Blogs

Liquidated Damages—Enforcing Damages for Late Completion

By Kevin O'Beirne, PE, FCSI, CCS, CCCA, CDT posted 3 days ago
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This is the last in a three-part series on liquidated damages in construction contracts. The first post in the series addressed the various types of damages and how liquidated damages should be determined and specified. The second part presented an example of documenting the basis for liquidated damages for late completion. This final part addresses enforcing liquidated damages during construction. Read Part 1 Read Part 2 The contractor on your project is behind schedule and will not comply with the contract times. The construction contract has a liquidated damages clause. Now what? How does the owner get compensation for its financial damages? ...
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CSI Connect Community—Supply Chain Issues

By CSI HQ posted 3 days ago
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The CSI Connect Community at CSIResources.org is the interactive, go-to digital resource for AECO (Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Owner) professionals to have real-time conversations about pressing issues, discuss current trends, and even talk about events outside of work. A recent post asked, “Shipping and supply problems continue to plague business across industries. Amazon started its "Black Friday-worthy deals" almost two months ahead of the holiday season to get out ahead of shipping demands. What supply issues are you seeing in the AECO Industry, and what creative solutions are you employing to minimize their impact on the work you do?” ...
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The New CSI: a Personal and Professional Perspective

By Ronald Geren, FCSI, Lifetime Member, CCS, CCCA, CDT, AIA, CSC, S posted 17 days ago
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The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) launched a “renewed CSI,” with a new   brand and vision   focused on “building a new future” for the organization, during the CSI National Conference, Sept. 22-24, in Nashville, with CSI Board Chair Marvin Kemp, FCSI, CDT, and CSI CEO, Mark Dorsey, FASAE, CAE, sharing how, “The new brand reveals a vision of creating a deeper sense of community, being a center for innovation, and elevating the profession.” Ronald Geren, FCSI Lifetime Member, CCS, CCCA, AIA, CSC, SCIP shares his thoughts on the new direction for CSI.   Personally, I like the new look. Beyond the explanation given by Marvin and Mark at ...
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Liquidated Damages: Documenting the Basis for Damages for Late Completion

By Kevin O'Beirne, PE, FCSI, CCS, CCCA, CDT posted 18 days ago
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This is the second in a three-part series on liquidated damages in construction contracts. The first part addressed the various types of damages and how liquidated damages should be determined and specified. This post presents an example of documenting the basis for liquidated damages. The final part will address enforcing liquidated damages during construction. The basis for liquidated damages, and any other damages to which the contractor will be subject for late completion, should be documented in a design stage memo retained in the project files of the owner, design professional, and construction manager as advisor (CMa, if any). Such documentation will ...
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President’s Message: Learnings and insights from the 2021 CSI National Conference

By Jennifer Friedland, CSI, CDT posted 27 days ago
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This past week, I had the opportunity to reconnect with my fellow CSIrs, in Nashville, TN at the National Conference. As you may know, outside of the many workshops available and highly anticipated award ceremony (CSI Chicago was presented with two awards), we were apprised of some upcoming structural changes from National that will impact CSI Chicago.  The list of changes begins with: new suggested boundaries for chapters within our already outlined region, a significant change (for Chicago) in membership dues value and distribution for each chapter beginning with the member renewal process, a new logo and brand promise for the association, and a strong commitment ...
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CSI National Conference Reunites Industry, Puts Opportunities in Focus

By Peter Kray posted 28 days ago
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CSI National Conference wrapped up a rewarding return to in-person meetings in Nashville, TN this week, with an event marked by sold-out attendance, the unveiling of a new brand and vision strategy for the storied association, and an illuminating series of keynote speakers and workshops focused on the unlimited potential the AECO (Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Owner) industry is poised to harness. “The new logo and new look represent a new way of thinking about who we are and what we do,” CSI Board Chair Marvin Kemp, FCSI, CDT told the crowd at the Grand Hyatt Summit Ballroom when announcing the association’s new focus, while also remarking ...
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CSI National Conference Day 2 – New Look and Vision for CSI, Curtis Moody Speech Opens Conference + Class of Fellows Induction

