Senior Architectural Specifications Lead (Materials & BIM)

Gensler; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Gensler in Chicago seeks a Specifications Specialist to research and evaluate architectural materials, develop and edit specifications, and administer construction contract specification development. You will collaborate closely with project design teams and design studios to share technical criteria, support BIM delivery processes, and ensure documentation reflects the design intent.

This role requires a bachelor’s degree in architecture, extensive specification experience, and strong English

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture.
• 15+ years of experience in architectural practice, with 5+ years dedicated to specification writing.
• Working knowledge of construction documentation and construction specifications.
• Fluent written and spoken English.
• Architectural license preferred; CSI CDT certification encouraged.
• Base salary range stated: $120,000–$140,000 plus bonuses and benefits.

Responsibilities

• Support project teams in researching materials, selecting products, editing specifications and administering construction documents.
• Be an active member of the Technical Leadership Team focusing on the quality of documentation via proper materials selection and detailing with respect to the design intent application.
• Address the development of project manuals with project teams for a wide range of project types, sizes, and practice areas.
• Coordinate the implementation of our Team-Based specifications philosophy at region-wide level, including QA/QC, Specification updates, project scheduling, and project team skillset alignment.
• Liaise with our Resilience Team leaders to support Gensler's Cities Climate Challenge (GC3) to achieve carbon neutrality in our work.
• Integrate and engage with our Design Technology Team leaders to support development, revisions, and innovations to our overall documentation and BIM delivery processes.
• Serve as a technical resource for product and material evaluations, selections, and research.
• Collaborate with project teams on the budgeting, scheduling, and production of specifications and project manuals.
• Maintain proficiency in construction products, techniques, and sequences by staying abreast of product developments, new materials, code changes, and current industry trends.
• Liaise with Manufacturers Representatives as needed for research and project support.
• Educate and create learning programs for staff, including but not limited to specification documents, construction document technology, and editing methodology.
• Liaise with our Design Management Team leaders to support the integration of materials research and selection in our overall design + delivery framework.

Skills

Specification writing

Architectural knowledge

English communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture

Job description

Gensler in Chicago seeks a Specifications Specialist to research and evaluate architectural materials, develop and edit specifications, and administer construction contract specification development. You will collaborate closely with project design teams and design studios to share technical criteria, support BIM delivery processes, and ensure documentation reflects the design intent.

This role requires a bachelor’s degree in architecture, extensive specification experience, and strong English