Specification Writer

HOK Group, Inc.; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

HOK, a leading design firm, is seeking an Architectural Specification Writer to join our team in the Kansas City area. This role develops project specifications and supports teams in coordination, interpretation, and execution of construction documents.

Key responsibilities include writing and editing specifications, ensuring compliance with codes and standards, coordinating bid packages, and guiding material selection for sustainability and LEED goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of architectural practice with at least 3 years in specification writing.
• Experience with large-scale, multi-phase projects; sports, recreation, and entertainment projects a plus.
• Licensed Architect preferred; NCARB certification desirable.
• LEED accreditation preferred.
• CSI CDT or higher certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review architectural drawings and write and edit project specifications per project requirements, codes, and standards.
• Interpret design and delivery requirements into materials, methods, equipment, installation procedures, and testing.
• Coordinate organization of projects into multiple bid packages and full project scope.
• Prepare and review procurement and contracting requirements, aligning owner forms with firm standards.
• Review sustainability goals and guide material selection to support LEED or other certifications.
• Provide resources for teams to research products and review RFIs.
• Assist with quality management reviews and support design development and construction documents.
• Collaborate with the firmwide specifications team to ensure consistency and best practices.
• Engage with local and national vendors and connect teams with product representatives.
• Contribute to Master Specifications content and digital delivery tool integration.

Education

Bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or a related field

Minimum 10 years of architectural practice, including at least 3 years of direct experience in specification writing

Licensed Architect preferred; NCARB certification desirable

LEED Accreditation or LEED Green Associate preferred

CSI Construction Documents Technologist (CDT) or higher certification preferred

Job description

HOK is a collective of future-forward thinkers and designers who are driven to face the critical challenges of our time. We are dedicated to improving people's lives, serving our clients and healing the planet. Together, we cultivate a culture of design excellence at the confluence of art and science, blending the power of creative expression with a clear sense of purpose.

HOK is currently seeking a Architectural Specification Writer to join our team. This position can be filled in our Denver, Kansas City or St. Louis offices.

The Architectural Specification Writer develops comprehensive project specifications and supports project teams in the coordination, interpretation, and execution of construction documents. This role ensures technical accuracy, consistency, and alignment with project requirements, design intent, and applicable codes and standards.

Responsibilities

Leadership

• Review architectural drawings and project information to write and edit project specifications in accordance with project requirements, institutional guidelines, firm standards, and applicable codes, laws, and regulations.
• Interpret project design and delivery requirements, translating this information into detailed materials, methods, equipment, installation procedures, and certification testing requirements needed to procure and construct building components.
• Understand the organization of projects into multiple bid packages and how these packages make up the full project scope.
• Prepare and review procurement and contracting requirements, including Division 01 General Requirements, while aligning owner-provided contract forms and processes with firm standards.
• Review sustainability goals and provide informed guidance on material selection to support LEED or other certifications.
• Provides resources for project teams to research products and review RFI submittals.
• Assist with quality management reviews and offer technical expertise throughout design development and construction document phases.
• Collaborate closely with the firmwide specifications team to ensure consistency, knowledge sharing, and best practices.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local and national vendors and serve as a resource connecting project teams with product representatives.
• Contribute to the ongoing development and enhancement of the firm's Master Specifications, including project typespecific content, regional conditions, and sustainable content.
• Support integration of specifications into digital project delivery tools, including HOK's Project Quality Management initiatives and Smartsheet collaboration workflows.
• Takes personal responsibility for fostering a green workplace through sustainable work practices.
• Fosters a culture of external and internal client service.

Teamwork

• Support project managers by reviewing and coordinating project agreements related to professional services and general condition issues.
• Assist project architects and designers with material and system constructability analysis.
• Assist project architects with shop drawings and product substitution review.
• Coordinate and evaluate consultant technical specifications for conformance with firm standards.
• May conduct internal specifications training.
• Participate in developing and improving firm document standards and best practice procedures.
• Engage in regular collaboration with specification writers in other offices, sharing workload and expertise as needed.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously with various delivery methods and produce deliverables within project established milestones and deadlines.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or a related field; equivalent experience will be considered.
• Minimum 10 years of architectural practice, including at least 3 years of direct experience in specification writing.
• Experience with complex, large-scale, or multi-phase projects preferred.
• Experience with Sports, Recreation, and Entertainment projects a plus.
• Licensed Architect preferred; NCARB certification desirable.
• LEED Accreditation or LEED Green Associate preferred.
• CSI Construction Documents Technologist (CDT) or higher certification preferred.
• Experience with design-build project delivery is a plus.

Many of our roles require the use of specific software. Please refer to the Required and Preferred Software & Skills for details.

HOK invests in its people and communities, supporting both personal and professional growth through every stage of life. At HOK you'll have a hybrid work environment, 10 paid holidays (including 2 floating holidays) and a minimum of 4 weeks of paid time off with a cash out option. HOK offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, free mental wellness resources, life and AD&D coverage and short and long-term disability benefits. HOK supports your growing family by offering 4 weeks of paid parental leave and fertility coverage. HOK helps to fund your future financial needs with matching contributions to our 401(K) plan which includes a well-rounded investment menu as well as free guidance on retirement planning.

Wherever you are in your career, HOK provides opportunities to learn, develop and utilize your skills. Continued learning is promoted through financial support and study prep for licensure exams, CEU credit opportunities, mentorship programs, and paid professional memberships. To learn more about designing your career with HOK, explore our current job openings.

Compensation is based on experience, qualifications, education and location. The reasonably expected salary range for this position in Denver, Colorado is $90,000-$130,000 per year. Other compensation may include a discretionary bonus.

HOK is an EOE, including disability/vets.