MasterSpec® Reviews from Top A&E Firms

The architecture and engineering (A&E) industry is undergoing a paradigm shift in specification management, driven by the broader digital transformation sweeping through architecture, engineering and construction. Forward-thinking firms are embracing advanced digital tools such as Deltek Specpoint, Home of AIA MasterSpec that provides standardized construction specifications, ensuring consistency, reducing errors and enhancing collaboration, leading to higher-quality projects.

Many firms acknowledge the challenges inherent in specification writing, particularly the critical issue of institutional knowledge gaps that arise during retirement or workforce changes. As experienced staff retire or leave, valuable insights and expertise often exit with them, leaving newer team members to navigate complex specifications without the benefit of historical context. This can lead to inconsistencies, errors and inefficiencies, underscoring the need for MasterSpec as part of Deltek Specpoint that enables architects, engineers, design professionals and project stakeholders to create quality specifications for their projects and streamline project documentation.

This article focuses on MasterSpec reviews from three top industry firms, highlighting how updated specifications, facilitated by modern digital tools like Deltek Specpoint, ease the burden of researching codes and regulations, reduce Requests for Information (RFIs) and rework and simplify complex tasks, thereby improving project efficiency and accuracy.

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MasterSpec is a comprehensive library of reference standards with over 900 sections, ensuring detailed construction project specifications for building components, systems and materials.

Reflecting on MasterSpec's value, Jeanne S. Tebera, PE, CFPS, Principal and Senior Electrical Engineer at HENRY ADAMS, LLC, appreciates the ability to ease the burden of researching code updates, particularly for team members who are less knowledgeable in that area.

MasterSpec offers standardized specifications while allowing for customization to meet the unique needs of different construction projects. Architects and engineers can modify specifications for specific materials, methods, or project type. Jeanne adds in her MasterSpec review, "The added benefit of editor's notes and supporting documents fosters a nuanced understanding of specifications, providing valuable insights for experienced and novice spec writers."

Jeanne collaborates with the MasterSpec Engineering Review Committee (MERC), engaging in peer reviews of new MasterSpec sections and those slated for significant updates. Jeanne’s committee oversees the peer review of the electrical, electronic safety and security divisions.

Collaborating closely with the Deltek specification writing team of experts, the AIA review committees help ensure the specification sections in these divisions stay current. In Jeanne’s MasterSpec review, she shares, "This peer-reviewed approach ensures the specifications are accurate and reflect the collective wisdom and experience of seasoned professionals, contributing to MasterSpec's reputation as a gold standard in the industry."

By utilizing the thirty-four distinct divisions within the MasterSpec library, the team at Henry Adams can easily tailor individual specifications to meet their projects' specific requirements and provide more detailed design documentation to contractors.

Many architecture firms face the challenge of managing outdated office masters, which can lead to inefficiencies and errors in project specifications. AG Architecture recognized this issue and took steps to modernize its specification process with specification software.

Architect Megan Scott emphasizes the critical role of accurate specifications in minimizing Requests for Information (RFIs) and rework.

To address these challenges, AG Architecture, an architectural practice, embarked on a journey to update its specification process by migrating legacy office masters into Deltek Specpoint, a modern digital platform. This transition ensures that specifications remain current and relevant, mitigating risks associated with obsolete information.

In Megan’s MasterSpec review she explains, "It is clear that having a solid specification is essential, while inaccuracies in specifications can result in an influx of RFIs (Request for Information) and rework.” Recognizing the importance of maintaining up-to-date office masters is a crucial step toward modernizing specifications.”

The benefits of adopting modern specification software have been significant for AG Architecture. In Megan’s MasterSpec review, she notes improvements in creating consistent, accurate and efficient specifications, which lead to time savings, error reduction and enhanced work quality. Moreover, MasterSpec as part of the specification software has improved collaboration, enabling seamless exchange of information and feedback among the design team, contractors and project stakeholders.

According to Megan’s MasterSpec review, she anticipates their updated approach will further enhance team collaboration, particularly in aligning drawings with specifications. She believes this will enhance interaction and knowledge sharing within the firm, ultimately reducing rework, improving specification clarity and achieving their project goals.

AG Architecture's experience illustrates how modernizing specification processes with specification software like Deltek Specpoint can help firms reduce RFIs, rework and enhance project implementation, leading to higher-quality outcomes.

Many architecture and engineering firms face dual challenges regarding specifications: the need for user-friendly specification software that simplifies complex tasks and the requirement for tools that align with industry standards and best practices. SSOE, an internationally ranked architecture and engineering firm, encountered these issues.

Lisa Lewis, Project Management Assistant from SSOE, explains in her MasterSpec review that their architects and engineers needed a specification software solution that would allow them to focus on creating accurate specifications without getting bogged down in technical complexities. Additionally, they required software incorporating industry-standard MasterSpec content to ensure their specifications aligned with current codes, regulations and best practices, thus mitigating liability risks.

Lisa notes in her MasterSpec review the Deltek software development team's expertise in architecture and engineering was evident in how well the software addressed the unique challenges of developing specifications. The software for spec writing not only streamlined their workflow but also ensured successful project outcomes.

SSOE's experience highlights the importance of selecting software for specification writing that balances ease of use with comprehensive, up-to-date MasterSpec content. This approach can help firms enhance project quality, improve efficiency, reduce errors and maintain compliance with industry standards.

The A&E industry is experiencing a significant transformation in software for spec writing due to the adoption of advanced digital tools. This shift from traditional methods enhances accuracy, collaboration and project quality. Modern specification tools like Deltek Specpoint, all-in-one cloud specification software, ensure compliance with evolving codes and regulations, offering standardization and customization for specific project needs. Firms like Henry Adams, AG Architecture and SSOE highlight the benefits of updated specification software, including reduced RFIs, rework and improved collaboration. Embracing these tools is essential for maintaining efficiency and accuracy and ensuring successful project outcomes.

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