Specifications Writer

LMN Architects; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Job summary

LMN Architects in Seattle seeks an experienced Specifications Writer who translates design intent into clear project specifications and collaborates across multidisciplinary teams. The role supports BIM workflows and offers hybrid or remote work with some part-time arrangements.

Responsibilities include maintaining the master specs, drafting CSI Divisions 0–14, coordinating with consultants, mentoring staff, and advancing technical best practices.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years in architectural skills with at least 5 years in specifications.
• Excellent technical writing and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a highly collaborative team environment.
• Experience with CSI divisions 0–14 and standard architectural specs.
• Contract administration experience preferred.
• Familiarity with BIM workflows integration.

Responsibilities

• Maintain LMN’s master set of project specifications.
• Develop strategies for integrating project specifications with BIM workflows.
• Collaborate with QA staff and participate in phase initiation meetings with project teams.
• Coordinate with project teams to develop strategies for development of project-specific specifications.
• Prepare technical architectural specifications (CSI Divisions 0–14).
• Mentor staff and provide internal training; facilitate vendor relationships.
• Contribute to technical best practices and LIQUID group involvement.

Skills

Technical writing

Architectural knowledge

Collaboration

Communication

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Education

CSI CDT Certification

CSI CCS Certification

LEED Accredited Professional

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Deltek Specpoint

VisiSpec

Revit

Job description

LMN is seeking an outstanding candidate for the position of Specifications Writer. The ideal candidate is passionate about the built environment and possesses a strong understanding of architecture, interior design, building materials and construction systems. They enjoy collaborating with multi-disciplinary project teams and translating design intent into clear, comprehensive project specifications. This role offers flexibility in hybrid or remote work and part-time arrangements.

Responsibilities include:

• Maintaining LMN’s master set of Project Specifications.
• Developing strategies for integrating project specifications with BIM workflows.
• Collaborate with quality assurance staff and participate in phase initiation meetings with project teams.
• Coordinate with project teams to develop strategies for the development of project specific specifications. This will range from active specification writing to oversight of a team member as the primary author.
• Prepare technical architectural specifications, primarily involving CSI Divisions 0 through 14.
• Work constructively with project teams on the development of specifications appropriate for each project type and phase.
• Coordinate with consultants on preparation of other CSI Divisions.
• Research innovative products and systems and share findings with the firm.
• Mentor staff and provide internal training as appropriate.
• Facilitate vendor relationships.
• Contribute to the development of technical best practices.
• Participate as a core member of the LIQUID (Leadership In Quality & Innovative Design) group.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a range of architectural skills with a minimum of 5 years of experience writing specifications.
• Excellent technical writing skills.
• Experienced in technical documentation.
• Contract administration experience preferred.
• Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) CDT Certification preferred, CSI CCS certification is a plus.
• LEED accreditation preferred as is a strong understanding of sustainable design and healthy materials.
• Revit familiarity preferred.
• Ability to work both independently and in a highly collaborative team environment.
• Excellent communication, organizational and analytical skills.
• Ability to organize, schedule time for and process multiple projects at once.
• Excellent skills necessary with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Deltek Specpoint. VisiSpec familiarity a plus.

Office & Hybrid Hours

LMN’s standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. Employees collaborate in the office on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, while Fridays are hybrid workdays that allow employees to work in the office, from home, or another location of their choice. Core work hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., providing flexibility for employees to structure their schedules around personal commitments and commuting.

Compensation

This is a salaried position with a pay range of $120,000 to $140,000. Compensation will be based on experience and qualifications.

Benefits

LMN offers medical, dental, and vision insurance to employees and their families, along with an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Depending on the employee’s choice of health insurance coverage, a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and a Health Savings Account (HSA) are available, as well as a Dependent Care FSA for employees with eligible dependents. Employees are also covered by long-term disability insurance and group term life insurance. After meeting eligibility requirements, employees may enroll in the LMN 401(k) plan, which includes discretionary matching and profit-sharing contributions. Employees accrue a minimum of 3 weeks of paid time off (PTO) during their first year and observe 9 holidays, including 2 floating holidays.

About LMN

Located in downtown Seattle, LMN has dedicated our practice to the health and vitality of communities of all scales. We are a single office of talented professionals who are passionate about design and dedicated to collaboration. Working across a diversity of project typologies, LMN is internationally recognized for the planning and design of environments that elevate the social experience. In recognition of the quality of our work and professional leadership, LMN was the recipient of the 2016 AIA Architecture Firm Award, the highest national honor bestowed upon an architectural practice. More information on LMN is available on our website at www.lmnarchitects.com.

LMN expects all employees to support its equal employment opportunity policy and is committed to fostering a workplace where everyone can work in a productive, respectful, and professional environment. LMN does not tolerate discrimination against its employees on the basis of their race, sex/gender, religion/creed, political ideology, pregnancy, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, national origin, genetics/genetic markers, military or Veterans status, sexual orientation, actual or perceived status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.