President's Message
Janurary 2012
Go into the light,Sweet 16
My wife watches a TV show called “Ghost Whisperer”in which Jennifer Love Hewitt plays the role of an antique store owner who can see ghosts and helps them resolve issues so they can leave earth and go “into the light.” I watch so my wife thinks I’m spending time with her, but honestly, how can a guy not enjoy watching Jennifer Love Hewitt? While watching the other day, it dawned on me that CSI has an earth-bound spirit that just won’t “go into the light.” It’s our very own MasterFormat 95 ®, knownas the 16 Divisions.
As many of you (hopefully all of you) know, CSI ceased to license and support MasterFormat 95 on December 31, 2009. In 2004, CSI began the transition from the 16 Divisions we all grew to know and love, into the 49 divisions (50 if you count Div. 00 Procurement and Contracting Requirements). Since 2004, CSI has updated to the 2010 version,and most recently to a 2011 MasterFormat version. The problem is that even though CSI pulled the 16 Divisions off life support 2 years ago, it just won’t die. In fact, it appears that CSI is keeping its spirit alive by allowing it to pop its head up every now and then throughout its publications and among its members.
I invite all of you to pay attention next time you see an ad in the Specifier, or from one of your fellow members, to see if you can spot the ghost of the 16 Divisions. For example, take a look at the back pages of the November 2011, December2011, and January 2012 Specifier. The ghost is hiding in plain sight, possessing a tool that was just an infant when CSI pulled the plug on it in 2009. Why is it there? What makes its spirit live on?
I remember studying the 16 Divisions back in the early 80’s up at CSU and still have them quietly buried in my subconscious. So I thought perhaps the reason the 16 can’t give way to the 50 is all the history throughout the construction industry tied to the 16 Divisions,such as accounting systems, filing systems, schedule work codes, estimating systems, “boiler plate” specs, only 20 fingers and toes, etc. So I began to look around my office for historical remnants of the 16 Divisions still in use. During my search, I stumbled across a 2007 RSMeans “Building Construction Cost Data” book and found the following statement on page v under the heading How the Book is Built: An Overview: “New in 2007… The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) and the Construction Specifications Canada (CSC) have produced the 2004 edition of MasterFormat, the new and updated system of titles and numbers used extensively to organize construction information. All unit price data in the RSMeans cost data books is now arranged in the 50-division MasterFormat 2004 system.” What that convinced me of is that the “industry” got on board 5 years ago in 2007. (It also convinced me that my office needs to update our estimating guides.)
So again I ask, why does the 16 Divisions of MasterFormat 95 continue to show up in CSI publications and in its Members’product line cards and advertisements?Why won’t it “go into the light”? I say we help it along. Look around, Denver Chapter. Look at your own offices and at your own habits. Look for the “16” within CSI and point it out. Think 50, and help our dear old 16 Division specifications join the sprits of Mylar, lead chucks, and Leroy lettering waiting for it in thelight.
One last thought. If we’re having this much difficulty transitioning from 16 Divisions to 50 Divisions over a period of 8 years, how successful do you think we’re going to be “re-branding” CSI in an effort to stay relevant to our industry?
P.S. - If you need help finding your number, go to www.csinet.org/Stay-Informed/Common-Questions/Whats-My-MasterFormat-Number.aspx
November 2011
Hey CSI, don’t get substituted.
I’ve commented in the past that CSI could stand for the Construction Solutions Institute in lieu of the Construction Specifications Institute. This concept never rang more clearly to me than after sitting in three different educational programs at CONSTRUCT 2011, where the topic of substitutions seemed to permeate, then monopolize, the discussion. It became apparent to me during these programs that the issue of “or equal” (or “or equivalent” as one presenter insisted – yes, I did listen) needs to be addressed. I heard a lot of passionate debate, but not one solution. I believe that the industry will eventually gravitate towards a solution, but will that solution be the best for the construction industry as a whole? Enter CSI.
