Specifications Writer

ZGF Architects; Washington; On-site; USD 115,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

401k with employer match

4 weeks PTO and 10 paid holidays

Job summary

ZGF Architects seeks a seasoned Specifications Writer for its Washington, D.C. office.

You will lead the creation, editing and coordination of project specifications for interiors and exteriors, ensuring alignment with design intent and technical accuracy. A tenacious, collaborative professional with 10+ years of experience thrives in a multidisciplinary team and supports QA/QC across complex, multi-phase projects.

Qualifications

• Architectural degree and/or licensure pursued or completed.
• 10+ years experience in architectural specifications and document control.
• Strong writing, spelling and editing abilities with attention to detail.
• Experience in construction administration for large-scale, complex projects.
• Familiarity with MasterSpec, SpecLink, BI/MIS tools and LEED or sustainable programs.

Responsibilities

• Edit and maintain project specifications per established procedures.
• Review, edit, and create technical specification sections.
• Develop written requirements for products, procedures and standards.
• Collaborate with product reps and staff for research and validation.
• Assist with RFIs, submittals, and project administration as needed.
• Support team in achieving quality, schedule and budget goals.

Skills

Communication skills

Collaboration

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Prioritization

Education

Architecture degree

Architectural license

CSI CDT/CCS certificate

Tools

RIB SpecLink Cloud

MasterSpec

Microsoft Office

Bluebeam Studio

Newforma

Revit

Job description

ZGF is seeking a Specifications Writer to join our team in our Washington D.C office with at least 10 years of experience. Each day we ideate, collaborate, and create, supported by a culturally diverse group of architectural professionals. Our team thrives on multi-disciplinary engagement while practicing at the intersection of architecture, interiors, and urban design and are distinguished by our creative and intellectual curiosity.

As a Specifications Writer , you will…

• Be a well-rounded strategic thinker with an integrated approach to design and technical project resolution.
• Bring a proven track-record of success with complex, multi-phase projects.
• Participate in setting direction for the execution of project goals and objectives, definition of scope, selection of items for investigation, and development of novel concepts and methods.
• Edit and maintain project specifications per established procedures.
• Review, edit, and create technical specification sections.
• Create the written requirements for the products, procedures, and standards for complex projects.
• Develop relationships with product representatives.
• Assist staff in conducting product research.
• Assist with ongoing editing and revisions of ZGF master specifications.
• Occasionally assist with other project administration duties including responding to RFIs or submittals.
• Seek engagement and collaboration at all levels, including the internal and external design team, toward design solutions.
• Be energized to create something new every day and eager to collaborate in a team.
• Participate in the effective performance of the project team regarding project quality, schedule, and budget.
• Be calm under pressure and be able to prioritize tasks across multiple projects or assignments.

Qualifications:

• Professional architecture degree preferred, or related degree considered.
• Architectural license preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience.
• Must be articulate with excellent communication skills and writing abilities; excellent spelling, grammatical and typing abilities.
• Experience in Construction Administration for large-scale and technically complex projects.
• CSI CDT or CCS certificate preferred, though not required.
• Experience with knowledge management and building information management systems.
• Proficient with RIB SpecLink Cloud.
• Experience with MasterSpec.
• Proficient, if not an expert, in Microsoft Suite, Bluebeam Studio, Newforma.
• Familiarity with Revit.
• Experience with LEED and/or other sustainable certification systems required.
• Strong oral and written communication skills to support a collaborative teamwork environment.
• Ability to be an effective collaborator and contributor to a geographically dispersed project team.
• Experience specifying both interiors and exteriors.

Base Salary Range

$115,000/yr - $160,000/yr depending on experience

Benefits

ZGF Employees Enjoy Medical, Dental and Vision coverage with a generous employer contribution, HSA with employer contribution, 401k with employer match, 4 weeks of PTO and 10 paid holidays per year, paid parental and family leave programs.

We know that great projects take more than a design team to become a reality. Whether you’re a finance professional, project manager, or specialist in another field, your expertise helps create a healthier, more equitable built environment. Studies show that women and people from underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t check every box—your skills and experiences may be exactly what we need.

ZGF Architects is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. As an equal opportunity employer, we celebrate the unique qualities and perspectives that each individual brings to our team. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities to apply. Regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law, we are excited to consider qualified candidates.