by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

In the current frenzy to produce projects in record time [coupled with the equally frenzied computer and software industry], the design professional have abandon specifications and provided increased production by in-place staffs. The computers industry continues to pump out need machines and programs-- I am not sure all of these are necessary except to generate confusion, and sales. Of course that industry can do as its pleases, it is the impact on the construction industry that is most questionable-- and of concern. Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

I really think we need to re-visit education from the beginning to the end [of former schooling that is!] How did it get so darn complicated and involved? Tell me there isn’t still a need for readin’, writin’ and ‘arithmetic? We now have college graduates [including athletes] who can’t read-- maybe that’s why they don’t understand what a contract means! We have people who drive like the devil, but barely pass the written test-- if at all. Read More...

Specifications Writer Needed

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

Everything, and I guess everyone has a price! In life, we come to learn, not so much in those words, but the rough experience that tells us, over and over-- to gain something you usually have to give something back or up! That may even apply to those who are independently wealthy, through mere inheritance, but the power and impact comes out more in those that work for their money. Read More...

by Sheldon Wolfe, RA, FCSI, CCS, CCCA, CSC

Aren't you tired of all this talk about certification? No one will tell you, but there are a few good reasons to save your time and skip the exams. Why waste the time and effort on something you probably don't need? If any of these reasons apply to you, sit back and relax - you're in great shape. Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

The aggregate membership of CSI—design professionals, specifiers/consultants and product representatives, all-- engage in some form of education, to enhance skills, to communicate and to contribute to varying degrees in project construction. In the various educational forums, the emphasis is on “information”, and “knowledge”. More and more we are realizing that the professional schools are not fully educating the students, and they are coming to the work place unprepared and virtually at a loss as to their role in the process, what they are to produce and how, Some have bit of knowledge, but not to the point where they are capable of applying it to specific situations. Ah, ha, the lack of “wisdom”, as in how do you produce this feature of the project from prudent application of one or more of these materials [etc.]? Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

If the International Code Council [ICC] can do this…….

ICC Adopts Model Building Code Training for High School Students
The Code Council is supporting the nationwide expansion of a pilot program
to prepare high school students for careers in code enforcement and the
construction industry. See--
http://www.iccsafe.org/newsroom/News%20Releases/NR-11302011-HighSchoolProgram.pdf

….what should, can, or will CSI do within their broad range of expertise in construction information, education, standards and communications, in a similar direction; at say, the post-secondary/college level? Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

Uh!, No! Well, we all pretty well know that line doesn’t work [along with whining, crying or begging]. But certainly lingers in the mind of every product representative [or should] as their basic motivation. It’s just a direction that needs massaging and a re-fashioned presentation. We all know that! Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

“RESPONSIBLE CONTROL” is wrongly perceived if seen as a continual, microscopic inspection of every increment of project documentation. Rather, it is an umbrella term to ensure propriety in the work, a logic that if one is to take full responsibility, a certain comfort level must be achieved in all work and workers, whether such workers are on-staff, in associated firms, or members of other reliable sources [satisfactory to the professional who will sign and seal the documents]. Read More...

by Bryan J. Varner, CSI, CCCA, LEED AP

Everyone but CSI’s newest members recalls the robust debate members had over the last two years about the bylaws amendment to reduce the membership classifications from three to one. Many believed that everyone should be recognized as a “professional member” while others believed that it is important to maintain the differentiation in member classifications. CSI members engaged in this spirited dialogue because of the organization’s uniquely diverse composition of technical expertise that naturally spawns equally divergent perspective and viewpoints. CSI’s broad base of membership creates and drives all of its brilliance and attractiveness. Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

What does it take-- just to arouse a sleeping dog, a snoring spouse, OR a mild or larger outpouring and acknowledgement from any group [like CSI’s membership who really hold similar thoughts]? What does it take? Huh? Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

