View from the Tower

August 2009

Phillip C. McMullan, CSI, AICP 2009 – 2010 Chapter President

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
Winston Churchill

My first chapter meeting serving as President is now history. I hope that everyone who attended found the food and service satisfactory and overall pleased with our new caterer at the Riverwalk. I would like to thank Blake Wagner and Ray Kirchoff for arranging the informative presentation on elevators by Rick Wilhite.

August is a busy month for our Chapter. On the 5th the trade show committee conducted the annual "envelope stuffing" session to send out direct mail to advertise the 35th Annual Trade Show to be held on Thursday, September 17, 2009 from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Riverwalk Banquet Center. Booths are currently available and can be secured by visiting the Chapter website www.csiindy.org.

The CSI Great Lakes Region Conference will be held from August 13th through 15th in Perrysburg, Ohio. In addition to the Region Board meeting, this conference has a great line up have educational and leadership sessions on Friday and Saturday morning. More information on the conference as well as the registration forms are available from a link on our Chapter website.

On August 20th our monthly Chapter meeting will be held at the Riverwalk Banquet Center. This month's meeting is a joint meeting with the local ACI Chapter and the program will be Concrete Construction for Sustainable Low-rise Buildings. Reservations for this meeting can be made at (continued on page 3)

our website www.csiindy.org or leave a reservation at the Hotline at (317) 465-1491 before noon Monday, August 17th. Please keep in mind that walk-in registrants are always welcome.

I did not have space to discuss this in last month's article but I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to thank the past Chapter President's for their guidance and assistance in assuming this position. On the evening of May 27th the past president's gave of their time once again to attend the President's Forum. The purpose of this meeting is two fold. One is to offer each of these Chapter leaders the opportunity to share their experience and knowledge with the incoming president and the president elect. I cannot overstate the quality of CSI leadership that filled the room on this evening. I have heard it said numerous times that many CSI chapters would be thrilled to have a monthly meeting as well attended as was our chapters President Forum.

The second and equally important function of the meeting was to discuss the opportunities and challenges that the Indianapolis Chapter faces in the coming year. I came away from the meeting with a clear understanding that there is no "auto pilot" to maintain the Chapter's success. Rather it is the dedication and hard work of not just these past presidents, but all the members who give of their time and talent that makes our Chapter a success.

I look forward to seeing you at our August 20th meeting and please feel free to e-mail me at pmcmullan@thermo-scan.com or call me at (317) 846-4655 to discuss any suggestions, complaints, and other comments about our Chapter.

CERTIFICATION QUIZ

Indianapolis Chapter Quizmaster

Jack P. Morgan, CSI, CCS, CCCA, MAI, AIA

1. All of the following statements are true concerning the proprietary method of specifying termed open or closed EXCEPT:

a. The open proprietary specification allows for substitutions on an as approved basis.
b. The closed proprietary specification does not allow for substitution.
c. The terms open or closed do not refer to substitutions.

2. When the General Conditions state that the Contractor shall correct any Work to be found defective within one year after the date of Substantial Completion:

a. The specific warranties on the Project are nullified after that date.
b. The Contractor is responsible for no other Work to be done after that date.
c. The Contractor may still have to perform corrections when evidence is presented
to overcome the presumption that they are the responsibility of the Owner.
d. The Architect responsible is responsible for corrections that he did not catch
during the final punch list.

3. When two spelling are acceptable for the same word, the preferred choice is:

a. The spelling that has been in existence longer.
b. The shorter spelling.
c. Neither is preferred.
d. None of the above.

4 The specification type document prepared during the Design Development phase
is called:

a. Preliminary Project Description.
b. Outline specification.
(continued on page 5)

c. Rough draft specifications.
d. UniFormat elements.

5. All of the following are basic elements of an Addendum EXCEPT:

a. Architect/Engineer's signature and date of submittal.
b. Project identification.
c. Opening remarks and Notice to Bidders.
d. Changes to Agreement and other Contract Forms.

Upcoming CSI Indy Events

Mark your Calendars!

