March 17-19, 2013
East Coast, TBA
An Exclusive Event for
Senior Architects &
Heads of Specification

The 2013 ArchiSpec Summit will take place March 17-19th on the East Coast (Location TBA). Please check back in mid 2012 for the initial program. ArchiSpec is the premier educational and networking forum for senior architects and heads of specification from the nation’s leading architectural firms. This exclusive gathering provides an opportunity to exchange best practices, and learn about the latest products and technologies transforming the built environment.

The Premier Event for Heads of Specification

afterhours
oneonone
speaker
chili
golfcart

International and state building codes change to adhere to new energy initiatives and infrastructure requirements. Design and construction materials, technologies, and methods constantly evolve.  Architects and specifiers are doing their best to keep themselves educated and abreast of the latest information and products available in the market.

ArchiSpec was created to provide a venue to discuss both the challenges and opportunities faced by the architectural and engineering specification industry today. This senior-level leadership event will cover a variety of topics including Simplifying Specifications, Specifying with BIM, and Specifying beyond LEED Requirements. ArchiSpec is an opportunity to gather new ideas, develop new relationships, and learn about new industry products. This premier summit will take place at the luxurious Loews Lake Las Vegas in sunny Henderson, Nevada. We look forward to meeting you and creating your itinerary in this one-of-a-kind atmosphere!

What People Are Saying

"The presenters in all sessions were excellent. The location & surroundings were perfect. The opportunity to interface with the people & institutions of this high level of quality is unsurpassed."

Greg Parsons

University Architect

AUBURN UNIVERSITY

"Summit was very professionally run and organized. Presentations were well structured and provided a lot of useful information. By far the best conference I ever attended! Thanks!"

Robert Meadows

City Architect

CITY OF NORFOLK

"All topics were well focused. Overall a great bunch of organizations sharing their knowledge on sustainable design, construction and operations…just what’s needed! Great job…your staff is remarkable!"

Tony Gale

Corporate Architect

Starbuck's Coffee Company

"Excellent! Really enjoyed the summit! It was very helpful and full of great information. I liked the individual meetings with the suppliers and received great product information."

Joseph Gonzales

Lead Architect

UNIVERSITY HEALTH SYSTEM

2012 Presenters Included:

ed_mazria

Edward Mazria

Founder and Executive Director

Architecture 2030

Steve-McDowell

Steve McDowell

Principal, Director of Design

BNIM

DANIELPOURS2

Steven Danielpour

Director of Specifications

HOK New York

Rowan_Georges

Rowan Georges

Associate Principal, Head of Specifications

SKIDMORE OWINGS & MERRILL

Dennis Hall rop

Dennis Hall

Managing Principal

HALL ARCHITECTS

ken_hercenberg

Kenneth Hercenberg

Senior Specifications Writer

PAYETTE

Lynn Javoroski - Flad Architects

Lynn Javoroski

Senior Specifier

FLAD ARCHITECTS

Eric Olson crop

Eric Olson

Senior Project Manager

SIMPSON GUMPERTZ & HEGER INC.

William Pegues crop

William Pegues

Associate Principal, Specifications & Research

WDG ARCHITECTURE

Jay Whisenant crop

Jay Whisenant

Associate Vice President, Specifications Leader

CANNON DESIGN

gensler

Anne Whitacre

NW Specification Lead

GENSLER

brett_wilbur

Brett Wilbur

Sr Associate, Director of Material Technology & Specifications

PAGE SOUTHERLAND PAGE

sheldon_wolfe

Sheldon Wolfe

Director of Specifications

BWBR

Program

Coordinating Specifications with BIM

The use of construction modeling technology is abounding in the industry and there is no decrease in the demand for it. BIM has forced organizations to adopt this new technology and essentially change the way they work. The industry has seen many benefits to using BIM but there are challenges when it comes to integrating a specifications database such as eSPECS. In this session, we will discuss the strategies to link a specifications database with BIM.

Overcoming the Challenges of Specifying New Technologies

Technological advancements from various manufacturers such as fire and sprinkler systems happen at a rapid pace. Keeping up with the latest advancements can be challenging, especially when dealing with how these progressions are impacted by codes and standards. In this session we will explore how these advancements will impact specification writing when a new product does not have a long history on the market but is required by new codes and standards.

Streamlining the Process: Specifications to Drawing

One of the biggest challenges within the construction industry is coordinating specifications and drawings.  It is fairly normal to experience projects that come down to the deadline and the time needed to coordinate drawings just is not available. In this session we will explore strategies to overcome delays in development and how to streamline the design process.

Specifying Products with No Set Definitions

When it comes to specifying certain products and materials, it can become a bit of a struggle when there are no set definitions to describe them. Without technical terms attached to the products, it makes specifying certain products such as paint more challenging. In this session we will discuss strategies to specify technical content that needs further elaboration or not uniformly available in literature.

