SPECtectonics 032015

CSI Houston Chapter The Construction Specifications Institute March 2015 March 23, 2015 Board / Chapter Meeting

CSI Houston March Program “The Wood Revolution”

3 ਫਠਢਤ + ( 6 6 %XLO GLQJ 5430 Westheimer Road 7ਨ ਬਤ ਯ ਬ 5 HJLVW UDW LRQ DQG mixer) ਯ ਬ ( YHQLQJ 0 HDO DQG Meeting) &ਮਲਲ਼ Gratis to CSI members; $35.00 to non members at the door.

5 ਤਲਤ਱ਵਠਲ਼ਨ ਮਭਲ * R W R http://www.csihouston.org

Inside this issue: CSI Houston Chapter March Program Leadership Directory

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President’s Message

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Board Meeting Minutes

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Sponsor Advertisements

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Furnish, Install, Provide?

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CSI Sponsor Advertisements 7, 8

There is a quiet revolution going on in Europe and Canada—a revolution that will likely change the way structural wood building systems are viewed.

Inspired by an article in the March 2014 issue of the Construction Specifier, the March meeting will seek to highlight the innovative and technological advances in engineered heavy timber construction as it relates to its structural and seismic abilities, acoustics, fire resistance, sustainability and how the latest and future editions of the International Building Code are increasingly recognizing this type of construction. Rounding off the discussion will be a case study of a 40-story office tower, planned for the realities of contemporary urban office developments in a typical North American City. Make no mistake – this is far removed from the familiar stick frame construction that we are accustomed to.

We are excited to introduce our acclaimed panel of experts: Sherry Mundell, South Central Technical Advisor, WoodWorks – Wood Products Council

Nick Bevanda, Architect, CEI Architecture, Vancouver BC

Strictly Smith-ly, “How Architect’s Decisions Make It Into Specifications” 8, 9 Strictly Smith-ly, “Professional Certifications” 10 SCR Region Conference

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CSI Houston Calendar

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Houston Chapter Website: http://www.csihouston.org

Please join us at our March 23, CSI Houston Chapter meeting for an interesting and informative evening of discussion.

2014—2015 COMMITTEE CHAIRS

CSI HOUSTON CHAPTER 2014—2015 CHAPTER OFFICERS President

Neil Byrne, CSI, CDT, CPA (281) 354-1100 npbyrne@byrnemetals.com

Past President

Robert P. Byrne, CSI (713) 632-4790 rbyrne56@icloud.com

President Elect

Holly Jordan, CSI, CCS, LEED AP, SCIP (713) 407-7700 holly.jordan@hok.com

VP Finance/ Admin.

Chuck Vojtech, CSI (281) 227-3577 chuck@rpcinc.com

VP Professional Development

Tim Wilson, CSI (832) 289-6765 twilson@weatherizationpartners.com

VP Member Services

VP Public Services

Tom Atwell, CSI (713) 877-8879 Tom.atwell@cushwake.com

Alex Bernard, CSI, CCPR (713) 407 7700 alex.benard@hok.com

Membership

Mark LeCrone (713) 907-5037 Mark.LeCrone@allegion.com

Certification

Greg Quintero, CSI, CDT, AIA, LEED AP (713) 356-1300 greg.quintero@gensler.com

Awards

Amy Salmeron, CSI, CDT 713-460-5216 asalmeron@assaabloydss.com

Continuing Education

Betsy Finch, CSI (713) 806-3401 bfinch@southtexasreps.com

Treasurer

Bill Fairbanks, CSI, CCPR (281) 227-3577 fairbanks@rpcinc.com 2014—2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Grant Groeschel, CSI, AIA, LEED AP (713) 934-4891 ggroeschel@besam-usa.com

