LACSI | Newsletter | July 2010 by LA CSI

www.LACSI.org

The Los Angeles CHapter of the CONSTRUCTION Specifications Institute

NEWSLETTER

JULY/ AUGUST 2010

Join us WEDNEsday, JULY 28, 2010

Join us Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Tour the Ceilings Plus Los Angeles manufacturing plant,

Dinner on the Fountain Plaza at the

producing custom products for customers throughout the world.

Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

Letter FROM THE President

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Content

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Many of you know me, so I will bypass the drudgery of telling you what I’ve done or how long I’ve been a member of CSI.

V o l U M E 61

NUMber 4

Sharing the CSI STORY

CSI’s Strategic Plan and the Los Angeles Chapter

LEGAL NOTES

In Construction Litigation, “A picture can be worth more than a thousand words.”

Call for Entries Certifications Awarded

Photos: seminars

INSTALLATION & Awards dinner

PHOTOS: LACSI MAY MEETING

Wednesday, July 28th: Ceilings Plus Plant Tour.

BUCH NOTES

Designers and manufacturers of distinctive architectural panel systems for walls, ceilings, and soffits for customers throughout the world.

West region corner

Membership news

LACSI would like you to submit entries for the cover photo. Contact Laura Sellmer Lsellmer@isecinc.com or Steve Taylor steve@woodinst.com

July meeting and program

August Special Dinner MEETING

Dinner on the Fountain Plaza. Join us Wednesday, August 25th. Held outdoors on the Fountain Plaza located in front of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

CSI PRoduct shows- Western US 22 New CSI Website

CANSTRUCTION

27 2

L e t t e r F r o m T h e P r e s i de n t professional knowledge of our members.

Patrick Comerford, President

Many of you know me, so I will bypass the drudgery of telling you what I’ve done or how long I’ve been a member of CSI. Doing so would explain how I got to this point and frankly, I can’t recall anyway. However, I would like to inform you about the Committees and Board of Directors who have made our chapter function. But first, I’d like to thank my predecessor, Kathy Greenway. She has been instrumental in enlisting highly qualified and motivated volunteers. I hope some of that persuasiveness comes with the position, however my suspicion is that Kathy is just really nice and very hard to refuse. The chapter has some significant opportunities for members to participate at a level of commitment is right for you. Some areas of interest include: The Education Committee has been a reliable source of quality programs offered at reasonable prices for all members to benefit from. The committee is constantly looking for programs to enhance the

The Long Range Planning Committee meets monthly to discuss the issues in governance, operating procedures, and the general future health of the chapter. Meetings are held at Disney offices in Burbank on a Friday every month at lunchtime. This lively discussion has many topics about the direction of the chapter and what lies ahead for us as a group.

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members are available at our monthly dinner meetings to discuss anything chapter related.

There are many changes taking place within CSI on the national level (Institute), at the regional level (West Region), and locally (LACSI). The theme for these changes is simple, ‘reduce and save’. Most of the upheaval is due to limited resources available to conduct operations for the organization. The economic downtown does not play favorites. The Membership However, there is an Committee has Volunteering offers outstanding opportunity presented the largest number to us from being networking opportunities to interact of volunteers and forced to change. in a social setting at monthly dinner rightfully so. Our We are compelled to meetings, education seminars, or membership roster review and scrutinize has more than certification classes. ‘business as usual’. 250 names. There The Board of Directors is an excellent has been advised mix of professional members, industry by several different committees within the members, and associate members. chapter to change the bylaws (a fascinating This creates productive networking document but outdated), which allowed us opportunities for both groups to interact to reduce the number of BOD members in a social setting at monthly dinner from 16 to 11. This is the most obvious meetings, education seminars, or change but certainly not the most significant. certification classes. Many other improvements like electronic election methods make selecting the officers There are many other activities by various of the chapter more convenient to members, committees for networking. Please feel thus reducing barriers for participation by free to contact me directly or peruse the entire membership. our website for any activities which may interest you. Many Board of Directors

Continued on page 4  3

L e t t e r f r o m t h e p r e s i de n t

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 Continued from page 3 Many of these enhancements will meet objections (“Who moved my Cheese?“). It is important to keep in mind that change is inevitable and you either contribute to the direction of the change (for the benefit of our members) or change will dictate to us our circumstances. Like most chapters of CSI, we are fortunate to have an influential group of experienced, hard working, passionate volunteers who care very much about the organization as a group and the chapter in particular. Many of these people have “been there, done that“ (Some day I hope to be in that group). The challenge we face as a governing board is to keep this group of members informed, engaged, and active while responding to the inevitable change (See “Who Moved my Cheese”). This task is not an easy one, yet critical to the continued support from these legacy members. The BOD is aware of this and I am particularly sensitive to this issue. Your Board of Directors and Committee Chairs, look forward to making your membership in LACSI a rewarding experience.

— Patrick Comerford

C ONGRATU L ATIONS

The following individuals recently passed the

CCP

CCC

CSI Certifications Exams: Construction Documents Technologist (CDT) ÐÐ Allan Ray

ÐÐ Justin Kerfoot

ÐÐ Bill Judge

ÐÐ Mohammad Joolazadeh

ÐÐ David Baucom

ÐÐ Scott Anton

ÐÐ Eric Stovner

ÐÐ Stephen Leighton

ÐÐ Erickson Marques

ÐÐ Tong Song

ÐÐ Fred Diamond

ÐÐ Victor Crampton

ÐÐ James Dickerson

ÐÐ Vince Overmyer

Certified Construction Contract Administrator (CCCA) ÐÐ Say-Vun Khov

Certified Construction Specifier (CCS) ÐÐ Mitch Laurence

Certified Construction Product Representative (CCPR) Tan Diep

STU C C O 101 S E MINAR

From Left: Presenters Michael Logue of the Western Walls & Ceilings Contractors Assoc. and Bryan Stanley, CSI, Technical Advisor.

