Architectural Specification Writer

Cushing Terrell; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Cushing Terrell is seeking a Specification Writer in Seattle to lead development and coordination of technical specs across project types. Hybrid role based in Seattle with options to work from other offices.

You will work with architects, engineers, and consultants to ensure drawings and specifications are aligned and build master templates. You will apply senior-level judgment to resolve conflicts, deliver accurate, complete construction documents, and promote best practices for materials and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of five years of experience as an architect, engineer, or construction professional with a demonstrated focus on specifications, or three years of dedicated experience as an architectural specifier.
• CDT certification.
• Strong knowledge of construction specifications, building systems, materials, construction methods, and manufacturer and supplier appropriateness.
• Proficiency in specification software tools and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of project manuals and technical specifications across projects of varying size, budget, building type, and delivery method, selecting appropriate formats (full, short form, outline, sheet) based on project requirements.
• Serve as the specifications discipline lead, identifying and resolving conflicts between drawings and specifications and coordinating solutions across architects, engineers, and consultants.
• Support retail criteria projects and contribute to the development and maintenance of Cushing Terrell master specification templates across all service sectors.
• Review submittals, substitutions, RFIs, and change proposals during construction phase for compliance with project specifications.
• Participate in QA/QC processes to verify technical accuracy, consistency, and completeness of construction documents.
• Conduct product and systems research to evaluate materials, vet construction systems, and support specification development across project teams.

Skills

Bachelor's degree

Experience in specs

CDT certification

Specs knowledge

Spec software

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture/Engineering/Construction Management

Tools

Deltek Specpoint

Job description

Specification Writer

Position Description

As a Specification Writer at Cushing Terrell, you will lead the development, coordination, and quality of technical specifications across a wide range of project types and delivery methods. This is a hybrid role with a preferred home base in our Seattle office, though candidates in our Billings, Austin, Boise, Bozeman, Denver, Great Falls, Kalispell, Minneapolis, Missoula, or New Orleans offices are also encouraged to apply.

Day to day, you will serve as the Specifications Writer on active projects, working closely with architects, engineers, and consultants to keep drawings and specifications aligned. A significant part of this role involves supporting retail criteria projects and contributing to Cushing Terrell master specification templates across all service sectors, making your work foundational to how our project teams produce construction documents firm-wide.

You will bring senior-level technical judgment to design and construction phases, identifying conflicts between drawings and specifications and driving coordination across project teams. Success in this role means delivering accurate, complete, and constructable project documentation while building your reputation as a go-to resource for materials, systems, and specification best practices throughout the firm.

Position Salary Range*

The expected salary range for this position is $85,000 to $125,000 annually.

Required Qualifications**

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline
• Minimum of five years of experience as an architect, engineer, or construction professional with a demonstrated focus on specifications, or three years of dedicated experience as an architectural specifier
• CSI Construction Documents Technologist (CDT) certification
• Strong knowledge of construction specifications, building systems, materials, construction methods, and manufacturer and supplier appropriateness
• Proficiency in specification software tools and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Preferred Qualifications**

• CSI Certified Construction Specifier (CCS) certification
• Experience with Deltek Specpoint

Did you know that some people hold back on applying to jobs if they don’t meet 100% of the listed requirements? We don’t want you to hold back! If you check most of the qualifications above and believe you could successfully do the work, we encourage you to apply!

Position Responsibilities***

• Lead preparation of project manuals and technical specifications across projects of varying size, budget, building type, and delivery method, selecting appropriate formats (full, short form, outline, sheet) based on project requirements
• Serve as the specifications discipline lead, identifying and resolving conflicts between drawings and specifications and coordinating solutions across architects, engineers, and consultants
• Support retail criteria projects and contribute to the development and maintenance of Cushing Terrell master specification templates across all service sectors
• Review submittals, substitutions, RFIs, and change proposals during construction phase for compliance with project specifications
• Participate in QA/QC processes to verify technical accuracy, consistency, and completeness of construction documents
• Conduct product and systems research to evaluate materials, vet construction systems, and support specification development across project teams

Working at Cushing Terrell

Cushing Terrell is a multidisciplinary design firm with 17 offices and more than 500 team members who bring together their expertise to deliver holistic built environments. Leveraging our influence as designers, we work to create sustainable systems and spaces that help people live their best lives.

Why Cushing Terrell

At Cushing Terrell, we empower creative designers to discover imaginative, responsible, first-of-their-kind environments. But more than that, we support a strong, cohesive team, from our design professionals to our business operations staff. Together, we champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, placing people at the center of our practice, thus our tagline, “design meets you.” Together, we find joy in uncovering imaginative solutions for the people who work here, the people we work for, and the planet as a whole. We offer a competitive benefits package, work opportunities in a variety of locations and markets, and a company culture that celebrates all the unique viewpoints and personalities that make up our talented team. View our Employee Benefits Guide: https://cushingterrell.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/CushingTerrell_BenefitsGuide_2026_rev.pdf

Things to Note

• Actual pay will be determined based on the candidate’s years of experience, licensure status, location, level of proficiency, and other job-related factors (as permitted by law). This position is also eligible for an annual performance bonus.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Cushing Terrell will not sponsor applicants for work visas.
• The majority of the time, a person in this role will be sitting in an office with limited physical requirements. This may require individuals to bend, stretch, twist, and reach.

Cushing Terrell is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Contact 406.248.7455 if you require assistance or accommodation during the employment application process.

Note to recruitment agencies: Cushing Terrell does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of Cushing Terrell without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of Cushing Terrell.