Deliberate Words

Organization of information is critical when it comes to making design decisions, estimating costs, and constructing a building.  Structuring project data in an efficient manner allows members of the project team to make rigorous analysis of options to compare cost, risk, performance and design attributes.  This can be accomplished through the SPD, which stands for Systems and Performance Description.  It is a way of documenting design in a highly efficient manner, offering tremendous value to the construction team.  It combines an early project narrative with UNIFOMAT organization for ease of estimating. 

Let’s throw back to November, 2023 to the COAA Fall Conference in Orlando, FL. Our guests are:  Cy Rangel of Purdue University, Carli Cole of HGA Architects, Sarah Delphin and Kamila Andrzejak from MD Anderson. In this episode host of Deliberate Words and president of Conspectus sits down with four colleagues who we have become friends with during our participation and attendance at COAA which stands for Construction Owners Association of America.  This podcast is a peak into a discussion between Dave, Cy, Carli, Sarah and Kamila.  It exemplifies why we, as specifiers, attend these conferences and get to know other members of the project team.  Truly understanding the vantage points, challenges, and activities help us understand how we can create better documents and improve the process.  We hope you enjoy this conference episode of Deliberate Words!

Conspectus continues to grow, doubling the size of the team in just one year.  The Conspectians got together for the annual meeting in December, 2023 in the world-wide headquarters - Tuckahoe, NJ.  Take a peek into our culture.  That is the secret to our success.  

A fascinating look at the career path of the AEC industry tech leader Marc Goldman.  From crafting his own arch/eng degree to software development to digital mapping and location intelligence, and many adventures in between that brought him to BIM, the digital twin and GIS - Geographic Information System. In his current position with ESRI, he educates the AEC industry on how to leverage the benefits of GIS during planning, design and construction.  Something is build everywhere.  GIS provides geospatial analytics that can aid in many aspects in every stage of development and construction, including codes, placement, context and so much more.   Join Dave, Steve and Marc to learn more about geographic information systems.  

Specifications are not typically a celestial experience, but Brian Conroy helps us discover how the process of creating well written documents, when done correctly, can put one in a state of service that may have the effects of feeling spiritual.  In this episode we welcome Brian Conroy, fellow Philly CSI members and product rep of Master Wall, which is a manufacturer of stucco, coatings, exterior insulation and EIFS.  Brian is our very first building product manufacturer on the show!  Specifiers and technical representatives have a critical relationship that can substantially influence project documentation. But is goes beyond technical knowledge.  It becomes a trusted advisor position, so if and when they don't have the solution, they assist in finding it.  From this act, mutual respect is built and a successful relationship is built, ultimately benefiting the project and the owner.  Join our hosts of Deliberate Words: Dave Stutzman and Steve Gantner, as they find spirituality in specs with Brian Conroy.  

Welcome to the Continuum…..during this episode, we welcome Doug Bevill, the very first General Manager of Conspectus Cloud. Conspectus Cloud, the specification tool created by specifiers for specifiers, and designers, and contractors, and owners and building product manufacturers, is capturing attention in the industry at a tremendous rate.  In response to this growth, Conspectus brought on Doug Bevill, who is incredibly experienced in the AECO industry, and belief system is in line with the firm: make the process better.  His manta is A product should not reinvent the way someone works, it should enhance the way someone works.  Check out his full bio on our website, a link in posted in the show's description.  Now here are your hosts of Deliberate Words, Dave Stutzman and Steve Gantner chatting with Doug Bevill, taking an in depth look as to where Conspectus Cloud is going, and how we are going to get there! 

Pizza and prefab construction, an unusual pair that have quite a lot in common, according the Axel Webb, from TAS Energy, a prefabrication and manufacturing powerhouse. Axel is a golf semi-pro and efficiency guru.  His career has taken him from operation over 40 Little Caesar Pizza restaurants to his current position as pre-construction manager at TAS Energy, a pre fab manufacturer specializing in construction in the MEP sector. He talks about the parallels between these two types of manufacturing.  Yes, manufacturing food with ingredients, and manufacturing a building with materials.  The prefab process is fascinating and Axel takes us through considerations when deciding to procure this method of construction to how it is delivered to the site.  Challenges, successes, and failures hinge on how efficient a CUP - Central Utility Plant is designed, manufactured, delivered and installed.

