Blogs

President Message: 5 Innovations CSI Chicago Should Be Thankful For This Holiday Season

By Brad Schwab, CSI, CDT posted 2 days ago
Be the first person to Like this.
As we head into the holiday season during these unprecedented times, I could not be more thankful for our members, partners, and Executive Director’s dedication to our mission to advance the greater Chicago area design and construction communities knowledge of building information management, construction technology, and project delivery methods to improve facility performance while fostering relationships and promoting education.  Our plan to utilize digital technology to drive engagement and connection has not been easy, but everyone has supported the plan wholeheartedly and has not backed down from any of the challenges we have faced.  This has inspired ...
0 comments

Built to Poll: Missouri Design Firm Creates Opportunities for New Voters

By Peter Kray posted 3 days ago
Be the first person to Like this.
Voting season can be stressful for everyone. But in Kansas City, Hufft, a locally based fabrication and design firm, is helping create a fun, innovative way to welcome new voters to the political process by partnering with an online restaurant platform to support free Curbside Notary events at favorite local coffee shops and eateries across the state of Missouri. Hufft co-founder Matthew Hufft said he became interested in the initiative after state legislatures passed a law to expand mail-in voting, but with a stipulation that all mail-in ballots must be notarized to count. https://hufft.com “Given the socio-economical impact of this requirement ...
0 comments

The Industry Trends in Quality Control & Quality Assurance

By Ken Lambert, CSI posted 8 days ago
Be the first person to Like this.
Editor's Note: CSI is pleased to publish this blog from Ken Lambert, Director of Industry Development and Technical Services for the International Masonry Institute. He can be reached at  klambert@imiweb.org . If you have an idea or opinion you would like to share with your colleagues in the construction industry, please contact CSI Content Strategist Peter Kray at  Pkray@csinet.org . He would love to help publish your thoughts. Quality control and quality assurance within a construction project is not a new topic or concern, but its importance has been increasingly publicized and formalized over the last few years. Recently, I joined over 100 AECO ...
2 comments

Specifying Practices Coordinated is the Fifth “C”

By Kevin O'Beirne, PE, FCSI, CCS, CCCA, CDT posted 16 days ago
Be the first person to Like this.
Editor's Note: CSI is pleased to publish this blog from Kevin O’Beirne, PE, FCSI, CCS, CCCA, CDT. If you have an   idea or opinion you would like to share with your colleagues in the AECO industry, please contact CSI Content Strategist Peter Kray at  pkray@csinet.org . He would love to help publish your thoughts. A mantra of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) is that construction specifications should be consistent with “the four C’s”: clear, concise, complete, and correct. It is difficult to argue with any of those. However, I believe a fifth C is also necessary: coordinated . Perhaps the folks who came up with the four C’s intended that ...
0 comments

Stronger Together: New Class of Fellows Discuss the Importance of CSI During the Pandemic

By Peter Kray posted 24 days ago
Be the first person to Like this.
The 2020 Class of Fellows, including Alan Mitchell Horne Sr., CSI, CCS, CCCA, CDT ® , AIA, LEED AP, NCARB, USGB; Elias S. Saltz, CSI, CCS, CDT®; Lee Ann M. Slattery, CSI, CDT ® , CCPR, LEED AP BD+C; Robin E. Snyder, Esq, CSI, CCS; and William Sundquist, CSI, will be honored Thursday, November 5 th , during the virtual Honors & Awards Ceremony   Here, they reflect on how being a member of the CSI Community has helped them weather the COVID-19 pandemic and how CSI members and their colleagues continue to support each other.   “During this pandemic, it’s extremely important for people to stay connected, both professionally and personally. Being a ...
0 comments

PRESIDENT MESSAGE: Embracing Change For Positive Outcomes

By Brad Schwab, CSI, CDT posted 29 days ago
Be the first person to Like this.
We are creatures of habit and if we are honest with ourselves, most of us prefer certainty, which brings predictability and comfort. What words come to mind when you hear the word “change”? Typically, the words are negative, right? Words like “fear”, “the unknown”, “anxiety “, “confusion”, and “feeling defeated” come to mind. However, there are often many positive outcomes that come from change. Transformation, growth, innovation, and advancement are a few positive things that can come from change. Learning to embrace change is a process that we are all managing more than ever right now. Remember, you are not alone during these unprecedented times. All ...
0 comments

Sealing and Signing Divisions 00 and 01: Is it Architecture or Engineering?

