In the 1970s, CSI developed MasterFormatâ„¢, which provided a method for organizing all specifications needed to construct a building. Through MasterFormat's 16 divisions, the industry took a major step toward a uniform approach for the organization of information contained in construction project manuals. CSI recently released an updated format and has been instrumental in developing the National CAD Standards and the new OmniClassâ„¢, that provides an organized structure and common language for all information generated by the AEC industry.

A unique education offering from CSI is their Certified Product Representative program. While they offer educational programs to architects, the representative program helps train product representatives to take off the sales person hat and put on that of a partner who helps architects meet design objectives instead of making the quick sale − a definite benefit to the industry.

Professional associations also provide extensive volunteer opportunities, which can expand members' knowledge on everything from how to run your business to new technologies. Volunteer members throughout the world help IESNA achieve their mission of improving the state of lighting to benefit both the profession and the public.

"Our membership consists of lighting experts who pride themselves on being a resource and many of whom contribute to our more than 70 technical committees," said IESNA's Executive Vice President Bill Hanley. "We're here as a resource to the design and construction community. If you want to know about standard practices, ANSI standards and current issues from dark sky issues to recycling, we're the ones."

The AISC provides as similar benefit to architects searching for information on steel construction. The AISC is dedicated to working with designers, contractors and owners to increase the ease and efficiency with which structural steel is used for buildings and bridges. AISC's membership includes nearly 10,000 designers and more than 600 steel fabricators, steel mills, and steel service centers.

In addition to producing a number of critical specifications and codes, including the Specification for Steel Buildings and the Code of Standard Practice, AISC offers architects a number of resources, including continuing education, publications, competitions, and discounts and other programs for architectural students. AISC offers both printed and in-person continuing education. In fact, AISC regional engineers will hold a lunch-and-learn in an architect's office at no charge with topics ranging from fire protection to sustainability.

A key resource is AISC's Steel Solutions Center. Architects in the preliminary stages of designing a structure can contact the center and receive a "conceptual solution," which includes basic layouts as well as cost and scheduling information. The Steel Solutions Center is also available to answer all technical questions. Architects can reach the center by calling toll-free 866.ask.aisc or by emailingsolutions@aisc.org.