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Read time: 4 minutes

About 8 years ago, I was creating content for a major door manufacturer’s website.

First, I told them what resources architects like me would love to have.

Next, we boiled it down to a handful I helped them create.

Of all the tools, I thought the specification checklist was the coolest. [I still use it on my own projects.]

One tool to rule them all?

Today, I’ll show you a super-valuable but overlooked tool. It’s a checklist series you can create and share with your ideal architect clients.

The right tools can make an architect’s job easier and their projects even better.

As a product rep, creating tailored checklists for your architect clients can be a game-changer. They boost client satisfaction and help the architect be efficient, compliant, and thorough.

And what better way to show you care about their success?

Plus, I’ll bet checklists are pretty easy for you to create.

I mean, come on! Below, I’ve done the lion’s share of the work. And, I assume you have your own lists in your workflow. Or, the manufacturers you rep have them in theirs.

You just need to reframe them so they’re a tool to help the architect.

The key is to tie each checklist to your product

Of course, you want your checklist to help the architect be more efficient. You also want it to position you as the one who helped them improve.

Remember the door manufacturer’s checklist I mentioned above? It only helps the architect with their Division 08 specifications. It includes a checklist for every project phase, from SD through construction.

But it focuses on strengthening the architect’s wood door specifications and document coordination.

And it positions the door company as the best resource to help them get there.

Today’s email gives you a fistful of project checklists for architects working on commercial projects. They focus on the Design Development, Construction Document, and Construction Administration stages.

But… If your product is for other project types or phases, use these to generate ideas for your own tools to share.

And, of course, I have no idea what your specific products are. So, you’ll want to pick and choose the checklists and items that make the most sense for you.

So, let’s dig in…

Design Development Checklists

Product Selection Checklist

Subcategories: Durability, Aesthetics, Cost, Maintenance, Sustainability

Possible Checklist Items:

[ ] Performance requirements (thermal, acoustical, fire resistance)
[ ] Aesthetics (color, texture, patterns, overall appearance)
[ ] Specific project- or facility-type requirements
[ ] Visual appeal in various lighting conditions
[ ] Compatibility with other building systems
[ ] Compatibility with building codes
[ ] Security & access control needs
[ ] Regional climate considerations
[ ] Traffic flow & frequency of use
[ ] Review manufacturer’s specs
[ ] Check environmental impact
[ ] Compare lifecycle costs

Compliance Checklist

Subcategories: Building Codes, Fire Safety, Accessibility

Possible Checklist Items:
[ ] Local & national building code requirements
[ ] Review any certifications required
[ ] ADA accessibility requirements
[ ] Seismic performance criteria
[ ] Energy code compliance
[ ] Fire resistance ratings
[ ] Wind load resistance

Coordination Checklist

Subcategories: Interdisciplinary Coordination, Supplier Communication

Possible Checklist Items:
[ ] Request help from [your name] to create an outline [your product] spec
[ ] Interface details with windows, roofing & other envelope systems
[ ] Stay in contact with suppliers about lead times & availability
[ ] Structural rough openings, support & attachment methods
[ ] Confirm penetrations & fixtures with MEP engineers
[ ] Tolerances & allowances for adjacent materials
[ ] Sequencing of installation with other trades
[ ] Coordinate clearances & tolerances
[ ] Power supply & backup requirements
[ ] Schedule weekly coordination meetings

Design Review Checklist

Subcategories: Client Approval, Peer Review, Quality Assurance

Possible Checklist Items:
[ ] Document all QA processes & outcomes for future reference
[ ] Verify completeness of design documents
[ ] Review against project goals & standards
[ ] Request or prepare visual mock-ups
[ ] Schedule peer reviews
[ ] Get client approvals

Value Engineering Checklist

Possible Checklist Items:
[ ] Long-term maintenance & lifecycle cost considerations
[ ] Performance trade-offs of different options
[ ] Cost-saving installation methods
[ ] Alternative material options
[ ] Impact on project schedule

