Willamette Valley Chapter CSI Certification Classes

News Release: Registration Open for 2023 Willamette Valley Chapter Construction Specifications Institute Certification Classes

For the 41st consecutive year, the Construction Specifications Institute–Willamette Valley Chapter (CSI-WVC) is pleased to offer a series of classes on Construction Contract Documents in addition to another set covering Construction Contract Administration. While the principal purpose of the courses is to assist those planning to take one or more of the CSI-sponsored certification examinations, they’re also beneficial to anyone in the AEC industry seeking foundational training in the preparation and use of construction documents. Additionally, the classes can be of significant value to architectural interns and to the firms for whom they work, as well as very helpful to those preparing to take the State Architectural Licensing Exams.  

The evening classes begin in January 2023 and continue weekly through the first half of March.  

Click on the following links to locate detailed information about the classes, dates, fees, and registration: 

Construction Contract Documents (CDT) Classes:
https://app.box.com/s/azanc7k301k0iics1oyl6ctzu46ro7iv  

Construction Contract Administration (CCA) Classes:   
https://app.box.com/s/e1iczk7yt4us5vrn0m7bspykinkuc1z0

Due to the continued risks associated the COVID-19 outbreak, the Chapter will conduct the 2023 certification classes virtually rather than in person. The organizers are confident the quality of instruction will be as close to the real classroom experience as possible; regardless, the Willamette Valley Chapter’s board of directors approved a 50% reduction of the standard registration fees in acknowledgement of the limitations of online teaching. 

Both certification courses can help students develop a conceptual understanding of the entire construction process, and concrete skills in:

·                     Construction document development and administration

·                     Specification writing and enforcement

·                     Product research and sourcing

·                     Communication with the design and contracting teams

The Construction Documents program provides a comprehensive overview for anyone who writes, interprets, enforces, or manages construction documents. Being able to understand and interpret written construction documents helps architects, contractors, contract administrators, material suppliers, and manufacturers' representatives perform their jobs more effectively. Understanding the roles and relationships of all participants improves communication among all members of the construction team. The Construction Contract Administration course goes further to emphasize the specific knowledge and skills necessary to administer and enforce construction contract documentation. While not necessary, some students may find it helpful to have completed the Construction Documents course before taking the Construction Contract Administration program. 

As mentioned above, both classes serve as excellent means to prepare for CSI’s certification exams. Certification as a Construction Documents Technologist (CDT) means you have demonstrated ability to prepare, use, and interpret construction documents. CDT certification is a prerequisite to CSI’s advanced certifications, which include Certified Construction Specifier (CCS), Certified Construction Contract Administrator (CCCA), and Certified Construction Product Representative (CCPR). 

CSI offers its certification examinations twice annually, in the spring and the fall. Taking the 2023 Willamette Valley Chapters classes this coming winter would set you up nicely to register for the spring set of exams. 

The classes are especially beneficial for emerging design & construction industry professionals, and to the firms for which they work. They’re also particularly helpful to aspiring architects preparing to take a State Licensing Exam.

The Willamette Valley Chapter is working with the American Institute of Architects to renew the eligibility of the courses for AIA continuing education credit. Once approved, fully fledged architects will be ablet to earn up to 16 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours to apply toward maintaining Oregon State Board of Architect Examiners professional licensure; AIA Members will earn up to 16 Continuing Education Learning Units (LU) which CSI will report directly to AIA/CES.

Hundreds of local AEC professionals have already benefitted immeasurably by taking one or both CSI certification classes. Do the same and you’ll learn about the importance of clear, concise, correct, and complete construction documents, and more fully understand how projects unfold from conception to delivery. Best of all, you’ll advance your career prospects and become a highly valued member of any project team.

If you have any questions or encounter any problems with the course registration process, please email Randy Nishimura.  

New Oregon Licensees

Passing the Architectural Registration Examination and becoming a licensed architect is a significant achievement. It signifies that an architect is skilled in and committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of the public, and is a significant personal milestone for those that become licensed. 

Congratulations to the following architects newly licensed in Oregon between July 1 and September 30, 2022. 

Daniel Eddie
Scott C. Kitzrow, AIA
Jacob Rose, AIA
Kirsten L. Solberg, AIA
Andrea D. Allen Sis, AIA
Elise Marie Greska Herberholz
Jericho A. Bankston
Lee A. Georgeton, AIA
Thomas A. O. Moss
Samuel H. Slack, AIA
Katelynn N. Smith
Maureen Faul
Kurt J. Chiusolo
Adam P. Whalen
Jennifer Endozo
Matti E. Sjoblom-chambers
Lindsay A N. Chang
Emily G. Rist
James Chrisman, AIA
Jesus Armando Fernandez
Paul D. Wolfe, AIA
Kelli M. Kimura, AIA
Jai Kumaran, AIA
Whitney B. Ranson, AIA

We would love to do more to spotlight the newest Oregon licensees! Firms, if one or more of your staff has recently become licensed, we encourage you to share their story on social media and tag AIA Oregon, so we can spread the news! We are active on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Sustainable Building Week 2022

For the fifth year, Sustainable Building Week (SBW) 2022 is coming to Portland (October 10-15) with a diverse slate of events covering electrification, making our communities more resilient to wildfires and social equity to name a few topics.  Events are open to architects, interior designers, developers, general contractors, sub-contractors, and anyone interested in learning, connecting, and building collaborations with others in the industry.

“There are so many things we’ve been able to achieve in just five years’ time,” said Webly Bowles, co-founder of Sustainable Building Week. “We’ve become a stable and trusty event that Oregonians are counting on year after year.”

Since its first year in 2018, Sustainable Building Week has hosted 108 events for an estimated 2,500 attendees, despite the impact brought on by a global pandemic. Unlike a typical conference that’s organized by one planning committee, Sustainable Building Week offers a platform for multiple collaborators to design their own events as part of the week-long series. It’s also entirely volunteer-run.

This past spring, organizers launched a companion event called Sustainable Building Monthly.  This event takes place on the second Tuesday of each month from 5-7pm at Portland’s most sustainable commercial office space — the PAE Living Building.

Bowles says a top achievement has been the cross-organization collaboration she’s witnessed every year. This October, for example, Oregon Green Schools and the local chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects will be holding an event together.

Sustainable Building Week is supported by a broad network of organizations and businesses that are working daily to improve our state’s social inequities and environment, they include:

AIA Oregon, Oregon Green Schools, Portland Materials Transparency Collaborative, Solar Oregon, the Carbon Leadership Forum, Passive House NW, Women in Sustainable Endeavors, Electrify Now, the ZERO Coalition, Aris Hydronics, Bassetti Architects, Birdsmouth Design-Build, BORA, BRIC Architecture, Brightworks Sustainability, CLEAResult, Gensler, Glumac, Intertek, Lever Architecture, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, PAE, Portland General Electric, Resilient Framing Systems, SERA Architects, Skanska, Sustainable Northwest Wood, and Walsh Construction.

Events will start on Monday, October 10 with AIA COTE’s Green Champions Summit from 12 to 1:30pm.  Most events are free, but registration is recommended.  To see the full list events and get registered please go to: www.sustainablebuildingweek.com