MasterSpec

MasterSpec is a master guide building and construction specification system for use by architects, engineers, landscape architects and other design professionals. MasterSpec is published by Architectural Computer Services (ARCOM) for the American Institute of Architects (AIA). It was developed in 1969 by the AIA to provide architects a means to create technical specifications without the spending a lot of time researching on products and writing the technical specifications from scratch.

Today, MasterSpec consists of over 600 sections packaged in 13 practice-specific libraries, following the MasterFormat 2004 organization standard:

• Architectural/Structual/Civil
• Interiors
• Roofing
• Security and Detention
• Structural/Civil/Landscape
• Site Civil
• Structural
• Mechanical/Electrical
• Mechanical
• Electrical
• Fire Protection
• General Requirements
• Comprehensive

Each MasterSpec section consists of 5 components:

• Cover–Overview of section scope and content
• Evaluations—Qualitative overview of products and discussion of recent technologies, including:
  • Testing procedures and applicable codes
  • Application and implementation suggestions
  • Environmental considerations, green building, or LEED information
  • References and standards
  • Links to the manufacturer and standards organizations
• Master guide technical specifications in three-part CSI format along with editor's notes (instructions) and cross-references to Evaluations.
• Drawing Coordination Checklist: -- Checklist of items to coordinate this section with the drawings.
• Specification Coordination Checklist—Checklist of items to coordinate this section with other sections.

The MasterSpec technical specifications are available in three distinct formats or type:

• Full Length —For moderate- to large-scale, complex projects and varied bidding and contracting situations
• Short Form—Abridged versions of the most common specifications.
• Outline—Corresponding outline specifications for use during design development and schematic phases

In addition to the MasterSpec specification content and companion research documents, MasterSpec systems also includes the SpecWare® suite of specification automation tools including:

• Masterworks–“spec-processing” plug-in to MS Word that automates repetitive tasks like header and footer editing, table of contents an reports creation
• Linx–Q&A editor and on-screen editor that does gross editing of MasterSpec
• e-SPECS for Revit –integrates MasterSpec with BIM models

MasterSpec systems also includes the SpecAgent product and manufacturer resource.

References

External links