The 80s, 90s, and beyond
In 1982, CSI moved into their newly constructed headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia, just outside the nation’s capital. Throughout the next two decades, the institute continued to update its existing classification systems and formats, while offering new products that took advantage of the burgeoning technology. From digital construction databases, CAD libraries, and cost classification systems to electronic distribution of other organizations’ specification information, CSI continually evolved to simplify documentation and communication in an ever-changing industry.
CSI and CSC co-published UniFormat—a complement to MasterFormat, and SectionFormat was created as a response to organize information within each MasterFormat section.
PageFormat outlines how to organize the data on each page of the project manual, standardizing the formatting of articles, paragraphs, page numbering, and margins for both hard copies and electronic media. These two standards were later updated and combined, and are now known as SectionFormat/PageFormat.
While these new products were being offered, longstanding services continued, with the Education Committee providing national seminars and self-study guides for certification, in-house training programs, videotape rentals, and chapter-based study packages to prepare members for exams.
Meanwhile, the institute’s annual conference continues, taking different forms—the CSI Show, Construct America, CONSTRUCT, and now the CSI National Conference. From humble beginnings, Hunter’s idea blossomed into one of the industry’s most important events for technical education, networking, and launching new building products.
One of its greatest strengths remains the multidisciplinary nature of its membership. While specifications remain CSI’s focus, its roster now includes owners, designers, constructors, and suppliers, and representatives across the built environment. Drawing on their strength and expertise, the institute continues to revitalize its older tools such as MasterFormat and release newer ones such as the forthcoming GreenFormat, a database of environmentally responsible products. CSI faces its next 75 years armed with the same attitude and beliefs held by its founders that specifications and communication can be improved to better serve a rapidly changing industry.
The future
Now in its 75th year, CSI continues to drive project delivery excellence in the architecture, engineering, construction, and owner (AECO) industry. CSI CEO, Mark Dorsey, shares his thoughts and insights on this significant milestone and benefits to the AECO industry.
“If we go back to our roots, our most consequential successes have been creating systems and processes that have radically improved how our industry functions,” says Dorsey. “In the past, architects had one language and contractors had another. Today, CSI standards and formats enable different members of the project team to communicate more effectively about the needs of the project.”