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From Left: Dean Vlahos and Tan Diep

From Left: Craig Mount and Mitch Lawrence

On Saturday, June 5th, LACSI

A Saturday morning spent learning more about exterior lath and plaster from the experts.

Good samples demonstrate stucco.

From Left: Mitch Logue and Ed Buch

hosted a half day seminar on exterior lath and plaster design, “Stucco 101”. The presentations were made by Mr. Michael Logue, Director of the Technical Services Information Bureau, (TSIB) of the Western Walls and Ceilings Contractors Association and Mr. Vince Overmyer, Vice President of Merlex Stucco. Stucco has been used successfully as an exterior envelope material for hundreds of years. LACSI members learned about the material’s limitations and gained insights on how to detail for a problem free installation. 5

L E E D C L ASS

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LACSI Sustainability Committee,

Presenter, Alex Spilger, has worked on over three-dozen green building projects and taught over 50 green building workshops

in conjunction with the City of Manhattan Beach offered a LEED® Green Associate Exam Certification Class Friday, June 18th. This fullday class was for those planning to take the LEED® Green Associate Exam. It was a unique opportunity with LACSI working with a municipal agency to achieve our education goals. Participants learned from real world examples and an in-class practice exam. They took home a full 100 question take-home exam and a workbook outlining the key knowledge required to pass the exam. This fall, LACSI is planning a LEED® AP specialty Exam Preparation Class .

Class participants took advantage of both in-class and take-home practice exams.

Real world examples of LEED projects kept the full-day class interesting. 6

S h a r i n g t h e C SI s t o r y

C SI ’ s S t r at e g i c P l a n a n d t h e L o s A n g ele s C h a p t e r By Valarie J. Harris FCSI CCPR At the recent CSI convention in Philadelphia, incoming president Dennis J. Hall, FCSI, CCS, CCCA, FAIA, SCIP of Charlotte, NC introduced the 2011 -15 Institute Strategic Plan. Mission Statement: To advance building information management and education of project teams to improve facility performance. Under the new strategic plan, CSI’s core priorities are: ÐÐ A diversified membership base of allied professionals involved in the creation and management of the built environment ÐÐ Continuous development and transformation of standards and formats ÐÐ Education and certification of professionals to improve project delivery processes ÐÐ Creation of practice tools to assist users throughout the facility life cycle The Los Angeles CSI has already been working towards CSI’s Core priorities

for the past several years. We’ve been supporting certification through education and training while improving the delivery methods and processes. Most importantly, we’ve actively welcomed a diversity of members. For many years we’ve talked about one of CSI’s core ideas to provide a forum for all members of the construction industry. In the Los Angeles chapter we are proud of the diversity of members involved and contributing to a vital chapter that provides real value to our members. I recently asked some of our newest members to share the story of why they joined our chapter. Notice the diversity of their positions and how well their reasons for joining align with CSI’s core priorities. Have you shared the benefits of chapter membership with those you interact with on the job and on the jobsite? Fred Diamond, Director of Building Services for Rowland Unified School District I recently took the CDT class at WWCOT in Santa Monica and I passed the exam.

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I joined LACSI with the hope of expanding my knowledge base and meeting more industry contacts. I was actually encouraged to join CSI by Dave Karina. Additionally, Patrick Comerford encouraged me to join LACSI and he spoke of all the things that the Los Angeles Chapter offers. It really was the training for the CDT that solidified my decision to join the organization. While I am already educated in architecture and have over 25 years experience, the CDT class and exam was a great refresher. I look forward to taking the next classes and hopefully passing the next certifications as well. Eric C. Stovner, S.E., LEED AP, Structural Engineer, Critical Structures I joined CSI at Kay Melcher’s recommendation and after I was a guest at an LA meeting. I enjoy writing structural specifications, being aware of building products and their appropriate applications, and helping manufacturers with structural calculations and laboratory testing of products for product approvals and evaluation reports. In my membership, I expect learning and networking opportunities, and the chapter events provide me both, very nicely. I appreciate the CDT certification and training, as they help make me more knowledgeable on the entire building industry. I would recommend membership to other interested engineers. Continued on page 8  7

Sh a ri n g th e cs i sto ry

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 Continued from page 7 Rocky Castro, Sales Representative, AMICO- Alabama Metal Industries I am a relatively new salesman of Steel Bar Grating, and Fiberglass Grating and Structures/Structural Shapes. I have a novice experience of my products, but not enough information of the construction field. I was referred by Chris Little from Atlanta, Georgia. Since he paralleled my current experience in marketing a product in a new territory, he told me that the help that CSI can bring is invaluable. So my intentions are to observe and learn, network, and participate in as many activities as I possibly can in order to round out my knowledge of the construction field. I am looking forward in getting involved with the organization. Jay Fisher, University of Southern California I’m glad to now be a member of CSI. I had presented one of my construction projects - the house move project at USC’s Wrigley Institute on Catalina - to the LA and Orange County CSI chapters a while ago and through the encouragement of my office mates: Ed Buch, Joe Back, Tony Mugavero & Gary Allen, found out that it would be a worthwhile organization to join. I recently passed the CDT exam and now feel qualified to become a member of the group!

