The purpose of this magazine is to inform architects who are involved in specifying technology systems and products in their commercial building projects. We are a niche in the architectural media field. Judging by the rapid growth of ARCHI-TECH, it is a niche in demand.
Why then, with a mission like ours, has ARCHI-TECH focused several issues over the past years on the National Systems Contractors Association? The answer, according to NSCA Executive Director Chuck Wilson, is based on an uncannily complimentary NSCA initiative: to elevate the professionalism of electronic systems integrators and to provide a valuable resource for the A/E community. Technology is a big part of today’s commercial building projects. By involving systems integrators early in the design process, architects can reduce the risks involved with specifying technology.
When our architect readers search for integrated technical system solutions, they need reliable, qualified partners. There is no room for failure. NSCA has invested extensively in ongoing educational programs to ensure their members are “the best of the best.” Such programming includes technology updates and best practices, codes and standards changes, and industry trends and issues.
Over the last several years they have worked in partnership with the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), to expand MasterFormat™ to include separate divisions for security, communications, and building automation. This allows for early integration of such technology, and in the end, a better product for the building owner. The NSCA predicts that electronic systems contractors will soon emerge as the fourth building trade, in league with general, mechanical, and electrical contractors. NSCA provides resources to prepare the industry for such evolution.
We are proud to present this issue of ARCHI-TECH in partnership with the National Systems Contractors Association. We believe the organization is dedicated to elevating the professionalism of its members and offering a valuable “low risk” resource for our readers, who are faced with the daunting challenge of designing today’s state-of-the-art, technology-integrated public masterpieces.
Jim Forthofer
Publisher
