Specification Specialist

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

Your Role

As a Gensler Specifications Specialist, you will research and evaluate architectural materials for their application across a variety of exciting design projects. The role includes working closely with project design teams to develop, compose and assist in material analysis and research, selecting products, editing specifications, and administering construction contracts specification development. The role further includes liaising with our design studios to support the development and knowledge-share of key technical criteria for documentation. This position is based in Gensler's Chicago office.

Description

As a Gensler Specifications Specialist, you will research and evaluate architectural materials for their application across a variety of exciting design projects. The role includes working closely with project design teams to develop, compose and assist in material analysis and research, selecting products, editing specifications, and administering construction contracts specification development. The role further includes liaising with our design studios to support the development and knowledge-share of key technical criteria for documentation. This position is based in Gensler's Chicago office.

What You Will Do

• Support project teams in their responsibility of researching materials, selecting products, editing specifications, and administering construction documents.
• Be an active member of our Technical Leadership Team focusing on the quality of our 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.

Your Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture
• 15+ years of experience in architectural profession, 5+ years of experience dedicated to specification writing
• Working knowledge of construction documentation and construction specifications
• Good command of both written/oral English
• Strong self-starter with a passion for the growth of material knowledge
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to handle multiple competing priorities and deadlines
• Strong ability and willingness to communicate with project teams
• Architectural License preferred
• Certification and/or willingness to pursue certification by CSI as a Construction Document Technician (CDT) preferred
• The base salary will be estimated between $120,000-$140,000 plus bonuses and benefits and contingent on relevant experience. To learn more about our compensation philosophy and full benefits offerings, please visit Great People, Great Rewards | Gensler

Life at Gensler

At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to “Well-being Week,” our offices reflect our people’s diverse interests.

We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off.

We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.

As part of the firm’s commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer of choice. All aspects of employment decisions will be based on merit, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of any status protected under federal, state and local law.

Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with federal, state and local law.

See also Know your rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal, right to work and E-verify program, as required by law.

Gensler endeavors to make gensler.com/careers accessible to all applicants. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us.