Achieving High Performance through Application-Driven Specifications

Integrating construction performance standards with specifications is beginning to evolve. Being able to select products in the pre-planning stages based on performance along with standards such as fire rating or environmental sustainability, becomes a win-win for everyone on the project. In this session we will discuss the challenges of delivering a high performance project without compromising on plan, design, and construction.

Bridging the Communication Gap in Design and Construction

In most projects, there tends to be a lack of communication related to design changes between specifiers, architects and construction. This gap in communication leads to falling behind deadlines in as well as adding unnecessary costs to projects. In this session, we will explore successful strategies on bridging the communication gap and how to stay on track.

Preventing Air Barrier System Leakage

Specifying air barrier systems might seem run of the mill, but depending on the location of the project you need to really understand the appropriate material. Without the proper air barrier systems put in place, you are unable to prevent the unwanted leakage of air, energy, and moisture. In this session we will discuss the importance of appropriate material selection and explore the design details in the construction of building envelopes.

Complying with New State Energy Codes

States are becoming more rigorous when it comes to their energy standards.  The adoption of energy codes impacts the products that can be used throughout different projects. Specifiers will need to be aware of other manufacturers that comply with each states specific standards and requirements. In this session we will explore how the impact of state standards and codes will affect specification writing.

Developing a Top-Notch Document in a CAD-Driven Industry

What was once a handwritten industry, CAD changed over the years.  The advancements in technology do not necessarily mean it has made it easier. Drawings end up having contradictions because it was information that was needed earlier on in the project. In this session we will discuss opportunities to rethink the documentation process. We will also cover ideas that should be revisited from manual drafting and how they can be incorporated into a technologically advanced process.

MasterFormat: An Update on CSI Standards and Formats

Construction methods and materials constantly evolve. As new products come to market, moving a 6-digit code update has become a necessity. Earlier versions will eventually become obsolete and unsupported. The newer version has been available for some time, but there is much resistance from the industry. In this session we will explore why the industry needs to migrate to the new system and how simple it is to make the switch.

Specifying for LEED Requirements

Going green is more than just selecting sustainable products; it is having the knowledge of recyclable and non-toxic materials that have an economic advantage to the bottom line. Additionally many states have specific green requirements that must be followed when in the design and construction process. In this session we will explore LEED-rated materials that reduce waste and improve energy efficiency.  We will also discuss the financial impact of specifying LEED-rated products for projects.

Updates on the International Code Council

The majority of the 50 states follow the International Codes along with cities and countries across the globe. The next set of changes is scheduled for publication of the 2015 I-Codes. Throughout 2012 and 2013 there will be proposals submitted for new codes or changes to existing ones. During this session we will explore codes that should be adopted as well as revisions to current codes.

Overcoming New Hire and Staffing Obstacles

There are an overwhelming number of new architects and engineers that lack the practice of specification writing and its importance. Many schools focus more on the design and drawing elements and not enough on putting the specs and drawing together. In this session we will discuss opportunities for employers to educate their new staff on overall construction and practice matters. We will also cover approaches for direct staff contribution even though they might have no basic knowledge of earlier software programs

Knowledge Exchange: Active Involvement Problem Solving

Many architects and specifiers have great ideas and solutions to many common challenges that would benefit the industry overall. During this discussion and exchange, attendees will be able to share their experiences and accomplishments on projects as well as what has been a failure. Learn from your peers on what has worked and what does not.

Partners

INTERESTED IN PARTNERING WITH US?

ArchiSpec provides a unique opportunity to showcase your products and services directly to Senior Architects and Heads of Specification. Unlike a trade show or conference, where attendees walk from booth to booth hoping to find something useful, our format allows for uninterrupted face time via our business strategy meetings. These private meetings are pre-scheduled several weeks prior to the summit via our proprietary online scheduling software.

EMAIL: marketing@craigmichaelsinc.com

Loews Lake Las Vegas
Resort & Spa

The Loews Lake Las Vegas Resort is a magnificent desert hotel featuring luxurious accommodations in the middle of nature’s splendor. Championship golf courses, exquisite cuisine, rejuvenating spa treatments, and water sports galore await you. The convenient location puts you within easy reach of the glitz and glamor of the Vegas Strip. Loews is the centerpiece of the 3,600-acre Lake Las Vegas hotel community in Henderson, Nevada. The hotel’s 493 guest rooms and suites feature sweeping views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The luxury Henderson hotel boasts a wide range of delectable dining options which all have something special to offer.

Address

Loews Lake Las Vegas Resort
101 Montelago Boulevard
Lake Las Vegas, Nevada, 89011

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