Architectural Specification Writer

Job Description

The Senior Architectural Specifications Writer leads the preparation, coordination, and ongoing management of architectural specifications across all phases of large, complex projects. This role ensures that all project documentation aligns with design intent, regulatory requirements, contract obligations, and internal standards while supporting quality, constructability, and consistency across multidisciplinary teams. Serving as a key technical resource, this position bridges design, documentation, and construction processes and acts as a subject matter expert for project teams.

• Develop, review, and coordinate comprehensive project specifications, including Division 01 General Requirements, ensuring alignment with drawings, project delivery methods, and owner contract requirements.
• Translate design concepts into clear, enforceable specifications that define materials, systems, installation methods, and performance criteria.
• Collaborate closely with project managers, architects, designers, and consultants to maintain technical consistency and compliance across all disciplines.
• Support procurement processes by preparing and reviewing specification-related documentation and ensuring alignment with project delivery and contract structures.
• Review submittals, RFIs, substitutions, and shop drawings for conformance with specifications and provide timely, well‑documented responses.
• Provide constructability and quality assurance input from design development through construction documentation to support successful project delivery.
• Contribute to the development, refinement, and maintenance of firmwide master specifications, document standards, and best practices.
• Develop and maintain sustainable specification content aligned with leading sustainability frameworks and certification systems.
• Engage with vendor and manufacturer partners to support product research, evaluate materials and systems, and stay current with industry innovations.
• Act as an internal technical advisor and subject matter expert to project teams, offering guidance on specification strategy, material selection, and risk mitigation.
• Participate in and contribute to training, mentoring, and knowledge‑sharing initiatives to elevate specification quality across the firm.
• Collaborate across offices and teams to standardize processes, improve workflows, and support continuous improvement in documentation quality.
• Assist in resolving technical coordination challenges that arise during design and construction, ensuring that specifications support practical, buildable solutions.
• Utilize digital tools for specification management and workflow coordination, such as Smartsheet or similar platforms, to track tasks and maintain documentation.
• Support design‑build and other alternative project delivery methods with appropriately structured specifications and procurement documentation.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in specifications writing for an architecture firm.
• Approximately 15 years of architectural practice experience, including at least 5 years focused on specifications development.
• Deep knowledge of building systems, construction materials, and products, including their appropriate selection and application in design projects.
• Extensive experience developing and coordinating Division 01 General Requirements and aligning specifications with project delivery methods and owner contracts.
• Proven ability to interpret design drawings and translate them into clear, technically accurate, and enforceable specifications.
• Strong understanding of procurement processes and contract alignment as they relate to specification development.
• Solid working knowledge of applicable building codes, regulations, and industry standards.
• Experience supporting quality management processes and resolving technical coordination issues on multidisciplinary project teams.
• Experience working on large‑scale, multi‑phase architectural projects across multiple project types such as multifamily, cultural, commercial, healthcare, education, institutional, or historic preservation.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to effectively advise…