Customer Reviews

The Project Resource Manual: CSI Manual of Practice

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

First off, I'm an architect, so my review is written from that perspective.

This is a great companion to the AIA Handbook. If the AIA Handbook is about running a firm, the CSI PRM is about running a project. An oversimplification, yes, but both books are so dense and full of critical information, no 100 word review could do either justice.

The CD includes many useful references including an overview of MasterFormat and a list of divisions / sections, but does not include the entire MasterFormat "product" (the full MF product includes 95-04 conversion tools and additional documentation).

My only complaint is that the text is so dense it takes a lot of time and energy to absorb all of the information within. :) It's as if they took a 1000 page tome and compressed it into 300 pages. (The product description says 1200 pages, but it's only an inch thick, so I'm guessing 300 pp.)

A must-have for architects who strive to deliver projects in a more expert and professional manner, and wish to more effectively interface with contractors during the construction phase. If you're a pure "designer" or only involved with the front end of projects this will probably stay on the shelf, but if you're responsible for the rest of the process (DD through construction and occupancy) this book is essential.

I can't believe I made it through 6 years of architectural education without being required to own this book.

I purchased this to study for the CDT exam. It is very complete, but reads (as you'd expect) more like a specification than a textbook. Five stars for completeness, and five stars for cure for insomnia.

I'm an Intern Architect. This book is a reference manual, intended to explain the CSI perspective on standards and protocols in industries related to building construction. Points are given for the scope and holistic treatment of the subject, for depth of coverage and insight, and clear and unambiguous language.

This book is intended as the backbone for the CDT certification, which is the prerequisite for more advanced CSI certifications. As such, CSI promotes their products (along with those produced by other professional interest associations) throughout this manual. It should be understood that using a standard method, developed by experts, imparts many advantages. These alone should be sufficient to purchase the book.

Unfortunately, some of the text (apparently breaking the CSI rule of saying something only once) has literally been copied and pasted from one section to another, and wordy exposition is prevalent. Editing out convincing narratives and justifications would greatly reduce the size of the book without affecting the scope. In addition, the inclusion of several pages worth of advice for Product Representatives, including attire and manners, in the center of the section on Design left me with more questions (relating to the ability of the editors) than answers (about the subject of construction standards and protocols).

The approach toward the subject matter also occasionally, maddeningly oscillates between the assumption that the reader has advanced construction knowledge (referring casually to the various sleeves, anchors, bolts and other bits of building) with complete exposition that would suit only the ignorant. It leaves me with the impression of a know-it-all jerk dropping technical terms for his own aggrandizement while patronizing his students, a practice for which I have little patience.

In all, what works with this book has great value, but there's a lot of room for revision. If I were in a position where I didn't need to read this book for the certification, I would do so. Having read it, I feel I have benefited from the information, at a price equal to my annoyance.

The book has everything you need to understand, organize, and complete a project. It is very detailed and spells out all the relationships between Architects, Owners, and Contractors as it relates to a construction project. If you are studying for the CDT, CCCA, or any of the other CSI Certifications this book is a must have. It is also great to keep around the office for a quick reference guide. It isn't very exciting to read cover to cover, but it does have all the needed components for a successful project.

This is a softcover, limited distribution (only to credited educational institutions) printing of the hardcover 5th edition. Both the printings are the same besides the cover.

Beware low price retailers selling loose-leaf copies of this book at $170. They simply take a PDF of the manual - included in the free CR-Rom of the Project Resource Manual, print the pages and sell it to you for $170! Be sure to purchase your new or used book with the CD-Rom included.

The PRM is an excellent reference for anyone seeking standardization and industry conformance on any building project. My review of the book itself is 5 stars.

(+) Excellent in providing the basics
(+) Very Good as a Reference for both academic and professional use
(-) All Forms and Tables in the CD are in PDF(-) Binding quality is poor

CD content:
>About CSI.pdf
>CSI Forms.pdf
>Glossary.pdf
>MF2004Numbers&Titles-Nov2004.pdf
>PageFormat.pdf
>SectionFormat.pdf
>UniFormat.pdf
>The Book in pdf

This used text book came to me in great condition and is helping me prepare for an exam.