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Focusing on James Latham's Specification Assistance: An In-Depth Analysis

Rob Goodman, the Group Specification Manager at James Latham, shares insights on advanced digital resources and the depth of knowledge the company offers to simplify and strengthen the specification process, in a discussion with John Ramshaw, Technical Editor at Architecture Today.

Expanded focus on James Latham's technical specifications for product distribution
Expanded focus on James Latham's technical specifications for product distribution

Focusing on James Latham's Specification Assistance: An In-Depth Analysis

In the world of architecture and design, the specification process can often be a complex and time-consuming task. However, James Latham, a leading UK and Ireland distributor of timber, panels, and decorative surfaces, is making strides to simplify this journey for architects and designers.

James Latham's Specification Team offers a proactive and consultative service, providing clear, accurate, and tailored guidance throughout the specification journey. This team helps in early-stage material selection and detailing by providing a shortlist of products that meet specific requirements.

The company's digital tools, such as the Digital Showroom Platform and Swatchbox, play a significant role in this process. The Digital Showroom Platform is a powerful online tool designed to streamline surface material selection, allowing users to browse over 1,600 products. Swatchbox, on the other hand, is an online material sampling platform with rapid-response capabilities, offering more than 500 James Latham products for sampling, including full color ranges for popular surfaces.

The Digital Showroom Platform also offers an intelligent suggestion engine that suggests similar tones or more budget-friendly alternatives based on user selections. Samples can be ordered directly from the Digital Showroom Platform and are typically dispatched within 48 hours. Follow-up video consultations are offered after samples are received, allowing users to discuss applications, characteristics, and alternatives with the team.

James Latham's resources extend beyond digital platforms. The company has a physical showroom in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, offering a curated material library for those in the M25 region who prefer in-person specification.

In addition to its digital and physical resources, James Latham provides RIBA-approved Continuous Professional Development (CPD) sessions, covering topics like acrylic solid surfaces, wood veneers, passive house doors, and timber cladding. The company also offers integration with platforms like NBS Source and a digital cladding visualiser.

Moreover, James Latham's commitment to sustainability is evident through the Carbon Calculator, which assigns carbon data scores to more than 70% of its stocked products, considering the full product journey from raw material extraction to delivery to site.

While direct information about James Latham's specific approach towards the specification process for architects and designers may not be readily available, it is clear that the company is actively involved in supporting design through the provision of style, strength, and sustainability in materials used in specifications. For further insights, one might look to James Latham's official communications or industry publications specializing in architectural specification support.

Technology, particularly data-and-cloud-computing, is integrated into James Latham's services to enhance the specification process. For example, their Digital Showroom Platform is an online tool that streams surface material selection, offering a vast array of products, and an intelligent suggestion engine based on user selections.

James Latham's environmental impact is also addressed through technology, as the Carbon Calculator, a digital tool, assigns carbon data scores to over 70% of their stocked products, considering the full product journey from raw material extraction to delivery to site.

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