Senior Specification Writer jobs in United States
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Perkins&Will · 1 day ago

Senior Specification Writer

Perkins&Will is an architectural firm known for its commitment to design excellence and sustainability. The Senior Specification Writer will collaborate with various teams to ensure that project specifications are accurate, compliant, and reflect the latest industry standards while mentoring emerging professionals in the field.

ArchitectureInterior DesignSustainability
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H1B Sponsor Likelynote

Responsibilities

Works in partnership with the local Operations and Technical Directors to provide guidance on use of proposed building products and materials, their suitability for the intended application, and suggests appropriate alternatives when needed
Implements existing policies and notes needed for Studio policy changes or updates
Works in tandem with Project Architects, Project Managers and the local Technical Director to schedule, allocate, and share workload to ensure adequate specifications coverage for all projects and to review project schedules for preparation of specification deliverables
Promotes in-house specifications procedures and processes, conducts learning and development workshops with Project Architects and Project Managers to inform project teams of the latest updates in Perkins&Will master specifications, and ensures latest references and standards are included in the Studio specification masters
Contributes to meeting Firm and project goals for excellence in design and execution and provides knowledgeable input on material product selection for LEED certification and Living Design
Demonstrates strong knowledge of interior and exterior building components, systems and assemblies, and material requirements for all project types in Perkins&Will’s Practice Areas
Plans, schedules, organizes, and prepares construction specifications for the milestone deliverables of projects (including outline specifications when required)
Prepares Procurement Requirements when required; receives owner’s Division 00 documents for inclusion in Project Manual; coordinates specifications Table of Contents and Professional Seals pages with owner’s documents
Ensures project consultants receive the current specification formatting requirements
Receives and reviews project consultants’ specifications for coordination with Perkins&Will formatting requirements, Table of Contents, and Professional Seals pages
Maintains awareness of industry standards and stays informed about current references and resources, evolving building technology and systems, and building codes; ensures specifications are CSI- and code-compliant
Seeks first-hand knowledge of sustainable design ratings systems, products, materials, and construction processes
Assists teams in preparation of addenda during the bidding phase and responses to submittals, substitution requests, and RFIs during the Construction Contract Administration phase
Ensures tasks are completed in accordance with Perkins&Will standards and the Project Delivery Manual
Self-checks work for accuracy, omissions, and legibility
Collaborates with peer specification writers throughout the firm
Mentors and trains emerging design professionals on specifications content and processes
Implements a creative approach to plan and complete tasks and responsibilities on projects, within the scope of schedule and budget, in an organized, timely, and consistent way
Exhibits curiosity about design and the AEC industry at large
Communicates ideas and thoughts in a way that inspires others
Coordinates effectively and participates in meetings with clients, partners, and consultants
Functions as a leader in the Studio and with peer specifications writers throughout the firm

Qualification

Architectural principlesBuilding materials knowledgeCSI principlesDeltek Master specAIA Contract SoftwareLEED GAProfessional Design LicensureWordExcelAdobe SuiteRIB SpecLinkBluebeam RevuMentoringCommunicationCollaboration

Required

Works in partnership with the local Operations and Technical Directors to provide guidance on use of proposed building products and materials, their suitability for the intended application, and suggests appropriate alternatives when needed
Implements existing policies and notes needed for Studio policy changes or updates
Works in tandem with Project Architects, Project Managers and the local Technical Director to schedule, allocate, and share workload to ensure adequate specifications coverage for all projects and to review project schedules for preparation of specification deliverables
Promotes in-house specifications procedures and processes, conducts learning and development workshops with Project Architects and Project Managers to inform project teams of the latest updates in Perkins&Will master specifications, and ensures latest references and standards are included in the Studio specification masters
Contributes to meeting Firm and project goals for excellence in design and execution and provides knowledgeable input on material product selection for LEED certification and Living Design
Demonstrates strong knowledge of interior and exterior building components, systems and assemblies, and material requirements for all project types in Perkins&Will's Practice Areas
Plans, schedules, organizes, and prepares construction specifications for the milestone deliverables of projects (including outline specifications when required)
Prepares Procurement Requirements when required; receives owner's Division 00 documents for inclusion in Project Manual; coordinates specifications Table of Contents and Professional Seals pages with owner's documents
Ensures project consultants receive the current specification formatting requirements
Receives and reviews project consultants' specifications for coordination with Perkins&Will formatting requirements, Table of Contents, and Professional Seals pages
Maintains awareness of industry standards and stays informed about current references and resources, evolving building technology and systems, and building codes; ensures specifications are CSI- and code-compliant
Seeks first-hand knowledge of sustainable design ratings systems, products, materials, and construction processes
Assists teams in preparation of addenda during the bidding phase and responses to submittals, substitution requests, and RFIs during the Construction Contract Administration phase
Ensures tasks are completed in accordance with Perkins&Will standards and the Project Delivery Manual
Self-checks work for accuracy, omissions, and legibility
Collaborates with peer specification writers throughout the firm
Mentors and trains emerging design professionals on specifications content and processes
Implements a creative approach to plan and complete tasks and responsibilities on projects, within the scope of schedule and budget, in an organized, timely, and consistent way
Exhibits curiosity about design and the AEC industry at large
Communicates ideas and thoughts in a way that inspires others
Coordinates effectively and participates in meetings with clients, partners, and consultants
Functions as a leader in the Studio and with peer specifications writers throughout the firm
Advanced understanding of architectural principles associated with project design and construction materials and methods
Advanced knowledge of building materials, and codes construction techniques, and relative costs as well as building material characteristics, performance, and compatibility
Advanced knowledge of CSI principles and AIA (US)/CCDC (Canada) Contract Documents
Deltek Master spec
AIA Contract Software
Word, Excel
Adobe Suite
RIB SpecLink
Bluebeam Revu
Position requires a post-secondary bachelor's degree, professional degree; professional degree in architecture preferred for continued advancement
Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) CDT is required for this position
LEED GA within 6 months of hire
Professional Accreditation in one area of Living Design that interests you: LEED AP with Specialty, BREEAM AP, WELL AP, SITES AP, Passive House Institute Certified Passive House Consultant/Designer CPHC/CPHD, or ILFI Living Future Accreditation

Preferred

Professional Design Licensure
CSI and CCS

Company

Perkins&Will

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Since 1935, we’ve believed that design has the power to make the world a better, more beautiful place.

H1B Sponsorship

Perkins&Will has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (62)
2024 (40)
2023 (62)
2022 (42)
2021 (22)
2020 (44)

Funding

Current Stage
Late Stage

Leadership Team

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Dana Waymire
Principal
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Gina Berndt
Principal, Chief Marketing Officer
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Company data provided by crunchbase