Origin Design Builds a Collaborative Future with Deltek Specpoint

Multi-disciplinary firm sought a smarter way to manage specifications

Origin Design is a 100% employee-owned firm based in the Midwest, offering a full spectrum of services including architecture, engineering, land surveying and construction observation. With a diverse portfolio spanning commercial, industrial, educational and infrastructure projects, the firm needed a specification solution that could unify processes across disciplines and support consistent, high-quality project delivery.

To meet these needs, Origin Design adopted Deltek Specpoint, home of AIA MasterSpec®, as a strategic platform for collaborative specification management.

Inconsistent workflows and late-stage spec writing created challenges

As a firm offering multiple service lines, Origin Design faced the challenge of maintaining consistency in specification writing across departments. Each team had its own approach, which made standardization difficult. Specifications were often developed late in the design process, resulting in time crunches and heightened the chance of errors and rework. “We saw the same issues happening across teams—specs being written too late, inconsistent formatting, and a lack of collaboration capability,” said Amanda Kennedy, Project Support Team Leader. “We knew we needed a better way.”

Specpoint offered a unified platform and a path to earlier collaboration

Origin Design formed a specification committee with representatives from each service line to evaluate tools and define a unified approach. After thorough research, the team selected Deltek Specpoint for its robust features, industry-standard content, and ability to support collaboration   throughout the entire project lifecycle, from early design to project delivery.

“Specpoint gives us a company-wide standard to build from,” Amanda explained. “It’s not just about writing specs—it’s about elevating the entire process.”

To ensure a smooth transition to Specpoint, the firm established an internal focus group dedicated to guiding adoption efforts. The team used Deltek’s Learning Hub as a foundation, blending its comprehensive resources with internal expertise to create tailored guides and role-specific training that accelerated adoption and strengthened confidence.

Since implementing Specpoint, Origin Design has seen meaningful improvements across its project workflows. One of the most immediate benefits has been the ability to establish a consistent specification process across architecture and engineering teams. Previously, each discipline had its own approach to spec writing, which led to formatting inconsistencies and coordination challenges. With Specpoint, the firm is now building a unified foundation that supports standardization and quality.

“We’re already seeing the value,” Amanda said. “Even if we can’t quantify it yet, the time saved and the improved coordination of having all users in a collaborative platform are clear.”

The platform’s Levels of Specification (LOS) feature has been especially impactful. It allows users to tailor the level of detail based on the phase of the project whether it’s an outline spec at 30% design or a full spec at 100%. This flexibility reduces the need for rework and helps teams stay aligned throughout the project lifecycle.

“Being able to toggle between LOS settings means we can work ahead and adjust specs as needed without starting over,” said Zach Thielen, Architect at Origin Design. “It’s a huge time saver.”

Additionally, the move to a cloud-based platform has enabled real-time collaboration and easier access for team members working across different locations and disciplines. Instead of editing specs offline and manually formatting documents, users can now build and refine specifications directly within Specpoint, saving time and reducing errors.

“We’re building a process that scales,” Amanda added. “Whether it’s someone’s first project or their fifteenth, the experience should feel familiar and efficient.”

Specpoint’s powerful features help Origin Design work smarter and faster

As Origin Design continues to expand its use of Specpoint, several features have stood out for their ability to streamline workflows, reduce rework and support better collaboration across teams. From flexible specification levels to built-in product research tools, these capabilities are helping the firm modernize its approach to spec writing and project delivery.

To build on the benefits already seen with LOS, Origin Design continues to explore how this feature can support different phases of project development. One of the most useful aspects of LOS is its ability to tailor the level of detail based on where a project stands in the design timeline. Whether they’re preparing an outline spec early in design or a full spec for construction documents, LOS helps teams stay aligned.

The Product Cards feature simplifies product research and comparison by allowing users to access manufacturer data directly within the platform. This eliminates the need to search across multiple websites and helps teams make informed decisions faster.

Ask Dela, Specpoint’s AI-powered assistant, provides quick and reliable guidance by sourcing verified content from MasterSpec and Deltek’s internal documentation. For newer spec writers, it’s a valuable tool that reduces the need to interrupt colleagues for help and ensures confidence in the information provided.

“Ask Dela is especially helpful for newer spec writers,” said Zach. “It’s like having a trusted assistant that pulls from verified sources—not the web.”

Origin Design is building a scalable, consistent spec process for the future

Origin Design continues to roll out Specpoint across its teams, with Amanda leading the charge on training, documentation, and internal coordination. Their goal is to ensure every user—whether on their first project or their fifteenth—has a consistent, efficient experience that reflects the firm’s high standards.

“Specpoint is the future of spec writing,” Amanda concluded. “It’s collaborative, intuitive, and elevates the entire process. We’re excited to see where it goes next—and how it continues to grow with us.”

About Origin Design

We are experts who plan, design, manage and deliver unique solutions.

Origin Design® is a full-service professional design firm offering architecture; engineering, including land development, municipal, structural, transportation and water resources; field services and land survey.

We’ve built a reputation of delivering impactful, sustainable solutions since 1982. Our focus is to help the clients and communities we work with thrive and grow.

Let’s work on tomorrow. Together.