By Peter Kray posted 30 days ago
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The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) launched a “renewed CSI,” with a new brand and vision focused on “building a new future” for the organization, during Day 2 of the CSI National Conference, Sept. 22-24, in Nashville. CSI’s new brand reveals a vision of creating a deeper sense of community, being a center for innovation, and elevating the profession. “The new logo and new look represent a new way of thinking about who we are and what we do,” said CSI Board Chair Marvin Kemp, FCSI, CDT. “It acknowledges the new direction of a community of professionals who are creating an enjoyable, productive, safe, and accessible future benefiting humanity.” ...
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Construction Specifications Institute Unveils New Look and Vision at CSI National Conference

By Peter Kray posted 30 days ago
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The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) launched a “renewed CSI,” with a new brand and vision focused on “building a new future” for the organization, during the CSI National Conference, Sept. 22-24, in Nashville. CSI’s new brand reveals a vision of creating a deeper sense of community, being a center for innovation, and elevating the profession. “The new logo and new look represent a new way of thinking about who we are and what we do,” says CSI Board Chair Marvin Kemp, FCSI, CDT. “It acknowledges the new direction of a community of professionals who are creating an enjoyable, productive, safe, and accessible future benefiting humanity.” “It’s ...
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CSI National Conference Opens Today – Three Things to Know

By Peter Kray posted 09-22-2021
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CSI National Conference kicks off in Nashville, Tenn., today with pre-conference events including a Level Up Leadership Workshop, Speed Networking Session, and Chapter & Region Leader Q&A with CSI Board Chair Marvin Kemp and CSI Chief Executive Officer Mark Dorsey.   Here are Three Things to Know to keep you connected at the Conference, or to follow all the action from your office or home. CSI’s New Look and Vision will be Unveiled Thursday! Tomorrow, on Thursday, Sept. 23 at 1:45pm ET, CSI will unveil the new look and vision of CSI's future , live from the National Conference. The unveiling ...
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CSI Reimagined

By Randall Lewis, CSI, AIA posted 09-22-2021
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CSI Reimagined- Follow Up Notes For Consideration CSI Experience: Chapter Management – Has CSI helped you to be a better leader at work and in life? Knowledge Source - Has CSI allowed you a broad range of people to learn from and share with? Profitable Business - Has CSI helped you in your business to grow and become more profitable? Training - Has CSI given you training and allowed you to grow your training skills? If you can answer Yes to most or all of these questions, then you have a core knowledge of the importance and value of CSI. The next generation needs these same skills. Are we asking them to join us to learn and grow? ...
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Meet CSI Board Director from West Division Patrick Comerford

By Patrick Comerford, CSI, CCPR, CDT posted 09-21-2021
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The recently elected CSI Board of Directors began their term July 1. Here, in their own words, they discuss their history with the association, how it has benefited their professional experience, and the immediate and long-term opportunities they see for CSI in the years to come. Meet Patrick Comerford, CSI, CCPR TM , CDT ® , the new Board Director from West Division. How did you first become involved with CSI, and how has that helped your professional experience grow? The Spec writer for K-12 school firm said he wouldn’t see me anymore until I joined CSI. It was the single best ‘bullying’ I have received in my career. What are your goals as a member ...
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How Masonry & Tile Fit into the Net Zero Energy/Carbon Discussion

By Ken Lambert, CSI posted 09-17-2021
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With the building sector accounting for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, achieving net zero is a challenge that’s increasingly top of mind for AECO (Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Owner) professionals. It’s not just the design and building industry that’s pushing for change—from the public to politicians, reducing our carbon footprint is a priority for many. Of course, working or living in a building that does not release any carbon emissions is a very worthwhile goal. This is evident across the nation. Architecture 2030 seeks a 50%-65% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030. SE2050 , representing structural engineers, has similar goals. ...
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Meet New CSI Board Director at Large Jarrod Mann

By Jarrod Mann, PE, CSI, CDT, LEED AP posted 09-14-2021
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The recently elected CSI Board of Directors began their term July 1. Here, in their own words, they discuss their history with the association, how it has benefited their professional experience, and the immediate and long-term opportunities they see for CSI in the years to come. Meet Jarrod Mann, PE, CSI, CDT ® , the new CSI Board Director at Large. How did you first become involved with CSI, and how has that helped your professional experience grow?   I joined CSI in 2006 as a young engineer looking to expand my professional network and to find a way to bring a unique value back to my firm. My 15 years in CSI have helped me far exceed those original ...
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Construction Technology: An Interview with National Conference Keynote Speaker Damon Hernandez

