CSI Blog

CSI Members and Community, At last week’s CSI National Conference we promised you a spec, not just a rendering: what to expect, when to expect it, and how to check it. Here are five takeaways from the Board meeting that followed the conference, each with a next step and a date. The Board met October 10 and 11 in Phoenix, immediately following the conference. Directors came in with notes from a week of conversations with members, and those notes shaped our discussion. 1. Members are more prominent in CSI’s Ends The Board adopted revised Ends that emphasize our commitment to our members. "Members and AECO professionals" now appears throughout, ...

Moving from research into construction consulting brought new challenges for Chris Waller, a water and wastewater engineering consultant with HDR. While his research background provided a strong technical foundation, he wanted to better understand construction documents, project delivery, and the communication needed to keep projects moving forward. In this CSI Certification Spotlight, Waller shares how earning his CDT ® certification helped him build that understanding, approach project challenges with greater confidence, and recognize the importance of continuous learning. Please tell me a little about your professional career and how you ...

This year, CSI welcomed Mary-Alice Avila, FCSI, CDT ® , to the CSI College of Fellows. She is one of only six distinguished professionals in the architecture, engineering, construction, and owner (AECO) industry named to the 2026 class . She was nominated through a rigorous application process, then elected by the Jury of Fellows for membership, one of the top honors given by CSI. Ahead of celebrating this achievement at the 2026 CSI National Conference , October 7-9 in Phoenix, AZ, we talked with her about her career and becoming a CSI Fellow. What does this honor mean to you? Striving to learn and earn my place in the AECO profession ...

This year, CSI welcomed William “Chip” Hayward, FCSI, CCS ® , CCCA ® , CDT ® , to the CSI College of Fellows. He is one of only six distinguished professionals in the architecture, engineering, construction, and owner (AECO) industry named to the 2026 class . He was nominated through a rigorous application process, then elected by the Jury of Fellows for membership, one of the top honors given by CSI. Ahead of celebrating this achievement at the 2026 CSI National Conference , October 7-9 in Phoenix, AZ, we talked with him about his career and becoming a CSI Fellow. What does this honor mean to you? Several of my CSI mentors and advisors ...

As the founder and chief curiosity officer of The Leadership Experts, Nora Burns has redefined what it means to understand workplace culture from the inside out. During her keynote at the 2026 CSI National Conference (Oct. 7-9 in Phoenix, AZ), she’ll share that knowledge with the AECO industry. A former Fortune 200 leader, Nora has led teams through complex challenges, transforming companies from the boardroom to the front lines. But Nora’s true game-changer? The Undercover Project™, an independent research initiative in which she went incognito, applying for over 350 jobs and working frontline roles at Fortune 500 companies as The Undercover Employee™. ...

As someone who has worked in the door hardware business since he was in college, Brandon Smith knows a thing or two about the construction process. Today he is the owner of DoorWays SLO, a company in San Luis Obispo, CA, that provides architectural doorways for commercial builders. He also holds certifications with both the Door Hardware Institute and Construction Specifications Institute. He recently shared some insights about his early and ongoing work in the AECO industry and how the CDT ® certification has helped guide him both professionally and personally in the industry. Brandon, it's nice to meet you. I'd love to hear a little about ...

CSI members and community, This time of year always has a certain energy to it. Chapters are gearing back up to begin their new program year after summer pauses and planning sessions, and there is a lot happening across CSI as everyone gets back into the swing of things. It is a good moment to step back and remind ourselves why this organization exists and the value we get by being a part of it. So, before I get into where things stand on a few commitments I made to you in my last update, I want to start there. CSI exists so that specifiers, architects, engineers, contractors, product representatives, owners, and everyone else whose work depends ...

This year, CSI welcomed Kristopher Benton, FCSI, CDT ® , to the CSI College of Fellows. He is one of only six distinguished professionals in the architecture, engineering, construction, and owner (AECO) industry named to the 2026 class. He was nominated through a rigorous application process, then elected by the Jury of Fellows for membership, one of the top honors given by CSI. Ahead of celebrating this achievement at the 2026 CSI National Conference , October 7-9 in Phoenix, AZ, we talked with him about his career and becoming a CSI Fellow. What does this honor mean to you? For me, earning a Fellowship in CSI is not just about ...

This year, CSI welcomed Matthew Gregory, FCSI, Member Emeritus, CCS ® , CDT ® , to the CSI College of Fellows. He is one of only six distinguished professionals in the architecture, engineering, construction, and owner (AECO) industry named to the 2026 class. He was nominated through a rigorous application process, then elected by the Jury of Fellows for membership, one of the top honors given by CSI. Ahead of celebrating this achievement at the 2026 CSI National Conference , October 7-9 in Phoenix, AZ, we talked with him about his career and becoming a CSI Fellow. What does this honor mean to you? To receive this award ...