Specification Writer-Architecture

Dewberry • Elmhurst, IL

1d

About The Position

Dewberry is seeking an Architectural Specification Writer to support its expanding practice. The role researches and develops project specifications from start to finish and works with project teams across the firm on varied commercial, civic, and institutional projects. The specification writer helps teams select appropriate products and materials, provides technical guidance, and prepares and coordinates project specifications and manuals through design and construction. The position also contributes to quality control, project bidding, construction administration, and periodic construction site visits. The successful candidate will help maintain firm standards and templates, support design intent across project phases, and educate staff on specification and product-related topics. The projected annual salary range is $113,000–$146,000, subject to factors such as skills, experience, location, and market conditions. Dewberry will not sponsor a new applicant for work authorization.

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 applications, 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 understand product preferences before documentation and help teams make timely product selections.
• Knowledge of public and private project delivery and procurement methods.
• Knowledge of construction procedures and schedules.
• Knowledge of building codes, energy compliance requirements, OSHA, ADAAG standards, and federal and state compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of AIA contracts and standard construction-phase documents.
• General understanding of civil, structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and related building systems.
• Ability to research information and apply or incorporate findings into technical documents.
• Ability to organize work independently, handle multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to lead project tasks with minimum 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

• CSI Construction Documents Technologist (CDT) certification.
• CSI Certified Construction Specifier (CCS) certification.
• A resume demonstrating a wide variety of public-sector project types and project sizes and complexity.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with project teams and consultants to develop and refine construction documents, including drawings and specifications.
• Oversee preparation of Project Manuals for projects of varying scale 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, project documents, and team interviews to determine specification needs.
• 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 technical accuracy and coordination with specifications using Bluebeam or another digital format.
• Collaborate with architects, managers, and designers on product and material selection; research materials and products.
• Coordinate with design teams and consultants and assist with material and system constructability analysis.
• Incorporate sustainable design solutions into projects.
• Coordinate and review engineering and consultant technical specifications and compile them into complete Project Manuals.
• Provide specification support during Construction Administration, helping ensure design intent is met during construction.
• Assist with evaluating substitutions and submittals and responding to RFIs during construction.
• Obtain feedback on specified product performance during Construction Administration.
• Help develop and improve 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, methods, materials, code changes, and industry trends.
• Educate staff on specifications, keynoting, technical materials information, new products, and technology.
• Serve as a resource for technical questions, detail reviews, submittal reviews, and material and product selections.
• May participate in project bidding and periodic construction site visits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed