I find the only ones who like to specify means and methods are  
conservators... but the ones I enjoy working with can be talked out  
of it.

-jc

On Sep 19, 2006, at 6:28 PM, edison wrote:

> Ilene,
>
> I, too, tend to favor a team approach whenever that is possible.  
> Each of us
> has dedicated a lifetime of work to our respective careers. Each of  
> us who are
> any good at what we do know a lot more about what we do than  
> someone from
> another discipline. I just found this particular presenter  
> exceptionally
> arrogant, and happen to know (for almost 20 years) the contractor he
> ridiculed.
>
> I think most professionals would agree that performance-based  
> specifications
> are the most effective approach. In the case of materials  
> specifications, it
> is also almost always the only legal way to go on public projects.  
> Contractor
> prequalification is a sticky issue in some venues, isn't it? It serves
> everyone's interest if it is done effectively, though.
>
> Mike E.
> ---------- Original Message -----------
> From: "Ilene R. Tyler" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Sent: Tue, 19 Sep 2006 09:15:25 -0400
> Subject: [BP] APT
>
>> Mike, I'm sorry I missed you, and yes I was at that session.  I  
>> didn't
>> react quite as strongly about the means and methods lecture, and  
>> there
>> were a few who questioned the speaker about his approach.
>>
>> I like to leave room for contractor/craftsman creativity going  
>> into the
>> project, as this develops true partnering and shared ownership of the
>> project's outcome.  There needs to be open and respectful
>> communication, and an understanding client.  That can be the most
>> satisfying part of the process, but it suggests risk in not knowing
>> everything in advance.
>>
>> Doing a full "drop" is a possibility for larger projects, but often
>> there is no time, and the client may not allow the expense.   
>> Otherwise,
>> the specs become performance-based for the actual work, including
>> testing to determine formulas, etc., during the construction  
>> phase.  If
>> the contractor selection is price-based, or without control of
>> sub-contractor qualification, then there is often a need to  
>> educate and
>> monitor more than if the entire project is pre-qualified based on
>> proven experience.
>>
>> Either way, I expect to learn and assist.  And, it's good to share in
>> venues like APT.
>>
>> QUINN EVANS | ARCHITECTS
>>
>> Ilene R. Tyler, FAIA, FAPT
>>
>> 219 1/2 N. Main Street
>> Ann Arbor, MI  48104
>> [log in to unmask]
>> www.quinnevans.com
>> v 734.663.5888
>> f 734.663.5044
>>
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> ------- End of Original Message -------
>
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