Ken Chappell, CSI, CDT,  LEED-AP
222 14th St. NE, Suite #229

Atlanta GA, 30309

513.325.7594
ken@kenchappell.com

www.kenchappell.com

(Get PDF version here)

Senior Specifications Writer:  Architectural & Engineering

Write specifications for architectural, engineering, and interior design projects for clients in diverse marketsectors including but not limited to science and technology, healthcare, learning, workplace, government, residential, and retail.

 Responsibilities:

  • Review project specifications, etc. for conformity to standards
  • Review requests for proposals, outline initial design scope identifying issues and challenges, critical paths
  • Assist design teams in schematic design / design development phase, refining design scope.
  • Generate outline specifications when necessary
  • Prepare construction specifications and contractual documents during the construction and development phase (including preparation of addenda during bidding)
  • Coordinate, review, and incorporate consultant specifications
  • Research building products and components
  • Assist teams in determining materials and building systems for projects
  • Assist teams with code analysis
  • Assist teams during construction administration; submittal reviews, project meetings, inspections
  • Develop and maintain office master specifications
  • Maintain architectural product and technical libraries
  • Supervise and oversee continuing education of all office personnel.
  • Unofficial IT Technical Assistance for the company

 Skill Set:

Creative professional committed to achieving design excellence and environmental sustainability in diverse project solutions. I’m looking for an environment of collaboration where a high degree of creativity and entrepreneurial spirit will be appreciated and encouraged.

 

  • In depth knowledge of construction contracts, procurement methods, construction administration procedures.
  • Power User of many Microsoft applications and computerized methods of document production and tracking using MS Word, Excel, Access, SQL and VB, ADS-Symphony,  MasterSpec and its related software, Deltek VisionSB.
  • High level of working knowledge and strong background in construction methods, systems, products, trade association guidelines, and industry standards.
  • Excellent listening, verbal, and written communication skills.
  • Able to work in fast-paced, challenging work environment. Works well under pressure.
  • Fully capable of assuming the responsibility for overall project manual assembly and production
  • Easily functions independently on a variety of projects at a time
  • Excellent organizational skills with a high regard for details.
  • Proficient in CSI principles and philosophies.  

Current Educational Activities (In Order of Priority):

  • Studying for CDT Certification  and CCS from CSI, The Construction Specifications Institute
  • Studying for EIT and PE
  • LEED accreditation

Recent Key Accomplishment:

Developed interactive database program for tracking all project correspondence (including email, transmittals, bulletins, RFIs, submittals, etc.) contact information, company timesheets, Catalogue Library, Design scope, issues, and construction documents in either Masterformat ’95 or ’04, structure. The database ‘talks’ with the accounting software. All data and reports necessary to efficiently manage the projects are accessible by everyone in real time. All financial reports etc. needed to run the business are accessible by management in real time.

The database has drastically reduced the actual time of pulling together project manuals and tracking project documentation (simply less paperwork). This has allowed for more attention to quality of documention and design from the over all team on a company wide basis.


Employment History

CUH2A, A Division of HDR                                                                                               October 2007 Present
Primarily Project Manuals  and specifications for the Science and Technology business sector. Support projects during all project phases. Projects are performed across offices depending on expertise required. Review and Negotiate front-end contracts. Review Submittals, Assist assembling new business project proposals. 

PDT Architects, Cincinnati OH. (513-891-4605)                                               December 2004 – September 2007
See www.pdtarchitects.com for more information.

Realtor: Comey and Shepherd – Independent Contractor                        November 2001 – December 2005
When engineering work dried up in Cincinnati, rather than rush into another contract job, I decided to improve my sales and social skills. I was a successful mutli-million dollar producer '02 through '05. Received sales training from the top trainers in the country and built a respectable book of business.

HK Systems Inc. Hebron, KY. (859-334-2400) – Contract                                       August 2000 - November 2001
Sr. Development Engineer: Implemented enhancements resulting in reductions in manufacturing costs, and overall component parts, increasing versatility and cost effectiveness of their material handling systems.

FKI International c/o MBS Assoc. Cincinnati, OH. (513-469-9300) – Contract                 June 1998 - August 2000
Sr. Development Engineer: Responsibilities same as before. Developed high-speed narrow belt live roller conveyor product line. Narrow belt is quieter, less maintenance, and more efficient than current products on the market.

The Buschman Company (Now FKI International), Cincinnati OH. (513-874-0788)  Contract           1997 - 1998
Sr. Development Engineer: Responsible for the development of all conveyor accessory equipment. Development of designs to dramatically improve conveyor life and reduce noise (patented). Pioneered research to increase through-put of product on automated warehouse conveyor systems. Managed R&D Lab. Performed solid modeling and FEA analysis required on existing and new designs.

Butler Service Group, Cincinnati, OH. (Local Office Closed) – Contract Position                           1995 - 1997
Sr. Design Engineer: Managed in house engineering, design, and drafting projects. Developed 3D aerospace EDM tooling for Boeing jet fighter components. Design automated welding equipment for automotive manufacturer. Managed design of standard conveyor product lines for Buschman.

BGP Services (Belcan), Cincinnati, OH. (513-825-5520) – Contract Position                                    1988 - 1994
Senior Engineer: Supervised design development, of automated equipment for Procter & Gamble. International Technical resource for nonwovens and paper processing systems. Headed international design projects interfacing with European, Arabic, and Asian cultures. Supervised projects from conception to start up. Determined needs for FEA, structural analysis, and vibration testing. Developed recommendations for standardization. Held periodic ‘how to design' presentations for various technologies.

Metalex Mfg. Inc., Cincinnati OH. (513-489-0507)                                                                            1987 - 1988
Project Engineer: Supervised assembly plant. Worked with sales force establishing nationwide customer base in machine tool and aerospace industries. Managed implementation of GE Vendor Excellence Program.

Alexander and Associates, Cincinnati OH. (513-731-7800) – Contract Position                                1985 - 1987
Lead Designer: Automated equipment for Procter & Gamble's converting division. Responsible for prototyping and developing new technologies. Provided engineering support for structural analysis, manufacturing, pneumatics, hydraulics, heat transfer and sound suppression.

SOFTWARE KNOWLEDGE:

Windows, MS Office, Access, Project, Word, Excel, Power Point, Ansys 5.4, AutoCad 2005 (2D and 3D), Microstation 8 (2D and 3D modeling), Revit, Archicad, Unigraphics, ProE (2D and 3D modeling), Adobe Products, Visual Basic, HTML, DHTML, PERL, CGI, Javascript, PHP, SQL. Experienced in Lan and Novell Networks, Client/Server configurations, Norton Utilities, Artisoft Lantastic v7.

EDUCATION

University of Cincinnati Evening College - Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, 1986

MISCELLANEOUS

Currently a member of the Construction Specifications Institute.
Former President of the Queen City Careers Association.

References Available Upon Request.


 

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