Specification Writer-Architecture

Dewberry•Peoria, IL

3d•$113,000 - $146,000

About The Position

Dewberry seeks an Architectural Specification Writer to join its expanding practice. The role focuses on researching and developing project specifications from start to finish, preparing project manuals, coordinating technical information with design teams and consultants, and supporting quality control. The position serves a range of commercial, civic, and institutional projects and collaborates with project teams and clients across the country. It may also involve project bidding and periodic construction site visits. The successful candidate will help maintain design intent across project phases, contribute to firm standards and practices, and provide technical guidance on specifications, products, materials, and building systems. During construction administration, the specifier supports the team with substitutions, submittals, RFIs, and evaluation of specified product performance. The role offers opportunities for career growth through subject-matter expertise, specialization, and contributions to firm standards.

Requirements

At least 10 years of experience in architectural practice, including a minimum of 3–5 years in specification development and delivery of project manuals.
Experience delivering project technical documents and interfacing with clients and consultants.
Excellent written and verbal communication, organizational, and analytical skills, with strong attention to detail.
Strong knowledge of architectural design, engineering coordination, design trends, products, construction methodology, building systems, material application, and manufacturer and supplier appropriateness.
Ability to review and understand programs, drawings, and design narratives to discern design intent.
Ability to meet with project designers, architects, and managers to determine product preferences and help teams make timely product selections.
Strong knowledge of project delivery and procurement methods for both private and public projects; construction procedures and schedules; building codes; energy compliance; OSHA; ADAAG; federal and state compliance requirements; and AIA contracts and standard construction-phase documents.
General understanding of civil, structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and similar building systems.
Ability to research information and incorporate findings into technical documents.
Ability to self-organize, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
Ability to lead project tasks with minimal supervision and deliver them in a timely manner.
Valid driver’s license, good driving record, and ability to pass a driving-record background check.

Nice To Haves

Construction Specifications Institute CDT (Construction Documents Technologist) certification.
Construction Specifications Institute CCS (Certified Construction Specifier) certification.
A résumé demonstrating a wide variety of public-sector project types, sizes, and complexity.

Responsibilities

Collaborate and coordinate with project teams and consultants to develop and refine construction documents, including drawings and specifications.
Oversee preparation of project manuals for projects of varying scales and complexity.
Prepare and review procurement and contracting requirements, including Division 0 and Division 1 sections, and coordinate them with technical specification sections.
Review drawings, documents, and team interviews to determine specification needs and coordinate compliance with project requirements, firm standards, laws, regulations, rules, and codes.
Write, edit, coordinate, and produce architectural outline and three-part specifications following CSI MasterFormat.
Perform quality-control reviews of design drawings for quality, technical accuracy, and coordination with specifications using Bluebeam or another digital format.
Collaborate with project architects, managers, designers, and consultants on product and material selection, research, and constructability analysis; incorporate sustainable design solutions.
Coordinate and review engineering and consultant technical specifications and compile them into complete project manuals.
Provide specification support during construction administration, including evaluating substitutions and submittals, responding to RFIs, and helping ensure design intent is met.
Participate in developing and improving document standards and best-practice procedures with design, specification, LEED, QA/QC, and construction administration personnel.
Develop and maintain relationships with product representatives and stay current on products, systems, materials, methods, codes, and industry trends.
Educate staff on specifications, keynoting, technical materials information, new products, and new technology.
Serve as a resource for technical questions, technical detail review, submittal review, and material and product selections.
Work across multiple projects and deliver project tasks and documents within deadlines.