Conspectus team members have been long time members of the CSI (Construction Specification Institute) at different capacities, all across the country.  We understanding the importance of this organization for, not just specifiers, but for the entire project team.  Which is why we decided this spring, to invest in CSI at a new capacity, and attend regional conferences across the country as a sponsor. Conspectus Cloud was our main feature and it was well received. Because no one likes RFIs or value engineering, especially spec writers!  Take a listen and find out how our 8 specifiers, who attended 4 region conferences, expanded their knowledge, developed and nurtured relationships, and evalgelized Conspectus Cloud!

Are you on a Lean Journey? Are you familiar with what a Lean Journey is? Conspectus has been attending COPs (community of practice) events across the country. We have been learning about Lean principles, and striving to understanding the tenants. We know it is a powerful practice, that drives project success, but we want to know how the Conspectus approach aligns with Lean.  So we sat down with one of the most knowledgeable folks in the industry - John Zachara. Lean has become a way of constructing, and even a way of life, for many teams across the country and even the world. It is a practice that is rooted in respecting people, reducing waste, increasing efficiency, and many other principles that directly align with how Conspectus approaches our projects.  We are very curious how to make the connection between the two. John Zachara, vice president at Integrated Facility Solutions in Chicago, is an consultant, practitioner, educator, and active member of LCI, Lean Construction Institute. In this episode we take a journey with him into the world of Lean, and it felt like we just scratched the surface. We will definitely be continuing the conversation with John, but right now we invite you to listen in on him chatting with our hosts, David Stutzman and Steve Gantner, along with special guest, our executive VP in Chicago, Elias Saltz, who has worked with John on past projects.  Welcome to our intro to a Lean Journey.  

Courage is a powerful characteristic in a female architect, and is exercised in a number of ways, inspiring many along her journey. In honor of Women In Construction month, we welcome Marissa Iamello, a New Jersey architect and the 2021 AIA-NJ Young Architect Award recipient. As she shares her story, we learn how she has shown a tremendous amount of courage throughout her entire career. She is continuously challenged to re-evaluate priorities as she navigates being an ardent female architect.  She shows that there is more than just surviving what life gives you, it is celebrating and enjoying every moment.  Now here are your hosts of Deliberate Words David Stutzman and Steve Gantner chatting with Marissa Iamello about her courageous journey as a female architect.  

Live from the annual CURT Conference in San Antonio, TX!  We chat with Taylor Boileau of Ryan Companies and Karen Hager, incoming president of NAWIC.  Dave Stutzman, Steve Gantner, and Tina Montone attended the Construction Users Round Table conference early this month.  The event provided rich experiences of giving a presentation, tremendous education, incredible networking, and growth of friendships. A highlight was our conversation with Taylor and Karen, and listening to what is means to be a woman in construction.  Trust me when I tell you, their angle and story is NOT what you typically hear.  We hope you enjoy this onsite and uncut episode of Deliberate Words. 

One may consider construction managers miracle workers, and in this episode we chat with an owner and a contractor to learn the depth of what it means in their lives and positions on the project team.PMs, CMs, Superintendents - Whatever issues, problems, or situations that arise on the job site - it will land on their desk for resolution. Our guests in January add another level to the word miracle in medical situations they have overcome. Despite their close encounter with death, they continue to construct and work towards improving the industry.  And they have A LOT of wisdom to bestow.  We welcome Cy Rangel, lead project manager at Purdue University, and Jim Rechenmacher, superintendent at Boldt Construction, long time industry friends, and comrade therapists talk about having knowledge, experience, ambition, initiative, and investment in the team and industry; sprinkled with some prayers to make miracles happen!

We have officially wrapped up 30 years of producing awesome specifications, and one whole year of podcast episodes.  All of the Conspectus Specifiers hopped in the recording booth in December to reflect on how the firm as evolved over the past 3 decades, share their journey to specifications, and provide an inside of what it is like to work for the largest specification firm in the country. Our team of 14 split up into 3 groups to chat with one another.  How did Conspectus develop the technical knowledge, talent, and positive team energy that is known far and wide in the industry?  Perhaps you'll hear some secrets revealed.  From our team to yours: Happy Holidays 2022!Group 1: Joe Minarik, Jay Bethel, Emelyn Adoremos, Basiru Carew, Dave Stutzman, Tina MontoneGroup 2: Steve Gantner, Marlon Hollis, Chris Ricke, Hugo Nava, Dave Stutzman, Tina MontoneGroup 3: Elias Saltz, Alejandro Rodriguez, Melody Fontenot, Terumi Woods, Dave Stutzman, Tina MontoneMusic by Dream Theatre

Have you been to a DBIA conference? Ever wonder what it is about and what you can experience as an attendee?  In this episode we welcome back Brian Skripac, the director of Virtual Design and Construction for the DBIA, to provide a recap on the most recent conference that took place last month in November.  The association added VDC as a new track, and it is quite interesting to get the behind-the-scenes knowledge to understand how they structure sessions for ultimate benefit to the attendees.  Our St. Louis senior specifier and executive vice president, Steve Gantner also attend the conference, and together they cover the highlights and awesome nuggets they gathered from the event.  

