Construction Specifications, Peer Review, and Building Enclosure Consulting
Specifications services
My services typically begin during the schematic design phase, where I document the major project elements, systems, and assemblies in a Preliminary Project Description. Organized in an industry-standard format, this document is ideal for preliminary cost estimating and serves as a checklist to help ensure all essential elements are accounted for.
Throughout the design development and construction documents phases, I develop and coordinate Project Specifications with the design team and consultants, ultimately compiling them into a Project Manual for bidding and construction. Based on a project’s scope and procurement method, I utilize the appropriate type of specifications, such as Full-length, Outline, or Short-form, as well as the appropriate specifying method, such as Descriptive, Reference Standard, Proprietary, or Performance specifying.
I also offer related services, including product research, Office Master Guide Specifications, terminology coordination, and review of RFIs, submittals, and substitution requests.
peer review services
Beyond Specifications, I provide Peer Review of drawings at key milestones, focusing on coordination, completeness, compliance, and constructability. My reviews are tailored to each project’s needs and can include technical consulting on materials, detailing, roofing, waterproofing, and exterior assemblies.
My reviews are intended to supplement in-house QA/QC programs by helping senior staff focus their limited time on the most critical issues, and by offering a fresh set of eyes to uncover errors and omissions that may go unnoticed by the project team.
From my experience, integrating specifications writing and peer review throughout project development significantly enhances the quality of construction documents and the efficiency of project delivery. A reduction in bidding errors, RFIs, change orders, and construction delays helps the design team preserve time, profit, design intent, and client relationships.
about
DaSilva Building Consulting provides Specifications, Peer Review, and Building Enclosure Consulting for small-to-midsize architecture firms.
Christo DaSilva is a licensed architect, specifier, and building enclosure consultant. He is a member of the Construction Specifications Institute, Specification Consultants in Independent Practice, and International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants. With over 15 years of experience, he has successfully performed multidisciplinary functions, in such roles as designer, specifier, consultant, coordinator, and project manager. His broad experience includes a variety of building types, climate zones, and uses, such as commercial, education, hospitality, interiors, mixed-use, religious, residential, sports, and workplace.
Christo’s key competencies include designing building enclosure assemblies, detailing interfaces between air, water, vapor, and thermal control layers, preparing complete project specifications, and providing peer review of construction documents for coordination, completeness, compliance, and constructability.
Contact
Christo DaSilva
DaSilva Building Consulting Inc.
South Lake Tahoe, California
Christo@DaSilvaBuildingConsulting.com
530.208.5394