SALT LAKE CITY, UT, June 26, 2014 – ARCOM and The American Institute of Architects (AIA) are celebrating the 45th birthday of MasterSpec at the AIA Convention 2014 in Chicago. The city of Chicago and the AIA convention bring MasterSpec’s birth full-circle, as MasterSpec was “born” by a Chicago native.
Chicago’s own Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) was one of the first architectural firms to use computer systems for specifications. When the AIA started its Production Systems for Architects and Engineers (PSAE) division in 1969 to create an automated master specification system for AIA members, the AIA recruited SOM’s John H. Schruben, FAIA, to become its first president. The result was the MasterSpec specification system, the first system of its kind in the US.
In 1972, ARCOM, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, began a word-processing service for architects in which MasterSpec was edited using a time-shared computer called Masterworks. During the 1980s, in cooperation with the AIA, ARCOM supported 30 different word processors on mainframes, as well as mini and personal computers.
In 1989, ARCOM became the exclusive source for word-process versions and automation of MasterSpec for the AIA, and in 1995, the AIA outsourced the entire operation of MasterSpec to ARCOM.
“MasterSpec has been the standard for specifications since it was created, and the AIA showed real foresight in developing this valuable tool for the construction industry,” said Christopher G. Bushnell, AIA, CSI, ARCOM president and CEO. “ARCOM is honored to be AIA’s partner in maintaining and expanding the MasterSpec specification system.”
Over the past 45 years, MasterSpec’s content, quality, and depth of coverage have made MasterSpec the industry leader – used by more than 85% of the top architectural and engineering firms. MasterSpec includes 14 libraries with over 850 sections in various formats. MasterSpec is best known for having the most comprehensive specifications and extensive research information available in the market. ARCOM’s specification productivity software also makes it easy and efficient to create project specifications.
Be a part of history! Visit the ARCOM booth at the AIA Convention 2014 in Chicago and celebrate 45 years with them.
About ARCOM
ARCOM is the leader in specifications and exclusively publishes MasterSpec for The American Institute of Architects (AIA) for use by architects, engineers, landscape architects, specification writers, and design professionals involved in building projects.
ARCOM owns and publishes SpecText for use by engineers for infrastructure projects, including water and wastewater utilities and equipment.
ARCOM’s full-time staff of specification experts provide architects and engineers with the most thoroughly researched and reviewed specifications available in the construction industry. ARCOM also provides the most extensive product and manufacturer information through cloud-based specification resources, custom manufacturer specifications, and the SpecBuilder+Expert platform.
ARCOM’s SpecWare suite of innovative specification productivity software tools dramatically simplifies specification creation, research, and use. The SpecWare suite includes the easy-to-use Masterworks word-processing plug-in; Altarix, with the Q&A wizard, project editor, and built-in office master; and BIM integration.