By Kevin O'Beirne, PE, FCSI, CCS, CCCA, CDT posted 09-23-2020
Be the first person to Like this.
Sealing and Signing Divisions 00 and 01: Is it Architecture or Engineering? by Kevin O’Beirne Kevin O’Beirne, PE, FCSI, CCS, CCCA is a professional engineer licensed in NY and PA with over 30 years of experience designing and constructing water and wastewater infrastructure for public and private clients.   Should design professionals seal and sign Division 00 documents and Division 01 specifications? In the past, when the architect or engineer prepared all the construction documents and administered the project’s construction alone, it probably did not matter much. In modern times, however, where an owner’s procurement ...
0 comments

Returning to Work Part 2: Billy Mathis Examines “The New Normal”

By Billy Mathis, FCSI, CDT posted 09-18-2020
1 person likes this.
Returning to Work Part 2: Billy Mathis Examines “The New Normal” By  Billy Mathis, FCSI, CDT   The phrase, “The New Normal” is being bantered around so much now that I am not sure just what it really means.   Here are some thoughts on how my “new normal” has evolved since the COVID-19 pandemic began.   Work: At first, the new normal for me was staying home and working from home. Working from home was fun and interesting for about a week. Then it got old. It took days to coordinate and discuss things that could be resolved in one day at the office.   Then my firm decided that we would implement a hybrid schedule of coming in on some days ...
0 comments

Chair-Elect Cam Featherstonhaugh featured on Young Architect Podcast

By CSI HQ posted 09-17-2020
Be the first person to Like this.
CSI Chair-Elect Cam Featherstonhaugh, CSI, CDT, AIA was the featured guest on the most recent episode of the Young Architect Podcast, hosted by Michael Riscica.  Listen to the podcast here. ​In this episode, Cam talks about his start in the architecture world, what he’s working on now, and how his involvement with CSI developed. He also discusses the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation, involvement in a community, and the intersection of architecture and music.  Be sure to check out the Young Architect website , and subscribe to the podcast for more interv
0 comments

Phillip L. McDade FCSI, CCS, FASLA, DTM to be Recognized as the 54th Distinguished Member

By CSI HQ posted 09-11-2020
1 person likes this.
​ Phillip L. McDade FCSI, CCS, FASLA, DTM to be Recognized as the 54th Distinguished Member   CSI’s highest honor, the Distinguished Member, is being awarded on November 5 th to Phillip L. McDade FCSI, CCS, FASLA, DTM for his accomplishments within the CSI Community.  Phil will become the 54th Distinguished Member inducted into this elite group with the first inductee dating back to 1954. Phil has more than 38 years of involvement with CSI, with a reputation of encouraging others to get involved, working smarter, and always stressing the importance of mentoring others.  He earns this prestigious award by demonstrating tremendous support for CSI and the ...
3 comments

Class of Fellows Q&A with William Sundquist

By CSI HQ posted 09-08-2020
Be the first person to Like this.
The CSI College of Fellows has selected five new members to the 2020 class , including William Sundquist, CSI. William was nominated through a rigorous application process, then elected by the Jury of Fellows for membership. Fellowship is one of the top two honors given by the Institute. William will be inducted during the virtual Honors and Awards Ceremony taking place later this fall. Here, he shares what the honor means to him, and how he has contributed to—and benefited from—his membership in CSI.   What does being a member of the 2020 Class of Fellows honorees mean to you? It is beyond words for me. This is something I never knew could happen ...
1 comment

CSI’s Certification Exam Registration Is Now Open: PDPG 3rd Edition Now Available

By Beth Winkler posted 09-01-2020
Be the first person to Like this.
CSI’s Certification Exam Registration Is Now Open: PDPG 3rd Edition Now Available Certification Committee News The Fall 2020 Exam Cycle registration has officially opened. CDT, CCS, and CCCA are available this cycle (CCPR is still in a re-evaluation and redevelopment process is not currently an available certification). Early registration runs from August 3-31; standard registration runs from September 1-30; and final registration is from October 1-30. Discounts are available for earlier registration and for students pursing their CDT certification. The fall exam window is available from November 2 through December 4. Test results will be made available ...
0 comments

Giving Back With Rebuilding Together Despite Canceled Rebuild Day

By Beth Winkler posted 09-01-2020
Be the first person to Like this.
Giving Back With Rebuilding Together Despite Canceled Rebuild Day Rebuilding Together Committee News For the first time in 29 years, Rebuilding Together- Metro Chicago canceled the annual National Rebuild Day last April to protect homeowners and volunteers from COVID-19. Many of the homeowners are of a vulnerable population and their needs can go beyond home improvements. RTMC will be providing PPE and food in addition to home improvements that can be performed by their own staff. This would have been CSI Chicago’s third year sponsoring a home and we were looking forward to bringing our group of volunteers to the sponsored home in the Englewood neighborhood. ...
0 comments

2020 Class of Fellows Q&A with Robin Snyder

By CSI HQ posted 08-31-2020
1 person likes this.
The CSI College of Fellows has selected five new members to the 2020 class , including Robin E. Snyder, Esq, CSI, CDT ® , CCS, SCIP. Robin was nominated through a rigorous application process, then elected by the Jury of Fellows for membership. Fellowship is one of the top two honors given by the Institute. Robin will be inducted during the virtual Honors and Awards Ceremony taking place later this fall. Here, she shares what the honor means to her, and how she has contributed to—and benefited from—her membership in CSI. What does being a member of the 2020 Class of Fellows honorees mean to you? I started attending the CSI National Conventions ...
1 comment