Mark Hopkins, PE, RA, LA Division Manager, Allana Buick & Bers Inc.

Susan Foster, Architectural Sales and National Accounts Manager, Parex USA

Just relocated to LA from Milwaukee to expand ABB’s presence in LA. Expertise, impeccable credentials, and key membership associations is part of the culture of ABB.

I recently joined CSI due to a change in my professional responsibilities. I was asked to start up a new architectural sales team for Parex USA. I assumed that role in January 2010 and am endeavoring to get involved in this respected professional community. Last week, I attended Construct 2010 in Philadelphia and met many wonderful members. The event and educational sessions were terrific and I’m excited about getting involved here in my local region. I am happy to help / volunteer in any way that I can in the days ahead. Please let me know where you could use the extra hands.

Jamie Robison, Educational Services, Southwest Carpenters Training Fund, Ontario Office I am with the Southwest Carpenters Training Fund (SWCTF), our organization represents and trains 65,000 union carpenters (journeyman and apprentices) in fives states. Organizations like Construction Specifications Institute (LA Chapter) are valuable resources needed to assure that our training and training materials are up to date with industry. In our advanced print reading courses, we concentrate on the specification method, purpose, and organization. It is my belief that internet resources were used to first locate CSI. With staffing changes and budget constraints, notices and bulletins we received from the LA Chapter are research timesavers. Currently, the education workshop, Detailing and Specifying Problem Free Stucco, will provide us with insight and information to include in our lath and exterior finishing curriculum.

Patrick Howard, The Howard Company, LLC One of the company’s I represent participated in the CSI show at the LA Marriott this past February. I picked up the membership info there. All of these diverse experiences enrich our meetings, committees and leadership. That

allows LACSI to provide programs and educational opportunities that are vital to our understanding of our industry in a quickly changing construction environment. We all bring insights that we can share with each other to improve our ability to do our own jobs well. Who do you know that would benefit from being a CSI member? Invite them to a meeting. If the dinner cost is an issue contact me at valarieh@pacbell.net in advance. 8

INSTA L L ATION & Awa r d s D INN E R

From Left: Kathy Greenway, Steve Taylor, Laura Sellmer and Karen Zaterman

From Left: Kathy Greenway, Josh Reed and Karen Zaterman

Duane Johnson gives the CSI Oath to all LACSI members.

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Patrick Comerford and Mike Fuller

From Left: Kathyrn Marek, Patrick Comerford, Eric Loyd, Kathy Greenway and Duane Johnson

Kathy Greenway and Craig Mount

Thank you to Karen Zaterman and From Left: William Love, Dean Vlahos, Mitch Lawrence, Jan Piccola, Patrick Comerford, Kathyrn Marek, Michael Fuller, Frank Bostrom, Eric Loyd and Kathy Greenway

and Kathy Greenway for planing a fun Installation and Awards Dinner at the Magic Castle. 9

LUpc o m i n g E v e n t

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LACSI Social Event under the stars: The Sound of Music Join us for a picnic a Sing-A-Long at the Hollywood Bowl. Bring your family, friends and colleagues for an evening of fun as we listen to the Sound of Music under the stars. Tickets are $30 each and includes the reservation for picnic area 13. Plan on bringing your picnic along with your family and guests.

Your lab project has a lot of complex requirements

Saturday, September 25, 2010 6:00 pm

You need an experienced partner to provide the right details.

Contact: Michael Fuller at (213) 700-0760 or email: michael.fuller@ca.rr.com

For further information on your lab project , visit www.isecinc.com, email SCRMktg@isecinc.com or call 714.761.5151. architectural woodwork l laboratory furniture l laboratory & medical equipment general trades l ornamental metals l specialties l doors, frames & hardware

Jerry L. Pozo, BS ,CSI, CDT Architectural/Technical Consultant

Cell: 408.595.2031 Phone/Fax: 530.885.6828 E: jpozo@bmi-products.com www.bmi-products.com

BMI Products of Northern California, Inc. 990 Ames Avenue Milpitas, CA 95035-6303 Tel: 408.293.4008 Fax: 408.293.4103

¤ Stucco ¤ 690 Plaster ¤ Tile Mortar ¤ Masonry Mortar ¤ Acrylic Finishes

L E GA L NOT E S

In Construction Litigation, “A picture can be worth more than a thousand words” the requirements for Design and Construction Administration services. We must ensure that the work when In these days, when multi-million dollar completed will be in accordance with judgments against design professionals the Construction Documents through have become commonplace, the old periodic field observations. We must adage, “A picture is worth a thousand further endeavor to words,” rings even guard the Owner more true. As a against defects and profession, we find On any given project, not only deficiencies in the ourselves increasingly does an architect or design Work. challenged by the professional have an obligation legal community to to perform up to his or her The simplest and perform duties that go most cost effective professional standards, but above and beyond an way for a design must also stand ready to defend Architect’s Standard of professional themselves in a court of law. Care. Some litigators to ensure have gone as far as to conformance with compare construction the construction document requirements, documents to the development of shop and mount a defense to any potential drawings. Thus, on any given project, litigation, is by collecting ongoing not only does an architect or design photographic documentation during professional have an obligation to perform every stage of construction activities. up to his or her professional standards, but must also stand ready to defend The individuals responsible for providing themselves in a court of law. Construction Administration Services must be prepared to collect information The Standard Form of Agreement Between that addresses each of these general the Owner and Architect, AIA Document questions. B141 along with the General Conditions of the Contract for Construction, ÐÐ What work is being performed during AIA Document A201 identifies the site visit? By Dean J. Vlahos, AIA

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ÐÐ Does the work being performed conform to the design intent of the Construction Documents? ÐÐ Are there issues associated with conflicts in the documents that should be photographed?

