TYPICAL PROCESS FOR PROJECT MANUAL DEVELOPMENT
ARCHI-SPECS utilizes SPECPOINT automated editing software, which includes REVIT integration, and the most current version of the AIA MasterSpec Architectural Library. ARCHI-SPECS employs a variety of tools for assessment and communication during the design phase of work.
STEP 0: FILL OUT THE CONTACT INFORMATION FORM
Provide basic project information on the contact form on this website. ARCHI-SPECS will respond with a phone call to discuss services and schedule.
STEP 1: ASSESSMENT FOR CONTRACT FOR SERVICES
For an initial assessment and a proposal for services, ARCHI-SPECS requests the following information from any prospective client:
Table of Contents (TOC) Checklist: This spreadsheet asks the client to fill out/check the Division 1-14 MasterSpec architectural sections that are required for the project.
Design Development Drawings: the most current architectural drawings.
Preliminary Schedule for the Project: This helps ARCHI-SPECS assess the placement of the project on the Workload Calendar and feasibility of deliverables.
CONTRACT FOR SERVICES
The ARCHI-SPECS service agreement outlines the following criteria:
Schedule for Work: For each issuance outlined in the contract.
Work Plan for Tasks: Inclusions and exclusions of tasks, and “who does what”.
Fees for Services: Fixed lump sum fee as well as hourly rates for additional services, should they arise.
Schedule of Payment for Services: Outline of when and how much is paid for each issuance.
STEP 2: PROJECT INITIATION
ARCHI-SPECS requires a Project Initiation Fee (PIF) in order to place the client’s project on ARCHI-SPECS’ Workload Calendar and commence work. This PIF represents approximately 50% of the fee for producing the first draft. Contracts can be First Draft + 1 (one client review), Draft + 2, Draft +3, and so on. Issuances closely track the milestone dates in the design process. For example they might be for:
50% CD
90% CD Quality Control Review
95% CD’s Pricing Set
100% CD Bidding Documents
For earlier phases of design, outline specs can be included in services, upon request. However, ARCH-SPECS does not provided services past 100% CD’s, for Bidding/Negotiation or Contract Administration.
STEP 3: PROJECT MANUAL DEVELOPMENT – FIRST DRAFT
Upon receipt of signed contract for services and the PIF, the manual is constructed based upon the TOC Checklist provided. After the manual has been populated with the selected sections, a second checklist, the Section Checklist, for only those MasterSpecs sections in the manual, is sent to the client, which further refines the content selections of each section.
An example might be, for 083113 - Access Doors, choice doors with exposed or concealed frames. For 083613 - Sectional Doors, choose steel, aluminum, wood and manual or electric operation.
This helps eliminate a lot of phone calls and emails of questions for things not yet addressed on the current set of drawings. With the second Section Checklist, this gets ARCHI-SPECS very close to completion of the first draft issuance.
A first draft is issued to the client via an email with file attachment as one PDF. This first draft represents 65-75% completion. The first draft is NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION as it has not been reviewed by the client.
STEP 4: SUBSEQUENT ISSUANCES
The PDF file is issued for the design team to review and markup. One comprehensive set of markups is returned to ARCHI-SPECS. Markups must include clear instructions on revisions to the text in the manual. Revisions are incorporated into the manual for the next issuance. This process of review, markups, and revision occurs as many times as the contract for service outlines.
Prior to final issuance, the manual goes through a Quality Control review, to find any missing content, as well as clerical issues such as format errors, spelling and punctuation errors.
