The Atlanta Chapter CSI was founded on February 15th, 1959 by over 30 members of the local design and construction community. They believed the local industry needed a new type of organization to promote closer relations and cooperation among the professions including architects, contractors, manufacturers, and other societies which are engaged in, or directly connected with, the building construction industry. They saw the need to organize construction information for the benefit of the entire construction community and by using the diversity of its members to exchange knowledge, Atlanta CSI was founded. As the only Chapter in the State of GA, they continued to grow and soon became the largest chapter in the Southeast Region. Over its vibrant history, they have had several members emerge to the highest levels of leadership in both the Southeast Region and the Institute. Today we strive to help members with education, certification, and building an environment to expand their professional network.
The Atlanta Chapter also hosted the 6th annual CSI National Convention in 1962. At that time there were only 49 chapters, annual dues were $25 and Convention registration was 671 with only 78 exhibitors. Atlanta again hosted the National CSI Convention in 1992, and in 2000 we celebrated Y2K in Atlanta, GA!
The Atlanta Chapter has a deep history with the formation of what is still called the “Panic Whistle”. The tradition goes back to some of the original founders.
The Atlanta Chapter CSI has won numerous regional and national awards for technical excellence, outstanding chapter and service to the construction community. In fact, the original leaders of the Atlanta Chapter had a great amount of influence on the early development of the original Master Guide Specification systems, the CSI Manual of Practice, the original 16 Division CSI MasterFormat, including Page Format and the 3 part Section Format still in use today. These early technical efforts led to many new Formats, Standards and Practice tools such as UNIFORMAT and OMNICLASS in use today.
Atlanta Chapter CSI was also instrumental in helping develop the first Certification Programs such as the fully accredited CDT (Construction Document Technologist) Certification offered today. The Project Delivery Practice Guide and Online study programs are also available.
The Atlanta Chapter CSI continues their tradition of excellence with monthly meetings from September through June of each year featuring technical seminars prior to the dinner program covering a multitude of topics for the entire design and construction community. Other education, professional development and networking events and social opportunities are also offered throughout the year.
Although Atlanta has a proud history of over 60 years, we remain vigilant to serve the local construction industry and welcome the next generation of professional members into our organization. Atlanta Chapter CSI Members enjoy a culture, network and environment conducive to realizing their full professional potential.
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