Specification Writing - ACA CPD on demand

The ACA Qld/NT branch has developed a two-part online seminar in conjunction with Greg Blain, on ‘how to write specifications’. It’s a critical skill for architectural practices. This seminar was originally recorded on 1 & 15 March 2022.

This two-part recorded seminar comprises 2 x 1.5 hrs sessions including question time, written CPD questions for each session and related materials such as slides and written answers to questions outside of the seminar. 3 formal CPD points.

Who should attend?

The seminar will benefit recent graduates and registered architects at all levels.

Session 1 – 1.5 hrs

Part 1 – Introduction

• What is a specification? Why do we have it?
• Types of specification available: Natspec, Specpac, Archiassist, other.
• Architect vs Interior specification.
• Contents of a specification.

Part 2 – Preliminaries and general

• Importance of preliminaries – what goes in there, what to look out for, sections.
• Common sections (general, fixings, fire, etc).

Part 3 – Q&A

Session 2 – 1.5 hrs

Part 4 – Trade sections

• How do they work/read, how do you put one together, what to look for and input.
• Examples.
• Masonry and tiling.
• Roofing.
• Discussion around partitions and how this can be broken up if different packages.
• Windows and doors discussion.
• Building services and landscaping.

Part 5 – Schedules

• How to use them.
• What is a common list of schedules required?
• Importance of schedules and detail required.

Part 6 – Q&A

Guest Speaker

Greg Blain is an architect and a director of ArchiAssist Pty Ltd, which provides specification writing products and specification writing services to architects.

In 1987, Greg graduated from a six-year part-time Bachelor of Architecture course at the Queensland University of Technology and was registered in 1989. He had varied experiences as an architect, particularly in the areas of documentation and contract administration. In 2000, he obtained his commercial builders licence and undertook some small-scale design/build development work at that time.

In 2001 Greg decided to return to working with architectural practices and began work as a full-time specification writer. In 2006, Greg opened ArchiAssist, dedicated to writing specifications for architectural clients.

CPD

On completion of all components and submission of answers to CPD questions for both sections, the course will be equivalent to 3 formal CPD points.

Learning outcomes - On completion of this seminar, participants will:

• Understand the purpose of specification, options available, what it includes and how it goes together.
• Increase understanding of how to write a preliminaries and general section of a spec.
• Become more competent in how trade sections should be used and how to write them.
• Overall to be more confident and technically across the production and execution of a specification.

AACA competencies that will be covered:

• Detailed Design and Construction Documentation - PC 45, PC 46
• Design Delivery and Construction Phase Services - PC 58

APBSA Core Area: Documentation

COST

Members: $149 p/p (incl. GST)
Non-Members: $199 p/p (incl. GST)

*One ticket per attendee.

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