Architectural Technical Writer

Goodwyn Mills Cawood LLC; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Goodwyn Mills Cawood LLC is hiring an Architectural Technical Writer to create and manage project specifications across designs in the Carolinas. The role involves coordinating with architects, engineers, and consultants to reflect design decisions in clear, enforceable specs and maintain documentation through all design phases.

You will ensure alignment with codes (IBC, ADA, ASTM), reference AIA standards, and help with bid documents and submittals. Travel between offices is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Construction Management preferred.
• CSI CCS credential required.
• 10+ years of architecture and construction experience with focus on specification writing.
• Strong knowledge of building codes and standards (IBC, ADA, ASTM).
• Familiarity with construction materials, methods, and project delivery approaches.
• Experience with project documentation and construction administration.
• Proficient in Revit, AutoCAD, and specification software.
• Skilled in writing clear, coordinated, and enforceable specifications.
• Understanding of contract documents, bidding, and submittal processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and organize written specifications that define materials, products, and workmanship for construction projects.
• Ensure specifications align with the project's design intent, codes, and regulations.
• Work closely with architects, engineers, and consultants to accurately reflect design decisions in specifications.
• Resolve discrepancies between drawings and specifications.
• Ensure specifications meet local, state, and federal building codes, accessibility requirements, and sustainability standards.
• Reference AIA master specifications or industry standards as appropriate.
• Maintain up-to-date specification documents throughout project phases (schematic design, design development, construction documents).
• Track revisions and distribute updated specifications to relevant stakeholders.
• Respond to contractor questions regarding specifications during bidding and construction phases.
• Assist in reviewing submittals to verify compliance with specifications.
• Review drawings and other documentation for consistency with specifications.
• Identify potential conflicts or omissions in materials, systems, or performance requirements.
• Assist with bid documents, addenda, and contract requirements related to project specifications.
• Support architects and project managers in ensuring that specification requirements are integrated with the overall project scope and schedule.

Skills

Attention to detail

Coordination skills

Written communication

Problem solving

Project documentation

Team collaboration

Contract documents understanding

Multi-project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Construction Management preferred

CSI CCS credential

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Specification software

Job description

Job Description

Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC) is one of the largest privately held architecture and engineering firms in the Southeast, with offices located throughout Alabama, Louisiana, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee.

GMC has an opening for an Architectural Technical Writer to support ongoing architectural projects throughout the Carolinas, with flexibility to be based in our Columbia, SC; Greenville, SC; Charleston, SC; or Charlotte, NC offices. This is an exciting opportunity for a self-motivated professional to contribute to a growing team. We are seeking someone who will focus on creating, coordinating, and managing technical documentation that defines project materials, systems, and quality standards. In this role, you will gain exposure to a variety of project types while supporting the delivery of high-quality architectural work.

Essential functions and responsibilities include:

• Develop and organize written specifications that define materials, products, and workmanship for construction projects.
• Ensure specifications align with the project's design intent, codes, and regulations.
• Work closely with architects, engineers, and consultants to accurately reflect design decisions in specifications.
• Resolve discrepancies between drawings and specifications.
• Ensure specifications meet local, state, and federal building codes, accessibility requirements, and sustainability standards.
• Reference AIA master specifications or industry standards as appropriate.
• Maintain up-to-date specification documents throughout project phases (schematic design, design development, construction documents).
• Track revisions and distribute updated specifications to relevant stakeholders.
• Respond to contractor questions regarding specifications during bidding and construction phases.
• Assist in reviewing submittals to verify compliance with specifications.
• Review drawings and other documentation for consistency with specifications.
• Identify potential conflicts or omissions in materials, systems, or performance requirements.
• Assist with bid documents, addenda, and contract requirements related to project specifications.
• Support architects and project managers in ensuring that specification requirements are integrated with the overall project scope and schedule.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Construction Management preferred
• Construction Specifications Institute's (CSI) Certified Construction Specifier (CCS) credential required
• 10+ years of experience in architecture and construction with focus on specification writing
• Strong knowledge of building codes and standards (IBC, ADA, ASTM)
• Familiarity with construction materials, methods, and project delivery approaches
• Experience with project documentation and construction administration
• Proficient in Revit, AutoCAD, and specification software
• Skilled in writing clear, coordinated, and enforceable specifications
• Understanding of contract documents, bidding, and submittal processes
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines

Travel requirements:

• FIELD (20%) AND OFFICE (80%)

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veterans

About the GMC Architecture Community

The GMC Architecture Practice is a community of knowledgeable planning and design professionals that operate with a collaborative, client-focused approach. By bringing together diverse expertise across multiple offices, we build teams to best support each individual project and client. From system-wide master planning to medical equipment replacements and working in complex acute care environments to the evolving outpatient setting, we will assemble a team with the right experience to deliver exceptional projects.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.