Specifications Writer

Klai Juba Wald Architecture + Interiors is seeking an experienced Specifications Writer to join our team as a key contributor to our practice. This individual will develop, coordinate, and deliver technical specifications and Project Manuals across a variety of complex architectural and interior design projects, ensuring high technical excellence and consistency.

Responsibilities

• Review architectural and interior design drawings, schedules, consultant documents, and other project information to ensure specifications are complete, accurate, and coordinated with the construction documents.
• Translate design intent and performance requirements into clear technical requirements for materials, products, systems, installation, testing, and quality standards.
• Partner with Project Managers, architects, designers, and consultants to maintain technical excellence, document quality, and consistency throughout project delivery.
• Prepare and review procurement and contracting requirements and coordinate specifications for complex projects involving multiple phases, bid packages, or construction packages.
• Develop, write, edit, and coordinate technical specifications and Project Manuals in accordance with CSI MasterFormat and applicable industry standards.
• Coordinate and review consultant specifications for completeness and conformance with project requirements and firm standards.
• Perform QA/QC reviews throughout design development and construction documentation, identifying discrepancies, coordination issues, and potential project risks.
• Serve as a technical resource to project teams, providing guidance on materials, building systems, constructability, product selection, and specification requirements.
• Research and evaluate building products, materials, systems, and emerging construction technologies, including coordination with manufacturers and product representatives.
• Maintain and continually improve the firm's Master Specifications, guide specifications, technical standards, and best practices, incorporating regional, sustainability, performance, and industry requirements.
• Support project teams during construction administration, including technical guidance related to RFIs, submittals, shop drawings, product substitutions, and maintaining design intent.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to less experienced staff and contribute to firmwide knowledge sharing and technical development.
• Manage specification deliverables in accordance with project schedules, budgets, deadlines, and work plans.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 8–10 years of architectural practice experience, including significant experience with construction documentation and technical project delivery.
• Minimum 3 years of direct experience in architectural specification writing and development.
• Experience with complex hospitality, gaming, entertainment, commercial, or large-scale public projects required.
• Experience coordinating drawings and specifications for complex, large-scale, and/or multi-phase projects.
• Professional architectural licensure, CDT (Construction Documents Technologist), and/or CCS (Certified Construction Specifier) credentials preferred.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of CSI MasterFormat, SectionFormat, and PageFormat and current specification-writing practices.
• Strong understanding of architectural materials, building systems, construction methods, building codes, accessibility requirements, procurement requirements, and contract documents.
• Ability to interpret design intent and translate it into clear, comprehensive, and technically accurate construction requirements.
• Strong technical writing, editing, research, organizational, and communication skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to identify coordination issues, inconsistencies, and potential project risks and collaborate effectively with architects, interior designers, consultants, contractors, manufacturers, and clients.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Bluebeam; experience with Deltek Specpoint, MasterSpec, Procore, or similar platforms preferred.

Schedule

This is a full-time, in-office position. The employee is expected to work from their assigned Klai Juba Wald office Monday through Friday during standard business hours.

Benefits

We are 100% employee-owned, meaning our people are personally invested in the success of every client and project.