CSI is a diverse organization whose strength is in that diversity. Design professionals meet with product representatives and construction professionals to arrive at industry-wide accepted policies and procedures - solutions. Again I ask, if CSI doesn’t address the issue of substitutions, who will? AIA, AGC, ASPE, PMI… Who? If CSI doesn’t provide a solution, I’m afraid CSI will be substituted, even though I don’t believe any of the multitude of construction industry organizations out there is an “or equal” to CSI.
CSI’s flagship is the development and implementation of a standardized way of organizing and communicating product and project information (MasterFormat ®). But CSI has moved beyond that. CSI has become the industry leader in standardizing and organizing the design and construction process. CDT, CCS, CCPR, and CCCA are the result of that effort. Earning those credentials communicates to your peers and industry colleagues that you understand those processes. So what’s the process for allowing (and encouraging) new products and/or methods to be introduced and incorporated into the construction of a facility? At what point during the planning, design process, bidding and construction of a project should alternatives be considered and/or allowed? When presenting an alternative product or method, what needs to be communicated so that a fair and unbiased decision to incorporate it or not incorporate it can be made? Who makes that decision? Just as contractors advertise for bids when competing for a project, should A/E’s advertise for “products” sometime between the pre-design and schematic design phases of a project? (Did that get your attention?)
The bottom line is that if this industry is going to advance, new ideas and products have to be incorporated into projects. At the same time, the integrity of the A/E’s design needs to be maintained, the contractor needs to remain highly competitive, and in the end, the project owner needs to receive the greatest value possible for his or her dollar while allowing the rest of the team to receive fair compensation and profit for their talents, ideas, and labor. If CSI is going to hold true to its mission of advancing building information management and education of project teams to improve facility performance, the issue of substitutions needs to be tackled.
So, Denver Chapter, what do we do? Before we can address what I perceive as an issue, we need to verify that it is an issue that is worth addressing. If the topic of substitutions is indeed an issue worth addressing, then step one is to define the issue. If it’s not, well, I’ve been wrong before. Let me know what you think. Is there a problem in the industry with substitutions, and if so, is CSI the best organization to solve it? I believe the answer is yes and yes.
Mike Young, CSI, CDT
Denver Chapter CSI President
October 2011
Why CSI?
Why join, why renew my membership, why participate in the Denver Chapter, CSI? The answers are as diverse as the membership of CSI. Personally, I believe the answer is the diversity of the membership of CSI. Unlike other design, manufacturing, and construction industry organizations, CSI is not made up of a majority of architects (AIA), engineers (NSPE, ASCE), estimators (ASPE), general contractors (AGC, ABC), hardware manufactures (DHI), coating manufactures (SSPC), etc. etc. etc. While all of these organizations play an important role in strengthening and improving their respective industry niche, they do so by focusing on a specific sector of the construction industry. As a result of this focused approach, members of these organizations tend to be competitors of each other. CSI is different.
CSI’s strength and value lies in its ability to organize all of the diverse elements of the construction industry into an integrated organization focused on improving the industry as a whole. A good set of construction documents pulls together and clearly communicates every element of construction in a clear, concise and organized package for the sole purpose of creating a functional facility that meets the long term needs of its owner. Similarly, CSI pulls together and encourages communication between planners, design and engineering professionals, materials experts and product representative, construction professionals, and other industry professionals for the purpose of forming a functional organization that, I believe, is needed to meet the long term needs of the construction industry. As a member, you have unbiased access to all of these resources and are a resource to others as well.
So why did I join CSI? Back in 1992, just as today, CSI provided a respected and economical education opportunity. Studying for and receiving my CDT and CCCA credentials not only reinforced the relevance of the education I received at CSU, it provided me with an industry recognized credential from a respected organization. By simply placing CDT after my name, I am able to communicate to my industry pears that I have an understanding of the various components of construction documents.
