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For over four decades, a dedicated team of volunteers has been offering free classes to help design and construction professionals deepen their expertise in construction documentation. Launched in 1978 by Jerry Preston and other leaders from the Nashville Chapter of CSI, these volunteers provided crucial support for individuals preparing for certification exams like the Construction Documents Technologist (CDT®) certification.
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Despite shifting from in-person to virtual sessions in 2020, the program’s mission remains the same: to offer accessible, high-quality education to emerging professionals. Each class covers key resources, sharing practical insights directly from experienced practitioners.
The impact of this program extends beyond Nashville, now open to attendees from the Gulf States Region and fostering a sense of unity and professional growth within the region. More than 850 participants have attended since 2000, with many achieving certification and enhanced career skills. This initiative not only strengthens the skills of the workforce but also inspires new members to join the chapter each year, proving that volunteer-led education is a powerful way to uplift the design and construction community while passing down invaluable knowledge to the next generation.
Dive into our latest spotlight to hear the inspiring story of Nashville's volunteer-led study group, where seasoned professionals empower emerging talent and shape the future of construction documentation. This program has impacted hundreds of careers. Now see how its success could benefit you or your chapter!
What prompted the need for this course?
The first Nashville CSI study group was for the first CCS exam in 1978. The next Nashville study class started in 1982 when Jerry Preston served on the CSI National Certification Committee. Jerry initiated the study class for the Nashville Chapter with assistance from Carl Manka, Rex Garton, and Chip Ames. Classes have continued every year since 1982, initially focused on the CCS and then the CDT exam with a variety of instructors. Classes were in-person until 2020 (The Year of COVID-19), meeting at a wide variety of venues, including office conference rooms, AIA offices, board rooms, universities, and high schools. Since 2020 the CDT classes have met via Zoom. The Nashville classes have always been free; all the instructors over the years have felt it is important to give back to the design and construction community and especially to emerging professionals.
How did you prepare the agenda or syllabus? Did you utilize any CSI materials?
The initial class agendas were for the CCS and were based on the CSI Manual of Practice. As the focus shifted to the CDT the agenda was based on the PRM (Project Resource Manual) which matched the structure of the CDT exam. We currently use the Project Delivery Practice Guide, 3rd Ed., as the text for the classes. We also use the slides from CSI National which are typically modified by each instructor and other presentation materials. As the AIA A201 General Conditions is such an important part of construction documents we spend two 2-hour classes focused on this AIA document.
What were the results or outcomes for this program?
Our records since 2000 show that over 850 have attended these classes (after the random attendees were deleted from the roster – a minor problem with the free classes). During this timeframe, there have been several firms that have had staff members attend these classes every year, and a few firms that have had an accumulation of 20 to 40 attendees.
What made it special?
Classes are recognized by the greater Nashville area design and construction community, we have opened the classes to the Gulf States Region and have had attendees from several states. We are always pleased to see several of our class attendees pass the CDT, or other certification exams.
How can this benefit other chapters?
It is an opportunity for the chapter to provide some education classes to members and nonmembers. Hopefully this will build some consistency in the work, as these are likely to be the people we will be working with over the years. We typically gain several new chapter members each year because of these classes.
What additional insights or advice do you have for other instructors or volunteers?
We have had several instructors over the years, and all have enjoyed teaching the classes. We have found it best to have at least 5 instructors for every round of classes. Typically, each instructor will cover the same modules of instruction each year. This team approach allows teachers to become more seasoned and refined with the information they are presenting, and it lightens the workload of each teaching team member.
Meet Our Expert Faculty
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Carl Manka, CSI, CCS®, CDT®
Carl Manka has dedicated over five decades to the industry. With a Bachelor of Architecture from Kansas State University (1963) and a long-standing NCARB certification (since 1973), Carl has held various roles in both private practice and public service.
After gaining early experience in a large Kansas A/E firm, Carl spent 15 years working in Nashville-based offices. His 38-year tenure with the State of Tennessee, particularly his 22 years with the Tennessee Board of Regents, solidified his commitment to public service.
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A dedicated member of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) for 50 years, Carl achieved the CCS certification in 1978 and actively contributed to national and regional technical committees. He has served in numerous leadership roles within the Nashville Chapter, including a two-year term as President.
With a passion for knowledge sharing, Carl has been teaching CDT classes for 32 years. Over the past 25 years, he has mentored approximately 820 students, many of whom are emerging professionals seeking to advance their careers in the construction industry.
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Lynn Jolley, CSI, CCS®, CCCA®, CDT®
Lynn Jolley is a licensed architect with a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. With over 20 years of experience as an independent architectural specifier, she has a strong background in both architectural design and construction documentation.
A dedicated member of CSI for over 20 years, Lynn has actively contributed to the Nashville Chapter, serving on the Board of Directors, Chapter President, Newsletter Editor, and teaching CDT classes for over 10 years. She has mentored numerous individuals in achieving their CDT, CCCA, and CCS certifications. She especially enjoys the relationships formed and camaraderie experienced within the CDT classes.
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Stephanie Pielich, CSI, CCS®
Stephanie Pielich is a licensed architect with a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. And especially proud to have been a member of the “Pride of the Southland Marching Band” for a few of those years.
She began her career at JJCA in Nashville in 2000 and became a partner in 2021.
A dedicated member of CSI since 2012, Stephanie earned her CDT and CCS certifications and has been actively mentoring the next generation of construction professionals. She enjoys passing along her knowledge.
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Jerry Preston, FCSI, CCS®, CDT®
Jerry Preston is a licensed architect with a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. With over 40 years of experience in architecture and construction, he has held leadership positions in private architectural practice, was an owner’s rep for with the State of Tennessee, and the Tennessee Board of Regents including a facilities development programs.
A dedicated member of CSI for over 30 years, Jerry has served in various leadership roles at the chapter and regional levels. He was honored with the prestigious Fellow of the Institute designation in 1988. A passionate educator, Jerry has taught CDT classes for over 30 years.
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Cheryl Crosby, CCCA®
Cheryl Crosby is a civil engineer with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. With a career spanning over three decades in the construction industry, she has held various roles including with civil and commercial constructions firms, plus a design-build firm. Then went on to become an owner’s representative for a national healthcare company as VP of Facilities Management and Construction.
A dedicated member of CSI since 1986, Cheryl has served in numerous leadership positions, including Board of Director, Committee Chair, and President at both the local and regional levels. She has also been a longtime instructor of CDT and CCCA classes.
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Don’t stop here. Learn how the Middle Atlantic Region spurred CDT success.