-facturers, they are more like a Sweets cataloguethan guide specifications as we know them today -

    this despite the claim that "material that rightly be-longs in a catalogue or that could be construed asadvertising, has been excluded from the Manual."

    "In an endeavor to assist the person unaccustomedto writing specifications in a methodical manner andin the hope that those more hardened to the exigen-cies of the work might find some additional profit inthe Manual, the following articles, which have beenpublished in previous editions are again presented:

    THE SPECIFICATION WRITER; THE CONSTRUC-TION OF A SPECIFICATION; and RULES FORCHECKING DRAWINGS."

    "The specification writer must be known, in hisoffice, as a compendium of information relating toall productive, executive, and constructive pro-cesses of the organization."

    "It is unfortunate that in architectural curricula solittle attention is devoted to the earnest consider-ation of specifications as one of the essential fun-damentals of correct construction."

    "After several years spent in the drafting roomthe specification writer will find that supervision ofconstruction work will open his eyes to manythings he did not understand clearly or was notfamiliar with when working on drawings. A goodtraining can be gained in two or three years ofconstruction supervision, after which the specifi-cation writer should return to the office organiza-tion and enter the executive work of the office."

    "Bear in mind always that if the specification iswritten so that the activities described therein arein sequence as they occur in the actual construc-tion work, the dearness of the specification willnot fail to be evident, for then the building will ac-tually grow in the mind of the reader and the con-tractor will do his work in a satisfactory manner."

    "In the writing of specifications, the languageused should be clear, accurate and exact."

    "Don't confuse damp-proofing with waterproof-ing."

    The book included AIA's "Filing System for Archi-tects' Offices", and "Standard Documents of theAmerican Institute of Architects", which containedthe fourth edition of the AIA general conditions.

    For organizing information, it offered "The Specifica-tion Checking List", with forty-eight "Sections" for fil

    Continued on Page 8Continued from Page 6

  • SPEC.TECTONICS OCTOBER 2014 - PAGE —7 CSI HOUSTON

  • SPEC.TECTONICS OCTOBER 2014 - PAGE 8 CSI HOUSTON

    Continued from Page 6

    ing, plus an "Index to Major Divisions" with fortyDivisions for specifications.

    Forty-eight Sections and forty Divisions; isn'tthat interesting? The Checking List had eightSections for mechanical and electrical infor-mation, while the Index had five Divisions forspecifications. How did they later getsqueezed into Divisions 15 and 16?

    The American Specification InstituteThe American Specification Institute producedfour volumes of the Specification Record. Withabout 500 pages, it included both the AIA andEJCDC general conditions, and a list of ASTMstandards.

    "The specification should be clear, concise andcomplete."

    "The drawings, in general, should show thequantity, extent and layout of the work, andordinarily do not state the character, make ormanufacturer of the material or equipment. It istherefore necessary that the specification de-scribe in detail the character of the material orequipment, otherwise the cheapest material orequipment satisfying the description shown onthe drawings may be furnished."

    "Clear, concise, complete, and well coordinat-ed drawings and specifications should securefair and intelligent proposals, should eliminatevexatious extras and should eliminate also thenecessity for verbal or supplementary writteninstructions."

    "Eliminate all clauses that reflect indecision orlack of knowledge. Do not put anything in thespecifications that will not be enforced to theletter."

    "Use simple words. Do not use big words. Usenouns. Do not use pronouns. Use short sen-tences. Do not write long and involved sen-tences. Make the language a clear and con-cise expression of just what is meant. Give di-rections, not suggestions. Tell the Contractorwhat shall or shall not be done."

    And then there is CSI

    Does any of the above sound familiar? It's clear thatCSI's founders didn't start from scratch, and it's likelyat least some of them had references such as thesein their offices. Even so, there seems to be a com-mon thread of simple, practical reasoning in all of thespecifying guides I've seen, and I suspect the rulesdid not originate in the construction industry. Theyare logical and reasonable, perhaps not for writing anovel, but for any type of technical writing used toconvey information about a design concept to makeit possible to build.

    Even though CSI didn't create these rules, it expand-ed and clarified them, bringing a consistent, coordi-nated way of writing and interpreting specifications,based on AIA and EJCDC documents.

    © 2014, Sheldon Wolfe, RA, FCSI, CCS, CCCA,CSCAgree? Disagree? Leave your comments at http://swconstructivethoughts.blogspot.com/.

    At each monthly meeting, the Chapter encourages Indus-try Members to provide a table top display of their prod-ucts and services for the inspection and education ofthose attending the meeting.

    The table top display is also encouraged to be presentedduring the social hour and after the program for anyquestions by attendees.

    The presentation fee is $200 for members and $250 fornon-members, or free with a Golf Sponsorship pledge.

    Contact: [email protected]

    WHERE IS YOUR BUSINESSADVERTISEMENT?