ÐÐ Have materials been installed in conformance with manufacturer’s written recommendations or has the Warranty / Guarantee been compromised? ÐÐ Are there areas of the building envelope waterproofing that should be photographically documented (windows / walls / roofs / below-grade waterproofing)? ÐÐ Have the approved submittals / shop drawings been followed? While answers to each of these questions may not be known at the time of the site observation, a simple photograph can Continued on page 12  11

Legal n otes

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ď&#x192; Continued from page 12 used to demonstrate the relationship of materials in the built environment that may explain future construction deficiencies without incurring the expense of destructive testing.

Who should take construction photographs?

document the conditions for further evaluation. This will enable a closer review of construction documents / submittals for compliance or the identification of deficiencies or deviation.

Every person who visits a construction site should be prepared to take photographs. You may not know at the time the picture

Photographs taken of the project site on a regular basis will memorialize the general progress of work as it relates to construction milestone schedule dates. Time and date stamps must always be used when collecting this level of information. Project site photographs will assist in reestablishing progress of the work in the event a dispute arises over something as simple as percentage of completion for pay applications. In the event of future litigation, these job site photographs are also important to identify and document improperly stored materials and manpower efforts, and will serve as a future means of defense. A simple photograph can be

is taken what the potential worth is until there is a problem. A photograph remains the least expensive and most effective way of recording the performance of all facets of the job, and each of the individuals and trades involved in the construction process for the purpose of defense. In a courtroom, photographs serve as persuasive evidence Continued on page 13 ď&#x192;Ž 12

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Legal N otes

 Continued from page 12 for juries, since a photograph is truly worth more than a thousand words. In this day and age of pervasive construction litigation giving rise to career ending judgments against architects, engineers and other members of the design team, a design professional would be remiss in failing to document not only in writing but through the use of job site photographs, all phases of a project. And remember, in litigation, a simple digital camera may save you thousands of dollars in defense attorney’s fees and serve as your most cost effective line of defense.

Ms. Gamble’s email address is: mgamble@ccmslaw.com; Mr. Craig’s email address is: pcraig@ccmslaw.com. Nothing contained within this article should be considered the rendering of legal advice. Anyone that reads this article should always consult with an attorney of their choice before acting on anything contained in this or any other article on legal matters as facts and circumstances will vary from case to case.

Michele L. Gamble is a Partner and Patrick Craig is an Associate with Collins, Collins, Muir & Stewart, LLP and are located in firm’s Orange County office (www.ccmslaw.com). Ms. Gamble and Mr. Craig represent design professionals in all aspects of their professional practice including mediation, arbitration, trials, appeals, contract review and negotiation.

U P C OMING E V E NT

J u ly L A C SI P r o g r a m

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Wednesday, July 28, 2010

CEILINGS PLUS- Plant Tour

5:00 pm - 6:30 pm, Plant Tours 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm, Social 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm, Dinner and Announcements

Our Program

Reservations

Ceilings Plus is one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foremost designers and manufacturers of distinctive architectural panel systems for walls, ceilings, and soffits. At its headquarters in Los Angeles it produces custom products for customers throughout the world. Ceilings Plus was featured in an article in the May 2010 issue of the Construction Specifier magazine. See the article by Michael Chusid, FCSI, and Nancy Mercolino, President of Ceilings Plus, for a preview of the kinds of precision made metal panels youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see being manufactured on the plant tour. The Ceilings Plus tour will include several manufacturing operations using automated CNC machines for cutting, bending, and perforating. We will also visit their engineering department and see a wide array of ceiling mock ups. At the conclusion of the tour we will have refreshments and a catered dinner at the plant.

Reservations required before 4:30, Mon., July 26. Call 213-243-6658

Please leave your name, company name and phone number or reserve at www.lacsi.org Cost LACSI MEMBERS With advance reservations: FREE Without reservations: $10 NON MEMBERS With reservations: $50 Without reservations: $60 Location Ceilings Plus

6711 E. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles, 90040 From the Santa Ana Fwy, (I-5), exit at Washington Blvd. and proceed east to the plant located at the intersection with Garfield Ave. Parking Free parking in the lot at the plant. PRogram Chairman Ed Buch, CSI, CCS, AIA Reserve early, this event will fill up and space is limited. 14

U P C OMING P ROGRAM Wednesday, August 25, 2010

AUGUST LACSI SPECIAL MEETING DINNER on THE FOUNTAIN PLAZA To kickoff the new CSI year, the August dinner meeting will be held outdoors on the Fountain Plaza located in front of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion at the Music Center. Join us and enjoy dinner by Patina Catering in the lively ambience of the Fountain Court. This will be an opportunity for you to meet and talk with the new LACSI officers and board of directors. No after dinner presentation due to the special location.