To score, to make a first down, or to relieve pressure, in football, you think first of your “go to” guy! Mr. Reliable, who will run a near perfect route, catch the ball and run for the necessary gain [or your high percentage kicker or penetrating back]. A simple matter of confidence in someone which is repaid time and again with the right or better solution. And this holds true in many other sports-- best scorer in basketball; last-second goal maker in soccer and hockey; person with added drive to increase speed in swimming or car races; best pinch or clutch hitter in baseball, etc. Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

Does the upper echelon of the architectural profession understand? Is their inaction purposeful or merely a matter of heads turned to one goal, excluding all others? Do students and young professionals understand? How can they, they have never had any type of formalized instruction in either professional practice, or contract documents? Read More...

by S. Steve Blumenthal, FCSI, Former Institute President

As a means of introduction, I am a Life member of the Chapter and Institute who no longer lives on the Island, moving to central NJ, but still is an "Islander". I miss the Chapter camaraderie and the homespun local relationship between the members. Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

We are all aware that there is a tsunami of information available to us, via the internet. Perhaps, TOO much! Still basic, fundamental individual construction materials, systems, etc. are some things that have been ignored, deemed irrelevant, inconsequential and a major distraction from the design mind and curricula. For far too long the schools have come to minimize it or ignore it, for most architect and most engineers. Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

Have you heard [read] it? It’s out there, more and more obvious and coming from more sources and being more openly and forcefully expressed by more and more people, They all see the same basic situation [in slightly varied forms, but in mutual intent, approach and results]. It is as if there is a growing discussion and buzz; as if a new truth has been discovered-- or, WAIT ! Could it be that more people are onto the same conclusion, for the same reason, and it lies in the resurrection of an old principle [not something new; but something old being more fully coming back to mind as reality set in, a problem is being revealed again. Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

It’s well passed the time to get real-- to grip reality! To simply realize that things, professionally, aren’t on a path to getting better. Also to understand that reality does not exist in simple changes in software. We live in a world—construction—of our own choosing, and with good cause. We believe that what we care about doing is valuable and worthwhile. Why else would we engage the drama and trauma of day to day operations? But our vision, perspective and dedication is NOT prevalent and part of the vision of every prospective and indeed every budding and emerging professional. We all are NOT on the same path! Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

Not to distract from the continuing sky-high star bursts of MasterFormat 2004 as it is implemented, but what is the direction or goal for the next Task Force effort? Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

The truth be known, we are tied to the documents we produce. And unfortunately they are perceived to be anything from necessary evils, to unneeded, fee-sucking clap-trap that does nothing for the project but add cost and confound progress. Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

Might be a good time to review our liturgy, [perhaps refresh them] and teach others-- what a three-legged stool has to do with architecture, construction and specifications writing. Might just to stoke the fires again and renew our dedication; and augmenting it. Read More...

The Northeast Region Fall Board Meeting & Workshops will be held on November 4th & 5th at the Holiday Inn, 2468 NYS Route 414 N, Waterloo, NY 13165. The hotel is located in the picturesque Finger Lakes Region of Central New York and the Finger Lakes, fall foliage, vineyards and a gaming casino are all nearby for your enjoyment. Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

Came the new academic year, and once again CSI has no new program, in its educational toolbox, to initiate instruction regarding the knew for knowledge and education prior to CSI membership and CDT. Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

Your indulgence please while we recite the current situation.

At the present time construction projects involve at least two major contracts. The owner is contractually connected to the design professional, who designs the project; and separately to the contractor who will build the project. Read More...

How often have you heard a company or organization pitch “We want you back”? Well you can add the LI CSI Chapter to that long list. As president of the chapter for over a year and a member of the LI Chapter for over ten, I recently realized how many chapter members I do not know personally. After going through a current member roster I was embarrassed to say I only recognized about half the names on the list.

So, how to we get everyone to attend a meeting? This coming year we want to try a few things to make it more convenient and less expensive to attend. Here are some of the things we want to do differently this year:

1. Every member in good standing as of 8/31/2011 will be given meal voucher for each meeting. The voucher will allow you to eat for free at our monthly meetings from September through May. Come to our September meeting and pick them up.

