Construction Specifications Institute CSI
The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) is a membership organisation created in the United States, which includes various building professions and their affiliates. One of the primary tasks of the CSI is to create standards that can be used throughout the industry to design and manage the built environment.
Founded in 1948, CSI was established by government specification writers seeking to standardise construction specifications in response to the building boom that occurred after the Second World War. In 1963, this resulted in a benchmark that included 16 primary areas. Officially named MasterFormat in 1975, this document expanded significantly in 2004. Revisions of MasterFormat have been released in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2018. Another is scheduled for 2020.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- American architecture and construction.
- BOMA International.
- Construction industry institutes and associations USA.
- Construction Specifications Canada CSC.
- Facility condition assessment FCA.
- Facility condition index FCI.
- Institute of Real Estate Management IREM.
- Licensed contractors in the USA.
- MasterFormat.
- Specification for construction.
[edit] External resources
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Guide to ISO 19650 for Architecture Firms (2026)
A user gives their low down.
A UK training and membership provider for mould remediation professionals.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
Independent NSI and BAFE study exploring how organisations are changing the way they buy fire safety services.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.

