6:00 pm, Social 7:00 pm, Dinner Reservations Reservations required before 4:00, Mon., August 23. Call 213-243-6658

Outdoors on the Fountain Plaza 135 N Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012 Directions To reach the plaza, take the stairs up one level from Grand Ave. Parking Enter the garage from Grand Ave. Tell the attendant you are with LACSI. Parking is free if you arrive after 4pm. PRogram Chairman Ed Buch, CSI, CCS, AIA Reserve early, this event will fill up and space is limited. 15

From Left: Ed Buch and Young Johnson

Ernie Lauria

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MAY Mee t i n g

From Left: Nancy Goodson, Snajay Mishra and Laura Sellmer

Rebecca Bostrom and Sue Brown

Greg Talerico

Abe Judah, Opal Surfaces

Building Pathology, J U L Y / AUGUST 2 0 1 0 Deterioration, Diagnostics, and Intervention

Ed Buch If you purchased a copy of “Building Pathology, Deterioration, Diagnostics, and Intervention”, expecting to quickly find a

solution to a problem you might have on a project, you will be disappointed. At least you will be disappointed initially. The book is much more than a cookbook of solutions to building deterioration problems. Yes, there are handy matrices included for evaluating different interventions, but the real strength of the book is in the explanation of the underlying science of materials and its connection to the problem. The result is an in depth understanding of both the problems and their potential remedies. For any type of deterioration to occur, there must be, “necessary and sufficient conditions” present. For example, water in one form or another, the most common source of problems in buildings, can create deterioration if there’s enough of it in the wrong places. Just a little rain hitting a well built stucco wall should not a problem. The same amount of rain landing on a surface full of cracks may be another matter depending on the amount of rain and the quantity and size of the cracks.

Deterioration is also a function of time. Deterioration is normal for all building anadotic protection, absorption vs. adsorption materials, it’s called aging, or “entropy of water, cohesion & viscosity, and evaporation in action”. The Brownstone used very and its relation to the energy of surface tension, commonly in New York, Boston, and to name only a few. other eastern cities in the 19th and early 20th centuries is a weakly consolidated As you would expect from an author who is sandstone. Is the fact that these buildings also a structural engineer, the book includes are now suffering serious deterioration a lengthy and interesting explanations of various problem? It is if you’re the owner faced structural elements and how deterioration with significant repair costs. But, was can affect them. He makes the point that just the material ever expected to last as long because many historic structures have, “stood as it has in the first the test of time”, this is place? The key to a really meaningless unless successful building we know something Just because many historic is to understand about the materials used, the properties of structures have, “stood the the design loads, and materials, selecting test of time”, this is really the resulting factors of materials to suit the safety. The justification meaningless unless we know application, making for many older building something about the materials sure they are carefully not having to comply used, the design loads, and the detailed, and finally, with current building resulting factors of safety. paying attention code requirements has to their long term less to do with having maintenance. This stood the test of time will control the rate of deterioration to an than it does with the economic impact to acceptable level. society of having to upgrade a building each time there is a codes change. The author, Samuel Y. Harris, is an engineer, an architect, and an attorney. Deterioration is the result of complex But in addition, he must have a strong interactions between materials and their background in chemistry. This is evident environments. It is discussed in terms of throughout the book in his presentation four categories of stress: structural, thermal, of such topics as the crystalline nature of Continued on page 18  metals, the galvanic scale, cathodic and 17

L uchnotes b

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 Continued from page 17 hygroscopic, and chemical. Interventions can range from doing nothing, (often times the best approach), to mitigating the environment that’s creating the problem, to rebuilding the damaged material, and to substituting a new material as a replacement. In a related section, the advantages and drawbacks of various cleaning methods for soiled surfaces are considered. The hazards of each method, including washing with clean water, are discussed. The chapters that will be of most interest to architects are the ones on exterior walls and roofing. Of these, the one on walls is by far the longest and most comprehensive. It covers topics such as moisture movement through walls in both liquid and vapor forms, single layer walls vs. multi-layer construction, air barriers, and the benefits of pressure equalized walls. “Building Pathology” was published in 2001 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. It has 654 pages and includes some helpful photographs and drawings. Strangely, it doesn’t include a bibliography but it does have a glossary of terms. The book reads like a text book and, as a result, takes some energy to get through reading cover to cover. It would be an essential reference for anyone working on historic restoration projects and useful for the rest of us trying to keep our projects out of the restoration mode.

Valerie Harris, FCSI CCPR

Membership Committee News Need a membership badge? Many thanks to Vince Overmyer and Melissa Higgins of Merlex who are taking on the challenge of ordering badges. If you ordered a badge, please check at the registration table at CSI Night or a the next monthly membership meeting. To replace a badge contact: valarieh@pacbell.net

We are an all volunteer organization and we need your help And it’s good for you, too. Sharpen your public speaking skills, hone management/ leadership skills and have a good time. We can always use more volunteers. To help or share your ideas, contact our President, Patrick Comerford, or Membership Chairs, Valarie Harris, FCSI, CCPR and Teena Santiago, CSI, CDT.

