LACSI History

The Los Angeles Chapter of The Construction Specifications Institute was chartered on August 10, 1953, and became a corporation in the State of California on March 9, 1962.

The Los Angeles Chapter was the fourth chapter to receive a charter from the Institute. Preceding us were: Metropolitan New York, District of Columbia Metropolitan, and Chicago. The Los Angeles Chapter has been very active from the start, and influenced many of the programs of the Institute which exist today. J. Norman Hunter, for whom the Institute’s highest education award is named, was our first president, and subsequently was President of the Institute. The certification programs got their start under the guidance of Hans W. Meier, FCSI, Distinguished Member and Jerome Orland, FCSI. These members also guided the early education programs of the Institute.

The Los Angeles Chapter has hosted 3 Institute conventions and 4 West Region Conferences all of which were outstanding events, and each of which required active participation of large segments of the chapter membership.

MISSION

The Mission of the Los Angeles Chapter of The Construction Specifications institute is to provide its members the opportunity to share information about materials and methods of construction, and to promote improved preparation, delivery and use of construction documents.

The Chapter fosters the professional development of its members and provides service to the construction industry by promoting education, research, certification, recognition of outstanding accomplishments, and networking opportunities within the Chapter, Region, Institute, and construction industry.

LEADERSHIP

The Chapter is governed by a Board of Directors of 11 persons elected by the membership. Officers are elected annually and include the president, immediate past-president, 2 vice presidents, secretary, treasurer, and controller. The board includes 4 directors. Each Director serves a 2-year term. Members in good standing are eligible to serve on the Board of Directors. The activities of the Chapter are performed by committees. Chapter members are encouraged to serve on committees which suit their skills and interests such as: membership, technical, meeting arrangements, social activities, education, certification, finance, and newsletter. All members are encouraged to stretch and improve their leadership skills through participation in chapter committees and on the board of directors.

EDUCATION

Education is an important part of the mission of CSI. Monthly meeting programs, technical workshops, and continuing education programs provide construction professionals with regular opportunities for professional development. Updates on building code changes, new product development, new technologies, improving construction delivery methods, projects of interest, and construction practices are some of the topics presented in chapter programs.

The Los Angeles Chapter offers certification exam seminars, technical lectures and construction product demonstrations each year, providing many opportunities to meet a variety of continuing education requirements for licensure, certification renewals and renewals in professional organizations.

MONTHLY MEETINGS

The Los Angeles Chapter has 9 regular monthly meetings each year in the Los Angeles Area, as well as 1 joint meeting with our neighboring chapters, Orange County and Inland Empire. Chapter meetings start with a technical workshop, followed by dinner and the main theme presentation. Specific products and construction methods are discussed at the technical workshop. The presentation after dinner features significant architectural projects or presentations on other topics of significance to the broad interests of the membership.

Meetings provide an excellent opportunity for members to meet their colleagues, discuss matters of mutual interest, and gain knowledge of products and projects. AIA continuing education credits are available for attending meetings.

Detailed information about each meeting is published in the LACSI Events Section on the website.

PUBLICATIONS

The Los Angeles Chapter’s award-winning newsletter, the LACSI News, is a bimonthly publication for LACSI members. The newsletter contains meeting announcements, technical columns and articles, updates on industry events, and news of members.

PRODUCT EXHIBIT

LACSI hosts an annual exhibit of construction products – LACSI NITE, usually in February of each year. Approximately 50 exhibitors demonstrate their construction materials and products to over 150 design professionals. This event is a major fund-raiser for the Chapter, as well as an outstanding educational opportunity for CSI members and non-members.

GOLF TOURNAMENT

The annual golf tournament is an afternoon of fun and relaxation. It is an excellent opportunity for product representatives to meet architects and specifications consultants. A festive banquet is held, at the end of the day. The Golf Tournament is typically in the fall of each year.

DIRECTORY OF MEMBERS

Members have access to the entire CSI Membership Directory online.