I had thought I was done with test-taking and studying—college long behind me, those long nights with Red Bull as my only company, and the stress surrounding a timed test. So why would I put myself through the stress again to obtain my CDT certification? Am I crazy? Maybe a little bit, but hear me out.
For those of you who don’t know me, I'm the Business Development Manager and Specification Writer for The Architecture Collaborative (TAC). My job duties mainly involve marketing, networking, business development, request for proposal responses, and contract administration for some of our projects for Public Housing Authority clients.
Since I work at an architecture firm, you would think I have an architecture degree. Surprise, you’d be wrong! Prior to starting at TAC, I was an adjunct lecturer in the English Department at UTK. How I went from getting my bachelor’s and master’s degree in English Literature to working in the A/E industry is a long, twisting story that I don’t have time to tell in this article, so pull me aside another time to ask about it.
All of this to say, I had zero knowledge of the A/E industry before joining TAC two years ago, so taking the CDT was one of my goals to further my knowledge, cement myself in the industry, and gain a better understanding of how to write strong specifications.
When I reached out earlier this year, the CSI Knoxville chapter purchased the official CDT study materials for me to use. The chapter now has these materials for all members to use, which is fantastic! I printed the study guides and blocked time on my calendar every Monday morning to spend solely on studying.
After two weeks of studying, I was shocked to realize that I was already familiar with most of the material. I had expected the study process to be arduous and reminiscent of my long Red Bull nights (I promise this isn’t a Red Bull sponsored article). But I quickly discovered that apart from the niche financing details surrounding project conception, I had already picked up on most of the material just from being in the industry for two years.
So long story short, apart from those first two weeks in February, I didn’t study at all for the CDT.
Wait, why are you getting your pitchforks? Is that Gary Bergeron with a torch? Suzan Jordan, put that sword down! I can explain! I promise I’m not arrogant!
I definitely wouldn’t call the exam "easy," necessarily, but it is crafted to test your knowledge and doesn't try to trick you. For me, even though I am extremely new to the industry, I had no issue passing the exam on the first try. So try not to overthink it! Skim through the study guide, do a few practice sections, and try to identify the gaps in your knowledge. The rest will come naturally to you. Also, try Googling “CDT Exam Flashcards” and going through a few. Most of these are pulled from past exam questions, and I found it helpful in identifying the areas I didn’t know.
Overall, I would definitely recommend taking the CDT exam if you have considered pursuing a certification in the past. My main piece of advice is to trust your gut. If you've been in the field for a few years, you most likely know a good chunk of the material on the exam.
I'm thankful for the CSI Knoxville chapter for embracing me as a fledgling spec writer. I can't wait to grow my career alongside these wonderful folk. And if you see me at any upcoming monthly CSI meetings, come up to me and tell me your favorite spec section! Also, since Kathy is obsessed with my cat Venus, here's a photo of her.
New Member News - Briley Saiyasak, CSI-EP
Posted: Wed, Jul 24, 2024
Let me introduce Briley Saiyasak, one of our newest members. She is an emerging professional in the design and construction industry. She has recently joined Jacobs in their Nuclear Projects and Consulting department providing design services to the Department of Energy.
Briley came to UT in 2017 from Mount Juliet, just east of Nashville. She graduated in 2022 from the UT College of Architecture & Design with a Bachelor of Architecture and a minor in Industrial Design. She met her husband, Caleb, here and decided to stay in Knoxville.
I asked her why she chose this field. ” Growing up, I was always making things and loved being creative. I chose architecture because I felt it would give me an avenue to express creativity while also getting to work closely with people. I also love figuring out how things work and learning about the minute details of things, so the more technical side of architecture, scratches that itch for me as well!”
Briley learned about CSI when she attended the CSI Products Show in 2022. When she was asked why she joined the chapter, she explained, “ to learn as much as possible and to form connections that help make me a better architect. CSI seems like an organization that promotes practical ways to improve our industry, and I feel like I’d be crazy not to want to be a part of that.” She said that she wants to pursue her CDT credential after she completes her ARE exams, which she has already started.
Briley also has an interest in working with students at UT. “I never knew a student chapter even existed when I was in school, and I feel like growing student interest early in our careers is a great way to teach students about the profession and what it really means to be a well-rounded architect.”