Specifications Language: The Meaning of “Shall,” “Will,” and “Must”

By Kevin O'Beirne, PE, FCSI, CCS, CCCA, CDT posted 08-28-2020
2 people like this.
Editor's Note: CSI is pleased to publish this blog from Kevin O’Beirne, PE, FCSI, CCS, CCCA, CDT. If you have an   idea or opinion you would like to share with your colleagues in the construction industry, please contact CSI Content Strategist Peter Kray at  pkray@csinet.org . He would love to help publish your thoughts.   Attorneys and drafters of contracts, including construction specifications, periodically debate whether the words, “shall,” “will,” and “must” are appropriate in contracts. The arguments never end. This writer has read various articles by attorneys presenting opinions on the subject, but most omit a detailed discussion of the words’ ...
0 comments

President Message: Building and Maintaining Relationships Through a Virtual Network

By Brad Schwab, CSI, CDT posted 08-25-2020
Be the first person to Like this.
With the shift from in-person work settings to virtual work settings, traditional methods of building and maintaining relationships have gone out the window. In light of these widespread changes to workplace culture and organization, it is imperative more so than ever that we make an intentional effort to facilitate and maintain virtual interpersonal relationships.   CSI Chicago’s leadership is dedicated to aiding our members in building and maintaining relationships through a virtual network.  I am humbled and impressed by the effort and innovative virtual solutions our committees are coming up with to continue to support our mission to advance the knowledge ...
0 comments

CSI National Honors CSI Chicago Chapter Members

By Brad Schwab, CSI, CDT posted 08-25-2020
Be the first person to Like this.
CSI National announced its 2020 Award Winners and CSI Chicago members earned four CSI awards and will be honored during the virtual CSI Honors and Awards Ceremony later this fall. Click here for the full list of 2020 award recipients. Fellowship – Elias Saltz, CSI, CCS, CDT Congratulations to Chapter Member  Elias Saltz, CSI, CCS, CDT for being selected to be elevated to a CSI Fellow! Fellows of the Institute are chosen by their peers. Nominees must have notably contributed to the advancement of construction technology, the improvement of construction specifications, education, or by service to the Institute.   Take a few minutes ...
0 comments

2020 Class of Fellows Q&A with Lee Ann Slattery

By CSI HQ posted 08-24-2020
Be the first person to Like this.
2020 Class of Fellows Q&A with Lee Ann M. Slattery The CSI College of Fellows has selected five new members to the 2020 class , including Lee Ann M. Slattery, CSI, CDT ® , CCPR, LEED AP BD+C. Lee Ann was nominated through a rigorous application process, then elected by the Jury of Fellows for membership. Fellowship is one of the top two honors given by the Institute. Lee Ann will be inducted during the virtual Honors and Awards Ceremony taking place later this fall. Here, she shares what the honor means to her, and how she has contributed to—and benefited from—her membership in CSI. What does being a member of the 2020 Class of Fellows honorees ...
4 comments

2020 Class of Fellows Q&A with Alan Horne

By CSI HQ posted 08-17-2020
Be the first person to Like this.
The CSI College of Fellows has selected five new members to the 2020 class , including Alan Mitchell Horne Sr., CSI, CCS, CCCA, CDT ® , AIA, LEED AP, NCARB, USGB. Alan was nominated through a rigorous application process, then elected by the Jury of Fellows for membership. Fellowship is one of the top two honors given by the Institute. Alan will be inducted during the virtual Honors and Awards Ceremony taking place later this fall. Here, he shares what the honor means to him, and how he has contributed to—and benefited from—his membership in CSI. What does being a member of the 2020 Class of Fellows honorees mean to you? It is a great honor that has ...
2 comments

Returning to Work: Billy Mathis Outlines his Office’s Strategy

By Billy Mathis, FCSI, CDT posted 08-17-2020
1 person likes this.
Returning to Work: Billy Mathis Outlines his Office’s Strategy   As part of the COVID-19 Response Team for Institute, I wrote a short entry in May of this year on the steps that were being taken at my office to allow a semi-return to normalcy. In summary, we broke the office into two teams, each team coming in on off days (1 team MWF and the other TT and then reverse). https://www.csiresources.org/communities/community-home/digestviewer/viewthread?GroupId=601&MessageKey=5d1a45a4-5248-4324-b9c5-437a1868814d&CommunityKey=6160641f-e2b1-41db-90ca-a973bd97000f&tab=digestviewer&ReturnUrl=%2fbrowse%2fallrecentposts   I also discussed our ...
0 comments