Senior Specification Writer

Common and Baseline Responsibilities

• Works in partnership with the local Operations and Technical Directors to provide guidance on use of proposed building products and materials, their suitability for the intended application, and suggests appropriate alternatives when needed.
• Implements existing policies and notes needed for Studio policy changes or updates.
• Works in tandem with Project Architects, Project Managers and the local Technical Director to schedule, allocate, and share workload to ensure adequate specifications coverage for all projects and to review project schedules for preparation of specification deliverables.
• Promotes in-house specifications procedures and processes, conducts learning and development workshops with Project Architects and Project Managers to inform project teams of the latest updates in Perkins & Will master specifications, and ensures latest references and standards are included in the Studio specification masters.
• Contributes to meeting Firm and project goals for excellence in design and execution and provides knowledgeable input on material product selection for LEED certification and Living Design.
• Demonstrates strong knowledge of interior and exterior building components, systems and assemblies, and material requirements for all project types in Perkins & Will’s Practice Areas.
• Plans, schedules, organizes, and prepares construction specifications for the milestone deliverables of projects (including outline specifications when required).
• Prepares Procurement Requirements when required; receives owner’s Division 00 documents for inclusion in Project Manual; coordinates specifications Table of Contents and Professional Seals pages with owner’s documents.
• Ensures project consultants receive the current specification formatting requirements.
• Receives and reviews project consultants’ specifications for coordination with Perkins & Will formatting requirements, Table of Contents, and Professional Seals pages.
• Maintains awareness of industry standards and stays informed about current references and resources, evolving building technology and systems, and building codes; ensures specifications are CSI- and code-compliant.
• Seeks first-hand knowledge of sustainable design ratings systems, products, materials, and construction processes.
• Assists teams in preparation of addenda during the bidding phase and responses to submittals, substitution requests, and RFIs during the Construction Contract Administration phase.
• Ensures tasks are completed in accordance with Perkins & Will standards and the Project Delivery Manual.
• Self-checks work for accuracy, omissions, and legibility.
• Collaborates with peer specification writers throughout the firm.
• Mentors and trains emerging design professionals on specifications content and processes.
• Implements a creative approach to plan and complete tasks and responsibilities on projects, within the scope of schedule and budget, in an organized, timely, and consistent way.
• Exhibits curiosity about design and the AEC industry at large.
• Communicates ideas and thoughts in a way that inspires others.
• Coordinates effectively and participates in meetings with clients, partners, and consultants.
• Functions as a leader in the Studio and with peer specifications writers throughout the firm.

Proficiencies

• Advanced understanding of architectural principles associated with project design and construction materials and methods
• Advanced knowledge of building materials, and codes construction techniques, and relative costs as well as building material characteristics, performance, and compatibility
• Advanced knowledge of CSI principles and AIA (US)/CCDC (Canada) Contract Documents

Software

• Deltek Master spec
• AIA Contract Software
• Word, Excel
• Adobe Suite
• RIB Spec Link
• Bluebeam Revu

Licensure/Certification s/Education

• Position requires a post-secondary bachelor’s degree, professional degree; professional degree in architecture preferred for continued advancement
• Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) CDT is required for this position
• LEED GA within 6 months of hire
• Professional Accreditation in one area of…