Why renew my membership? Resources! CSI is packed with resources. The advantages I receive by being part of the CSI network are immeasurable. If I have a question regarding fire penetrations, assemblies, glazing, masonry, paint, specifications… I know who to ask for an unbiased answer. I need a solution to a problem; I have a list of people I trust to pull ideas from. I want to know what’s happening in the industry as a whole or specific to my concentration, I know who to have a conversation with. Simply put, the most valuable resource the Denver Chapter, CSI offers it its membership directory.
Why participate? CSI is synergy. While I do enjoy the benefits received from all of the various resources CSI offers, there is no greater sense of satisfaction than knowing that you are an active part of something bigger. One major draw of this industry is the sense of satisfaction you feel when you know you were an active contributor in getting a facility built. Knowing that if you didn’t do your part in the construction, something would be missing and the end result just wouldn’t be the same. This applies to CSI also, from the Chapter level through the Regional level to the Institute level. I can honestly state that until I began actively participating in CSI, I had no idea what I was missing. You are part of a great organization.
Let me close with this challenge – If you’re a newer member (5 years or under) or if you’re thinking about becoming a member, take a moment to talk to one of our many long-time member (10 plus years). Ask them, “Why CSI”?
If we haven’t seen you in a while, come to a Chapter meeting. Say hi to your fellow members. Re-connect. As a Chapter and an organization, we’re more effective with you than without you.
Finally, if you are an active member, tell other why. Spread the message of CSI.
Mike Young, CSI, CDT
Denver Chapter CSI President
February 2011
To steal a line for a David Bowie song; cha-cha-cha-changes. As some of you may have noticed at the January Denver Chapter, CSI general membership meeting and luncheon, there was a new face behind the podium. At the meeting I briefly touched on some of the recent changes, but in the interest of time, I did not delve into any real specifics. Simply put, there’s been some re-organization to your chapter board.
Your Chapter President for fiscal year 2011, Greg Nunemaker, has moved to Phoenix, Arizona to pursue some job opportunities there. In his absence, I will be acting president for the duration of his term. Also, Geoff Czapla, Treasurer has recently experienced some expansion to his work load and as a result has informed the Board that he will be unable to complete his term, fortunately0 he will be able to remain an active member of the Denver Chapter, CSI. As a result, Dave Bishton will be Acting Treasure through the remainder of this fiscal year. On behalf of the Board, the Committee Chairs and the Membership, I’d like to thank Greg and Geoff for all of their hard work in supporting the Institute’s and Denver Chapter, CSI’s mission.
I thought with these changes, this would be a good time to update you on who is doing what for your chapter and hopefully encourage you to participate. The following is the list of your Chapter Leaders as it currently stands for fiscal year 2011.
Officers:
President (Acting): Mike Young, CDT
President-Elect: Open pending FY 2012 elections. (Historically filled by the 1st Vice-President from the proceeding fiscal year)
1st Vice-President: Mitch Denman, CDT
2nd Vice-President: OPEN
Immediate Past President: Dave Bishton, RA, CCS (Advisory member of the Board)
Secretary: George Feathers III, CCCA, AIA, LEED AP
Treasurer (Acting): Dave Bishton, RA, CCS
Director – Professional: Anne Sullivan, CCCA, LEED AP
Director – Professional: Roger Johnson, CCCA, AIA
Director – Industry: Dean Leschak, CCPR
Director – Industry: OPEN
Committee Chairs:
Academic Affairs: OPEN
Awards: Dave Bishton, RA, CCS (Historically filled by the Immediate Past President)
Certification: Vic Palazzini, CCPR
Education / Plant Tours: Shirley Schaefer, CSI
Long-Range Planning: Greg Markling, FCSI, CCS, CCCA, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB
Marketing: Steve Dawson, CSI
Membership: Mitch Denman, CDT
Nominating: Mike Young, CDT (Historically filled by the President-Elect)
Programs: Bryan Smith, CSI, BS, ACI
Publications / Scope Editor: Mark Phillips, CSI
Publications / Web: Ann Baker, RA, CCS, CCCA, LEED AP, SCIP
Symposium: Dean Leschak, CCPR
Table Tops: Rick Felton, CCPR
Technical: Jon Willis, CCS
Executive Secretary: Michelle Duran
Let us not forget that the Denver Chapter, CSI is a volunteer organization. The Chapter’s strength is in the diversity, talents, and knowledge of its members, but the Chapter cannot benefit from that diversity or its member’s talents or knowledge unless its members participate. As President-Elect for fiscal year 2011, I am also assigned as the Nominating Committee Chairman. During the month of February, I will be working with the current Board to prepare the election ballot for the 2012 fiscal year Board positions. I will also be soliciting volunteers to fill each of the committee chairman roles for FY12. CSI Institute requires that the Board and committee chairman positions be filled and sent to Institute by the end of April. So here’s your chance. While I admire the commitment and perseverance of several of your current Chapter Leaders, you may notice that their names are very familiar and appear in several positions. I’d like to change that. If you have any interest in participating in any of the positions listed above, please contact me or any of the Chapter Leaders. To grow and succeed, the Denver Chapter, CSI needs your talents and knowledge and would greatly appreciate it if you would contribute some of your time.
