2008-2009 President: Melody Howard

President-Elect: Robert "Jody" Rusca

The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) is an individual membership technical society whose core purpose is to improve the process of creating and sustaining the built environment. The Institute provides technical information and products, continuing education, professional conferences, and product shows to enhance communication among all disciplines of nonresidential building design and construction and meet the industry’s need for a common system of organizing and presenting construction information. CSI’s more than 18,000 members include architects, engineers, constructors, specifiers of construction products, suppliers of construction products, building owners, and facilities managers. Founded in 1948, CSI is headquartered outside Washington in Alexandria, VA, and has 143 local chapters nationwide.

CSI Mission Statement

The Construction Specifications Institute advances the process of creating and sustaining the built environment for the benefit of the construction community by using the diversity of its members to exchange knowledge.

The Baton Rouge Chapter

The Baton Rouge Chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute is one of approximately 140 Chapters located in the United States, each serving a unique geographical area.  The Baton Rouge Chapter has approximately 70 members.  The Chapter encourages non-members to participate in the monthly meetings.

The Baton Rouge Chapter was established with the granting of its Charter in September 1981.  Forty-nine names were listed on the Chapter's Charter Certificate..

Membership Benefits

CSI is the only construction related professional organization open to all individuals associated with the construction industry,  This broad-based membership allows CSI to view every document it produces and every issue it addresses with the eyes of every potential party. 

For over 50 years, CSI has been a leader in attempting to bring uniformity in construction documents and in standardizing construction document procedures.  This has brought the industry defacto standards such  as the 16-division MasterFormat, the Uniform Drawing System, and UniFormat.  It has also resulted in the publication of the widely accepted Manual of Practice. More recently, it has taken the lead in cooperation with the Design Build Institute of America in producing the first master documentation system to be used for design/build projects.

As a member of CSI, you have an opportunity to network on a local,  regional, and national level with members of project teams representing all interests.  You also receive a  discount when you purchase any of the CSI produced technical documents.  Couple this with receiving an award-winning monthly publication, The Construction Specifier and the monthly newsletter, NewsDigest. In addition CSI holds an annual convention with outstanding technical seminars and a construction materials exhibit, the largest of its type in the country.

These are only a few of the many benefits of being a member of the Construction Specifications Institute.  More information on Membership can be obtained from any member of the Baton Rouge Chapter Board,  the Chapter Membership Chair, or the CSI Member/Customer Service Center at (800) 689-2900.

Updated: 05/15/2009