Award-winning Architect Firm Ends Inefficient, Outdated Spec Writing Processes with RIB SpecLink

SpecLink has transformed the way I work. It’s not just about making specs faster; it’s about making them better and giving architects and specifiers the tools they need to succeed.”

Amy Baker, Owner

The Customer

Amy Baker, AIA, CSI, CDT, SCIP, is an architect and specifications consultant with over 20 years of experience in commercial construction across the United States and Canada. Her expertise in technical development, enclosure detailing, and building codes has made her a sought-after leader in the industry. Through her firm, Amy Baker Architect, she has contributed to award-winning projects ranging from small commercial and multi-family developments to high-tech university labs and hospitals.

Despite her deep knowledge of the field, Amy faced a common challenge that plagues architects and specifiers alike—inefficient, outdated specification writing processes. Her search for a better solution led her to RIB SpecLink, a platform that has since transformed the way she works.

Mission

Before adopting SpecLink, Amy encountered the same frustrations that many architects and spec writers face. Traditional word processing tools made even the simplest tasks, such as updating headers and footers, unnecessarily time-consuming.

“It was probably tied directly to a process that we call updating headers and footers,”Amy explained. “Using word processing platforms for this is just excruciating because they’re glitchy, and things don’t translate correctly. It was frustrating to spend time on tasks that required no real thought, yet still took up valuable hours. That’s when I knew I needed a better way.”

Additionally, Amy identified a major gap in the industry: the lack of standardization in sheet specifications. Every firm handled sheet specs differently, leading to inefficiencies and inconsistencies across projects.

Solution

Amy’s journey with RIB SpecLink began over a decade ago, and she has used it across various firm sizes—from large architectural offices to her own specification consulting practice. She quickly realized that SpecLink’s dynamic database and intuitive features could dramatically streamline her workflow.

One of the most impactful changes was SpecLink’s approach to sheet specs. After a conversation with the SpecLink team at a conference, Amy shared her frustrations with writing sheet specs manually. Unlike many software companies that dictate how users should work, SpecLink listened.

“They actually wanted to know more,” Amy recalled. “We brainstormed ways to make it more efficient, and the result was a streamlined process that eliminated multiple unnecessary steps. This was a real win for the industry.”

Result

With SpecLink, Amy experienced measurable improvements in efficiency and accuracy. Two key transformations stand out:

1. Sheet Spec Standardization and Automation

By working closely with the SpecLink product and development team, Amy helped envision a more structured and efficient approach to sheet specs, eliminating redundancies and unnecessary manual entry. This innovation has benefited architects across firms of all sizes.

2. Proposal Writing Time Cut by 80%

Amy also found a creative way to leverage SpecLink beyond specifications. She adapted its database-driven structure to streamline proposal writing, significantly reducing repetitive data entry.

“My time spent on proposals has decreased by 80%,” she said. “That’s huge because proposal writing isn’t the service we’re selling—it’s just something we have to do. SpecLink has given me that time back.”

A Key Driver of Success

For Amy, SpecLink is more than just a tool—it’s a collaborative and evolving platform that supports architects to efficiently deliver high-quality work.

• Intelligent Automation: Eliminates tedious tasks, reducing errors and saving time.
• Database-Driven Workflow: Ensures consistency and accuracy across project documents.
• Industry Engagement: SpecLink actively listens to users, implementing meaningful improvements based on real-world feedback.
• Scalability: Works for small firms, large firms, and everything in between.

A Platform Built for Architects

Amy’s experience highlights how RIB SpecLink is more than just specification software—it’s a partner in innovation.

“SpecLink has transformed the way I work. It’s not just about making specs faster; it’s about making them better and giving architects and specifiers the tools they need to succeed.”

For firms looking to enhance efficiency, reduce manual errors, and gain a competitive edge in specification writing, RIB SpecLink is the solution.