Job Description

Specifications Writer

Award-Winning 50-person distinguished architectural practice is actively seeking a Specifications Writer to join their growing Newport Beach, Solana Beach, Walnut Creek, or Ontario studio. The firm possesses expertise in programming, planning, design, and management services, primarily catering to Educational Facilities for over three decades. With offices located in Orange County, San Diego, and East Bay, this firm boasts a wealth of professional knowledge, talent, and personalized commitment to its clients. The studios embrace hybrid work arrangements and prioritize the professional development and growth of their designers, architects, and managers.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Specifications Writer to join an architecture & interiors team in a full-time, in-house capacity. This role is integral to supporting complex K-14 projects by developing and managing comprehensive architectural specifications that ensure quality, consistency, and technical accuracy across all project documentation. The successful candidate will contribute to projects of varying scale and complexity while maintaining the firm's high standards for technical excellence and documentation quality.

Key Responsibilities:

• Team Collaboration: Partner closely with Project Managers and Project Architects to coordinate specification deliverables and effectively distribute workload across project teams
• Project Specifications Development: Create, organize, and maintain detailed architectural specifications for complex institutional projects across higher education and K-12 sectors, ensuring full compliance with project schedules, firm standards, and applicable codes
• Technical Expertise: Provide authoritative guidance on building material and system selection, application, and sustainability considerations
• Quality Assurance: Review and coordinate consultant specifications to ensure adherence to formatting standards, project manuals, and owner requirements
• Standards Management: Continuously maintain and enhance firm master specifications by incorporating current codes, industry best practices, and emerging building technologies specific to institutional design
• Construction Support: Assist with construction administration activities, including addenda preparation, RFI responses, substitution request reviews, and product submittal evaluations
• Knowledge Leadership: Serve as the primary technical resource and mentor to design teams, promoting excellence in specification development practices
• Travel: Position may require occasional travel

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Architectural Technology, Construction Management, or related field
• Experience: Minimum 7 years of dedicated experience developing architectural specifications. K-14 projects within the AEC industry are preferred.
• Technical Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of national and local building codes and reference standards, with demonstrated expertise in the International Building Code (IBC) and regulatory requirements specific to California jurisdictions
• Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with emerging technologies that support integrated practice, coordination, and efficient documentation processes
• Communication Skills: Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication abilities with proven capacity to articulate technical concepts clearly and collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams
• Analytical Abilities: Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret project objectives and translate them into well-organized, code-compliant, and technically precise specifications
• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple competing deadlines and priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous project experience in Higher Education, K-12, or other Institutional sectors
• Professional certifications: CCS (Certified Construction Specifier), CDT (Construction Documents Technologist), LEED accreditation

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