CSI Blog

The CSI Board of Directors is dedicated to understanding the needs of our CSI community and ensuring that we maintain an organization that keeps CSI relevant while providing tools for you to be effective in the AECO Industry. When we do that well, I believe we are curating a CSI that builds up ourselves and the profession so we can all reach our full potential. I want to highlight a few ways CSI is working to fulfill that mission . At our recent Winter meeting, the board discussed ways to strengthen our volunteer leadership ...

In the first half of 2025, news in the United States and around the world was filled with stories regarding new and retaliatory tariffs imposed by various national governments. A number of such tariffs, such as those regarding imported steel and aluminum, are likely to have a substantial effect on construction, whether projects currently in progress or those expected to enter construction in the coming years. This article addresses how standard construction contracts in widespread use in the United States address the changing landscape of tariffs. What are Tariffs? Black’s Law Dictionary, Tenth Edition (2014) defines the following: “ ...

The decision to earn a professional certification isn’t just tactical, it can also be transformative. For Michelle Bailey, attaining CSI’s Certified Construction Contract Administrator (CCCA®) designation not only deepened her contract management expertise but it also elevated her ability to navigate complex projects with confidence. In this Q&A, Michelle shares her journey—from her decision to work in the architecture, engineering, construction, and owner (AECO) industry to the strategies she used to prepare for the rigorous CCCA exam. She also discusses how earning the certification has refined her approach to project delivery and administering construction ...

Have you ever felt like you’re ready to take on more? Amanda MacRitchie says she knows that feeling. She had plenty of experience in the construction industry and was ready when the opportunity came her way to take on more project work and responsibilities. That's why she decided to earn a Certified Construction Contract Administrator (CCCA®) certification. It was a game-changer. Amanda studied hard, even attending a boot camp and getting tips from others in the field. The hard work paid off! Earning her CCCA certification has made her job so much easier, she says. Now, Amanda can see the big picture of a project and spot potential problems early on. ...

So, you're thinking about getting your CDT® certification? It's a big step, but definitely worth it! We recently talked to Dylan Hopkins, who passed the CDT exam in the spring of 2024, and he shared some great advice. Dylan works in construction management and loves seeing how projects come together. Now that Dylan is CDT certified, he says he feels much more confident reading and understanding all those important construction documents. And he feels it's helpful for everyone in the construction world. Tell us about your career and why you chose to work in this industry. And why earn a CDT certification? I am in construction management ...

In resolving disputes between the parties to construction contracts, courts and arbitrators have frequently ruled that the wording of a construction contract, including its specifications, should be construed against the documents’ drafter, which is typically the owner and its design professional. This is because courts and arbitrators typically, of necessity, interpret that the drafter of the construction documents exercised appropriate skill, care, and professional judgment in developing the construction documents, using deliberately chosen words and phrases. This article presents words and phrases that should typically be avoided in construction documents, ...

Viviana Gutierrez-Garcia didn’t have a traditional path for earning her Construction Documents Technologist (CDT ® ) and Certified Construction Contract Administrator (CCCA ® ) certifications. Inspired by her husband’s extensive experience in the construction industry, Viviana made a bold transition from nearly two decades in insurance to mastering the intricacies of construction documents and contract administration. Discover the steps she took and the strategies she used to achieve her goals in this insightful Q&A. Tell us about your career and why you chose to work in this industry. And why earn a CSI certification? After 19 ...

In this certification spotlight, you will get to know Jarrod Mann, a seasoned architectural engineer who's leveraged the power of CSI certification to enhance his professional practice. Jarrod shares his passion for the built environment and journey towards achieving the Certified Construction Contract Administration (CCCA ® ) certification. This interview will explore: The benefits of CSI certification for A/E professionals Effective study strategies for exam preparation Real-world applications of CSI knowledge in construction projects Tell us about your career and why you chose to work in this industry. And ...

This is the fourth 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. Statutory requirements concerning sealing and signing may vary by jurisdiction but are almost never quite as specific or clear as some practitioners might desire. For example, while laws and regulations typically require sealing and signing drawings and specifications, ...