    A quarter page ad is only $250 for 12 issues

    A half page ad is only $500 for 12 issues

    A business card ad is only $225 for 12 issues

    Contact Don Smith at

    (713) 688-0092 or [email protected]

    for more information.

  • SPEC.TECTONICS OCTOBER 2014 - PAGE 9 CSI HOUSTON

    Detailing while acknowledging the construc-tion sequence helps eliminate overlaps in re-sponsibility and makes the construction pro-cess smoother and reduce area of sharedresponsibility for performance.

    Construction observation likewise is smooth-er. If construction on a certain process has tobe halted to allow another subs work to pro-ceed, you are never really sure that the workyou are looking at is complete or about to becovered up before it is complete.

    Detailing should not be any different than thesequence that you would choose if you wereusing you own money or your own hands tocomplete he task.

    “Ninety percent of all mental errors are in yourhead.”

    Yogi Berra

    … Just my opinion,

    Donald F. Smith, Jr., CSI, CCS, RA, LEED™AP

    “Strictly SMITH-ly”

    Specifications, ConstructionSequence, and Jobsite Obser-vation

    By Donald F. Smith, Jr., CSI CCS RA LEEDAP

    One of the great benefits of taking a set of De-sign Development drawings and turning theminto a set of Contract Document drawings and aProject Manual is the mental process of inter-preting a design concept and creating the Draw-ings and Specifications that direct the biddingand constriction process.

    To do this well, it helps to have a clear under-standing of the sequence of construction andthe various elements that are part of each build-ing assembly.

    There is a reason why everything happens theway it does. Contractor’s have determined,probably by trial and error, what works well andwhat doesn’t.

    Each construction activity has to have an oppor-tunity to do their work without interfering toomuch with the others working around them ordamaging work that is already in place. The se-quencing of the Work is a big thing and it relieson other related work that precedes as well asrelated work that comes after that activity.

    The environment also plays a big role. Evenitems that will become part of the exterior enclo-sure and roof systems are sensitive to the instal-lation environment to have long service liveswithout deterioration or failure.

    And this brings us back to the detailing of theProject. Knowing the logical sequence of con-struction helps the detailer assemble the build-ing in his or her mind working with the assemblyprocess instead of against it. Drying in thebuilding is another milestone that permits theinterior build-out to start.

    Obviously, there is not just one way to constructa building. Keeping different work areas sepa-rated from one another helps keep workers sep-arated so that are not working over each other.

  • SPEC.TECTONICS OCTOBER 2014 - PAGE 10 CSI HOUSTON

    Component information noted in wall section isimportant. The question is: why did the drafterdraw this view? What was important about it? Itshould show and note the changes that occurfrom a typical location and just enough relatedinformation to orient the viewer. As a specifica-tion writer, I can’t tell you how many plans, eleva-tions, and sections I see with extraneous infor-mation. If you are looking at a building elevation,who cares if it has a concrete bench in front of itwhen none of the building exterior material areidentified.

    It almost looks like a failure to commit to writing anote. How could you possibly draw something ifyou don’t know what it is?

    But I will venture a guess on how this happens.Designers. Designers never think their best ideais the one that is first thought of. Even up to theDate of Substantial Completion I can imagine thelittle gears are turning in their mind that a bettersolution is out there, and . . .there is still time tomake a change.

    If I had a dollar for every cut sheet received thatcontained 11 different models each with material,accessory and color selections to be made Iwould be retired and living in the Caribbean.

    All of these problems weave indecision into theconstruction documents. And all of these post-poned decisions should have occurred in eitherSchematic Design of in the Design Developmentproject phases. Postponing decisions does notallow you to get more, they actually trap you intosettling for less. Prices rise, coordination costsmore, and the advantage of competitive pricinghas been lost , not to mention increased over-head, lost fee, and more stress.

    What really has been lost is the satisfaction oftaking on a small task and completing it satisfac-torily. The joy of not having to worry about itagain.

    "In a time of drastic change it is the learners whoinherit the future. The learned usually find them-selves equipped to live in a world that no longerexists. "

    Eric Hoffer

    … Just my opinion,

    Donald F. Smith, Jr., CSI, CCS, RA, LEED™AP

    “Strictly SMITH-ly”

    Drawing and Specification Review

    By Donald F. Smith, Jr., CSI CCS RA LEED AP

    Drawing and specification review is a lot harderthan it use to be. You may think that not much haschanged, but the move from paper copies to com-puter output, usually at a reduced scale, makes itharder to see mistakes. Also, computer generatedwork looks better.

    The CAD operator of today has a library of details towork from. Because of constant design and materi-al changes, few details are exactly what is needed;most are similar and require some to major modifi-cation. Project Architects have the lead role in CDdevelopment and live stressed to the limit. The car-toon set created in DD may not get the full attentionneeded, especially if material and system decisionare not made in a timely manner. Detail changescan often fall through the cracks. To the CAD oper-ator on the fast track, this is an opportunity to ad-vancement to show off the depth of his or her capa-bilities. Beginner CAD operators, can enter danger-ous territory by putting out work that is beyond theirpersonal understanding or limitations.