2. Different meeting nights. We realize we’re not the only organization on the block so we’d like to try moving our meeting dates to different nights each month to give everyone a chance to get to at least one of our meeting in 2011-2012. Our currently planned meeting dates are September 22, 2011 and October 20, 2011. Check our web site periodically for the dates of future meetings.

3. Hold a social function during the Holiday season in December. Instead of a meeting how about a cocktail reception. Come down and greet some old friends and meet some new people. Our target date for this event is December 7, 2011 More information to follow.

I need everyone’s help in getting to know you all, so plan on attending more LI CSI meetings and if you have any ideas on how we can grow our membership shoot me an e-mail at kraikowski@assaabloydss.com.

I look forward to seeing you all in the coming months.

Kenneth Raikowski, AHC, CSI

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

The three binders lay side-by side on the plan desk. One is about ½” thick, the other 2 each about 2-2-1/2” thick. Combined they represent “ a project”. A project I am to build. Read More...

Register Now! 
 
Participate in a FREE webinar on the CDT certificate Monday, August 15, at 2pm ET. The CDT 101 webinar is an opportunity to learn about the benefits of CSI's Construction Documents Technologist certificate. The webinar will cover the requirements and resources needed for successful exam preparation and study. Register now for this FREE webinar! 
 
Exams will be offered September 26 - October 8, 2011. The final registration deadline is August 26. Please note, the CDT exam will now be based on the CSI Project Delivery Practice Guide. The advanced exams will still be based on the PRM for this exam cycle.

Questions? Contact CSI Certification staff at 800-689-2900 or at certification@csinet.org.

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

I guess it’s a tough choice, even if you make it without really thinking.

Some person, circumstance or issue may come to CONCERN you, in that you feel it is unfair, inappropriate, improper, marginally legal, or not to your thinking or perhaps your best interest. Your concern is seated in the fact that you really don’t know all of the details of the dilemma, nor the influence or outcome it may produce. Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

And then there were no specs! And very few people remember them or what they did or how they were developed and written. Fewer still are the number of people who remember that specifications were the third of the Contract Documents for projects. Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

What happens when a project that is supposed to be
On time; on budget; on scope; properly functioning

But becomes a project that is
On time; on budget; on scope, NOT properly functioning? or,
On time, on budget; OUT of scope; NOT properly functioning Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

It’s fair to say that the world is made in such a way as there are times when there are no winners-- and no losers! There are times, perfectly valid times, when things just need to simmer down, and take the newly minted stance of “time out”! Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

If you could collect all 13,000+ of us [in CSI] and have each of us write a Project Manual [sorry, the words just still seem to fit!} the chances are we would come back with 13,000+ different but fully usable specifications! Is there no “wrong”? Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

This ought to be good ! The question of the moment is:
Should bed joints of brick work be furrowed? No? Slightly [define]? Deeply [define]? Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

Pop quiz! Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

Congratulations! You’ve won the contest and have been awarded the contract. You have rolled out your best marketing effort from “silver-tongued prose” to PowerPoint presentation, to your glitzy brochure, and long list of clients. You have successfully projected your firm in a direct, truthful manner, aimed to the specific needs and project of the prospective client. You have shown that your firm is fully capable of providing all of the services required to produce a successful project for the client. Sorry! But NOW the real work begins! Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

Nothing can, or ever should, overshadow or diminish the sacrifices we remember on Memorial Day and other commemorative days where we salute, recall, and remember those who served defending our freedom-- and gave their all. Read More...

by Sheldon Wolfe, RA, FCSI, CCS, CCCA, CSC

What is the value of a signature? More to the point, what is the value of a "wet" signature? Although some states have taken steps to modernize the requirements for certification of construction documents and other legal documents, others are mired in practices that haven't made sense for a long time. Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

“It takes two to tango, two to tango…….” Hey, wait here, this isn’t Dancing with the Stars!!! But I must say that construction is replete with “two tos” in construction. More than just the occasional small crews, but starting earlier and in greater numbers. Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

One of the young guys in our office came in the other, glowing with the blush of one who received the letter informing that he has “successfully completed” the A.R.E.! Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

Wouldn’t it be great if each one of us could come by a magic wand that we could use in our work? Not so much as the Midas touch, but more like “I Dream of Genie”-- i.e., where we can make things happen- our way [course, we could throw in a little Midas!]. Read More...