Thank You,
Mike Young, Acting President
November 2010
Autumn has arrived, the leaves are falling and the winds are blowing. The colors have been absolutely beautiful this year! We have had some fierce winds along the hogback (southwest corridor, my neck of the woods) and that brings up a topic for discussion. Being born and raised in Southern California and having also lived in the Phoenix area, it seems that all of the fences in those places are of block construction. Why don’t we do this type of construction in Colorado? Is it aesthetics, cost, freeze & thaw cycles- might be a good article to post for those more knowledgeable than myself! Could that person be you?
CSI is the leader in communications within the construction community and with everyone’s input will always be relevant. CSI is the organization that everyone relies upon to keep the world of construction on axis when it comes to communication and documentation. We all need to spread the word of CSI and make sure that the companies involved in the built environment understand the importance of being involved with our organization.
I’m excited with the feedback from existing members and with the new members we have had in our Denver chapter so far this year... Thank you all!!! With that momentum at the local level, I would like to see more CSI involvement within the A/D and G/C communities. Having a representative of your firm as a member of CSI is beneficial to everyone. Keep in mind, if your CSI advocate cannot attend one of our lunches or programs, please send someone in his/her place so you can add value for everyone, possibly even a new chapter member!
Your firm might also benefit from the new CSI Corporate Partner Program, which "maximizes exposure through CSI for building product manufacturers, building professionals, design firms and federal agencies." Visit the CSI website for more information on this new and innovative program.
President
Denver Chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute
September 2010
The 2009-2010 year saw the 50th year celebration of the Denver CSI chapter. There have been many involved over the years who have communicated the core values of CSI and helped make Denver what it is today!
With the guidance of the board of directors and leadership of Dave Bishton, Denver CSI had a very successful 2009-2010 year. In addition to our regular lunch meetings and a variety of interesting speakers and topics, Denver continued to lead the way with our Design Symposium and Product show. The new venue and educational seminars were overwhelmingly popular with all those who attended. This year the Symposium is looking to be even better.
With challenging times in the current economic environment, many of us have had to re-evaluate where are extra dollars are spent. CSI, like many other organizations, has seen a decline in membership. It is important, especially at a local level, that belonging to CSI has added value. With all who volunteer and make up the Board of Directors, Committee Chairs and Committee Members, we are committed on bringing that ‘Added Value” to CSI membership. We will be asking everyone that makes up our great Denver CSI chapter for involvement this year. Every one of the Denver members has something to add. It could be website feedback, technical articles, product and specification knowledge, contracts, etc.---the list goes on and on. I believe that if we follow our mission and core values of CSI, we will continue to grow and add value to all who are involved in our local construction industry, especially those who are members of our chapter.
All of us are the future of CSI, and future needs all of us to keep the built environment on its proper axis!!
Greg Nunemaker, CSI, CDT
President
Denver Chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute