An award-winning architecture and interior design firm is seeking a highly experienced Specification Writer to serve as a firmwide technical resource across convention centers, sports and entertainment, cultural arts, hospitality, mixed-use, workplace, and interiors.
This is more than a specification production role. You’ll have equal ownership of project specifications, specification library development, and firmwide training—helping teams better understand the building systems and design decisions that drive high-quality specifications.
You’ll work within an established pre-edit specification framework while expanding the library to address the unique requirements of different markets. Partnering with project teams, Quality Review, and senior leadership, you’ll help strengthen documentation standards, consistency, and technical knowledge across the firm.
Role and Responsibilities
Specification Production & Library Management
- Produce, edit, and maintain project specifications from schematic design through construction administration using MasterSpec
- Work within established pre-edit templates and maintain firmwide standards for format, language, and structure
- Expand the specification library with market-specific sections and variations
- Ensure specifications accurately reflect building systems, material selections, and project-specific requirements
- Maintain version control and organization of the firmwide specification library
Training & Program Development
- Partner with senior leadership to develop and deliver a structured firmwide specifications and building systems training program
- Create training that helps architects and designers understand the “why” behind specifications, not simply the format
- Develop project-specific questionnaires that help teams identify and document key building system decisions at the appropriate project phase
- Build quality control and accountability into the specification intake process
- Tailor training materials to the requirements of different market sectors
Coordination & Collaboration
- Work closely with project architects and designers to gather information needed for specification customization
- Coordinate with the Quality Review Team to align specification standards with broader QA/QC processes
- Help project teams navigate differences in building systems, regulatory requirements, material standards, procurement, and owner expectations across markets
- Serve as a trusted technical resource across multiple practice areas
Experience and Qualifications
- 15+ years of experience in architectural specifications, with experience across all phases of project delivery
- Full-cycle specification experience on at least three projects from early design through construction administration
- Significant experience with large-scale and/or technically complex building types
- Experience across convention centers, sports/entertainment, cultural arts, hospitality, mixed-use, workplace, and interiors strongly preferred
- MasterSpec proficiency required, with working knowledge of CSI MasterFormat
- Strong understanding of building systems, including structural, envelope, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems
- Experience working within and expanding an established firmwide pre-edit specification system
- Understanding of how specification requirements vary by market, procurement environment, owner standards, and code considerations
- Ability to translate complex technical knowledge into accessible training for architects and designers at varying experience levels
- Experience developing questionnaires, checklists, or other structured technical intake tools
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to build credibility across practice areas and with senior leadership
- CSI credentials such as CDT or CCS preferred
- Architecture degree or equivalent technical education preferred
What You’ll Bring
- Deep technical expertise paired with a practical, collaborative approach
- A strong understanding of how design decisions translate into documentation and specifications
- The ability to operate as both a hands-on specification writer and firmwide technical resource
- Genuine enthusiasm for mentoring, training, and elevating technical knowledge across teams
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Confidence working across multiple project types, practice areas, and levels of experience
Salary and Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
- 401(k) and ESOP program
- Resources and support for professional licensure and certification
- Opportunities for continued professional development
Work Environment
This is a firmwide role supporting teams across a diverse portfolio of complex architectural and interior design projects. The position offers an opportunity to have a direct impact on documentation quality, technical standards, and professional development across the organization.