D. Blake Wagner, Programs Chair

Your CSI Indy Programs and Education Committee are working hard to provide the latest and greatest content for our upcoming chapter events to "Advance the process of creating and sustaining the built environment." Be sure to mark your calendars and plan to attend!

September 17 – CSI Trade Show and Seminar
October 15 – Historic Masonry
November 19 – Joint meeting with DHI on Sealing Systems
December 10 – Holiday Party at the Columbia Club
January 21 – How to Write Good Specifications
February 18 – Limestone

More great events planned for 2010, be sure to check www.csiindy.org for the latest updates!

Designer Turned Specifier – How BIM Changed Her Life

Convention Seminar Article

Paul M. Sternberg, CSI CCS CCCA AIA LEED-AP

At Construct2009, Lynn Ostenson, CDT, described her experience with Building Information Modeling (BIM) and how it changed her practice. BIM is more than real-time 3D representations and smart objects. When more fully integrated, BIM objects are data rich and automatically link with specifications. In Ms. Ostenson's experience, it changed her approach to specifications, and her appreciation of them.
Specs – a Necessity, Not a Choice
Ms. Ostenson noted that most architects view specifications as a necessary evil, rather than desired opportunity. Specifications were not taught in college. She began her career as a design architect and found that she did not understand specifications. She was frustrated by the need to produce them. When her firm aggressively adopted BIM, data rich objects, and automatic spec generation, she learned the need for coordination, completeness, and accuracy of the specifications.
At a small firm, the move to BIM required her to be intimately involved in the population of data to objects. She also worked on the process of generating specifications from links to the building model.
Ms. Ostenson stated that BIM requires thought and knowledge about how the parts of a building come together. In order to generate specifications from the model, components require pre-programmed data and links to specification text. Components are best cataloged using UniFormat, with a tie to the correct Specification section. An example is C3030100 – Acoustical Ceilings – Section 09 51 13. It was recommended that new components be created instead of modifying the data for existing components. This builds a large library of components, but better maintains data integrity. Existing components may be used as the basis for new, but each distinct set of data should have its own component, properly identified. The specification writer should be involved in the creation of components, to ensure the correct data is associated with the object and specifications text properly includes requirements for the component.
No standard or template currently exists for object data. There are standards under development for proprietary sets in use. Examples include those of SPIE/NIBS and SpecsIntact. The Industry Foundation Class (IFC) model, an international framework for data, should be followed by software. Generally, the most common software is compliant. CSI has a role in the development of the IFC and the data dictionary it depends on. Pre-edited specifications masters or templates can be created for specific building types, occupancies, or levels of quality.
As BIM data develops in sophistication, the specifications writer may become a Specifications Technologist or Administrator. The key need in firms using data-rich BIM is individuals with experience and expertise in both specifications writing and BIM object creation and modification. They will be able to manage the need for specific object information, links to specification master texts, and compliance with established conventions and standards.
From Designer to
(continued on page 8)

SpecifierMs. Ostenson found that the conversion to BIM also brought about a conversion in who she is and how she relates to specifications. Instead of a burdensome duty, she discovered that the need to create objects connected to specifications data enhanced her participation as a Designer. No longer a chore, she finds fun and fulfillment in making deliberate decisions about materials and assemblies. While initial data definition is time consuming, the resulting components created carry forward significant productivity enhancement through design speed, better coordinated and complete documents, and quickly generated specifications.
BIM and specifications integration require long-term thinking and a development plan. Like the advancement of any tool, its success in raising productivity depends on education and training, well thought-out plans of action, user buy-in, and quality assurance practices. For BIM and automated specifications, the reward is better communications, better documents, more complete design, and lower construction costs.