W e s tL Re g i o n C o r n e r

Handing over the reins David A Willis, West Region Vice President

This is my last article as your Region’s leader and it is the hardest one I’ve had to write. I’ve started it a number of times since coming back from the Institute Convention with lot’s to talk about, but it just wouldn’t flow as usual, so I’d put it off. I think it’s the reality that it will be my last one and once it’s finished I can’t correct it or add something next time that I forgot about. So it had to be perfect. But like most things in a volunteer organization, it won’t be perfect. You just do the best you can to advance the ball and trust the next person to keep it going. Three years ago when I took the job, it seemed like such a long term that it would be “easy” to get everything done. But now that seems like just yesterday and I’ve still got a few items left on the “To Do” list. By the time most of you read this, there will be only a few days before the baton change for the next leg of the CSI Relay. I’ve had the honor of being the last West Region Director to serve concurrently as both the Region President and the Institute Board member. This has given

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me great understanding of how we all fit in the overall master plan but it can be very overwhelming at times. I supported the Governance change to split the job into two positions & to make the Institute Board a smaller, more flexible pro-active body in this BIM world and allow the Region President to concentrate on region needs. In the envious tradition of this West Region, two able leaders have been selected to serve and I’m very comfortable handing the reins over to each of them. To their credit they have already started the transition.

Annual Meeting, He and his “stealth” crew managed to get “contraband” balloons into the meeting to vividly decorate our region’s seating area and made sure each recipient’s honor was greeted with a loud roar. You could describe the room in two parts; there was the “colorful, wild west” and various other shades of beige.

At this same Annual Member meeting, the room finally had an issue to vote on (thanks to the LA chapter for taking the lead and submitting a recommendation born out of debate at In the envious tradition of this our region’s mid-year At the recent Institute West Region, two able leaders have Board meeting). By Board meeting in been selected to serve and I’m very an overwhelming Philadelphia, Stephen comfortable handing the reins over vote, the body has Nash of the Honolulu recommended that to each of them. To their credit they Chapter embraced the Board place on his “director-inhave already started the transition. the ballot again the training” status as issue of combining we talked politics in the “Professional” the hallways over a and Industry” Philly Cheese Steak member classifications into a single and he was able to make some good points category. There was spirited debate bringing during Saturday’s informal Board session. up good points on both sides. I mention it Craig Mount of the Los Angeles Chapter, in this article in the hope that each Chapter our incoming Region President, placed will promote this debate and individual his personal stamp on the Region’s well members will use the various CSI electronic known attitude of seeing most ceremonial sites to participate in the discussion. In the rules as just “suggestions” when we need last election it got a majority vote but fell to support our members. In a grand show of support for the many Region members and Chapters getting awards at the Continued on page 20  19

we s t r e g i o n c o r n e r

 Continued from page 19 just short of the required 2/3 count to pass. Many members said afterwards that it was not clearly understood. This is the chance to make sure it is clear and then we’ll live with the results.

J U L Y / AUGUST 2 0 1 0

the LA and San Diego Chapter installation dinners. These opportunities to meet the two top leaders and have substantial oneon-one dialogue are invaluable to making sure we are heard “way out here” in the West.

Finally I leave with only one significant but As I said earlier, one of the advantages very frustrating concern. According to the to serving on the Institute Board is you latest MEMCOMMunication (that I hope get a sense of how your Region is doing all Boards actively discuss monthly), with compared to the rest only one quarter of the country. So to go in FY10, just as I as I turn over two West Region The latest issue of the gavel, I feel our chapters are MEMCOMMunications does a Region is generally in gaining members. good job of discussing retention very good shape and Inland Empire and continues to talk about Best is seen by the others and San Diego are as a dynamic place. Practices for getting that Chapterup and Redwood This is no more Empire is staying wide Membership committee. clearly shown then even. All of the by the amount of others are losing Institute dignitaries from 6% to about that request to come 42%. Our Regions to our events. We will see this again as the average was -8.3% with the Institute Institute President, Dennis J. Hall, FCSI, wide average at -6.84%, which puts us in CCS, CCCA, FAIA, SCIP will be attending the bottom 1/3. Part of it frankly is just this fall’s Region Conference at Yosemite (I chapters being under-committed or too hope you already have it on your Outlook complacent in their membership followcalendars). Also later in June, we will up. There are chapters that are gaining have the Institute Executive Director, Walt members in this economy but the secret Marlowe, coming to southern California for is retaining those that you already have. a repeat of the Chapter leader meeting we The latest issue of MEMCOMMunications did in the Bay Area and Sacramento a little does a good job of discussing retention over a year ago. He also will be attending and continues to talk about Best Practices

for getting that Chapter-wide Membership committee. So I hope as we re-energize our Leadership training and strive to be a “Go To” education source and show genuine membership appreciation throughout the year, we will more clearly show the value of CSI membership to individuals, their employers and our construction industry as a whole. This is why I have stayed so passionate about CSI all these years and have used it to help educate our firm’s staff through technical activities and introductions to knowledgeable product reps. I will thank many of you at the Awards ceremony at this fall’s Region Conference, but there are many others who have helped me in other ways to support our Region and have made these past three years a wonderful experience. Good Luck Craig and Stephen, I’m confident you can take us to that next level (you know my phone number if you need some sage advice). Finally, congratulations to our Region’s latest Fellow, San Francisco’s own, Robert J. Mosblech FCSI, CTC, a much deserved recognition of a job well done. Very Sincerely, David A. Willis, VP West Region 20

Me m b e r s h i p n ew s

Member Recognition

ÐÐ Donald Getman CSI, AIA, GMP Architects, Inc

Congratulations to all these members who joined in July or August and have maintained continuous membership.

