This year, during the 2025 CSI National Conference, CSI gave special recognition to Nick Franjic, Executive Director of Construction Specifications Canada (CSC), who was named an Honorary Member of CSI. Honorary Membership is considered to be the most prestigious honor of the Construction Specifications Institute. It is conferred on individuals who have performed distinguished services to the construction industry in fields of activity related to the purposes of CSI.

CSI Board Chair William Sundquist, FCSI, said, “Nick’s three decades of leadership have shaped collaborations across North America and elevated both CSC and CSI. Nick's vision and dedication have forged deep and lasting partnerships between our organization—partnerships that continue to benefit every member of the design and construction community. Nick’s impact on our industry is both broad and profound.”

Building Enduring Partnerships

Franjic has been a driving force behind enduring partnerships between CSI and CSC, which continue to strengthen the design and construction community across North America. His leadership has been essential to ensuring that volunteer and staff leaders from both organizations develop deep, ongoing, and mutually beneficial relationships.

“When William called to inform me of the CSI Board’s decision, I was speechless, and so grateful and overwhelmed,” Franjic said. “And I have to say, I’m glad it wasn’t a Zoom call. Those of you who know me know how emotional I can get. “After I hung up the phone, I sat for a few minutes and asked myself, ‘Why me?’” Franjic said.  “To be honored in this way by an association that I have had dealings with for over 30 years is not just the icing on the cake but the cake itself, too. I will forever cherish the friendships that have developed from day one to today.”

A Bond Across Borders

Support for the honor was shared by members of CSI and CSC alike—not just for Franjic’s contributions to the profession, but for his constant kindness and friendship.

“I gave it some thought, and what I’d like to pass on is the hospitality that he has shown when my wife and I attend the CSC Conference,” said Ronald L. Geren, FCSI, Distinguished Member, CCS, CCCA, CDT, “He is a big guy—you can’t miss him—but with a bigger heart and a deep passion for CSC. He has helped to bridge the cross-border cooperation between our two associations; building a bond with a strength that few other associations have ever experienced.”

“All of us are passionate about this industry. When you hit the board level, that seems to be especially true. But board members come and go,” said CSC President Kelly Sawatzky RSW, CSP. “Nick has been with us for 30 years. He isn’t just a font of historical knowledge of organizations, he’s a strand of yarn that knits people together.”

She said, “Nick champions standardization and ensures collaboration between our organizations. He helps assure that Canadian voices are heard, and I think these voices have given breadth and depth to the standards, so much so that they are being adopted all over the world. CSI can be so proud that this cooperation has resulted in such beneficial resources for all of us.”

A Lasting Impact

Sundquist said that in addition to all Franjic’s accomplishments, “Perhaps what stands out most about Nick is not just his list of accomplishments, it’s his style of leadership. Those who have worked for him describe him as humble, steady, and deeply committed to the people behind the work. Through decades of steady leadership, Nick has been a bridge builder, linking people, organizations, and ideas. His service exemplifies the very spirit of CSI’s mission—advancing building information, fostering collaboration, and improving the process of creating and sustaining the built environment.”

For his part, Franjic listed several CSI and CSC members—from current and past Board Chairs and Board members to current CSI CEO Mark Dorsey—who he said also played a significant role in the mutual success of the two associations.

“Throughout my time at CSC, I've been incredibly, incredibly fortunate to have the support of an executive council, board of directors, and many members both professionally and personally,” Franjic said. “And I feel blessed to be able to say I have a CSI family as well.”

“Thank you truly for this incredible honor,” he said. “I will treasure it wherever my life takes me. Thank you.”

CSI Citation Honoring Nick Franjic

This is the citation the CSI Board wrote to honor Franjic’s work: “In recognition of your visionary leadership of Construction Specifications Canada (CSC) and forging strong bonds between CSC and CSI for more than 30 years as CSC’s Executive Director. For your essential role in ensuring the volunteer and staff leadership of our respective associations develop deep, ongoing, and mutually beneficial personal and professional relationships to the benefit of the design and construction industry. And, for your personal humility and courage to set an example for the rest of us as you work behind the scenes to ensure the success of CSC and CSI, the CSI Board of Directors hereby confers to you Honorary Membership in the Construction Specifications Institute on this day, the 16th of October 2025.”