Blackberry Studios Elevates Project Efficiency with Deltek Specpoint

Blackberry Studios, led by Principal Mark Bess, is a full-service architecture and design firm based in Newark, New Jersey, renowned for its innovative and client-focused approach. Leveraging advanced visualization technologies, the firm immerses clients in the design process, allowing them to visualize and interact with project concepts before construction even begins. This technology-driven approach enables Blackberry Studios to create tailored, responsive designs that meet each client's unique needs.

To further enhance project efficiency, Blackberry Studios utilizes Deltek Specpoint, advanced specification software that simplifies the creation of project manuals by integrating AIA MasterSpec®, a comprehensive specification library. MasterSpec offers an extensive collection of pre-written, regularly updated specifications that ensure all project documents align with current industry standards and best practices. By combining product research, selection and specification writing into one user-friendly software, Specpoint streamlines the entire specification development process. This allows Blackberry Studios to effortlessly incorporate accurate, detailed specifications into their workflow, reducing manual revisions and minimizing errors. With the flexibility to customize specifications for each project, the firm maintains high levels of accuracy and compliance while improving project coordination and execution.

The Benefits of Automation: Streamlining Specification Development

Developing a specification project manual is often a complex and time-consuming task, requiring meticulous attention to detail to ensure that all relevant sections are included accurately. Balancing thoroughness with clarity is essential, as architects must coordinate various divisions, assemblies, and regulatory requirements to avoid errors or omissions leading to costly rework.

For Mark, the introduction of Deltek Specpoint marked a paradigm shift. "It was a game-changer," he recalls. Prior to using Specpoint, Mark found other specification software cumbersome and limited in output quality. Specpoint’s assembly-based approach, which organizes information around complete building systems rather than individual sections, significantly streamlined his workflow.

This assembly-based method reduces time spent searching for and managing project details, while improving accuracy by automatically narrowing the scope of required specifications. As a result, the process becomes more efficient, leading to cohesive and comprehensive project manuals. According to Mark, “Specpoint has streamlined the way we do things and made the editing process incredibly easy.”

3 Key Specpoint Features Streamline Specifications for Greater Efficiency

Streamlining specifications is a complex challenge due to managing large amounts of detailed information while ensuring accuracy and compliance with industry standards. Coordinating various project sections, materials, assemblies, and regulatory requirements often leads to time-consuming revisions and increases the risk of errors or omissions.

According to Mark, three standout features of Specpoint make a significant difference:

1. AIA MasterSpec – MasterSpec’s comprehensive nature sets it apart from competitors. As part of Deltek Specpoint, MasterSpec offers a robust framework for consistency, quality, and compliance across all project documents. Its extensive library of pre-written architectural specifications and regularly updated supporting documents reflect the latest industry standards, helping save time and reduce errors throughout the design and construction process.

   Mark recalls comparing the output from SpecLink, another specification software, and immediately noticed significant gaps in critical information. "The missing details were concerning," he explains, highlighting how important it is for specifications to be comprehensive. Without the necessary depth, crucial aspects of a project can be overlooked, leading to potential delays, miscommunication, or costly mistakes during construction. "With MasterSpec, you get thoroughness and depth," Mark continues, emphasizing that MasterSpec provides a robust foundation of detailed, well-researched content. This allows him to trust that nothing is left out, ensuring his project manuals are complete, accurate, and aligned with industry standards. MasterSpec’s attention to detail gives Mark the confidence to move forward, knowing that the specifications will support smooth project execution from start to finish.



 
 

Considering Specification Software?




Discover the benefits of Deltek Specpoint, Home of AIA MasterSpec®




Explore Now

 
 



2. Level of Specifications – Specpoint provides the ability to customize the level of detail in project specifications, from outline specs to detailed short or full-length specifications. This flexibility allows Blackberry Studios to tailor specifications according to the project’s phase and complexity, ensuring just the right amount of information is included at each stage. For Mark, this feature saves time by avoiding unnecessary details early on, while still allowing for more comprehensive information to be added as the project progresses. This approach improves clarity, streamlines documentation and enhances project efficiency. "Using the level of specification in Deltek Specpoint is a real time-saver," says Mark. "I used to dread doing outlines because I knew I’d have to go back and update everything manually, but with Specpoint, that hassle is completely eliminated."

   Additionally, the ability to adjust the level of specifications helps Mark maintain accuracy and efficiency throughout the project, allowing him to focus more on design and less on repetitive manual updates.

3. Ask Dela – Ask Dela is an AI-powered assistant within Deltek Specpoint designed to help users quickly locate relevant specification content. By tapping into the extensive knowledge base of MasterSpec content, supporting documents, and Specpoint's online help resources, Ask Dela delivers fast and accurate responses, ensuring users have access to the most up-to-date and accurate content available. This not only saves time when searching for information but also improves decision-making and boosts overall project accuracy.

   Mark finds the supporting documents provided by MasterSpec invaluable for coordinating project manuals with drawing sets, a critical yet often overlooked task by many architects and designers. By seamlessly integrating into Specpoint's project workspace, Ask Dela provides a smooth, intuitive user experience that simplifies the specification process and enhances project collaboration for Mark and his team at Blackberry Studios, allowing them to work more efficiently and deliver high-quality results.

This level of efficiency and precision allows Mark and his team to focus on delivering high-quality designs without being bogged down by time-consuming manual revisions. By using Deltek Specpoint, Blackberry Studios can meet project demands faster while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and compliance.

Future-Ready Specification Writing

This heightened level of efficiency enables Mark and his team at Blackberry Studios to focus on their core expertise—crafting innovative, high-quality designs—without being sidetracked by manual specification revisions. By automating much of the specification process with Deltek Specpoint and leveraging MasterSpec, the Blackberry Studios team streamlines its workflow and reduces the risk of costly errors or omissions. As a result, they can meet tight project timelines while ensuring their work adheres to industry standards and compliance regulations. This combination of speed, accuracy, and reliability gives the firm a competitive edge, allowing them to deliver exceptional results in less time.

About Blackberry Studios

Based in Newark, New Jersey, Blackberry Studios is a full-service architecture and design firm led by Principal Mark Bess. The firm uses advanced design and visualization technologies to create innovative, responsive spaces that meet client needs. With a team of CSI-certified specification professionals, Blackberry Studios excels in delivering clear and accurate project specifications. In addition to design services, the firm offers expertise in project feasibility, budgeting, and energy analysis, collaborating with community boards and construction teams to ensure successful project execution from start to finish.