Director through 2016

Don Ude, CSI (281) 685-0164 dude127@sbcglobal.net

Grant Groeschel, CSI (713)-520-0155 ggroeschel@besam-usa.com

Golf Tournament

Holly Jordan, CSI, CCS, LEED AP, SCIP (713) 407-7700 holly.jordan@hok.com

Table Top

Holly Jordan, CSI, CCS, LEED AP, SCIP (713) 407-7700 holly.jordan@hok.com

CIC Delegate

Bill Fairbanks, CSI, CCPR (281) 227-3577 fairbanks@rpcinc.com

CIC Alternate

Jeff Holstein, CSI, CDT

Amy Salmeron, CSI, CDT 713-460-5216 asalmeron@assaabloydss.com

Director through 2015

Mark Koehler, CSI (713) 781-6006 mkoehler@siplast.com

Public Relations/Marketing

Don Smith, CSI, CCS, RA, LEED AP (713) 688-0092 don.smith315@sbcglobal.net

Secretary

Director through 2015

Programs

2014—2015 CSI HOUSTON SPEC.TECTONICS SPEC.tectonics Editor

Don Smith, CSI, CCS, RA, LEED AP (713) 688-0092 don.smith315@sbcglobal.net

2014—2015 CSI HOUSTON WEBSITE

Director through 2016

Director through 2017

Logan Vits, CSI, CCPR, LEED GA (713) 703-5201 lvits@assaabloydss.com Jeff Holstien, CSI, CDT (281) 850-4659 dhi8710@aol.com

Webmaster

2014—2015 CSI HOUSTON FOUNDATION President,

Alex Bernard, CSI, CCPR (713) 407 7700 Alex.benard@hok.com

Secretary Treasurer Committee Chair

Board Advisory Director

Doug Frank, FCSI, CCS (281) 660-6246 specman.doug@gmail.com

Al Pasek, CSI, CCPR (713) 880-4343 al.pasek@lsdecker.com

Past PresidentGreg Roberts, FAIA, FCSI, CCS, ACHA, LEED AP Vice President

Director through 2017

Logan Vits, CSI, CCPR, LEED AP (281) 703-5201 Logan.Vits@assaabloy.com

Bill Fairbanks, CSI, CCPR Diann Reid, CSI, CCS, CCCA, LEED AP Bob Cook, CSI, AHC James Sandoz, CSI, CDT

Director

Jeff Holstien, CSI, CDT

Director

Don Smith, CSI CCS, RA, LEED AP

CSI SOUTH CENTRAL REGION (http://www.scr-csi.org) / INSTITUTE LEADERS (http://www.csinet.org) SC Region President

Melody A. Stinson, CSI, CCS, AIA, LEED AP (405) 942-7337

Institute Director

Kirby M. Davis, CSI, CDT (203)

671-7210 mas@rees.com

irby-

davis@hotmail.com

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CSI HOUSTON

March 2015 President’s Message

by Neil P. Byrne, CSI President, CSI Houston Chapter February was another great month at CSI Houston and we have more good things lined up in March and beyond.

For those interested in passing the CDT exam, we have set up an “exam cram” to help you achieve that goal. The date has been set for Saturday, March 21st at HOK’s new offices. A Constant Contact invite has already been sent out, please sign up and take advantage of this great opportunity.

As a reminder, the South Central Region (SCR) Conference will be held in Lubbock, TX this year on April 16th – 18th. I hope to see all of you there.

Lastly, CSI Houston has a new twitter handle, @CSIHOU, please follow us for important Chapter updates.

I look forward to seeing you all at the March meeting.

Remember, please help increase membership and member participation by advocating R.U.N CSI!

At each monthly meeting, the Chapter encourages Industry Members to provide a table top display of their products and services for the inspection and education of those attending the meeting.

The table top display is also encouraged to be presented during the social hour and after the program for any questions by attendees.

The presentation fee is $200 for members and $250 for non-members, or free with a Golf Sponsorship pledge.

Contact: don.smith315@sbdglobal.net SPEC.TECTONICS

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CSI HOUSTON

CSI Board Meeting Minutes Houston Chapter CSI Location: HESS Building – 5430 Westheimer Road – Houston, TX January 26, 2015 Present: Alex Bernard, Betsy Finch, Bill Fairbanks, Chuck Vojtech, Don Smith, Don Ude, Doug Frank, Holly Jordan, Jeff Holstein, Neil Byrne, Tom Atwell President Neil Byrne called the meeting to order at 4:07 p.m.

The November 2014 Board Meeting Minutes were approved.

Scholarship: Bill Fairbanks reported the Foundation has $4,000.00 budgeted for scholarships.

Don Ude “moved the CSI Houston chapter commit $8,000.00 to the Foundation for scholarships”. The motion was seconded and approved.

