Meeting/Event Information

Where: Madeline's Fogelsville

1250 Turnstone Drive Fogelsville, PA 18051

(484) 735-1822

Event Schedule:

5:30 PM - 6:00 PM Networking & Cash Bar
6:00 PM - 6:15 PM Opening Remarks
6:15 PM - 7:00 PM Dinner
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Presentation

About this event:

Are you intimidated by writing specs for a project? Is your office master in disarray and you don’t know where to start? This interactive panel discussion will bring together some of the top spec writers in the Greater Lehigh Valley to discuss the importance of project specifications. They will discuss different aspects of spec writing and answer your questions about the best process to use. Hear war stories of how to tame the spec beast and avoid some of the same pitfalls that have befallen other designers. You won’t hear this kind of information anywhere else in this freewheeling format. So bring your questions, and your co-workers, to learn how spec writing can be fun.

1. What brought you into the world of Specifications?
2. How do you (and your firm) approach specs for each project? 
3. What is the best way for a product rep to assist in spec writing?
4. Is anybody experimenting with or implementing BIM integration or AI?
5. What is the future of spec writers? Who will follow in your footsteps? 

CREDITS: 1 AIA HSW CEU

Moderator:

Salvatore Verrastro, FCSI, AIA, NCARB, is the President of Spillman Farmer Architects, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and has been with the firm since 1983. Sal graduated from Kansas State University in 1981. In addition to being both a Registered Architect, Sal was an adjunct faculty instructor at Northampton Community College’s Department of Architecture for 14 years and in the Department of Environmental Engineering at Lafayette College for five years.  Mr. Verrastro has worked on the design and development of a variety of project types, ranging from public and private education facilities, commercial facilities, medical facilities and religious facilities. He is also a roofing consultant and has been active as an expert witness in many litigations. He has been active on several CSI Institute committees including being the past Chair of both the Education Committee and the Specification Competition Committee, and the past chair for AIA’s MasterSpec Architectural Review Committee. He is currently a member of the AIA’s Document Committee.  Mr Verrastro is a Fellow of the Construction Specifications Institute, a Certified Construction Specifier and a Certified Construction Contract Administrator.  In addition, Mr. Verrastro received CSI’s highest honor and was made Distinguished Member in 2015.  

Panelists:

Samantha Ciotti Falcone has been a registered architect since 2002, has over 30 years experience in the field and is a LEED Accredited Professional.  Her award-winning practice, 2018 Emerging Business of the Year, SCF Architecture celebrated 10 years in 2025.  She has been recognized as a Woman of Influence in 2019 and as a Leader in Real Estate and Construction in 2022 by Lehigh Valley Business.  Sam’s background includes a degree in Architecture from Carnegie Mellon University, she served as a National Director of the American Institute of Architecture Students while attending there. She has served on the AIAPA Board of Directors, is the Chairperson of Upper Saucon Township’s Planning Commission and she is the 2026 President-Elect of CREW Lehigh Valley.  

David Stutzman, AIA, FCSI, CCS, SCIP, LEED AP is an independent construction specifier and architect. He founded and leads Conspectus, Inc. the largest, expert independent specifications consulting firm in the United States, based in southern New Jersey and with multiple regional
offices. David has extensive experience in producing architectural and engineering specifications for federal government masters, commercial masters, office masters, and construction projects. 

Bob Conklin has practiced architecture for over 25 years and holds a Bachelor of Architecture, and a level II Certification in Construction Management, from Drexel University. Mr. Conklin was promoted to Vice President and Principal in 2020. He oversees mid-Atlantic and Eastern Seaboard projects for the firm’s major accounts including the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mr. Conkin was a member of the Reading Planning Commission from 2019 to 2022. 

Brian W. Penschow, AIA, CSI, NCARB, has over 20 years’ experience and is a polymathic architect. Brian is registered in NY, NJ, & FL, his intellectual curiosity and sharp analytical skills have propelled him to the forefront of the architectural profession. Brian is AIA - New Jersey’s Immediate Past-President, Spec Writer at CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS, INC. an AI Image Generation Expert/ Consultant and has earned the 2022 & 2023 AIA Jersey Shore Distinguished Service Award.