Most of my work in architecture is new projects, ground up construction. In my previous life, I did a fair amount of remodel work. With government work, typically I have to pull together a cost estimate during the design. There are several types of cost estimates I do. Even when contracts under way, the government wants a general idea if a change from the contractor is fair and reasonable. Last week I was working on a change order presented by the contractor which was caused by an unforeseen condition.

I have worked with a lot of really good contractors. I can't finish the clients vision without the contractor. I recognize that while I design project, that the contractor is a critical part of the project team. Typically, I always start every project with the approach of partnering. The first partner in any project is the client. While you may think the last partner in a successful project is the contractor, it is still the client. It is never about how you start a project, but how it finishes.

I really enjoy looking at Architecture. That is probably a good thing since I spent most of my life knee deep in it. Actually, it more like neck deep. When I get my new Architecture magazines, I look at the pictures (unlike other magazines where I read the articles). There is always something inspiring about them. I've done some projects, that I feel is really good about, I'm just not egotistical and work in creating the clients vision.

I started off on the drafting board during my first job in 1983. About 4 years later our office received its first CAD system called RUCAPS. It was a hybrid of CAD and todays BIM. The system was so complicated, that the office had to hire one of the programmers from Seattle just to make the $100,000 investment worthwhile. I've been working on the computer since 1984 and started on some early systems, including RUCAPS. But my real move to CAD happened in 1988 with AutoCAD.

Shortly after I received my Architectural license, my daughter made a joke and called me an Artichoke. I know where she picked it up, but it was funny, and I still refer to it today. While being an Architect is a serious business, I always try to interject some humor throughout the day. I've been a passionate member of CSI for almost 20 years now and dedicated to CSINext since its founding in 2009. I've invited every member of the CSINext chapter to write a Blog for the website and it occurred to me that I should being the same.

Happy New Year!

Wait, it is already February... As time marches on, I swear it is picking up pace. Yet, as I march on, I'm only slowing done. I have a greater appreciation for life and the people who are in it. But a little less of the sentimental stuff. I wanted to welcome everyone the the new look at CSINext. I've spent the past couple weeks revisiting the backend code and looking for way to improve the member experience.

Each of the following members joined CSI in February. CSINext is please to congratulate the following CSI members on their continued membership.

• 5 Year - Mark Kohn, CSI, CDT
• 6 Years - Richard Poindexter, CSI
• 6 Years - Joni Zimmerman, CSI, CDT
• 26 Years - Bryan Varner, FCSI, CDT, LEED AP
• 30 Years - James Whitfield II, FCSI, CCPR, CTC, LEED AP, USGBC
• 39 Years - Terrence Lunn, PE, FCSI, CCS

We would like to do a shout out to Mark Kohn, CSI, CDT for celebrating 5 years with CSI! 

Also special recognition for Mr. James Whitfield II, FCSI, CCPR, CTC, LEED AP, USGBC... Celebrating 30 years with CSI!

Once again, really appreciate everyone's continued membership in CSI.

CSINext continues to grow! We had a new member join just last week. CSINext is please to welcome the following CSI member on joining CSI & CSINext.

• Philip Babinec, RA, CSI, CCS, CCCA, LEED AP - January 2018

Greetings! We are excited to present a second program for the month of February and the presentation will be "BIM 4D Scheduling" Presented by Mike Prefling with Synchro. Mark your calendars for Febraury  28th at 12:00pm EST. We look forward to having you attend this free webinar, register today as space is limited!

Greetings! We will be conducting our February Chapter Meeting and the presentation will be "Advantages of Using Cover Boards in Low-Slope Roofing Assemblies" Presented by Warren Barber, CSI, CDT, LEED GA with National Gypsum. Mark your calendars for Febraury  14th at 12:00pm EST. We look forward to having you attend this free webinar, register today as space is limited!

Each of the following members joined CSI in January. CSINext is please to congratulate the following CSI members on their continued membership. 1 Year - Nicholas Bolton, CSI, CDT 6 Years - Ganapathy Nagasubramaniam, CSI, CCS, LEED AP, M. Arch 13 Years - Keith Robinson, FCSI, CSC, FCSC, LEED AP, RSW 27 Years - William Rains Jr., CSI, CDT 33 Years - ...

Each month I review the roster provided by Institute. I'm looking for the new members and each member's anniversary date for the month. This month, January 2018 stood out. We had a new member who joined CSI in 1979. Next year will be Mr Terrence Lunn, PE, FCSI, CCS 40th anniversary with CSI! This got me to dig a little deeper into the roster.

CSINext continues to grow! CSINext is please to welcome the following CSI members on joining CSI & CSINext.

• Todd Hansen, CSI, CDT - December 2017
• Terrence Lunn, PE, FCSI, CCS - January 2018

Each of the following members joined CSI in December. CSINext is please to congratulate the following CSI members on their continued membership.

• 23 Years - Edgardo Cruz, CSI, CDT, M. Arch
• 28 Years - Kent Kile, FCSI, CCPR

Greetings! We will be conducting our December Chapter Meeting and the presentation will be "Inside the Mind of the Specifier" Presented by Paul Gerber, CSC, CSI. Mark your calendars for December  14th at 12:00pm EST. We look forward to having you attend this free webinar, register today as space is limited!

CSINext continues to grow! CSINext is please to welcome the following CSI members on joining CSI & CSINext.

• John Koessler, CSI - October 2017
• Kevin Tish, CSI, AHC - November 2017
• Frank Fuller, FCSI - November 2017

Each of the following members joined CSI in November. CSINext is please to congratulate the following CSI members on their continued membership.

• 1 Year - Jason Kamihira, CSI, CDT, B. Arch, LEED AP, USGBC
• 11 Years - Jori Smith, CSI, CDT, LEED AP
• 21 Years - F. Drucilla Brookshire, CSI, CCCA

CSINext continues to grow! CSINext is please to welcome the following CSI members on joining CSI & CSINext.

• Mr. Mazen Najar, BS, MBA, CSI, PMP - October 2017

Each of the following members joined CSI in October. CSINext is please to congratulate the following CSI members on their continued membership.

• 2 Year - Jeffrey Mosley, CSI
• 9 Years - Jon Lattin, BS, MS, CSI, CCPR
• 22 Years - Lynn Javoroski, FCSI, Member Emeritus, CCS, LEED AP, SCIP
• 25 Years - Michael Young, CSI, CCCA
• 27 Years - Robert Dye, FCSI, CCS, CCCA, LEED AP, RRC
• 31 Years - Helaine Robinson, CSI, CCS, CCCA, SCIP

CSINext continues to grow. CSINext is please to welcome the following CSI members on joining CSI & CSINext.

• Andrea Dinice, CSI, CDT, AIA, ASID, DBIA, LEED GA, USGBC - March 2017
• Lenee Hicks, CSI-EP - September 2017
• Mr. Jon Lattin, BS, MS, CSI, CCPR - September 2017
• Mr. J.W. Mollohan, FCSI, CCPR, LEED GA - September 2017