Specifications Writer

About the role

Join SMMA, a celebrated design firm with offices in Cambridge, MA, Providence, RI, and Manchester, NH, as a Construction Specifications Writer. You will report directly to the Architecture Department Manager and work closely alongside the Senior Construction Specifications Writer. We welcome candidates who prefer specialization within specific markets or enjoy working across diverse sectors, including K12 schools, higher education facilities, workplace, federal government facilities, commercial development, and research laboratory spaces. Your success will contribute to SMMA’s reputation for collaborative design excellence and help raise our collective intelligence through internal research and knowledge sharing.

Responsibilities

• Write architectural technical specifications for each phase of the project based on decisions made and information furnished by the Project Manager and Project Architect.
• Coordinate specifications among internal disciplines and consultant specifications, ensuring consistency in format and language.
• Write Uniformat specifications for schematic design.
• Coordinate the Project Manual for construction documents using SMMA’s Master specifications and MasterSpec, following MasterFormat templates.
• Coordinate contracting, bidding, and front-end documents for client review.
• Undertake project research as agreed upon with the Project Architect.
• Review drawings for coordination with specifications.
• Review specifications prepared by project engineers and consultants for coordination with the Project Manual.
• Prepare and coordinate addenda.
• Assist in responding to RFIs.
• Assist in evaluating submittals and requests for substitutions.
• Assist in interpreting the Contract Specifications.
• Assist the Specifications Group Leader in maintaining SMMA’s specification masters for different project types and delivery methods.
• Assist in educating staff on the coordination and use of specifications.
• Conduct product research to maintain SMMA’s Master Specification.
• Research available guide specifications, spec production software, and manufacturers’ guide specifications.

Qualifications

• Understanding of MasterSpec and MasterFormat specification systems.
• Understanding of AIA contracts, forms, and documents.
• CSI-Certification: CDT, CCS, CCCA, CCPR, or other involvement in the Construction Specifications Institute.
• Architectural, construction, or engineering education, and more than 5 years’ experience working on projects in an architectural, contracting, product representative, or engineering capacity.
• Excellent written, graphic, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong word processing skills and Internet search and retrieval skills.
• Pluses: Registered Architect or Registered Engineer; background in USGBC/LEED or other sustainability rubric systems; experience with Revit or other BIM modeling software; experience with SpecsIntact or other specifications software.

About SMMA

SMMA is one of New England’s most unique design firms due to our composition, reputation, and focus. Based in Cambridge since 1955, we offer an integrated, multidisciplinary environment driven by collaboration between architects, engineers, technologists, researchers, and industry experts. We build lasting relationships with strategic partners across public and private sectors, with work spanning K-12, higher education, corporate, commercial, life science, federal government, and advanced technology projects. As an employee-owned firm, we believe good ideas come from anywhere. Our work reflects a shared commitment to design excellence, sustainability, and social responsibility.

Benefits

• Employee-owned firm (ESOP).
• Hybrid work-from-home policy.
• Competitive benefits package.
• Company-funded MA Paid Family and Medical Leave.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Mentor/protégé program.
• Educational and licensure reimbursement.
• Professional development opportunities.

Pay

The approximate pay range for this position is $95,000 - $130,000.

Please note: SMMA does not offer H-1B visa sponsorship for this position.