Each year for the last eight years, the Golf Outing has been our major funding source for the Fryburgh Scholarship Fund. Each year, we contribute more to the scholarship fund to be able to provide better scholarships. Not only does the day provide lots of good fun for everyone, it provides the dollars for the Chapter to award the scholarship each year!
Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

Why did you come to work today? Simply because there is a pay check due you in the near future? Or is there an underlying drive that you really never realized or analyzed? Or simply, that’s what you do every day? Read More...

by Sheldon Wolfe, RA, FCSI, CCS, CCCA, CSC

Oh, if only! CSI's members approved amendments to the Institute bylaws twice in the last few years, and each time, those amendments required changes to region and chapter bylaws. Are we done now? Read More...

I regret to inform you that the NE Region Conference scheduled for May 5-7, 2011 has been cancelled. All Conference Registrations Fees will be refunded by the Region. The low registration numbers indicated that we would not be able to provide the number of attendees that would justify the financial investment made by our sponsors. We greatly appreciate that financial support and look forward to having their participation in a future event.

Richard Eustis, PE, FCSI, CCCA, CSC - NE Region President

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

Railroads [if you don’t remember them, ask your grandparents!] use a very unique way in moving trains from one track to another, etc., get them on the correct routing to their destination. This, of course, is the “switch”-- where one rail line [composed of 2 tracks] merges into another to form on track set. They are adjustable and flexible, so the trains may be transferred track to track when traveling in either direction. Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

He laid the slightly crumbled sheet of paper on the counter and smoothed it out, “There’s what I wanna do,” he said. “I need to get a permit!”. Yes, the paper was close to the old “butcher paper, slightly waxed, hard to draw or write on and certainly not meant for the floor plans and elevations for construction drafting. Read More...

Individual Golfer $175.00
Foursome $700.00
Hole Sponsorship $250.00
Cart Girl Sponsor $400.00
Snacks at the Turn $400.00
Closest to the Pin $200.00 + Donated Prize
Longest Drive $200.00 + Donated Prize
First Prize $400.00
Second Prize $300.00
Third Prize $200.00
Surprise Prize $200.00
Dinner Only $ 50.00


All Members are asked to donate whatever company give aways they would like. We are going to make up gift bags to give to all golfers. We would like to have items from both professional and trade members. Please make sure to send at least 90 pieces. You can send all checks and give aways to;

Anthony Drummond
68 Barrett Ave
Bayport NY 11705
516- 480-8085
adrummond@koroseal.com

Feel free to contact me with any questions.

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

If you lined up a rank of spec writers, shoulder to shoulder, other than the variation in their physical appearance, what would you notice? Read More...

by Sheldon Wolfe, RA, FCSI, CCS, CCCA

A few months ago, in "Go-to guys", I spoke of the many excellent product representatives I know, and how valuable they are to me in my job as specifier. This past month, I experienced something just a bit different. Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

What if no human was available or knowledgeable enough to check the pulse, validity, or monitor the information? What if the amount of information is an unnecessary maze of overload? What if correlation is a concept but not a reality? OK! What if no specs? Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

By pure circumstance I laid the specs book I was reviewing next to the Bible on the coffee table. Odd, I thought afterwards, but yet there is a grand comparison between the two-- similarities in some aspects very close and parallel. Hmmmmm! Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

It really is amazing some of the situations and dilemmas we get into! Seems that no matter how hard you try, they still occur-- all too often! And often unneeded and bordering on the silly. Read More...

by Sheldon Wolfe, RA, FCSI, CCS, CCCA

We've all heard countless times about the amazing technological changes of the twentieth century, going from horse-drawn buggies to a car in every garage and landing on the moon, from telegraph to cell phones, from dirt roads to superhighways, from fresh food to frozen, and so on. Many of those changes resulted in improvements in business or in our standard of living, and are so much an accepted part of our lives that we take them for granted. Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

