Specification Writer-Architecture

Dewberry; Elmhurst (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Dewberry is seeking an experienced Architectural Specification Writer in Elmhurst, Illinois. The role involves developing and maintaining project specifications, collaborating with design teams, and ensuring compliance with standards.

The successful candidate will manage various project types and engage in quality control. A minimum of 10 years in architectural practice is required, with a focus on specification development and delivery.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of building codes, energy compliance, and safety standards.
• Ability to produce technical documents and manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop project specifications and maintain technical standards.
• Collaborate with architects and engineers for product selections.
• Perform quality control reviews of project documents.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Knowledge of architectural design

Construction methodology

Education

10+ years in architectural practice

3-5 years in specification development

Job description

Job Description

Dewberry seeks an Architectural Specification Writer with excellent technical and communication skills to join our expanding practice. If you have a strong interest in product research, collaborating in creative design decisions, and providing technical guidance to design teams, this position may be for you. In addition to project specification writing, you will engage in quality control and may participate in project bidding and periodic construction site visits. The successful candidate will work with all levels of staff within the firm and will take the initiative to research and develop project specifications from start to finish.

Responsibilities

You are part of a team

As a member of the specification writing team, you will work among other specifiers to support clients and project teams across the country in the creation of project specifications and project manuals. You will apply your knowledge to a variety of project types, from commercial, to civic, and institutional. You will collaborate with teams in selecting appropriate products and materials for the project type and region while working with clients and contractors to develop project manuals. As a member of the specification team, you will also aid in creating and maintaining standards and templates to support various project types and service regions.

• Oversee the preparation of Project Manuals for projects of different scales and complexity. Prepare and review the procurement and contracting requirements, including Division 0 and Division 1 sections, and coordinate those requirements with technical sections of specifications.
• Review drawings, documents, and team interviews to determine the extent of specification needs. Coordinate compliance with project requirements, firm standards, and existing laws, regulations, rules, and codes.
• Write, edit, coordinate, and produce architectural outline specifications and 3-part specifications for various types of projects following CSI MasterFormat.
• Perform QC review of design drawings for technical accuracy and coordination with specifications in BlueBeam or another digital format.
• Collaborate with project architects, managers, and designers in product and material selection. Perform material and product research, and assist with material and system constructability analysis. Incorporate sustainable design solutions into projects.
• Coordinate and review engineering and consultant technical specifications and compile all into complete Project Manual.
• Provide specification support through Construction Administration, assist the CA team to ensure design intent is met during construction, evaluate substitutions, submittals, and respond to RFIs, and obtain feedback on specified product performance during CA.
• Participate in developing and improving document standards and best practice procedures, coordinating with design, specification, LEED, QA/QC, and construction administration personnel.
• Develop, meet with, and maintain relationships with product representatives; stay current with product and system development, new methods and materials, code changes, and industry trends; and educate staff on specification matters.
• Act as a resource for technical questions, submittal review, and material and product selections.

Required Skills & Experience

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Excellent written and verbal communication, organizational, and analytical skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Strong knowledge of architectural design, engineering coordination, design trends, products, construction methodology, building systems, material application, and manufacturer/supplier appropriateness.
• Ability to review and understand programs, drawings, and design narratives to discern design intent and meet with project designers, architects, and managers to guide product selections in a timely manner.

Strong Knowledge of:

• Various methods of project delivery and procurement models, both private and public.
• Construction procedures and schedules.
• Building codes, energy compliance requirements, OSHA, ADAAG standards, and federal and state compliance requirements.
• AIA contracts and standard construction phase documents.
• General understanding of civil, structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and similar building systems.
• Ability to research and apply findings into technical documents.
• Ability to self-organize, work on multiple projects simultaneously, and produce results within deadlines.

What will you contribute?

• Construction Specifications Institute certifications of CDT (Construction Documents Technologist) and CCS (Certified Construction Specifier) are an asset.
• 10+ years of experience in architectural practice required, with minimum 3-5 years in specification development and delivery of project manuals.
• Experience in delivery of project technical documents and ability to interface with clients and consultants.
• Excellent ability to lead project tasks with minimum supervision and deliver in a timely manner.
• Resume with a large variety of public sector project types, both in size and complexity, is a plus.

Must have a valid driver’s license, good driving record, and ability to pass a driving record background check.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Dewberry is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in this description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may just be the right candidate for this or other opportunities.

*At this time, Dewberry will not sponsor a new applicant for work authorization.

*Dewberry is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

*Only recipients of an offer of employment from Dewberry will be required to submit to background screening, which may include employment verification, educational and credential verification, driving record check, criminal background check, and an investigative consumer report. These screenings will be conducted in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local law.

Notice to Third Party Recruiters: Dewberry only compensates job placement recruiters that have a valid Dewberry-approved written agreement in place for recruiting services. Dewberry does not compensate third‑party recruiters for unsolicited job placement candidate information.