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

A complete visual guide to choosing and using finish materials

In this unique guide, the authors of MASTERSPEC and Architectural Graphic Standards join forces to offer architects vital single-source access to the unbiased information they need to evaluate, select, and specify the best finish materials for any job.

This powerful visual resource combines hundreds of illustrations from Architectural Graphic Standards with corresponding building material performance and specification information from AIA’s MASTERSPEC, published by ARCOM. Use this book during the schematic and design development phases of a project and as an indispensable aid for product selection and specification.

Essential for architects, interior designers, and building designers, this vital reference provides information to make informed decisions about specific design goals, such as affordability, environmental friendliness, durability, fire resistance, and esthetic success. Features include:

• Unique source of independent, in-depth building product performance information–the one source that gives you reliable building product information before you consult with manufacturers
• Covers a full range of standard finish materials and includes selection criteria, details, typical product sizes, and installation and maintenance data
• Provides current standards based on research by government, association, and independent testing organizations as well as the input of experienced architects and specifiers

"Architectural Graphic Standards has served the design community for decades as a virtual ‘bible’ for architectural detailing. MASTERSPEC Evaluations have long comprised one of the best resources available for building product selection and specification. Consolidating the strong points of both into this new desktop reference is an act of sheer brilliance!"
–Martin M. Bloomenthal, FAIA, CCS, CSI, Principal, The Hillier Group, Princeton, New Jersey