Despite the variations due to nuances in the many available project delivery systems, there usually will be a “set” of three Contract Documents-- the Agreement [Contract] between Owner and contracting entity; the complete set of drawings; and a Project Manual [perhaps in the form of several bound booklets] that contains the specifications in addition other pertinent project documentation. Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

Design drives architecture because it sets the parameters, expression, flavor and style of the project. BUT how do we successfully get from there to a truly realistic, sustainable and “correctly” constructed project? Read More...

by Sheldon Wolfe, RA, FCSI, CCS, CCCA

Last month's Curmudgeon's Corner reviewed the history of CSI's membership classification, and argued in favor of a single category of voting members. Although response has been favorable, two objections have been voiced, one regarding governance, the other related to practical aspects of communication with other members. The first appears to be more important, but the second affects day-to-day activities. Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

What is most important in specifications-- strict, unwavering adherence to a prescribed format, or a litany of provisions that generally relate to each other in the whole of the project? Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

Undeniably three “documents” in construction are interlinked, interrelated, and both complimentary and supplementary one to another. Yet still today, one is all but ignored by architects, one is a maze of compressed information, mixed with symbols and abbreviations to form a graphic display, while the third, while still produced, is roundly maligned, often ignored, and too often misunderstood because of the lack of will, understanding, or stubbornness! Read More...

by Sheldon Wolfe, RA, FCSI, CCS, CCCA

Last year, our annual election ballot included a proposed bylaws amendment that would have combined the professional, industry, and associate membership classifications into a single group. Although the amendment received over sixty percent of the votes, it fell short of the required two-thirds majority required to pass. The Los Angeles chapter brought the issue before the members at the annual meeting in Philadelphia, where eighty percent of the members voted in favor of again putting membership reclassification before the members, as an amendment proposal on the 2011 ballot. Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

High above in the crag of the rocks the mother eagle nudges your fledgling out of the nest into the open space-- to fly! No instruction; no practice sessions; no manual-- just “go and do”! If the fledgling falls too far, Mom Eagle will be there to catch it and delivery it back to the nest-- pending the next nudging! Finally, the fledgling WILL fly, beautifully, stronger and stronger, until its time to ”nudge”! Here is pure raw native or natural instinct-- the inborn ability to do this and to sustain. Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

Design, in the architectural context, is often mistakenly assumed to be an effort at a purely artistic approach to a project. In essence though, it is at the forefront of the project, the theme—the initial statement. And the effort is to bring all elements of the proposed project into proper focus and context. It is an effort to convert information, wants, needs and desires into the reality of a comprehensive and properly functioning facility for the client. Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

In March of 1977, a new book was published that impacted architectural students and instruction. Called, ARCHITECTURAL WORKING DRAWINGS, it was formalized delineation about each of the possible working drawings, with hints, techniques, checklist, etc. It sold for $14.95 and contained about 225 pages with illustrations taken from actual working drawings [errors and all]. Not too soon after, John Wiley and Sons advertised it as “a classic”. It lasted on the market for 33 years, through 4 editions [the last selling for $89.95 with 425 pages] and something over 42,000 copies sold. Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

From the innards of middle Illinois, I ran across this [written by John O’Neil, a gen-u-wine spec writer].

“SPECOLOGY: specology (spec ol’ o je) 1. the art and craft of writing and editing construction specifications; 2. the science of construction specifications; 3. miscellaneous observations on architecture, construction and life as we know it.” Read More...

By Dick Eustis, PE, FCSI, CCCA
NE Region President

I hope the title of this article does not come as a shock but it may be something that has not been asked. In today’s world, too many people are asking, “What is in it for me?” and as a result we may be making little progress. I am a firm believer in having “fun” while doing work and if it is not fun, then it becomes more difficult to achieve the intended outcome. There is no “fun” in sitting around waiting for someone else to deliver products or services that meet your expectation. Read More...