We welcome Brian Skripac the director of VDC for the DBIA. In non-acronym terms: he is the Virtual Design & Construction guru for the Design Build Institute of America.  Technology is everywhere in the industry, but how and why it's applied contributes to success. Brian explains that if we can look at technology in a thoughtful and innovative way, across the entire project life cycle, we can achieve design excellence, increase productivity and quality, and reduce life-cycle costs for owners.  People must thoughtfully integrated it into the entire approach, to truly improve the process.  These are very exciting times for technology in the construction industry, so listen in as David Stutzman and Steve Gantner, your hosts of Deliberate Words chat with Brian Skripac on how the importance of the order of People, Process, Technology = VDC Success. 

Logic refocused elevates people's abilities, knowledge and experience; it leverages  technology; and it builds confidence in the predictability of success.  In this episode of Deliberate Words, we welcome Daniel Canning - Vice President of Project Assurance and Delivery at Teknobuilt, and he is very much in agreeance and support of how relationships transform the industry.  Dan is captivating, entertaining and brilliant in his discussions, that actually become a story about his experiences over the course of his career, and how they have influenced his current position in improving the industry.  He distills it down to the correct placement of technology, people and process, which he proves has impact on success probability.  He explains how the correct framework in a project recognizes constraints, removes the constraints, and has a LOGIC that makes sense to everyone and allows everyone to do their part, having technology as a strong and supportive role. 

Eyes on the Prize - sometimes easier said than done.  We discover that is what is behind the success at Studio Libeskind when we chat with Neil Cook.  What's in a relationship, and how does it contribute to the success of the end goal as well as the journey that takes you there? Our Topeka, KS senior specifier Chris Ricke, had the pleasure of working on a Studio Libeskind project with architect Neil Cook.  Chris noticed something unique in the how they work with the entire project team during each phase.  Here is a hint: consult the contractor BEFORE drawings are complete!  Let them influence design decisions.  Neil takes a deep dive into their practices that encourages "Eyes on the prize" for ultimate success.  

In this episode we are very excited to welcome Charlie Dunn from DPR. As per his usual, Charlie provides many wonderful nuggets to improving the future of the construction industry through the art of storytelling, and distills the solutions down to two ideas: empathy and scientific thinking. Charlie has a unique and captivating way of looking at projects, identifying the challenges, and guiding members of the project team to efficiently and successfully provide solutions. He is able to do this at a high level applying solutions to areas of the industry as a whole, down to a project specific challenge. He also talks about his debut on TED Talk: https://youtu.be/W8Jg8BG8szcand the journey that lead him there.  The added twist to this podcast is the situation he found himself in Switzerland, which is providing additional reflection opportunities, development, and personal healing. Intrigued? Tune in and listen to your hosts of Deliberate Words - Dave Stutzman and Steve Gantner chatting with Charlie Dunn learning about Empathy and Construction. 

In this episode we chat with John Sier, an attorney and partner with a Detroit law firm - Kitch Drutchas Wagner Valitutti & Sherbrook. John works with construction owners and in this conversation, he identifies the challenges the industry is facing, what solutions are being applied, such as prefab and modular, -and what are the legal implications and contracting considerations what must the owner consider, in order to create success moving forward? Listen in on Deliberate Words while Dave Stutzman and Steve Gantner chat with John Sier as they visit lessons learned and how they are creating new construction trends, and why it is extremely important to look at them through the critical lens of an attorney. 

Our guests this month are Jim Beck from Allegheny Health Network, John Reddick from Stantec (Pittsburgh), and Mark Petzold from Highmark, and they teach us how they have Perfected the RFP.  Here is a question for our listeners: How confident are you with your RFPs (Requests for Proposal)? Whether you are writing them or answering them, the words in them matter immensely! In this episode we chat with an owner, an architect, and a procurement specialist who have perfected the RFP process.  They have worked together to create content that benefits all parties reducing confusion, frustration, and risk; while gaining clarity, confidence, and time.