Award-Winning Perkins+Will Dallas Office Adopts BSD SpecLink to Serve Texas Operations

ATLANTA, Nov. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Building Systems Design, Inc. (BSD), the leading provider of specification content and software for the architecture, engineering, construction and owner sectors, announced today that Perkins+Will's Dallas Office has adopted SpecLink in service of their specification writing operations across the state of Texas.

Consistently ranked one of the top five architectural firms in Dallas/Fort Worth, Perkins+Will's Dallas Office is home to more than 170 top design professionals. The firm integrated SpecLink-E into their workflow in October, and plans to advance to SpecLink Cloud.

The Leading Edge of Innovation
While BSD SpecLink has been on Perkins+Will's radar for years, it was the launch of SpecLink Cloud with BIM integration and cloud collaboration that enticed the firm to adopt the software. 

"I want us to be at the forefront of spec writing, to be on the cutting edge," said Holly Jordan, Director of Specifications and Senior Associate at Perkins+Will. "I want us to be innovative, I want Perkins+Will to be first. That's why I wanted to add SpecLink".

"Perkins+Will and BSD share a common vision of moving the industry forward through the latest technology," said Chris Anderson, CEO of BSD. "With a world-renowned reputation for innovation, Perkins+Will is a natural fit for our sophisticated database-driven specification platform with cloud collaboration and BIM integration."

Database Advantages
The benefits and efficiencies of SpecLink's database technology, in contrast to cumbersome word processing-based systems, were a major draw for Perkins+Will. "SpecLink is going to help us speed things up," said Jordan, "and the cloud is going to help us streamline our process and make coordination easier."

Timesaving features like intelligent links, content customization and editing by inclusion were attractive to Perkins+Will, along with the ability to switch between outline, short-form and full spec mode with the click of a button. Equally important was the assurance that reference standards are always current due to continuous updates.

Customized Content
The ability to customize content in their office masters was crucial for Perkins+Will. "That was one of the first questions we asked," said David Combs, Associate Principal and Technical Director at Perkins+Will. "Can we import our content into the SpecLink Masters? It was a key element in deciding to pull the trigger on SpecLink."

Enhanced Coordination and Collaboration
Efficient coordination and collaboration are crucial for an architecture firm of Perkins+Will's caliber. SpecLink features like cloud technology, the 3D viewer tool and restricted permissions will save the firm significant time and resources, whether collaborating with in-house design teams or owners.

"All the specifications for Texas come out of Dallas, so we write specs for Houston and Austin as well," said Combs. "Once SpecLink is fully integrated into our process, our teams in those offices can get into the viewer and make comments, which saves a lot of travel time and meeting time."

Embedded comments also help Perkins+Will with sophisticated clients who are particular about the products, materials and systems they want in their buildings. "Feedback from them really helps us out a lot in terms of getting the specs right," said Combs.

BSD worked closely with Perkins+Will to ensure efficient onboarding and a SpecLink experience that is customized to the firm's current workflow and needs. Chip Bullock, BSD's Director of AEC Content, helped train Perkins+Will's Texas team on SpecLink and aided with content customization. "We've been really pleased with the service," said Jordan. "Working with Chip has been a dream. He gets it," added Combs.

SpecLink Cloud was launched in July this year and is already attracting design firms to the new platform with collaboration and BIM integration cited amongst of the top selling points.

About Building Systems Design
Founded in 1983, Building Systems Design, Inc. (BSD) provides advanced specification and interoperability solutions to architects, engineers, specifiers and building owners nationwide. The company is focused on bringing technology to market that drives collaboration, simplifies design and increases efficiency for all stakeholders in the design and construction process. For more information on BSD, visit www.bsdspeclink.com

About Perkins + Will
Since 1935, Perkins+Will has created innovative and award-winning designs for the world's most forward-thinking clients. The firm employs 1,600 professionals in 25 offices worldwide, and strives to bring together high design, functional performance, and social responsibility to advance project goals. Perkins+Will combines a deeply humanistic approach with results-driven pragmatism to create dynamic spaces for people.

About David R. Combs
Assoc. AIA, CSI, CCCA, LEED AP, Associate Principal, Technical Director Perkins+Will
David Combs has been with Perkins+Will for nearly 16 years, and currently serves as Technical Director for the Dallas and Austin offices. With more than 35 years of architectural experience in a range of market sectors and building types, he is primarily responsible for the technical project delivery, risk management, and construction contract administration processes of the architectural business. 

About Holly A. Jordan
FCSI, CCS, A-SCIP, LEED AP BD+C, Senior Associate, Director of Specifications
Holly Jordan is Perkins+Will's Director of Specifications for the Dallas, Houston and Austin offices. She has nearly 20 years of experience producing construction specifications for various building types. Holly has been a member of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) for over 16 years, has been a Certified Construction Specifier for over 14 years, and was named to the College of Fellows in 2015.

Created: 27 November 2018

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SOURCE Building Systems Design, Inc.