NISD
History & About
Our Mission
The object of the institute is to create a better understanding and bond between individuals engaged in the steel detailing industry, to eliminate industry practices which are injurious, to promote the efficiency of their work and to uphold the proper standards for the steel detailer in relation to other members of the construction industry.
Who We Are
We are comprised of company owners and professionals in the steel industry and offer membership to steel detailing firms and associated companies and individuals. We foster a professional approach to business and advocate for improve quality through member networking, education, and certification. Our members are highly regarded across the construction industry.
The Evolution of NISD
NISD EARLY HISTORY
In 1968-69 there were only 2 organizations representing independent Detailing firms. One in California and the other in New York. Both units were fighting their respective states proposed sales tax on shop drawings and co-incidentally found each other. Discussions took place about the merits of forming a nationwide association of Detailing firms.
Calls were made between friends and competitors around the country and the idea bore fruit. Detroit Detailer Andrew Soyak agreed to facilitate a meeting and in early 1969 individual firm owners were invited to a gathering at the Detroit Airport. Representatives came from Alabama, California, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas.
Guns were checked at the door, introductions made, and a consensus arrived at forming a national organization based on a Chapter format with nationally elected officers. Regional Chapters would be formed and each Chapter would appoint an individual to serve on a national Board of Directors, The organization would be named The National Institute of Steel Detailing, Inc.
Joseph Nathan (New York) was elected Temporary Chairman and Paul Lipson, a New York City Attorney, was named as Executive Secretary and instructed to file the articles of incorporation as a non-profit association. John W. Metcalfe (Pittsburgh) was named Nominating Committee Chair, a constitutional committee, one member from each state, was formed, and the process begun .
It was agreed that the official formation meeting of NISD would be held in May of 1969 prior to the AISC Conference in Houston, Texas which meant that the committees had to hustle (which obviously they did) to send their reports and recommendations to the group. At this meeting, chaired by Mr. Nathan, the constitution was debated, revised, agreed upon and adopted; a budget and dues structure was discussed and adopted, the slate of officers elected, and our Institute was officially formed.
The following officers were elected:
- President: Richard Amron, New York City
- 1st Vice-President: James Ziggenfuss, Detroit
- 2nd Vice-President: Ralph Sorrentino, Los Angeles
- Secretary: George Beck , New York City
- Treasurer: Charles Carlson, Chicago
The original Chapter make-up was: California, Central, Dixie, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Southern and South West. Numerous committees were formed, with Directors as Chair, and duties assigned by consensus. President Amron then addressed the AISC Convention and introduced NISD to the world.
Since that humble beginning our Institute has grown, and stumbled, to become THE voice for the Detailing Profession. Our Chapters have encompassed:
- Alberta North East (Eastern Pa., Conn, NJ, ME)
- Arizona, Ontari
- British Columbia Pacific (Northern Ca)
- Buckeye ( Ohio) Pacific North West ( OR, WA)
- California (Southern Ca.) Pittsburgh ( Western Pa. W.Va.)
- Central ( KS, MO, OK, MN) New York
- Dixie (Ga, Tenn) Quebec/ Montreal
- Florida Southern (AL, MD, MISS)
- Mid West ( ILL, IND) South West (TX OK)
And not to mention Members at Large from across the US and as well as Australia, Canada, England, India, Philippines and New Zealand.
We have grown from being concerned about contract abuse and government intrusion to becoming a leader in Certification and Quality Procedure/Assurance Programs. We have represented Detailing in AISC , AWS, NCCR, NEA, OSHA, SEAA, SJI, and Iron Workers organizations. We have published a news-letter, white papers, journals, technical manuals, codes of practice, standard bid forms and industry standards. We have introduced bills in Congress and had published articles in national trade journals. We have fought back-charges, unfair retention, and soft-ware company abuse. And, most important, we have developed a world-wide network of peers who trade information and ideas, who socialize, provide support, develop friendships ,and joint venture.
It has been an amazing history and I am proud, and honored, to have been a part of it since day one. – John Metcalfe
Our journey
From our inception in 1969, NISD has continuously strived to better serve the steel detailing community. Over the years, we’ve evolved in response to the industry’s needs, always aiming to offer more to our members.
Increasing Content
As the industry has grown, so has our repository of resources. We are proud to offer an ever-expanding collection of content, ensuring our members have access to the latest insights and best practices in steel detailing.
Enhanced Training
Recognizing the dynamic nature of our industry, we’ve ramped up our training initiatives. Our webinars roundtables and educational session are now more comprehensive than ever, led by industry experts and tailored to the needs of today’s steel detailers.
Fostering Collaboration
The heart of NISD has always been its community. In recent years, we’ve amplified our efforts to promote collaboration. From our members-only forum to networking events, we’re continually creating spaces where our members can connect, share, and grow together.
Looking Ahead
As we continue our journey, our commitment remains unwavering. We promise to persistently adapt, innovate, and provide unmatched value to our members, ensuring NISD remains the professional voice of the steel detailing industry.
Legacy
Past Presidents
1969-1973
Richard Amron
1973-1975
James E. Ziegenfuss
1975-1979
John J. Metcalfe
1979-1983
Robert J. Schreiber
1983-1987
Jamie Gardner
1987-1991
Leonard N.Ross
1991-1995
Gunther Baresel
1995-1999
Don Pope
1999-2003
John Linn
2003-2007
Mario Webber-Rookes
2007-2011
Robert Beauchamp
2011-2014
Michael Bowers
