What the RFI?

SummaryThis episode of 'What the RFI' delves into the concept of change directives in construction, explaining their significance, the process of issuing them, and the potential risks involved. Matt Brennan discusses the differences between change directives and proposed changes, emphasizing the immediate action that change directives allow. He shares real-world examples to illustrate the application of change directives and offers best practices for their use, highlighting the importance of ...

SummaryIn this episode of What the RFI, Matt Brennan and Gustavo Matoso discuss the intricacies of architecture and construction management, particularly in the context of modular design and its implications for educational facilities. They explore Gustavo's transition from Brazil to Canada, the challenges faced in construction management, and the evolving landscape of modular construction in the education sector. The conversation highlights the importance of quality control, building codes, ...

SumaryIn this episode, Matt Brennan and Nathan Taylor discuss their experiences at the CSI National conference, the role of AI in the construction industry, and the importance of hands-on experience in learning. They emphasize the need for mentorship and knowledge transfer between seasoned professionals and younger generations. The conversation also highlights the significance of site visits for architects, effective communication on construction sites, and the challenges posed by geotechnica...

SummaryIn this episode of 'What the RFI', Matt Brennan discusses the critical differences between Site Instructions (SI) and Proposed Changes (PC) in construction management. He elaborates on the processes involved in issuing these changes, the importance of timing, and best practices for effective change management. The conversation emphasizes the need for clear communication and coordination among all parties involved to avoid unnecessary costs and delays.TakeawaysA site instruction (SI) is...

In this episode, Matt Brennan discusses the critical role of shop drawings in construction administration. He explains what shop drawings are, the process of reviewing them, how to mark them up, and the importance of samples and mockups. The conversation also covers the challenges posed by alternates, real-life examples from Matt's experience, and the significance of timely reviews. He emphasizes the need for mentorship and proactive management of shop drawing logs to ensure successful projec...

SummaryIn this episode, Matt Brennan shares his experiences from the AIA Aspire 2024 conference held in Asheville, North Carolina. He discusses the beautiful landscapes he explored, highlights from keynote speakers like Erin Brockovich, and the importance of sustainability in architecture. The conversation also delves into the role of AI in the industry, networking opportunities, and the significance of maintaining proper construction administration logs. Matt concludes with a personal travel...

SummaryIn this episode of 'What the RFI', Matt discusses the realities of travel in Construction Administration (CA). He explores the pros and cons of traveling for work, including the unique experiences and opportunities it provides, as well as the challenges such as time away from family and the physical demands of travel. The conversation emphasizes the importance of evaluating personal circumstances and preferences when considering travel in CA, ultimately concluding that while travel can...

SummaryConstruction Administration 101 covers the basic terms and processes involved in construction administration. The purpose of construction administration is to ensure that the building is constructed according to the design and specifications. Key terms discussed include RFIs (Request for Information), shop drawings, change orders, progress claims, and field reviews. RFIs are requests for more information from the contractor to the architect. Shop drawings are detailed drawings submitte...

SummaryIn this episode, Matt Brennan shares his personal journey in the construction industry, from his childhood fascination with construction to his experiences as an architect and project coordinator. He discusses the importance of hands-on experience, the impact of influential mentors, and the challenges and rewards of construction administration. Matt also introduces Part 3, an online construction administration program, and his vision for the podcast to share knowledge, build a network,...

Welcome to the first episode of What the RFI, a podcast dedicated to exploring Construction Administration from the perspectives of Architects and Project Coordinators! In this episode, we introduce the key topics that will shape our discussions, from managing RFIs, Submittals (Shop Drawings), ASIs, and Change Orders to best practices for site meetings, field reports, and construction site safety.If you're involved in architecture or construction, this podcast is for you. Each week, we’ll bre...