ÐÐ Patricia Smith CSI CCPR AHC, Hager Companies

More than 30 Years Ago:

ÐÐ Bruce Konschuh CSI CDT, HDR Architecture, Inc.

ÐÐ Young Johnson CSI, CDT, Construction Specifications Service ÐÐ Samuel Drucker CSI, Member Emeritus ÐÐ J. Richard Fare CSI, CCS, AIA ÐÐ Russell Hobbs CSI, Member Emeritus

More than 25 Years Ago:

ÐÐ David McAfee CSI , Perkins & Will

NEW Members Welcome to all these new members! We look forward to meeting you at chapter activities: ÐÐ Roque Castro CSI, Roque Castro

ÐÐ Van Crary CSI, PROSOCO, Inc.

ÐÐ Bob Bailey CSI, Bailey Construction

ÐÐ Howard Leach CSI, Leach Mounce Architects

ÐÐ Jerry Kimbrough CSI, Structa Wire

ÐÐ Michael Chusid RA, FCSI, CCS , SCIP, Chusid Associates ÐÐ Alfred Dencker RA CSI

10 Years Ago: ÐÐ Scott Ferguson CSI, Flewelling and Moody

5 Years Ago: ÐÐ Martin Hartmann CSI, CDT ÐÐ Norberto Martinez CSI, Martinez Architects, Inc.

JJUULLYY // AUGUST AUGUST 22001100

Corp. ÐÐ Monique Birault CSI CDT , USC Capital Construction ÐÐ Mark Hopkins CSI, AIA, PE, Allana Buick & Bers ÐÐ Jay Fischer CSI, CDT, PE, USC Capital Construction ÐÐ Russell Harvey CSI, Isolatek International

From Left: Monique Birault, James Lisa, Patrick Howard, Jerry Kimbrough, and Snajay Mishra.

C SI P r o d u c t S h o w s

UPCOMING CSI Trade Shows – Western United States

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USC School of Architecture Symposium August 2 - 4, 2010

September 14, 2010 - Orange County Chapter CSI What: Construction Products & Services Exposition 2010 Where: Astor Classics Museum & Event Center, Anaheim, California When: 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM Contact: Bryan Stanley at 714-221-5520

Sept 23 - 27, 2010 Northwest CSI Leadership/ Region Conference September 23 – 27, 2010 Hosted by the Idaho Chapter CSI & Big Sky Chapter CSI Where: Holiday Inn Sun Spree Resort, West Yellowstone, Montana ONLINE REGISTRATION at www.idahochaptercsi.org

This year, we have launched five course offerings centered on the theme of Los Angeles as a 21st century model of critical urbanism, creativity, and culture. These courses will explore a set of strategically themed topics, connecting over a dozen of the most forward thinking global practitioners, politicians, and urban theorists today with our own faculty. One of the twoday sessions is themed around building information modeling (BIM). This is a unique opportunity to interact in a small group (30 maximum attendees) with leaders in the profession, in a session focusing on dialogue and debate. Each thematic section will consist of 2 consecutive days dedicated to various aspects of each theme, and may be attended as part of a package (including all sections) or individually based on interest. Please visit the website for further information about this unique event, its distinguished speakers, and registration information. Reservations required.

http://execed.uscarchitecture.com/

Sept 30 - OCt. 3, 2010 West Region CSI Conference hosted by Fresno Chapter CSI September 30 – October 3, 2010 Where: Tenaya Lodge Yosemite, California For information call: 800-743-1890

Continued on page 23 

On behalf of LACIS, a sincere thank you to Duane Johnson, our CSI West Region outgoing President. At least we know where to find you!

Thank You, Duane 22

C SI P r o d u c t s h o w s

J U L Y / AUGUST 2 0 1 0

ď&#x192; Continued from page 22

Tabletop Opportunities

DAVID HOLDEN SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY

LOS ANGELES CHAPTER CSI When: 4th Wednesday of every month. Sign up at www.lacsi.org

Las Vegas Chapter CSI When: 2nd Tuesday Contact: Paul R. Ricciuti; Email: pricciuti@cox.net or (702) 436-2899

A R C H I T E C T U R A L | F I N E A RT 818.326.6314 imagesmithed.com info@imagesmithed.com

Mt. Rainier Chapter CSI When: First Thursday Contact: To participate in our Product Display Program, call Nora Vivarelli at (206) 409-3870 to schedule.

Sacramento Chapter CSI Email: info@csisacto.org for information regarding tabletop opportunities

u pc o m i n g e v e n t

J U L Y / AUGUST 2 0 1 0

N at i o n a l C SI New s

NEW CSI

WEBSITE By Walter T. Marlowe, P.E., CSI, CAE, Executive Director/CEO

You Are Invited to visit CSI’s new website at www.csinet.org The new www.csinet.org is built with our most important audience in mind - you. We know the needs of our 13,000 members vary, so we’ve found ways to help you detail CSINet to fit your interests. We also know that our website is a tool for our members, so we focused on building a resource you can use today. Here’s some of what you can do at www.csinet.org right now: Connect With CSI - CSI is a network of experienced professionals who come together to share building solutions. That is the core of our organization, and that’s why you can go to CSINet and: ÐÐ Find a chapter ÐÐ Find a CSI Certified Professional

J U L Y / AUGUST 2 0 1 0

Stay Informed - CSI members are passionate about specifying, building information and real-world product solutions - and it shows in their conversations. They also love to discuss real-world dilemmas and to answer questions. That’s why the new website:

Next generation technology picks up where traditional polymeric wraps leave off!

