The Graphic Standards Guide to Architectural Finishes: Using MASTERSPEC to Evaluate, Select, and Specify Materials

From ARCOM and The American Institute of Architects

A complete visual guide to choosing and using finishmaterials

In this unique guide, the authors of MASTERSPEC and ArchitecturalGraphic Standards join forces to offer architects vitalsingle-source access to the unbiased information they need toevaluate, select, and specify the best finish materials for anyjob.

This powerful visual resource combines hundreds of illustrationsfrom Architectural Graphic Standards with corresponding buildingmaterial performance and specification information from AIA'sMASTERSPEC, published by ARCOM. Use this book during the schematicand design development phases of a project and as an indispensableaid for product selection and specification.

Essential for architects, interior designers, and buildingdesigners, this vital reference provides information to makeinformed decisions about specific design goals, such asaffordability, environmental friendliness, durability, fireresistance, and esthetic success. Features include:
* Unique source of independent, in-depth building productperformance information-the one source that gives you reliablebuilding product information before you consult withmanufacturers
* Covers a full range of standard finish materials and includesselection criteria, details, typical product sizes, andinstallation and maintenance data
* Provides current standards based on research by government,association, and independent testing organizations as well as theinput of experienced architects and specifiers

"Architectural Graphic Standards has served the design communityfor decades as a virtual 'bible' for architectural detailing.MASTERSPEC Evaluations have long comprised one of the bestresources available for building product selection andspecification. Consolidating the strong points of both into thisnew desktop reference is an act of sheer brilliance!"
-Martin M. Bloomenthal, FAIA, CCS, CSI, Principal, The HillierGroup, Princeton, New Jersey

ARCOM (Architectural Computer Services, Inc.) develops and publishes, MASTERSPEC architectural specifications, SPECWARE specification-writing software -- tools that help architects create accurate and complete building material specification documents. ARCOM employs more than 45 full-time architects, engineers, programmers and specification writers who concentrate on continually developing, updating and improving the MASTERSPEC library and tools.

The AIA (the American Institute of Architects), the largest professional organization for Architects in the United States. AIA owns the copyright to MasterSpec and has collaborated with ARCOM for more than 20 years to develop professional tools for architects.