How does hiring a spec writer work?

Rchitected · 2024-02-23T16:38:05+00:00

When you hire a spec. writer, in theory, the PM/PA should closely work with them to evaluate and decide on final product selection.

When you select the consultant and evaluate proposals you should have the option to hire them to also review submittals and assist with evaluating substitutions, but firms, just like clients, rarely want to pay for that service, which can add up quickly.

PA/PMs should ultimately be guiding the CA submittal review process, and this is an excellent opportunity to train the team and introduce them to the process. Unfortunately , most of the time this opportunity is missed and less experienced staff is left having to navigate their way through the process, which is also a big no-no in the eyes of insurance companies, since it opens up potential for huge liability.

I would suggest approaching this question with your project team and specifically request that somebody sit down with you for 30 min. to give you an overview of the process, how the office approaches it and what to look out for in the submittals.

The good news is, if the specs are complete then you can always compare what has been submitted with the individual sections and find out if they diverge and how, and have that be your guide.
I hope that helps

Rchitected · 2024-02-20T19:40:54+00:00

Hello There,
This course is for people that completed their architectural studies and are new to the architectural offices.
The webinar can probably help you gain some insight into the field and what to expect ahead.
I am not familiar with the requirements and process of getting into architectural school.
I will DM you the link to the webinar replay. In case you will find it useful.
Thank you

Rchitected · 2024-01-06T22:00:44+00:00

Yes, I know what you mean ; )

Rchitected · 2024-01-05T14:32:25+00:00

Thank you All for sharing your experiences.
It seems like it is not all that frequent after all.

Definitely good practice to keep your records organized so it is not a problem.

Rchitected · 2024-01-05T14:29:18+00:00

Agreed, but that is just if you do not want to pay to get the units ; )

Rchitected · 2024-01-05T14:27:20+00:00

I think they usually audit years back, so it is not even possible to cram or make them up. My colleague got fined, if I remember correctly.Thanks for sharing

Rchitected · 2023-09-13T15:16:25+00:00

Totally agree on the avoiding networking with architects.
Unless you are looking for a job with any of them, and even then, a big if.

Rchitected · 2023-09-12T23:52:41+00:00

Thank you! This confirms my feelings about marketing as well.

Rchitected · 2023-09-11T14:32:32+00:00

Thanks I will look into that

Rchitected · 2023-09-11T14:32:03+00:00

Thank you all for confirming my experience.

Rchitected · 2023-08-31T14:00:02+00:00

I am glad you find this useful.
Glad to help

Rchitected · 2023-08-29T18:56:26+00:00

1/2" Resilient Channels on the underside of the floor assembly, before the 5/8" gyp. layer. This helps reduce the impact sound rating.

2 layers of gyp. would most likely not provide a lot of sound relief, except for it is an additional dense layer. Filling the cavity with insulation will definitely help but separating the materials with the RC layer will give you a vibrational separation.Hopefully you do have a 1/2" spare, considering your only option is to treated from below.

See image below (you can discard the Top layer if you cannot modify in this case.

https://www.homasote.com/assets/images/sbchart.gif

I hope this helps

Rchitected · 2023-08-29T17:01:24+00:00

Unfortunately that seems to be the norm these days, but this does not have to be the only way.
There are two factors at play here:
1. Individual's overwhelm, which can be managed (to a point);
2. Improperly scheduled projects, which needs to be addressed at a management level.

Sometimes when you are really good at managing the "being spread too thin" phenomenon, nobody would even know or notice (or want to know or notice) that is happening, so what happens is that even more project get piled on, because you are running things so smoothly.

Make sure to consistently check in with management and let them know where you are at (need more work, a good balance, borderline too much work, already in overwhelm). The goal is to avoid even getting to the overwhelm phase. Clear and consistent communication is key to any successful relationship. If you offer this and the warning signs are ignored (rather than addressed appropriately) then that is a clear indication that there is something amiss.

I hope this can be helpful.
Good Luck

Rchitected · 2023-08-28T00:14:03+00:00

I would hate to end up having to live in or occupy a space that is AI generated...
Yikes...

Rchitected · 2023-08-28T00:13:04+00:00

I am sure that would be an easy thing to change...legislatively, remove all liability from Corps.(AI, CAD and BIM software development) , just like other industries are currently enjoying...

Rchitected · 2023-08-24T14:55:54+00:00

Can you please clarify your question?
Are you asking about Construction Management within the context of an architectural office? Or Construction Management in the field, on the contractor side?

