Specification Advisor – Architecture

Foster + Partners; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Personal travel insurance

Wellbeing support

Discount programmes

Subsidised catering

Social events & sports activities

Job summary

Foster + Partners in London is seeking a Specification Advisor – Architecture to support the delivery of world-class projects. You will develop high-quality specifications within the Technical Design Group, collaborating with architects and specialist teams to drive technical excellence, sustainability, and innovation across our global portfolio.

The role requires proven experience writing architectural specifications, a strong understanding of building systems, materials, and procurement, plus

Qualifications

• Proven experience writing architectural specifications within a design or built environment setting.
• Strong technical understanding of building systems, construction materials, and procurement processes.
• Experience contributing to complex projects across the UK and/or international markets.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey technical information clearly and confidently.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and specification-writing platforms such as NBS Chorus or similar.
• A collaborative and proactive approach, with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to deliver accurate, high-quality work to demanding deadlines.

Skills

Specification writing

Building systems knowledge

Project experience

Communication

Collaboration

Attention to detail

Tools

Microsoft Office

NBS Chorus

Job description

Specification Advisor – Architecture

Department: Specifications

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: London

Reporting To: Patrick Crocock

Description

As a Specification Advisor – Architecture at Foster + Partners, you will play a key role in supporting the delivery of some of the world's most ambitious architectural projects. Working within our Technical Design Group, you will collaborate with architects and specialist teams to develop high-quality specifications that drive technical excellence, sustainability, and innovation across our global portfolio. This is an opportunity to combine your technical expertise with world-class design, helping shape buildings that set new standards in the built environment.

This role is ideal if you want to:

• Contribute to high-profile, internationally recognised architectural projects.
• Work alongside experts in façades, fire safety, sustainability, and building technology.
• Influence technical design decisions and procurement strategies from concept through delivery.
• Stay at the forefront of emerging materials, construction methods, and industry standards.
• Help drive quality, consistency, and best practice across a global design practice.

What you will bring to the team:

• Proven experience writing architectural specifications within a design or built environment setting.
• Strong technical understanding of building systems, construction materials, and procurement processes.
• Experience contributing to complex projects across the UK and/or international markets.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey technical information clearly and confidently.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and specification‑writing platforms such as NBS Chorus or similar.
• A collaborative and proactive approach, with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to deliver accurate, high-quality work to demanding deadlines.

What we offer:

We offer a benefits package designed to help you thrive professionally and personally. This includes: private medical insurance for you and your family; life assurance; personal travel insurance; access to a range of wellbeing support, comprising virtual GP services, mental health support and lifestyle coaching; as well as discount programmes for various retailers. On our London campus, we have subsidised catering facilities and host regular social events, and sports activities, for everyone to enjoy.

To support you in building a meaningful career, the practice offers opportunities to develop both your technical and non-technical skills through continuous learning, professional development support and knowledge sharing and insights from experienced colleagues.

If our designs spark your curiosity and you would like to contribute to solving complex challenges with local and global impact, we invite you to join our team. You’ll be challenged and inspired, collaborating on extraordinary projects in an environment designed to cultivate excellence.