During her down time, she enjoys reading – “no genre is off-limits”, painting, embroidery, or sewing. Back in middle Tennessee Briley has lots of family including three younger sisters, who are triplets. Here in Knoxville, she and Caleb are enjoying their golden doodle named Nutmeg and are expecting a second doodle, Pepper. “We are excited because then we’re going to have a couple of ‘Spice Girls’!!!
As you can tell, this young architect is bubbling over with energy and enthusiasm. Reach out and introduce yourself at our next CSI event.
William Sunquist, CSI Named CSI Chair
Posted: Mon, Jul 01, 2024
The Construction Specifications Institute will be elevating William Floyd Sunquist, CSI, to Chair of the CSI Board of Directors as of July 1, 2024. The Knoxville Chapter has a soft spot for William who joined CSI in 2004 upon the encouragement of Jim Odle. At the time, William had called upon Jim as a product representative with General Shale. William asked Jim for advice on how to get his products specified in the Knoxville area, and Jim encouraged him to join CSI and get involved with the chapter. William quickly followed Jim’s lead and became actively involved in our chapter. He rose to Knoxville Chapter President in 2008.
His career took him to Chattanooga in 2010, where he continued to stay involved in CSI, serving in numerous positions in the chapter. By 2011 he was serving at the Gulf States Region in most of the executive committee positions. In 2019 he was elected as GSR Director to the Institute and in addition chaired the Membership Connection, Nominating and the Investment Oversight Committees. His excellent potential for leadership was recognized by his peers at the Institute level.
In 2020 the Chattanooga Chapter nominated William and he was elevated to Fellowship. After his term as Director, the Nominating Committee placed William on the slate for Institute Secretary and then Chair-Elect, both elections that he won.
Another passion of William’s is his love for public libraries. He has been a board member and fundraiser for the Chattanooga Public Library and is part of the Friends of Tennessee Libraries. He sits on numerous other boards including UT Chattanooga’s Interior Design School Advisory Board.
A number of people from Knoxville journeyed to Chattanooga to their chapter’s awards banquet where William was celebrated for his next role in CSI. See the EVENTS section below to view that celebration.
Congratulations William! You have the vision for building CSI through the people of CSI, who know all about design and construction. Let’s get started!
New Member News – Chris Leibensperger, CSI
Posted: Fri, Jun 28, 2024
May I introduce one of our newest members, Chris Leibensperger. He is part of the architectural team at R2R Studio here in Knoxville, where he is currently pursuing his architectural license. The firm focuses on a variety of project types including commercial, residential, interior architecture, and brand development design.
Chris said that he has been able to work on several different projects in the East Tennessee area including the Shops at Bexhill, Southern Craft BQQ in Greeneville, Patriot’s Chicken in Blaine, Monkee’s Retail at the Orangery Village, Sweet P’s BBQ in Fountain City, Tennessee Stud Cidery in Pigeon Forge and the Town Center Plaza in Gatlinburg. He said that his favorite part of the profession is the “wide range of design challenges each project presents, and the impact each project will have on people as the space is used.”
Chris is from Western New York, between Buffalo and Rochester. He graduated from SUNY Alfred State College in 2009. He came to Knoxville in April of 2021 and joined R2R Studio. When asked what drew him to study architecture, he said, ” I grew up building with Lego’s and always seemed to create buildings, towns, or houses. In high school I focused on construction and technology classes [where] my passion and interest in how a building came together really took off.”
Chris said that he joined CSI to better understand the science of buildings, the different trades in the industry and to network and build relationships. Before moving to Tennessee, he had started getting involved in the local NY CSI chapter. Once here in Knoxville, he was invited to a chapter meeting by Gary Bergeron, FCSI. He hopes to continue to grow and learn, both personally and professionally.
Chris has a daughter who is 6, a son who is 4, and an 8-year-old black lab mix named Bailey. He enjoys hiking, golf, and an occasional nice glass of bourbon. Please reach out and introduce yourself to Chris and welcome him to CSI Knoxville.
Come Grow with Us!
Posted: Sat, Jun 22, 2024
The Knoxville Chapter is growing and we want you to join the fun too! In the past month the chapter has welcomed 4 new members - Michaelanne Collins from BarberMcMurray, Chris Leibensperger and Maureen Sotak from R2R Studio, and Chuck Whited from Main Street Studio in Cleveland, TN. Lots of new talent and faces at our meetings each month. Don't miss it!