Meeting adjourned at 5:10 p.m.

Betsy Finch, CSI Chapter Secretary

Vice President Reports Finance/Administration: Chuck Vojtech Treasurer’s Report: Bill Fairbanks Bill distributed the Profit & Loss Statement dated January 26, 2015. Don Smith reported he has sent out emails for newsletter ad renewals.

Professional Development: Tim Wilson Continuing Education: CDT Certification: Greg Quintero Neil reported the chapter would offer “CDT Exam Cram” on March 21st at the offices of HOK. Member Services: Tom Atwell Programs: Alex Bernard Neil reported there are one hundred and forty one RSVPs for the January chapter meeting and fourteen tabletops reserved.

Alex reported programs are scheduled through June.

W HERE IS YOUR BUSINESS A DVERTISEMENT ?

A quarter page ad is only $250 for 12 issues A half page ad is only $500 for 12 issues

Membership: Mark LeCrone Neil reported current membership is at one hundred and ninety members.

A business card ad is only $225 for 12 issues

Awards: Amy Salmeron Neil asked for ideas from the board members for the Craftsman Award and requested board members email Amy with their ideas for the award.

(713) 688-0092 or don.smith315@sbcglobal.net

Contact Don Smith at for more information.

Table Top Display: Amy Peevey Neil reported that Amy has resigned her chair position.

Public Services: Don Smith SPEC.tectonics: Don Smith Don reported the current newsletter has been posted to the website.

Electronic Communications: Logan Vits No report.

Other Business: Pat Kiley: The board discussed making a donation to Pat Kiley. Chuck Vojtech “moved to donate $500.00 to Pat Kiley”. The motion was seconded and approved.

SPEC.TECTONICS

At each monthly meeting, the Chapter encourages Industry Members to provide a table top display of their products and services for the inspection and education of those attending the meeting.

The table top display is also encouraged to be presented during the social hour and after the program for any questions by attendees.

The presentation fee is $200 for members and $250 for non-members, or free with a Golf Sponsorship pledge.

Contact: don.smith315@sbdglobal.net

MARCH 2015 - PAGE 4

CSI HOUSTON

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CSI HOUSTON

Furnish, Install, Provide?

By Sheldon Wolfe, RA, FCSI, CCS, CCCA, CSC Most architects, I believe, define the terms furnish (or supply), install, and provide, and sometimes those definitions appear in an owner's general conditions.

When defined, they are part of the contract documents, and requirements using them are enforceable based on those definitions. In practice, perhaps because the definitions are nearly ubiquitous, I have had few problems with interpretation by contractors, or with enforcement.

Oddly, it's architects who seem to have the most trouble understanding and using these definitions, even though the definitions originate in the architect's own office. In casual conversation, it's common to use furnish and provide interchangeably. This should be no surprise, as the first definition of furnish is either provide or supply in every definition I found, and definitions for provide usually are make available, supply, or cause to be present, all of which also define furnish.

for the owner, either furnishing materials for installation by the constructor, or furnishing and installing materials for the owner. In either case, an additional term is not required; a vendor works either for the owner or for the constructor, and a vendor who works for the constructor is a subcontractor.

In casual conversation, incorrect use of defined terms may be an inconvenience, but when defined terms are used imprecisely in conversation with a client, whether in formal or informal communication, incorrect interpretation is almost inevitable.

To eliminate these problems, consider elimination of the term provide, instead, using the slightly longer, but unmistakable furnish and install. Some would argue this is not necessary, and I agree. In balance, though, the advantage of clarity and the elimination of the need to continually discuss the speaker's intent can outweigh the simplicity and elegance of using provide.

How often have these definitions led to problems for you? Š 2015, Sheldon Wolfe, RA, FCSI, CCS, CCCA, CSC Agree? Disagree? Leave your comments at http:// swspecificthoughts.blogspot.com/.

When used in casual conversation outside the office, there usually is no problem, as no further precision is needed, and we aren't concerned about installation.

However, when used in casual conversation in the architect's office, or in conversation between architect and owner, there is at least a potential problem.

If a specifier, or an architect who cares about such things, is involved in the conversation, it's likely that the precise definition will become part of the discussion, and the related contract documents will use the correct definitions. But without the involvement of such a person, it's quite possible that the contract documents will use the wrong, or conflicting, definitions.

