CSI Blog

CSI is excited to announce that six members have been added to the College of Fellows. Fellows are CSI members who have been selected by their peers for this distinction based on their achievements in the industry and their above-and-beyond contributions to CSI. The CSI community will honor and celebrate these individuals at the 2024 CSI National Conference October 16-18 in Houston, TX. Learn more about our 2024 Class of CSI Fellows below as they share what CSI means to them, give advice for getting the most out of membership, and take a look at what the future could hold for the architecture, engineer, contractor, and owner (AECO) ...

This is the first in a four-part series on this blog addressing sealing and signing of instruments of service by design professionals, comprised of: (a) Part 1 – Definition and Purpose of Seals; (b) Part 2 – Electronic Seals and Signatures; (c) Part 3 – Statutory Requirements Concerning Sealing and Signing of Documents; and (d) Part 4 – Practical Considerations Concerning Sealing and Signing. Perhaps the most obvious means for an architect, engineer, or other licensed design professional to indicate that they were in responsible charge of preparing a certain document is the application of their seal and signature. Application of seals and signatures ...

This is the fourth in a four-part series on this blog addressing licensing boards governing the design professions, comprised of: (a) Part 1 – Introduction to Licensing Boards and Revisions of Laws and Regulations; (b) Part 2 – Qualifications of Perspective Licensees and Licensing Exams; (c) Part 3 – Issuance of Licenses and Registrations; and (d) Part 4 - Enforcement. This article describes the enforcement functions of licensing boards governing the design professions and how their operations affect personnel engaged in architecture, engineering, and other design professions in the United States. In this article, laws, rules, and regulations are referenced ...

CSI is proud to recognize Lane Beougher, FCSI, Lifetime Member, CCS ® , CCCA ® , CCPR™, CDT ® as its 2024 Distinguished Member. With 35 years of experience in facilities planning, architectural design, specification preparation, and construction contract administration, Lane works as an architect and program manager for the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission. He’s also served as Ohio’s state architect. Serving in leadership at every level of CSI, Lane was a member of the CSI Board of Directors for nearly a decade, including Board President from 2015 to 2016). Under his leadership, the Board implemented a new governance framework ...

In this brief Q&A we feature Alex Murrell, CDT ® , an envelope specialist with Hixson Consultants, Inc. in Alabaster, AL. Alex discusses the critical role of the work done in this niche industry and describes how obtaining a CDT certification has helped propel his career forward. Discover why Alex decided to obtain a CDT, how his mentors supported his pursuit, and how this certification has transformed his approach to construction documents. Please provide an overview of your career, and why you chose to work in this industry. In such a niche industry as the building envelope, we are given a unique opportunity to provide assistance, ...

This is the third in a four-part series on this blog addressing licensing boards governing the design professions, comprised of: (a) Part 1 – Introduction to Licensing Boards and Revisions of Laws and Regulations; (b) Part 2 – Qualifications of Perspective Licensees and Licensing Exams; (c) Part 3 – Issuance of Licenses and Registrations; and (d) Part 4 - Enforcement This article describes the basic functions of licensing boards governing the design professions and how their operations affect personnel engaged in architecture, engineering, and other design professions in the United States. In this series of articles, laws, rules, and regulations are ...

I n a recent interview, we had the opportunity to chat with highly accomplished architect Brianne Smith about her career journey and her recent achievement of earning the CCS ® certification. With nearly two decades of experience specializing in designing high-performance PK-12 schools, Brianne transitioned into specifications writing to enhance project development and office standards. Her decision to pursue the CCS credential was driven by a desire to deepen her expertise and serve as a mentor within her firm, ensuring consistent quality and project execution. Through dedicated study and application of industry standards, she has not only enriched her professional ...

This is the second in a four-part series on this blog addressing licensing boards governing the design professions, comprised of: (a) Part 1 – Introduction to Licensing Boards and Revisions of Laws and Regulations; (b) Part 2 – Qualifications of Perspective Licensees and Licensing Exams; (c) Part 3 – Issuance of Licenses and Registrations; and (d) Part 4 - Enforcement. This series of articles describes the basic functions of licensing boards governing the design professions and how their operations affect personnel engaged in architecture, engineering, and other design professions in the United States. In this series of articles, laws, rules, and ...

Most of us have arrived at the realization that there is a troublesome and persistent shortage of skilled tradespeople in the USA. This has been the case I would say for at least a decade—and, generally, is not getting any better. The steady workers (carpenters, masons, plumbers, welders, etc.) that have held down these key jobs for 30+ years are soon retiring, as they have been in waves over the past several years. And there are not enough 18- to 25-year-olds coming in and filling their boots. Trouble is, the exact same thing can be said for the US manufacturing industry. I read articles about this subject all the time ...