Specs Workshop

How does a specification come together? Who decides what to include and how to put it in the specification? Join us for an entertaining afternoon as we identify and research products for a project. We’ll talk about identifying project needs, finding and assessing products, and how to research with manufacturer’s websites and other sources. At the end of the afternoon each team will complete a Section or 2 that will complete the Project Manual.

Come and learn from industry veterans as they walk, step by step, through the process of writing specifications, focusing on when there are multiple stakeholders involved. 

You will need your computer and be prepared to dive into the ever-changing world of specification writing.  Make sure to bring your real-world challenges for some peer-to-peer collaboration. We have 4 hours of hands-on education for you that will enhance your ability to write better specifications and thrive in the role.

Schedule Breakdown:

1:00 -    1:30      Introductions & Orientation   

1:30 -    2:20      How to develop a table of contents   

2:20 -    2:30      Break/Q&A   

2:30 -    3:20      Research Products   

3:20 -    3:30      Break/Q&A   

3:30 -    4:20      Generating Sections   

4:20 -    4:30      Break/Q&A   

4:30 -    5:00      Putting it all together

Sherry Harbaugh, FCSI, CCS, RA, SCIP

Technical Resources Consultants Inc (TRC)
After nearly 30 years in the construction industry predominantly as an independent specifier, Sherry’s current focus revolves around education, empowering construction teams to be confident about communicating with specifications, and learning about construction materials. She is passionate about educating the next generation of our industry in the aspects of specifications and enjoys working with teams, researching products, and building relationships within the industry. Sherry believes product knowledge comes from asking questions, listening to others, and digging into information. Sherry is a Fellow of the Construction Specifications Institute (FCSI), and has participated at local Chapter, Region, and Institute levels for the last 35 years. The majority of her contributions have been centered on educating groups and individuals for the CSI certification exams, working with product manufacturers to create interactive opportunities, and providing leadership on committees. In May of 2023, TRC launched an education arm - Specs Education Online. This e-Learning tool aims to educate the next generation of construction teams by providing quick answers to basic specification questions and assist the self learner to understand specifications as a career path.

Beth Stroshane CSI, CCS, CDT, LEED AP, SCIP:

Beth Stroshane is Managing Partner of Applied Building Information LLC, an independent specifications consulting firm based near Seattle, Washington. Prior to starting the practice in 2013, she wrote specifications for large architecture firms in the Seattle area. Beth works on a wide range of projects: she produces specifications for new buildings and renovations of existing facilities, serves public and private clients, and participates in design/bid/build, design/build, and negotiated contracts. Beth has written specifications for a Living Building Pilot project in Fremont.  She is also active in CSI (Construction Specifications Institute) and speaks nationally at industry events.