A similar problem exists with references meant to indicate either who is furnishing or who is providing something, for example, by owner or by contractor. I have seen countless references of this sort, and each time asked what the intent was. The responses have been inconsistent, sometimes meaning furnished by and other times meaning provided by.

To further complicate the issue, I have seen increasing use of the term vendor. In the context of the construction contract, there typically are two or three defined entities: The owner, the architect, and the constructor (contractor, CM, or design-builder). Everything must be furnished, or installed, or furnished and installed, by either the owner or the constructor. In my experience, a "vendor" is most often a company that works directly SPEC.TECTONICS

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CSI HOUSTON

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CSI HOUSTON

“Strictly SMITH-ly” How Architect’s Decisions Make It Into Specifications

By Donald F. Smith, Jr., CSI CCS RA LEED AP I am always amazed at the creative ways that decision makers communicate their desires.

Shortly after I took over writing specifications full time and was quite busy, I had a project architect in the firm I work for approach me and tell me that he had “a project that would start next month and that it had glass in it.” So far, so good, I thought.

In a week or two after our first encounter, he showed up again and pronounced “Don, its going to be bronze glass.”

After weeks passed and a few more of these brief encounters, a picture was beginning to develop. I had no reason to believe that he was not completely serious, but I started to wonder why anyone would communicate in such a way that would make the listener doubt their sanity. Nothing was ever written down, not even on the smallest of “Sticky Notes.” The flow of this almost monotonous information was endless. I was beginning to believe I was the butt of some very cruel joke.

It was as if every little scrap of a information was engraved on a grain of sand on an endless beach that was shifted and re-deposited by the action of each new wave as time went by.

At least with computers, you have the benefit of the day-time group to help you sort things out.

But, it still does nothing to help sort out the changes impact on the related work of other sections.

At each monthly meeting, the Chapter encourages Industry Members to provide a table top display of their products and services for the inspection and education of those attending the meeting.

The table top display is also encouraged to be presented during the social hour and after the program for any questions by attendees.

The presentation fee is $200 for members and $250 for non-members, or free with a Golf Sponsorship pledge.

Contact: don.smith315@sbdglobal.net

SPEC.TECTONICS

I left engineering school shortly after my second year in college began for many reasons, including the premonition that I would be picking products out of catalogs for someone else to use for the rest of my life.

It’s funny how these little daydreams come back to haunt you.

MARCH 2015 - PAGE 8

Continued on page 9

CSI HOUSTON

Continued from Page 8

But anyway, it has always amazed me how a tide of emails containing cut sheets of catalogs with multiple items each with multiple options and accessories arrive without a manufacturer’s name or decisions marked to show what is wanted. It makes you wonder what they are willing to seal and sign.

Review comments are likewise troublesome.

Review comments are normally handled in the form of comments in a pdf file. There is not just one version but overlapping comments from the several required submittal dates and no mention of what is superseded or now following a new decision path.

Comments can also come from a project client representative. These comments are usually directed to the project architect. Forwarding these to the specifier without the project architect taking action on them can be dangerous from many points of view. Even skilled project representatives can look at something and not understand its use. One client representative once told me “Sometimes I look but I don’t see.”

Teamwork gets the job done. There is no better help than another set of eyes looking at something from a different perspective.

tion can be offered for consideration, but only the project architect can weigh the decisions to use it or not as only he has all he information and responsibility to make such a decision.

A Design Development Phase Outline Specification is a good place to evaluate the products, materials and systems that comprise a project. But even in this early stage, decisions still must rely on judgment, objectives, function, and budgets. A project architect once asked me for a generic roofing spec. It was early in the Design Development phase of the project so I responded “Sure, what kind of roof is it; clay tile, sheet metal, modified bitumen?” Then a curious look appeared on her face and she turned and walked away from me.

I keep going back to Yogi, my personal philosopher . . .

"If you don't know where you're going, you might wind up someplace else."

Yogi Berra … Just my opinion, Donald F. Smith, Jr., CSI, CCS, RA, LEED™ AP

Forwarding changes without specific instructions on what they are for can also be dangerous.