Construction Document Checklists

Specification Writing Checklist

Subcategories: Product Specifications, Installation Guidelines, Quality Control

Possible Checklist Items:
[ ] Request help from reps to complete details & specs
[ ] Required testing & quality assurance procedures
[ ] Double-check clarity & completeness of specs
[ ] Develop & coordinate front-end spec sections
[ ] Review manufacturer’s installation guides
[ ] Product data & technical specifications
[ ] Durability & cycle testing requirements
[ ] Coordinate spec terms with drawings
[ ] Coordinate all related spec sections
[ ] Outline installation procedures
[ ] Maintenance & warranty info

Compliance Documentation Checklist

Subcategories: Legal Requirements, Safety Standards, Environmental Regulations

Possible Checklist Items:
[ ] Keep detailed records of compliance certificates & test results
[ ] Include regulatory approval steps in your project timeline
[ ] Review documents with legal advisors if needed
[ ] Make sure to meet all environmental regulations
[ ] Compile all necessary compliance documents
[ ] Maintain a record of compliance certificates
[ ] Schedule review with State Fire Marshal
[ ] Verify adherence to safety standards

Construction Administration Checklists

Submittal and Approval Checklist

Subcategories: Submittal Preparation, Approval Process, Revisions Tracking

Possible Checklist Items:
[ ] Manage revisions & resubmittals
[ ] Follow up on pending approvals
[ ] Log & document all submittals
[ ] Track approval process

Construction Coordination Checklist

Subcategories: Contractor Communication, Site Visits, Issue Resolution

Possible Checklist Items:
[ ] Encourage open communication with contractors
[ ] Verify materials are being installed as per specs
[ ] Key inspection points during installation
[ ] Common installation errors to watch for…
[ ] Document any changes or deviations
[ ] Document and report requirements
[ ] Log & resolve any issues promptly
[ ] Required field-testing procedures
[ ] Schedule regular site visits
[ ] Final acceptance criteria

General & Frequent Use Checklists

Client Communication Checklist

Subcategories: Meeting Agendas, Progress Updates, Feedback Collection

Possible Checklist Items:
[ ] Ensure clear & consistent communication
[ ] Document client decisions & approvals
[ ] Provide regular progress updates
[ ] Prepare meeting agendas
[ ] Collect client feedback

Feedback and Improvement Checklist

Subcategories: Feedback Collection, Analysis, Implementation

Possible Checklist Items:

[ ] Collect feedback from other architects, contractors, and project teams
[ ] Make improvements based on feedback
[ ] Analyze feedback for common issues
[ ] Follow up to assess impact of improvements
[ ] Document changes made

A few bonus ideas…

To make these checklists even more valuable, consider these:

Create interactive digital versions that can integrate into project management software.
Add your special services to each phase’s checklist. The architect may not know of them yet (e.g., design assist services, submittal previews, factory visits, etc.).
Provide resource libraries with relevant technical data, case studies, and installation guides.
Make checklists easily customizable for specific projects or client preferences.
Include links to relevant building codes, standards, and certification requirements for easy reference.
Develop a mobile app version for easy on-site access and real-time updates.

That’s enough for today.

This gives you some knockout ideas for tools you can start creating and sharing right now!

One final thought about that door manufacturer I worked with 8 years ago.

I checked their website, and the checklist is still available. Unfortunately, the website is so big that the checklist is hard to find.

If they were still a client today, I’d recommend they share it on social media from time to time. And do the same with their other resources and tools. This gets them into more architects’ hands to build goodwill and brand recognition.

You should do that, too.

Cheers to building more than just buildings, and see you next week.

P.S. Want to really get inside an architect’s head?

When you’re ready, here are 2 ways you can work with me:

Product reps: If you’re serious about getting better at connecting with architects — Book a 1-on-1 call with me.
Business owners or Sales Team Leaders: Book an Architect Connections Training Call for you and your team

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