By Edward M. Healy, RA, FCSI, Member Emeritus, CDT
NE Region Secretary

Would any of you dispute that participation in an activity is necessary to determine if that activity is of interest to you. Sure there are activities that you might reject without actually trying them. Bungee jumping and sky diving come to mind, but even those activities are enjoyed by some people and only because they participated in them. Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

The call came out of the blue! The caller, having seen my name on the speakers’ list [CSI] was asking if I could/would make a presentation to his group [structural engineers here in Cincy and simulcast to a similar group in Cleveland. Who? What? Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

Damn it! Specifications are important! So important, in fact, that they are full and inseparable partners with the drawings! The maze of words that ties the innumerable drawings to the standardized printed forms! The THREE contract documents. Read More...

by Sheldon Wolfe, RA, FCSI, CCS, CCCA

As our organization ages, it is inevitable that we lose more members as they retire and, eventually, pass away. In the past several years a number of my CSI friends have passed on, including Brian Schroder, Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter; Ken Searl, Portland, Oregon Chapter; Bob Boehner, Southwest Missouri Chapter; and former Institute presidents John C. Anderson, Gary Betts, and Bob McManus. I'm sure most of you have had similar experiences. Along with them go their memories of the good old days, the bad old days, their personal stories, and how CSI came to be what it is. Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

“I often believe that many problems could be solved quickly if only we knew about more of the countless products available.”
-Sheldon Wolfe, FCSI, CCS

To me, this quote is quite true and very insightful. It also may be a practical impossibility! Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

You’re a specifications writer, right? OK, then you’re in a “dead-end job”! Right? Well, I bet that on a bad day, or a very gloomy day, you have had some feelings along this line. Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

“You can’t get a job without experience; and you can’t get experience without a job!” Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

Hmmm! Who’d thunk it? Number 100? Has it been that long?-- no, just about 2 years. It may frighten you to know that there are over 600 of these pieces in the file [loaded for bear!]. But first things, first!! Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

In this world of ours, there are hundreds of thousands of things that survive-- many of them, over and over again. Read More...

by Sheldon Wolfe, RA, FCSI, CCS, CCCA

One of my CSI hats is History of Fellows Chair for CSI's College of Fellows. As such, I search for background to create or update the biographies that are on the Fellows' website, at www.FCSInet.org. This often is a difficult task even with new Fellows, who either can't find the time, or are too bashful to write their own biographies. Getting information grows more difficult as time goes on, and becomes a real challenge for those Fellows who are no longer with us. Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

Is separation good? Is it good in some instances, but bad and unfortunate in others? Can anything be gained by separation? Can anything be prevented by separation? Are there “no-brainer” times when separation is so necessary it becomes a foregone conclusion; an accepted condition? Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

A project is designed using pre-cast concrete panels as the exterior shell of the building. The panels are correctly designed, properly detailed, and incorporated into the overall design scheme. Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

In architecture, engineering and construction mere indifference can be fatal—literally, figuratively and professionally! You simply have to know what to do, what you are doing, why and how best to achieve your end in a safe, serviceable and stable manner. It is more instinct, insight, experience and understanding than anything else. Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

All the issues will never be resolved to everyone’s satisfaction! We need to face that fact! But, at the same time we need to move toward resolution, in some reasonable compromise, and universally accepted understanding. Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

Is anything in the design and construction of building projects getting easier? (Only it is much easier and faster to spend your pay check.) But in the work, more and more effort is required; more knowledge applied; more skill in manipulating elements; more needed to deal with added complexity and proper solutions; more imagination and creativity in design; more products and systems; more regulations and requirements; more and more. Read More...

by Sheldon Wolfe, RA, FCSI, CCS, CCCA

I recently received an e-mail from my local IMI (International Masonry Institute) representative, saying that she would be retiring in a few weeks. Even though I had known her all the twenty-plus years I have been a CSI member, and knew we were about the same age, it was a bit of a shock. After trying to convince her not to retire (not very hard), I thought about other favorite product reps - my go-to guys, some of whom retired or lost their jobs in the past couple of years. Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

