Architectural Specifications Writer

NBBJ is seeking a talented individual to join our firmwide, interdisciplinary team of specialists and thought-leaders as an Architectural Specifications Writer. This position involves technical consulting and contract document production services to project teams throughout the development of each project. We are open to both Intermediate and Senior level Writers.

The NBBJ Specifications team employs a "One Team, One Approach" method of preparing specifications and engaging with project teams. This approach provides clarity and consistency among specifiers and project teams, resulting in high quality, well-coordinated documents. We strive to be positive, approachable team players who communicate openly and transparently with fellow specifiers, subject matter experts, and project teams across the firm.

The Architectural Specification Writer will be part of NBBJ’s Studio N, a firmwide studio that is built with thought leaders and experts from across the firm, brought together as an interdisciplinary team. This opportunity is available in any of our United States NBBJ offices: Boston, Charlotte, Columbus, Los Angeles, New York, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco or Seattle.

In your new role, you will:

• Integrate with the project teams and participate in setting direction for project goals and objectives, definition of scope
• Prepare the Project Manual
• Prepare and coordinate the Conditions of the Contract
• Coordinate specifications withdrawings/BIM
• Coordinate architectural specifications with those of engineering and other disciplines
• Perform QA/QC reviews of deliverables
• Support Construction Administration teams review of submittals, substitutions, and requests for information
• Balance multiple project teams and project types.
• Develop and maintain firm-wide specification masters
• Research materials and products for performance and sustainability
• Participate in firmwide documentation standards team and coordinate specifications with BIM
• Contribute to specifications initiatives

What you will need to Succeed:

• 4-year college degree in Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management
• For Intermediate Specification Writers:Minimum of five years of experience working as an architect, engineer, or construction manager, three of those years with a demonstrated focus on specifications
• For Senior Specification Writers:Minimum of ten years of experience working as an architect, engineer, or construction manager, five of those years with a demonstrated focus on specifications
• Experience with AIA MasterSpec content
• Experience with one or more of the leading specification authoring solutions, cloud-based and otherwise
• Experience with word processing software such as MS Word
• Experience with collaboration tools including Smartsheet, Bluebeam, Mural, and Microsoft Teams
• Experience researching and selecting sustainable materials and developing sustainability requirements in specifications
• Knowledge of and commitment to current and emerging best practices in sustainable, resilient, and equitable materials with the ability to inform and guide firm practices and advance team knowledge
• CSI Construction Documents Technologist (CDT) credentialis desirable
• CSI Certified Construction Specifier (CCS) credential is desirable
• LEED, WELL, ILFI or other sustainable design credential(s) are desirable

Essential Skills and Knowledge:

• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret documents including contracts, drawings, specifications, design narratives, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to gather, analyze and synthesize complex or diverse information
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate complex information with diverse teams
• Broad knowledge of architectural systems, products, and installation practices
• Specialized experience in one or more of the following practice areas: healthcare, science, education, commercial, civic. Experience with State of California’s Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) a plus.
• Knowledge of Facilities Guidelines Institute (FGI) codes and handbooks a plus
• Demonstrated ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and plan work activities, using time efficiently
• Demonstrated accuracy, thoroughness, and quality control of your own work
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to changes in the work environment, manage competing demands, and deal with frequent changes, delays, or unexpected events
• Demonstrated ability to preserve core document quality principles while adapting to the project needs
• Lead with a positive disposition, and interest in collaboration and mentorship with design teams

For candidates located in California, New York, and Washington, the annual base pay range for this Intermediate to Senior role is anticipated to be between $89,000 - $130,000. In addition to base salary, employees may be eligible for bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package. Actual compensation for successful candidates will be carefully determined based on a number of factors, including their skills, qualifications and experience.

NBBJ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F Disabled and Vet EEO/AA Employer.