ÐÐ Still links you to CSI’s popular forums, where CSI’s expert members answer questions ÐÐ Includes RSS feeds and other social media sharing options ÐÐ Has a “My CSI” page where you can flag the topics that interest you, and receive notices when new information related to those topics is posted ÐÐ Has links to help you subscribe to and follow CSI’s blog and e-newsletters, CSI Weekly and CSI NewsBrief Get Involved - Whether at the chapter, regional, or national level, CSI offers you the chance to share what you know and to learn from others, so that you can do your job faster, less expensively, and with higher quality.

Air Tight Water Tight Weather Tight

• Self-adhered (no nails, no staples) • Vapor permeable

• Air and rain barrier membrane • Provides superior moisture and water protection • Reduces energy costs • Improves insulation performance • Helps prevent mold growth For a FREE Blueskin VP™ Demo Kit and more information, contact Judy Holleran, RRC, CDT, building science specialist, at (323) 363-3468 or judy.holleran@henry.com

www.henry.com

ÐÐ Find a qualified speaker ÐÐ Join a web-based practice group

Continued on page 26  25

N ati o nal C S I ne w s

J U L Y / AUGUST 2 0 1 0

 New Website– Continued from page 25 That’s why you can go to www.csinet.org and: ÐÐ Log in to your “My CSI” page and update your profile - make sure you’re getting all the CSI news that is being sent to CSI members. ÐÐ Join CSI’s Speaker Directory We built www.csinet.org on a flexible platform that will allow us to continue adding new features and tools to communicate more effectively with our members and the construction community. Some of those features will come online during the next few months - so make sure your profile is up to date, you’ve set up your “My CSI” page, and you’re getting CSI’s e-newsletters! You don’t want to miss a tool that will make your life easier! These highlighted features are just the beginning. Every member will find a different reason to visit. Find out what yours will be. See for yourself by visiting the new CSI Web site right now at www. csinet.org. Who’s who behind the new csinet.org? The project was a very collaborative member and staff effort.

The project was led by Joy Davis in her role as CSI Communications and Web Community Manager. Joy took the lead in identifying the information and community needs of the members and staff, and communicated our vision to the web consultants. Joy is the driving force behind this successful launch. CSI members also influenced the development of the new CSINet, directly by testing services and answering questions, and indirectly, by reporting what works and what doesn’t in their day-to-day CSI volunteer life. CSI is especially grateful to: ÐÐ Randall Lewis, CSI, AIA ÐÐ Sheldon Wolfe , RA, FCSI, CCS, CCCA ÐÐ William Pegues, FCSI, CCS

provided key information into integrating database info into the new site. Themica McBee and Jordan Chatman

are CSI’s Member Services representatives. They provided key feedback on the common information requests, key problem points, and generally useful information that members typically contact them about. Each of our department directors or managers were responsible for updating the content in their sections and for ensuring that we are communicating a clear message: ÐÐ Roger Grant, Greg Ceton, and Rob Holson on Standards & Formats

ÐÐ Jori Smith, CSI, CDT

ÐÐ Sara Meyers & Susan Konohia on GreenFormat

ÐÐ Brent Williams, CSI, CDT

ÐÐ Erica Cox and Josh Spiler on Education

ÐÐ Daniel Hargreaves, CSI, CDT

ÐÐ Karen Koenig and Miles Truax on Certification

ÐÐ David Bishton, CSI, CCS Christine Tanner coordinated the look and

feel, the graphics, and interaction with the Construction Specifier web site. Eric Kestler provided the key technical support and coordinated the interaction of data between the main membership database and the website. Sandy Childs also coordinates our membership database and

ÐÐ Stacy Vail on the Convention and Governance ÐÐ Jennifer Zimmermann and Brannan Meyers on Membership and Chapter Tools ÐÐ Marie Willet on the CSI Store ÐÐ Kelly Porter on the CSI Foundation 26

Upc o m i n g e v e n t

Coming this SeptEMBER–

JJUULLYY // AUGUST AUGUST 22001100

MISSION The Mission of the Los Angeles Chapter of The Construction Specifications Institute is to provide its members the opportunity to share information about materials and methods of construction, and to promote improved preparation, delivery and use of construction documents.

Canstruction®, a charity committed to ending world hunger, is

using ‘one can’ as a catalyst for change. Orange County Canstruction occurs every September in conjunction with the Festival of Children at South Coast Plaza. Join us at this year’s Orange County Canstruction creative building event using canned goods and help put an end to world hunger.

The Chapter fosters the professional development of its members and provides service to the construction industry by promoting education, research, certification, recognition of outstanding accomplishments, and networking opportunities within the Chapter, Region, Institute, and construction industry.

Donate cans of food or volunteer your time. For more information and pictures of giant structures made entirely out of canned goods go to www.canstruction.org Please contact: Laura Scottie Ros: laurar@ddarchitecture.com or Louie Garcia: louieG@ddarchitecture.com

One CAN make a difference

Newsletter Editors Knowledge for Creating and Sustaining the Built Environment

Laura Sellmer: Lsellmer@isecinc.com

National website: www.csinet.org

Steve Taylor: steve@woodinst.com

Los Angeles Chapter: www.lacsi.org