Editor’s Note: We reprint selected items from SFA. To view the full issue,
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The Southern Fried Architect- August 2006
(A clear, complete, concise, and mostly correct, view of stuff happening in the design/construction industry)
By:
Dennis J. Hall, FAIA, FCSI, SCIP: Guy who writes this stuff
Nina M. Giglio, CSI, CCS, Assoc. AIA, SCIP: Editor, Spec Winch, and she who fixes this stuff

AIA to Revamp Architectural Graphic Standards

The 11th edition of Architectural Graphics Standards is in production and you can some expect major changes. These changes will include a new organizational structure for the book by building elements, new improved text, cross references between chapters, new page design, and coordination of terminology with other industry standards and publications. We anticipate that the CD ROM will be searchable by OmniClass titles and numbers for about five to six of the tables. The publication date is not scheduled until next March 2007, but this will not be your father’s AGS. Stay tuned for further updates.

2007 Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice

Speaking of the AIA, Joe Demkin, AIA is the AIA’s point man on the new 14th edition of the Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice currently in production. Expect the brand new edition out sometime in early 2008. The AIA did not want to come out with two new $200+ books in the same year, as both are considered “must have” books for the architectural community. Of course, we will keep you posted on the changes, as publication time gets closer.

McGraw-Hill Introduces New Network for Products

In March, McGraw-Hill Construction introduced its new construction product search tool at http://www.mcgrawhillconstruction.com  The site allows searches by product name, manufacturer, and MasterFor mat number. MasterFormat 2004 numbers provide greater search ability. I think these guys have the right idea, but the data needs work. The 3-Part specs many times need professional help and the CAD details are not what an architect needs to incorporate into a set of construction drawings.

CSI Signs Alliance Agreements with ARCOM and BSD

Speaking of CSI, in June the CSI Board approved new alliance agreements with ARCOM, producers of MASTERSPEC and Building Systems Design (BSD), producers of SpecLink and PerSpective. These alliances will provide a closer link between CSI and the two major producers of commercially available guide specifications in the US. Who knows, maybe they will even patch up relations with the Construction Science Research Foundation producers of SpecText next.

SCIP Board Recommends Changes

The new Board of Directors for the Specifications Consultants in Independent Practice (SCIP) have taken office and are recommending changes to make the organization more responsive to its members. Among the changes include articles of incorporation, updated bylaws with an expanded Board, new committee structure, and much more. Having signed alliances with the Construction Specifications Institute and Construction Specifications Canada this spring, the presidents of all three organizations met in Washington, DC in June to discuss cooperative initiatives. The new SCIP Board is meeting monthly via teleconferences to make the organization more responsive to the needs of independent specifiers and their membership.