Become Involved
If you are interested in BIM and specifications, or have experience with BIM that would be of value to CSI members, join the BIM Practice Group at http://www.csinet.org/s_csi/sec.asp?TRACKID=&CID=2473&DID=16006

For additional information, contact: pmsternberg@comcast.net

Table Top Prices

Indianapolis Chapter CSI

Ralph R Pitman, Jr., CSI, CDT

The Indianapolis Chapter of CSI is accepting reservations for Table Tops for upcoming Chapter meetings. The list of programs for upcoming Chapter meetings is published in this newsletter, the web site, or contact Program chairman Blake Wagner. So if you would like to target a particular meeting, make sure to get your reservation in early. We do have a limit of four spaces available for Table Tops in a standard meeting room and 10 if we have a double room.
Table Tops are an opportunity to promote your company, products, or services to all attendees of our regular chapter meeting during the social hour. There is a maximum of 20 minutes for Table Top presentation at a regular Chapter meeting. You have the floor for maximum of five minutes during the dinner to communicate to the entire group if there are four presenters. If there is a greater demand, the 20 minutes will be divided by the number of presenters and rounded down to the nearest 30 seconds.
The Table Top presentations are FREE, one time, to new members, and cost current Indianapolis Chapter members only $75. Non-members get the same opportunity for $125. A 30 by 60 table with a cover and skirt will be included. All proceeds go to support the Chapters Education Fund.
Another opportunity for a Table Top is during an Education Seminar. The cost is if you combine it with the Chapter meeting and Education Seminar the cost would be $100 for current members and $150 for non-members.
If you would like to schedule a Table Top for a future meeting or seminar, contact Ralph Pitman, Sebree Architects, Inc., via e-mail at rpitman@sebreearchitects.com (317) 272-7800 or Matt Maier at mmaier@edgewoodbuildingsupply.com (317) 846-6060 make sure to put 'Table Top Request' in the subject line or at .

REQUEST FOR PICTURES

Indianapolis Chapter CSI

Ralph R Pitman, Jr., CSI, CDT

The Indianapolis Chapter of CSI is fast approaching its 50th Anniversary in 2011. What I'd like to do is archive our history in pictures for posterity. I have been taking pictures for the chapter for a short time now and need your help. What I'm looking for are any and all photos that have been taken since the beginning of the Chapter. It doesn't matter if they are old black & whites or new digitals, we need them all. All photos submitted to me will be scanned and returned or you could scan them and send me a disk.
If anyone can help locate all the pictures taken during the SpecSource days that would be a start.
Special thanks go out to all who took pictures at Construct 2009 and getting me the pictures to post in our photo gallery. I would also like to thank Hanley Wood for issuing me a Press Pass. This allowed me to take almost 1,000 pictures over 5 days. Below is a NEW link to all the pictures I have collected so far, 105+ galleries. Stop by and leave a comment about who's in the picture or where it was taken.
Please see me at the monthly meetings or contact me at Sebree Architects, Inc., via e-mail at rpitman@sebreearchitects.com make sure to put 'Old Pics' in the subject line or at (317) 272-7800.

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INDIANAPOLIS CHAPTER CSI BOARD MEETING MINUTES

June 2009

Respectfully Submitted, Paula Pearson, Secretary, Indianapolis Chapter CSI

June 4, 2009

Indianapolis Chapter CSI June Board Meeting
BSA 9635 Counselors Row, Indianapolis

Attendance: Jack Morgan, Ralph Pitman, Pete Kerfoot, Paul Sternberg, Paula Pearson, Dan McCloskey, Blake Wagner, Phil McMullan, Kathy Bultman, Scott Bays, Robin Leising, Bill Cochran,
Excused: Andrew Meiring
Guest: Edmund Brown, Cheri Spicer-Longerbone

Indianapolis Chapter Board Meeting called to order: 6:15 pm

1.0 - Review Meeting Minutes of previous Meeting: Pearson
1.1 The Board approved the minutes as submitted. (Sternberg/Cochran) Motion Passed.

2.0 - Treasurer's Report: Pitman
2.1 Review bills and budget
(2.1.1) Review bills to be paid. Submit for audit.