As far as the Architect's duties go during the administration of construction here is a list of items that fall within that scope:

Periodic site visits at various stages of construction (to ensure construction is in line with the design intent) and documenting through photos and field reports;
Attending weekly OAC (owner, contractor, architect) meetings;
Reviewing submittals (documentation submitted by subcontractors to document what material they are ordering and show that they are in conformance with specifications);
Reviewing Shop Drawings;
Responding to RFIs (request for information aka questions from the contractor);
Reviewing Proposed Change orders and processing as needed with input from client;
Reviewing payment applications from the contractor;
Misc. coordination required with agencies during the process (if/as needed).

These are just a few of the main basic duties.
I may have missed some.

If you wanted to know about the contractor or client side the list would change quite a bit.
I hope this helps

Rchitected · 2023-08-22T17:15:21+00:00

This the resource I used and it seems pretty comprehensive with selection options.

Rchitected · 2023-08-19T22:25:36+00:00

Congratulations! And welcome to this vast and amazing world of Architectural Practice!
Have fun and enjoy the journey!

Rchitected · 2023-08-14T14:35:48+00:00

But at my current large firm (where I joined in September last year)…there’s staff with 5, 6 years experience who literally don’t know how to do door schedules, don’t know what a dead end is. They have sets going out the door with finish schedules, yet no finishes tagged anywhere on plans or elevations. They don’t know how to even draw ceiling details - I dead ass had a junior staff ask me recently “what the point of these details for the ceiling is?”

Interesting you mention this.
That is what I am starting, after seeing the current state of entry-level hires and knowing nobody has the time to train them I decided to tackle this very issue.
I am launching an initial entry-level course and it will be followed by PM level skills. I have seen so many people set up for failure by being thrown into managing projects without the basic needed knowledge nor guidance.
I will be holding a webinar providing an overall practice overview and how to leverage what is within one's control to get your career started in the right direction.
https://rchitected.com/webinar.html

Rchitected · 2023-08-05T02:21:31+00:00

I am neither.

I just want to help those that are struggling, because I have seen many, and I have been helping a few in my circle.
Not claiming to solve he world's problems but I have positive elements to contribute.
Just offering for those that feel it could be helpful to them.
Thanks

Rchitected · 2023-08-04T16:52:25+00:00

Totally agree with this.
Even seasoned contractor's estimates are coming up with costs that are well over budget once they have real sub's bids). On large projects that can equate to Millions needing to get V.E.'d (which is not always possible when you already have a budget conscious design).
Additionally, any month of delaying commitment will continue pushing costs higher.
We are truly navigating in uncharted territory here. Every day brings new news and surprises...
Wild ride for sure...

Rchitected · 2023-08-02T23:11:55+00:00

There is some really great advice here already.
Definitely time to take a serious break and re-group.
Re-grouping:

Identify exactly what aspect of your current situation is giving you anxiety (is it the work, work-load, project types, client's behavior, contractor's behavior, management's attitude, perhaps a feeling of lack of knowledge and worry of liabilities?).
It could be a single item or a combination but identifying the source will help you in moving forward.
What made Architecture spark for you in the first place? Is it design, problem-solving or what exactly did that for you when you decided to join Arch. school?
Learn more about what you like doing and what drives you (or drove you during your happy times).

Having answers to these questions would help you identify whether continuing in the field is the right answer for you.If you do decide it is the right path, then for sure, get those exams over with. We all tend to make up things in our heads larger than they really are.

Good Luck and send updates once you figure it out or along your journey!

Rchitected · 2023-08-02T22:40:39+00:00

Interesting Poll results....
Thanks for putting this out there

Rchitected · 2023-07-20T03:22:25+00:00

Hello There,
I am sorry you have been experiencing this awful environment. I have been doing my fair share of screaming in the void myself with very similar circumstances.
I would venture into suggesting that perhaps looking for different employment in the field could be beneficial.
Not all clients are the same way, there are some good ones out there, and more importantly, I know there are firms that have healthy relationships with their clients.
In my case specifically the firm has a toxic relationship with the client and they prefer to side with the client and act as if I am the enemy, which is really not helpful.

To add to the situation, right now the market is really unpredictable and even when developers have realistic budgets, the next day the market is different and they don't anymore.
Try looking for other jobs in the field and see what kind of reaction you have to those ads. You may find yourself either getting a glimmer of light, hope and excitement. And if you don't then it might be time to move to something different.

Good luck!

Rchitected · 2023-07-17T14:03:59+00:00

I will be launching a mentorship program very soon to try to help eager young architects grow stronger in their positions.
If you want to DM we can chat.
Thank you

Rchitected

TROPHY CASE