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For James Lawless, working in construction has meant seeing projects from both sides—first as a general contractor intern, then as a mechanical engineer on the design team. Along the way, he discovered a key truth: high-quality construction documents can make or break a project.
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That insight led James to pursue CSI’s Construction Documents Technologist (CDT®) certification in spring 2025. In this Q&A, he shares why understanding the full process of writing, interpreting, and managing construction documents matters so much, how he prepared for the exam, and the biggest lesson he learned: that preventing problems is always better than fixing them later.
Tell us about your work experience before you earned a CSI credential. And why did you choose to take the CDT® exam?
My work experience began as an intern for a general contractor doing preconstruction and estimating for large commercial construction projects. After receiving my mechanical engineering degree, I pivoted to the design side of the construction process, working as an MEP design consultant. Now I'm responsible for creating construction documents like specifications and drawings.
After experiencing both the contractor and designer side of the construction process, I realized the importance of properly writing, interpreting, and managing construction documents. This is why I chose to pursue a CDT certification: to ensure the projects I work on have the best possible documentation quality and coordination across all phases.
How did you prepare for the CDT certification exam?
I studied using the CDT Study Workbook along with the Project Delivery Practice Guide. There were many unexpected diagrams and figures that helped my understanding of the general construction documentation hierarchy.
What was the most valuable lesson you gained from earning a CDT credential?
Prevention is more valuable than correction. Proper document preparation is the best way to avoid problems before they happen.
Since earning your CDT credential, how has your career progressed?
My role and responsibilities as a mechanical engineer have increased at my place of employment. I received a bonus for achieving my certification.