By CSI HQ posted 09-02-2021
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Damon Hernandez, President at SIMLAB , and co-founder of IDEAbuilder, a high-tech building company that uses immersive technologies and robotic manufacturing to build structures more efficiently, will be a keynote speaker at the CSI National Conference in Nashville on Friday, September 24 th . https://www.csiresources.org/conference/home Here, he discusses the current trends in construction as it relates to technology and the intersection of traditional CAD (computer-aided design) and shares some examples on how modern technology is impacting the future of construction. What are some of the key ways technology is changing our industry, and what do you ...
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Akron-Canton CSI 2021-2022 Board Bio's Available

By Jillian Tipton posted 09-02-2021
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Akron-Canton CSI would like to thank our 2021-2022 Board of Directors for their dedication to our chapter of CSI. Click here to view our 2021-2022 Board Bio sheet to learn more about each board member!
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Liquidated Damages: Compensation for Late Completion

By Kevin O'Beirne, PE, FCSI, CCS, CCCA, CDT posted 09-01-2021
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This is the first in a three-part series on liquidated damages in construction contracts. This post addresses the various types of damages and how liquidated damages should be determined and specified. The second part will present an example of documenting the basis for liquidated damages. The final part will address enforcing liquidated damages during construction. Construction contracts typically include a clause asserting that “time is of the essence” with respect to the contractor completing the work within the stipulated contract times. Most construction contracts also impose on the contractor “liquidated damages”, typically expressed as a stipulated ...
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Thank You for Your Service: T.J. Gottwalt On His Service to CSI

By T.J. Gottwalt, FCSI, CCPR, CDT, AHC, CDC posted 08-24-2021
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CSI thanks T.J. Gottwalt for his contributions to the association as a member of the Board of Directors from the SE Region. T.J. shares why it was important for him to “give back” to CSI, the significance of certification programs, and the potential for technology in construction. Why was it important for you to serve on the CSI Board?  I feel very strongly that CSI has had a very positive influence on my career, and within the industry that I’ve worked in my entire career. I wanted to serve on the CSI Board as a way to give back to CSI, even in some small way, for all the education, certifications, and opportunities it has garnered me. What benefit ...
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Jonnie Cox Reflects on Her Time on the CSI Board

By Jonnie Cox, RA, FCSI, NCARB posted 08-24-2021
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Jonnie talks about how being on the board helped her contribute to the growth of CSI, the importance of the professional community, and what she sees as the association’s immediate opportunities. CSI recognizes and thanks Jonnie Cox for the five years she spent on the association’s Board of Directors, first as Treasurer and most recently as Director at Large.  Why was it important to you to serve on the CSI Board? I’ve been on the board for five years. My first two years as Treasurer, which was a rocky time both from a financial and governance standpoint. After completing my term as Treasurer, I felt CSI was at a crucial place where there needed to be ...
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2021 Class of Fellows Q&A with Edwin Avink

By Edwin Avink, FCSI, CCS, CDT posted 08-20-2021
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The CSI College of Fellows has selected three new members to the 2021 Class, including Edwin Avink, CSI, CDT ®, CCS ® . Edwin 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. Edwin will be inducted during the CSI Celebrates taking place at the CSI National Conference in Nashville, Tenn., on September 23, beginning at 5:30 pm at the Grand Hyatt Nashville. Here, Edwin 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 2021 Class of Fellows honorees ...
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2021 Class of Fellows Q&A with Dean Bortz

By Dean Bortz, MA, FCSI, CCPR, CDT posted 08-13-2021
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The CSI College of Fellows has selected three new members to the 2021 Class, including Dean Bortz, CSI, CDT ®, CCPR ® . Dean 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. Dean will be inducted during the CSI Celebrates taking place at the CSI National Conference in Nashville, Tenn., on September 23, beginning at 5:30 pm at the Grand Hyatt Nashville. Here, Edwin 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 2021 Class of Fellows honorees ...
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