Senior Specifications Writer

Cuningham • San Diego, CA

126d • $93,000 - $145,000

About The Position

Bring your architectural expertise to the forefront of design excellence at Cuningham. We’re seeking a Senior Specifications Writer who thrives on transforming design intent into precise, coordinated, and buildable documentation for complex, high-profile projects. With your background in architecture, license preferred, you’ll lead the charge in developing CSI MasterFormat specifications that integrate seamlessly with our drawings, championing quality, performance, and sustainability at every step. Collaborating across disciplines and with external consultants, you’ll be a trusted technical leader, guiding teams, mentoring emerging professionals, and influencing how our projects are delivered from concept through construction. While candidates located near one of our offices are preferred, we are open to considering remote work arrangements for the right candidate.

Requirements

• Professional degree in Architecture or Interior Design; architectural license preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of architectural experience, including at least 7 years of proven expertise in specification writing, clearly demonstrated on the resume.
• CSI CCS certification preferred.
• Proficiency in CSI MasterFormat and specification software, preferably SpecLink Cloud.
• Strong knowledge of building materials, systems, codes, and industry standards.
• Experience with Divisions 00 & 01 and multiple project delivery methods.
• Ability to coordinate across disciplines and work with consultants to produce fully integrated construction documents.
• Familiarity with sustainable design frameworks (LEED, WELL, Living Building Challenge) and their application in specifications.
• Skilled in reviewing drawings for alignment with specifications and quality standards.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain technical requirements.
• Proficiency in MS Office and Bluebeam; familiarity with Revit/BIM 360.
• Proven ability to mentor and train junior staff in specification writing and best practices.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and manage project specifications in SpecLink Cloud across multiple project types, including multifamily housing, hospitality, education, and other commercial and institutional types.
• Edit Divisions 00 & 01 for varied owner requirements and delivery methods.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external consultants through meetings and design reviews to align specification efforts.
• Serve as a technical resource for products, materials, building systems, and performance standards, integrating these into architectural and interior specifications.
• Review drawings at each phase to maintain consistency between documents and specifications; prepare addenda, evaluate substitutions, and oversee outsourced spec quality.
• Support quality management processes by validating compliance with codes, regulations, and firm standards.
• Stay current on client, project, and regional requirements; engage with product representatives to refine and share material selections firmwide.
• Mentor and train staff in specification writing, best practices, and related software, fostering a culture of technical excellence and regenerative design.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Employee wellness program
• Life and disability insurance
• 401k retirement savings plan
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree