MasterSpec is a master guidebuilding and construction specification system used within the United States by architects, engineers, landscape architects, and interior designers to express results expected in construction. MasterSpec content and software is exclusively developed and distributed by Deltek for the American Institute of Architects. It was developed in 1969 by the AIA to provide architects a means to create technical specifications without spending a lot of time researching products and writing up to date technical specifications from scratch. Content for MasterSpec is vetted by AIA-sponsored architectural and engineering review committees.
Content Libraries
Today, MasterSpec consists of over 900 sections packaged in practice-specific libraries, following the MasterFormat 2018 standard:
Master guide technical specifications in three-part CSI format along with editor's notes and cross-references to Evaluations.
Drawing Coordination Checklist: - Checklist of items to coordinate section with the drawings.
Specification Coordination Checklist - Checklist of items to coordinate this section with other sections.
Formats
The MasterSpec technical specifications are available in three distinct formats or type:
Full Length - For moderate- to large-scale, complex projects and varied bidding and contracting situations
Short Form - Abridged versions of the sections with most common products
Outline - Corresponding outline specifications for use during design development and schematic phases
Timeline
1969: AIA’s MasterSpec is first distributed in paper form and includes Architectural and Civil & Structural Engineering Content
1973: ARCOM provides MasterSpec in ASCII format on magnetic tape
1984: MasterSpec is distributed only in floppy disc format and paper
1988: AIA assigns ARCOM to be the exclusive developer and distributor of all electronic and paper versions of MasterSpec; AIA dissolves contracts with all other “Automators,” asking them to work under ARCOM
1995: AIA awards ARCOM exclusive license to develop and distribute MasterSpec
1999: ARCOM introduces MasterSpec on CD-ROM
2005: ARCOM issues MasterSpec in MasterFormat 2006 a major change in the 40 year old organization of specifications
2017:
* ARCOM acquires InterSpec. This brings e-SPECS and specification services to ARCOM
* ARCOM changes name to Avitru as part of acquiring InterSpec
