CSI Blog

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 ...

There’s no bigger story in business right now than the many ways AI is altering how professionals work on a daily basis, both at the office and in the field. Which is precisely why the upcoming CSI National Conference in Phoenix, AZ, October 7—9, will wrap up with an impactful keynote presentation on AI as a Leadership Imperative . “There’s a lot of buzz around AI and there certainly has been for the last three years,” said Stellis AI CEO Trent Gillespie, who will fill the closing keynote role. “But in my mind, it’s kind of met its peak, and everything that’s been hidden for the last three years is basically happening right now.” ...

Just six months ago, Greg Carr, CDT ® , of the Ayres Associates Engineering Services Team, sat down with CSI to discuss how the Construction Documents Technologist (CDT ® ) certification has positively impacted his career. Now, with his sights set on earning the CCCA ® and CCS ® , he shares how he continues to increase his understanding and expertise in the AECO industry, and how rewarding a career can be when you make a commitment to never stop learning. CSI: Greg, looking back at our previous conversation with you, I was really impressed by how many different aspects of the AECO industry you connect to. What are some of the bigger trends ...