Is the Building Code Infallible?

An interesting question.  Some people will believe that the building code, as printed, is a fully coordinated document--completely logical and without inconsistencies.

Wrong.

Although it is a carefully reviewed document developed by many experienced people from a wide field of building industry-related professions, the building code is still written by people and interpreted by people.  As the saying goes, “Nobody’s perfect”; which is one of the reasons why every three years a new building code edition is published followed by a supplement in the interim.

There are a couple of areas in the 2006 edition of the International Building Code that I’ve encountered on a few occasions that illustrate how a building code can be illogical and inconsistent.

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Notes from First Meeting of CSI BIM Practice Group

There’s no shortage of topics for CSI’s BIM Practice Group to focus on, based on the talk that took place during the group’s first webinar/meeting last Friday. The chatter ranged from why the HVAC community is “light years ahead” in building information modeling (BIM); to the role of software developers in BIM; to how CSI can help BIM move past animated, virtual buildings and into usable construction information.

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Green Marketing Commandments

We attended a presentation titled “The 10 Commandments of Green Marketing” last week, given by Mind Over Markets, a company that bills itself as a “marketing/business development company dedicated to helping socially responsible companies take their businesses to new levels of success.”

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Golden Reps

Last week, we got to hear Paul Simonsen, RA, FCSI, CCS, CCCA, NCARB, LEED AP, chat with a group of product representatives between floor hours during a local product show. Here’s some of the advice he gave them on becoming a “Golden Rep” – the kind of rep architects call:

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Good Luck, CDT Candidates!

This week, candidates are taking the Construction Document Technology (CDT) certificate exam at computer testing centers throughout the country. We wish all of them the best of luck!

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CSI Strategic Planning

CSI  is marking its 60th year of service to the construction industry during 2008. CSI members have contributed to a lot of success during the years through the development of better construction specifications, the improvement in standardized construction documentation, the education of construction professionals, and the certification of those who possess valuable knowledge and skills.

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Spec writing advice?

We are always interested when anyone gives advice about writing specifications of any sort, especially when they use the name “Construction Specifications Institute” anywhere in their discussion.

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Gary Betts Memorial And One Hell-of-a Great Party*

Former Institute President Gary Betts, FCSI, CCS, of Chicago died Sunday, August 17. You can read his obituary in the Chicago Tribune. His wife, Pamela, sent out the following message about the memorial service to be held in his honor:

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CSI Technical Committee Seeks Locally Produced Technical Documents

In an effort to foster innovation and creative thinking, the Institute Technical Committee is requesting your help in assembling locally and regionally produced technical documents and technical-related articles.

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Report From CSI's Technical Committee Kickoff Meeting

CSI’s Technical Committee met July 19-20, 2009 in Dallas to kickoff activities for FY09. Major announcements, programs and goals for the year include the following:

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