3 min read
Magical Thinking in Specifications - Part 2
In my recent post, When Specifiers Engage in Magical Thinking, I described what happens when a specifier believes that putting more instructions into...
Bad Specs
2 min read
When a Specifier Engages in Magical Thinking
One of the hallmarks of magical thinking is the notion that if you think a thing, you can make it happen, simply by thinking it. This is often...
Read More
2 min read
Preventing Construction Failures
Looking at the recent history of construction, we find that it is littered with a spectrum of failures, from minor cosmetic types up to and including...
2 min read
It's Just a Spec
Yes it is a spec, and it deserves attention - the proper attention to be certain the contractor delivers what is required by the contract. The design...
3 min read
Specifier Scope Search Identifies Risks
We were asked to submit a proposal, and ultimately were engaged, to provide architectural specifications services for a new seven story core and...
2 min read
Minutes are Minutes and Not Addenda
The bidders are required to attend a pre-bid meeting. The owner, the design team, and (presumably) all the bidders attend. Each meeting follows...
4 min read
SPECtember - Value Certified Construction Specifiers
This month the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) will hold its annual convention and the Specifications Consultants in Independent Practice...
2 min read
Where Is the Right Place?
Be careful! Often project specifications are not written by one individual. The final project manual may have contributions by the architect,...
1 min read
Order of Precedence or Interpretation Request
Consultant specifications delivered to architects for inclusion in project manuals can produce some interesting coordination issues, especially when...