Architectural Specifications

The documents commonly referred to as the specifications normally contain much more than that name implies. The procurement requirements, contracting forms, and conditions of the contract are usually included, but not specified. This information, along with the specifications, is a collection of specifically written construction documents and project requirements whose contents and functions are best implied by the title Project Manual. The following is the process used to produce the Project Manuals required for our clients projects.

Preparation of project manuals varies with an individual firm's practice. Whoever prepares the project manual should begin early in the construction documents phase and perform the following tasks, generally in this order

  1. Review copy of Owner and Architect Agreement to understand each party’s responsibility for project specific Procurement Requirements, Construction Documents, and Contract Administration.
  2. Obtain information from Owner for type of Construction Contract, Insurance and Bonds required, determine any Special Testing and Inspections that are applicable, and to establish responsible parties for payment of these services.
  3. Review proposed General Conditions to understand roles and responsibilities of Architect, Owner, and Contractor.
  4. Prepare Supplementary Conditions to modify General Conditions in compliance with project specific requirements.
  5. Submit copies of proposed General and Supplementary Conditions and General Requirements sections to Owner and other project Consultants for their review to ensure these documents are properly coordinated without duplication or omission.
  6. Provide and coordinate project specific Sustainability requirements throughout Project Manual.
  7. Prepare Division 00 - Procurement Documents, Division 01 - General Requirements, and Divisions 02-49 technical specification sections in compliance with project specific requirements.
  8. Coordinate graphic size, form, quantity, and relationships of Drawings information with complementary qualitative product, materials, and workmanship requirements of Specifications in compliance with project specific requirements.
  9. Provide applicable requirements from other sources such as regulatory agencies, code requirements, field conditions, and authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ). Upon completion and final review, provide Project Manual for distribution.

TAC has been providing quality project specifications for a diverse listing of architectural firms on a variety of project types for many years and evidence of this is provided throughout this website.

Guide Specifications

Utilized as a primary marketing tool, product guide specifications promote the use of products. A well-written and annotated guide specification goes beyond a marketing brochure to educate the design professional and support the proper use and application of product for construction projects.

Well written guide specifications promote quality products that in turn contribute to good design. Good design is expressed when the design professional receives specified products on their project, and when product representative competitively bids in compliance with project specifications without substitutions. Accurate and detailed product guide specification information assists to ensure that design professional receives the products as specified and that they are properly installed on project without variables inherent in product substitutions.

Product Marketing and Specification Issues:

  1. Product Design Intent: Correct specifications protect both the Designer's and Manufacturer's interests.
  2. Limit Omissions: Standardized formatting of information limits omission of critical information.
  3. Control Procedures: Division 01 - General Requirements sections establish control of review and approval processes.
  4. Specify Work Results: Defined as “permanent or temporary aspects of construction projects achieved in the production stage or by subsequent alteration, maintenance, or demolition processes, through the application of a particular skill or trade to construction resources/products” in accordance with MasterFormat.

TAC has been providing quality guide specifications for a diverse listing of manufacturers throughout the United States on a variety of products for many years and evidence of this is provided throughout this website.