Welcome to the Gābl Media Continuing Education podcast feed! Each podcast is approved for continuing education credits.

Bridging the Gap Between Design and Delivery 

AIA CES program ID: GMGH.0024

Approved LUs: 1 LU|Elective

Prerequisites: None

Program level: Entry

Advance learner preparation: None

What if the biggest risk to your project isn’t a design flaw—but a communication breakdown?

This course pulls back the curtain on construction documentation and specification writing—areas that often go overlooked, but have the power to make or break a project. Featuring Cherise Lakeside, Senior Specifications Writer and CSI leader, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how improving clarity, communication, and collaboration directly impacts health, safety, and welfare in the built environment.

Program Description

In this episode, Cherise Lakeside shares her journey from an unconventional entry into architecture to becoming one of the industry’s most respected voices in construction specifications. With decades of experience and a passion for teaching, Cherise reveals the hidden challenges that arise when teams fail to align—and the simple, actionable tools that can prevent costly mistakes.

She explores her work with the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), and how technical documentation and strong team coordination are essential—not just for compliance—but for protecting people and delivering on the promise of good design. The episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s tired of miscommunication, missed deadlines, and last-minute chaos—and wants to do something about it.

Learning Objectives

By completing this course, participants will be able to:

1. Analyze the critical gaps in traditional architecture education and propose actionable improvements.
2. Evaluate the role of the Construction Specifications Institute in enhancing project delivery and teamwork.
3. Apply best practices for coordinating specifications and drawings to minimize project errors and risk.
4. Develop strategies to foster a culture of open communication and knowledge-sharing within architectural teams.

Who Should Take This Course

This course is designed for architects, project managers, spec writers, engineers, and AEC professionals who:

• Are responsible for translating design into documentation
• Want to reduce rework, risk, and confusion in project delivery
• Mentor junior team members or manage multidisciplinary workflows
• Know that good specs aren’t just paperwork—they’re protection

If you’ve ever said “that wasn’t in the documents,” this course is for you.

Why It Matters

• Earn AIA CE credit while learning practical, real-world strategies from one of the field’s most trusted experts
• Learn how to prevent safety risks and legal issues through better documentation and communication
• Leave with tools to improve project delivery, collaboration, and outcomes from concept to completion

Take the Quiz for your Certificate

AIA CES Provider statement

Gābl Media is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number 10024977. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES ([email protected] or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3).

This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.

AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.

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