IALD and LIRC Release New Pilot Edition of “Guidelines for Specification Integrity”

November 6, 2017

The 2017 pilot edition is designed to help address a perennial challenge in the process of creating the built environment: how to ensure that what is designed is what is built.

While there is no substitute for the grit and determination of a designer who is defending a design, these materials comprise a set of tools for use by designers of all experience levels. The checklists, tips, and references in the pilot edition include a variety of methods and techniques to protect specifications. In addition, the materials include a section outlining the major phases of a construction project, threats to specifications that are likely to be found at each phase, and recommended steps to address these threats.

“Specification Integrity” refers to the importance of maintaining the lighting designer’s original specification throughout the process of establishing a final project budget, retaining contractors and suppliers, and completing construction. A strong specification helps ensure that the finished project realizes the original intent of the design. Whether designers need to review the basics or are seeking more depth in the topic, IALD and LIRC recommend using the references linked throughout the guidelines as need dictates.

To make the document as easy to use as possible, the guidelines are offered as an online, downloadable publication with internal links and references: http://www.iald.org/Lighting-Industry-Resource-Council/Programs-and-Initiatives/Guidelines-for-Specification-Integrity. Moreover, IALD and the LIRC intend the materials to evolve and improve over time. The pilot edition is a starting point for “crowdsourcing” improvements to the document: as you read, please share any additional checklists, examples, stories, or suggestions from your practice. Send ideas and submissions for additions to IALD Public Policy consultant John Martin at john@iald.org.

Related Articles


Changing Scene


Design

  • How Do the Most Trusted Lighting Brands Stay at the Top

    How Do the Most Trusted Lighting Brands Stay at the Top

    In a competitive and constantly evolving lighting market, staying top-of-mind isn’t just about creating beautiful products, it’s about creating consistent value. Lighting professionals today are inundated with choices. From smart solutions and sustainable tech to design-forward fixtures, the options are vast. But amidst this sea of options, some brands always seem to rise to the… Read More…

  • A New Language of Light: Fluxwerx Unveils Speak Recessed Luminaire Family, Reimagining Architectural Integration & Performance

    A New Language of Light: Fluxwerx Unveils Speak Recessed Luminaire Family, Reimagining Architectural Integration & Performance

    Fluxwerx announces the launch of Speak—the latest addition to their expanding collection of LED luminaires for commercial, institutional, retail, hospitality and residential environments. Breaking from the paradigm of conventional downlights, Speak is a new meticulously designed luminaire family that elevates the dialogue between light, material, and spatial intent. Engineered as an extension of architectural form rather… Read More…


New Products

  • Artika: Fitch Smart Foldable RGB LED Floor Lamp

    Artika: Fitch Smart Foldable RGB LED Floor Lamp

    With four adjustable, multicolour modules, the Fitch Smart LED floor lamp adapts to any setting. Use the base to stand it upright in the living room or mount it on the wall in a game room for a dynamic light bar effect. Control everything through the Artika Smart app. Choose the colour of each module… Read More…

  • Arani: SL4-VAR-R-BN-V4 – LED Slim Panel 4″ Brushed Nickel

    Arani: SL4-VAR-R-BN-V4 – LED Slim Panel 4″ Brushed Nickel

    The SL4-VAR-R-BN-V4 is a 4″ LED slim panel with a clean brushed nickel trim, built for recessed ceiling applications in residential and commercial settings. It offers 5 selectable color temperatures (2700K to 5000K), smooth Triac dimming, and now delivers up to 725 lumens at 4000K, providing improved brightness without added energy use. This IC-rated fixture… Read More…