3.0 - Committee Reports:
3.1 - Academic Affairs/Student Affiliate: Morgan/Kerfoot/Meiring
(3.1.1) Student Contest is going very well. Sponsor dollars did come in.
3.2 - Awards: Morgan/Leising
(3.2.1) Awards for next week have been ordered.
3.3 - Certification: Morgan
(3.3.1) Aug thru Sept is the fall study session. Sept end is the fall exam date. Discussion.
3.4 - Communications: McCloskey
(3.4.1) Newsletter will be out tomorrow.
(3.4.2) Roster Discussion
(3.4.3) Website redo with Polaris Discussion
3.5 - Education: Wagner
(3.5.1) ASHRAE speaker coming to do the tradeshow seminar. Discussion.
(3.5.2) November 09 Seminar with DHI
3.6 - Golf Outing: McMullan/Cochran
(3.6.1) Standing at 66 sign up, and more coming in. Sponsors still coming in as well.
(3.6.2) Announcement at meeting next week.
(3.6.3) Actual Bricks will be the trophies this year.
(continued on page 13)

3.7 - Tradeshow: Baines/Bultman
(3.7.1) Stuffing party will be soon.
3.8 - Membership/Orientation: Morgan/Leising
(3.8.1) Calls are being made and we are getting people to sign back up.
(3.8.2) Members being laid off, making sure they can get their information changed. Discussion.
3.9 - Nominations: McMullan
(3.9.1)
3.10 - Programs: Wagner
(3.10.6) May 2009 Education Seminar 2009 Fire Compartmenting.
(3.10.7) June 2009 Awards Banquet at the Indianapolis Columbia Club.
(3.10.8) July 2009 Elevators.
(3.10.9) Aug 2009 ACI
(3.10.10) Sept 2009 Tradeshow
(3.10.11) Oct 2009 Historic Masonry by Gene King, Instead of Limestone
(3.10.12) Nov 2009 DHI
(3.10.13) Dec 2009 Holiday Party
(3.10.14) Jan 2010 "Writing Good Specifications"
(3.10.15) Feb 2010
(3.10.16) March/April 2010 Panel Discussion on the J.W.Marriot
(3.10.17) Looking for more ideas on programs.
3.11 - National Convention / Region Conference/Construct2009 McCloskey/Baines
(3.11.1) Discussion on Volunteers.
(3.11.2) Convention Pins are being taken care of by Institute out of membership.
(3.11.3) Paddle Charm. Discussion
(3.11.4) 2010 Convention in Philadelphia on May 11-14
(3.11.5) Region Conference Aug 13-15, 2010 Perrysburg, Ohio
(3.11.6) 4 different bylaw changes coming, more information at convention.
3.12 - Special Events: Morgan/Pearson
(3.12.1) Awards Banquet will be Thursday, June 11, 2009 at the Columbia Club.
(3.12.2) Calling members to remind them to RSVP.
(3.12.3) Holiday Party will be December 10th, 2009 at the Columbia Club.
3.13 - Table Tops: Pitman
(3.13.1) Discussion.
3.14 - Technical: Sternberg
(3.14.1) Write articles from Construct09
(3.14.2) New PRM's will be divided into modules. Working on the first 3 right now. Project Resource Manual.
(continued on page 14)

4.0 - Old Business:
4.1 Tax ID and Trust meeting. Discussion Bultman/Morgan
(4.1.1) Update on progress.

5.0 – Tabled / In-Progress Business (No Discussion Needed):
5.1 By-Law(July 2009) Institute has moved forward with there's. Discussion. Meiring
5.2 Policy Manual / Administrative Guide (July 2009) No report. Wagner/Meiring
(5.2.1) Current administrative guide is posted online. CSINDY
(5.2.2) Word Files will be out soon to the list. Discussion.
(5.2.3) Review of separating Policy from Guide in progress.

6.0 - New Business:
6.1 Update on strategic plan. McMullan
Feedback will compiled for report at awards banquet.

7.0 - Next Meeting: July 2009 at InterDesign

Adjournment: 7:28 pm

Attachments: Board Meeting Agenda May 2009
Treasurer's Report May 2009
Special Events Report May 2009


Respectfully Submitted, Paula Pearson, Secretary, Indianapolis Chapter CSI

CERTIFICATION QUIZ ANSWERS

Indianapolis Chapter CSI Quizmaster

Jack P. Morgan, CSI, CCS, CCCA, MAI, AIA

ANSWERS: 1. c; 2. c; 3. b; 4. b; 5. a