Specification Writer

Job Responsibilities

1. Write, edit, coordinate, and produce architectural interior design landscape outline specifications and 3-part specifications for material qualities and properties utilizing knowledge of material standards, construction processes, or manufacturing procedures at various stages of the design project from Schematic Design to Final Design.
2. Interpret architectural landscape engineering and interior design plans and prepare material lists and specifications to be used as standards by contractors related to building construction activities.
3. Review drawings and other documents to enable writing and editing architectural specifications per industry standards established by CSI MasterFormat.
4. Conduct product research including review and evaluation of product literature, manufacturers' company profiles, testing, and material standards, including international and local codes and sustainability rating systems (Estidama Green Building and LEED) as necessary to ensure that materials and methods are appropriate for each project.
5. Interpret project design requirements and translate those requirements into materials, methods, equipment, procedures, installation, and testing necessary to provide specification narrative descriptions which are used to procure, install, and erect building components.
6. Collaborate with project architects, managers, and designers in product and material selection. Perform materials product and finishes research. Coordinate with design teams and consultants and assist with material and system constructability analysis.
7. Prepare and review the procurement and contracting requirements including Division 0 and Division 1 sections. Coordinate those requirements with technical sections of specifications.
8. Participate in QA/QC reviews and checks on project documents at various phases of project development. Provide technical advice from design development through construction administration phases.
9. Coordinate and review engineering and consultant technical specifications and compile all into complete Project Manual.
10. Provide Design/Project Managers with status reports of progress on architectural documents.
11. Ability to complete assignments efficiently, accurately, and in a timely manner, and self-perform quality control on work prior to publication.
12. The ability to provide technical guidance in architectural design in addition to specification writing is a plus.
13. Stay current with product and system development, new methods and materials, code changes, and industry trends.
14. Educate staff on issues related to specifications, keynoting technical materials information, new product materials, and new technology.
15. Ensure all necessary updates are made and align with the ID Schedules. Constant coordination with the relevant discipline is a must.
16. Research new and innovative products and be a resource for new and changing building products by updating the firm with important specification-related changes.
17. Act as a resource for technical questions, technical detail review, submittal review, and material and product selections.
18. Maintain organized records of specifications revisions and related documentation for each project.