Get 'em started, and they will burn your ear off! The problem is to find them all, and get them to really let go, from the gut. There are, apparently, a lot of really fine folks, who see the proverbial light and are dismayed at where that light is NOT shining!-- they are of the “silent minority”!!! Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

Does a specifications consultant in private practice/business in Kansas have any educational responsibility for young architects [from students to emerging professionals]? Does an unregistered, but architecturally trained, specifications writer, in a firm of 9 people in Mississippi, have any such responsibility within that office? Does the long-experienced, full-time, registered, in-house specification writer in a firm of 110 or more in Oregon have any such responsibility? Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

Getting time for “………SOME FOOTBALL!!!!!”, as the pros go to camp. But of the whole game, let‟s just hone in on the end run play-- the ol‟ USC “student body right/left”, or the Fightin‟ Irish “running 'round Chicago”!! Read More...

by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT, Cincinnati, OH

OK, you‟re all not architects! But you do work with, work for, or call upon architects. Despite a diminished role, architects are still part of the project and construction process. They program, design and document projects, create solutions and “put buildings together”. Agreed? Read More...

As I end my second term as Chapter President and get ready to turn the reigns over to Ken Raikowski I want to take a minute and thank the Board and Committee Chairs for all their hard work and dedication they committed to the Chapter. Time is the most valuable thing we can give to anyone or anything and I appreciate all you have done to make the past four years very successful. We have increased membership, having won the small chapter membership award twice and increased average attendance at the monthly meetings, no small task in these tough economic times. We now have a CSI Student Affiliate and the chapter remains financially healthy. All these items not achieved alone, but through a collective team effort working together for a cause we believe in – the mission of CSI. Thank you all for helping grow and improve the Long Island Chapter.

- Kenneth R. Gehringer, CSI, CCCA, AIA

by Sheldon Wolfe, RA, FCSI, CCS, CCCA

We are approaching the fiftieth anniversary of the publication of two seminal documents for the construction industry: "A Tentative Proposal for a Manual of Practice for Specification Writing Methods", and "The CSI Format for Building Specifications". The first led to the publication of CSI's first Manual of Practice (eventually becoming the Project Resource Manual), the second to MasterFormat. Read More...

The Anthony P. Bruno, FCSI Distinguished Service Award is presented by the Long Island Chapter in even numbered years for continuous service to the Chapter in the advancement of the Chapter's programs, administration and recognition in the construction industry.
This is the highest award the Long Island Chapter can bestow on an individual.

This year's honoree at the Annual Awards Banquet will be Kenneth R. Gehringer, CSI, CCCA.

by Sheldon Wolfe, RA, FCSI, CCS, CCCA

Although there may be a few products that require little thought in specifying, most require some minimum amount of research, comparison of similar products, and determination of the right combination of characteristics best suited to a project. Read More...

By Walter T. Marlowe, P.E., CSI, CAE, Executive Director/CEO

The new www.csinet.org is built with our most important audience in mind - you. We know the needs of our 13,000 members vary, so we've found ways to help you detail CSINet to fit your interests. Read More...

Six CSI members were recently selected to Fellowship by the 2010 Jury of Fellows. The investitures will be held at the Gala, part of the CONSTRUCT2010 Show and the CSI Annual Convention in Philadelphia on Friday, May 14. Read More...

Metro New York CSI Announces 2010 Trade Show and Seminar Event
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Location: Center for Architecture, 536 LaGuardia Place, New York, NY Read More...

By Daniel Hargreaves, CSI, RAS

“The meeting’s too far
It’s not convenient,
My family comes first…” Read More...

by Sheldon Wolfe, RA, FCSI, CCS, CCCA

We just went through another round of bylaws amendments, and unless we decide to throw everything out and start over, we should be about done. The reason behind many of the amendments goes back to the governance initiative recommended by the Board and approved by the members just a couple of years ago. As you may recall, one of the biggest changes was to reduce the board of directors from twenty-nine members to eighteen. We’re well on the way now; we soon will be down to twenty board members. Read More...