Take for example new cut sheets for products and materials that are different than those originally sent to the specifier. Are they substitutions fr the original instructions? Are they changes for only some items, but not all? What happens to the original decisions?

This is where the specifier has to remind the reviewer that the specifier works in the “NonFiction” department of our profession and cannot fabricate facts based on what the specifier thinks is required. The project architect that signs and seals the drawings and project manual is responsible for the decisions and content of both drawings and specifications. The project architect attends meetings with the client and the consultants, listens to the pros and cons of the options available, and makes decisions or causes decisions to be made by a consultant that he can support in the interest of the client.

W HERE IS YOUR BUSINESS A DVERTISEMENT ?

A quarter page ad is only $250 for 12 issues A half page ad is only $500 for 12 issues A business card ad is only $225 for 12 issues Contact Don Smith at (713) 688-0092 or don.smith315@sbcglobal.net

If a specifier sees a problem that has not been addressed or addressed adequately, a suggesSPEC.TECTONICS

MARCH 2015 - PAGE 9

for more information.

CSI HOUSTON

“Strictly SMITH-ly”

So, again, you must ask yourself what do these mean to me? They represent a minimum level of knowledge attained and a quest to learn at least one something new each day.

Professional Certifications

By Donald F. Smith, Jr., CSI CCS RA LEED AP “Building Knowledge and Improving Project Delivery” is the motto of the Construction Specifications Institute. The various certifications granted by the Institute through examination attest to the minimum level of knowledge attained by the individuals of the various design and construction processes.

CSI’s core purpose is “to improve the process of creating and sustaining the built environment.” So before investing your time and energy in becoming certified, it might be wise to think about what certification means and how becoming certified helps the individual.

The Construction Documents Technologist (CDT) is an elite group of professionals known in the construction industry for their comprehensive knowledge of writing and management of construction documents.

The Certified Construction Specifier (CCS) is given to individuals who have gained an in-depth understanding of agreements and their relationship to the Contract Documents, general and supplementary conditions of the Contract, Division 01 - General Requirements, and their relationship to the specifications, and advanced skills in specification development. A CCS must have at least five years full time specification writing experience before sitting for the CCS certification exam.

What do certification mean to others? If you are employed as part of a design team, your qualifications as well as other team members are put forward in each project proposal as the collective knowledge, experience and judgment that will guide to project through to it’s completion.

What is your employer thinking about your certification? As part of the team, your individual skills contribute not only in the preparation of your own work, but also to the results of the entire the entire project design team. Everyone on the team benefits from another set of knowledgeable eyes.

Project success comes from the efforts of the entire team. The best reward possible for project success is the continued trust of a client and the reward of another project to work on together.

"In a time of drastic change it is the learners who inherit the future. The learned usually find themselves equipped to live in a world that no longer exists. " Eric Hoffer … Just my opinion, Donald F. Smith, Jr., CSI, CCS, RA, LEED™ AP

The Certified Construction Contract Administrator (CCCA) has an in-depth understanding of developing, administering, and enforcing construction documentation and construction contracts. People with CCCA certification have proven their skill in quality assurance, and quality control, bidding and negotiating procedures, construction observation and inspection, and knowledge of agreements, conditions of the contact for construction, Division 01, and of the other documents related to the project.

The Certified Construction Product Representative (CCPR) certification is given to individuals who have proven to be a valuable resource called opn by the design team for product and construction knowledge and who understands the roles and responsibilities of the members of the entire construction team.

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CSI HOUSTON

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CSI HOUSTON

63( & ŕśœŕś?ŕś‹ŕśœŕś—ŕś–ŕś‘ ŕś‹ŕś› LV D P RQW KO \ SXEO LFDW LRQ RI W KH +RXVW RQ &KDSW HU &RQVW UXFW LRQ 6SHFLILFDW LRQV ,QVW LW XW H &6, +ŕś—ŕś?ŕś›ŕśœŕś—ŕś– GRHV QRW DSSURYH GLVDS prove, sanction, or guarantee the validity or accuracy of any date, claim, or opinion appearing herein. Republication rights are granted to the CSI and its chapters for original articles printed herein, provided proper credits are given. The Houston Chapter is incorporated under the laws of the State of Texas, and is chartered by the Construction Specifications Institute.

Visit CSI Houston on the Web

CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS INSTITUTE

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