    Computer work looks good; even the mistakes. I’ma believer that work should not be shown when ithas not been completely thought out. Whateverhappened to “Requirements to be provided.” I haveeven encountered a note from draftsman with nottoo much imagination about the future of his career.He wrote “See so-and-so”, which I take it was theProject Architect that he used to work for.

    One of the most important concepts carried forwardfrom Design Development is the weather integrity ofthe building. As construction proceeds to close inthe building the weather integrity systems should besimple easy to build and hopefully accomplished byone subcontractor, not and army of unrelated tradeseach pointing fingers at each other. One of the big-gest mistakes is getting caught in your own mouse-trap. It is not only painful but very embarrassing.

    Sometimes by looking at the style of the details, youcan figure out how many people are working on asimilar detail in different locations. Have you everseen brick on one elevation turn a corner and Poof!It’s concrete masonry and no clue is given if thetransition is a butt, tooth, or whatever joint.

  • SPEC.TECTONICS OCTOBER 2014 - PAGE 11 CSI HOUSTON

    Moving into the 2014-15 year, my plan is to

    build on the momentum which has been grow-ing steadily and continue toward the strategic

    goals set last year:

    1. Provide open communication and contactinformation so all region members knowwho to go to (resources) for assistance

    2. Provide leader training including a P-Etraining class (invite VP’s, others interest-ed in serving as chapter P-E’s also),treasurer and secretary training

    3. Increase membership and membership reten-tion; provide training for chapter membershipchairs

    4. Engage members with L.I.F.E. initiative5. Provide assistance for chapters on elec-

    tronic communications (including acquir-ing Constant Contact for email, settingup microsites, updating websites, usingDropbox for easy document access)

    6. Increase attendance at SCR Conferences-encourage chapters to include more in theirbudget to assist leaders with travel to con-ference to get vital training

    I encourage all members to get involved at the

    region level and I cordially invite you to attendthe 2015 spring conference taking place at the

    Overton Hotel in Lubbock, TX, April 16-18,

    2015. Your involvement can contribute to a

    stronger South Central Region- please do not

    hesitate to contact me with ideas and sugges-

    tions and best of luck for another wonderful yeartogether in CSI!

    Melody Stinson, AIA, CCCA, CCS, CSI, LEED APCSI South Central Region 2014-15 PresidentContact: [email protected]

    Hello from Oklahoma City!

    First I would like to thank Past President Holly

    Jordan for her leadership and guidance through-

    out my term as President-Elect. It was an honor

    and great experience to serve with Holly and the

    rest of the region board members last year.

    Many of you may not be aware what part the re-

    gion plays in your membership benefits, so let me

    share some examples. The spring region confer-

    ence in Austin offered continuing education; twoCSI Fellows taught chapter leaders the basics of

    ‘Roberts Rules of Order’, (the format which gov-

    erns all CSI board meetings) and incoming fel-low Mark Chavez taught a CDT bootcamp for

    over 30 people. These are resources you can’t

    get the same way online; there is no replace-

    ment for one-on-one, face-to-face interaction.

    Throughout the past year we have held monthly

    conference calls with chapter presidents in an ef-

    fort to strengthen communication between chap-ters and share ideas; at both the fall and spring

    meetings Holly held a President’s dinner to

    show appreciation to the leaders who volunteertheir time to run the chapter, an often thankless

    and difficult job! Our dedicated electronic com-

    munications chair, Adam Clark has increased our

    web presence by upgrading the region website

    www.scr-csi.org/ and setting up microsites for

    Austin with Lubbock and San Antonio in the

    works. On the region website you can find linksto each chapter’s page and other region infor-

    mation like guides, contact information for region

    officers and committee chairs - please take ad-

    vantage of these resources!

    At each monthly meeting, the Chapter encourages Indus-try Members to provide a table top display of their prod-ucts and services for the inspection and education ofthose attending the meeting.

    The table top display is also encouraged to be presentedduring the social hour and after the program for anyquestions by attendees.

    The presentation fee is $200 for members and $250 fornon-members, or free with a Golf Sponsorship pledge.

    Contact: [email protected]

  • 63( &�ගඍඋගඖඑඋඛ�LV�D�PRQWKO\�SXEOLFDWLRQ�RI�WKH�+RXVWRQ�&KDSWHU��&RQVWUXFWLRQ�6SHFLILFDWLRQV�,QVWLWXWH��&6,�+ඝඛගඖ�GRHV�QRW�DSSURYH��GLVDS�prove, sanction, or guarantee the validity or accuracy of any date, claim, or opinion appearing herein. Republication rights are granted to the CSIand its chapters for original articles printed herein, provided proper credits are given. The Houston Chapter is incorporated under the laws of theState of Texas, and is chartered by the Construction Specifications Institute.

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