Architectural Specification Writer

Job Title: Senior Architectural Specifications Writer

Job Description

The Senior Architectural Specifications Writer leads the preparation, coordination, and ongoing management of architectural specifications across all phases of large, complex projects. This role ensures that all project documentation aligns with design intent, regulatory requirements, contract obligations, and internal standards while supporting quality, constructability, and consistency across multidisciplinary teams. Serving as a key technical resource, this position bridges design, documentation, and construction processes and acts as a subject matter expert for project teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop, review, and coordinate comprehensive project specifications, including Division 01 General Requirements, ensuring alignment with drawings, project delivery methods, and owner contract requirements.
• Translate design concepts into clear, enforceable specifications that define materials, systems, installation methods, and performance criteria.
• Collaborate closely with project managers, architects, designers, and consultants to maintain technical consistency and compliance across all disciplines.
• Support procurement processes by preparing and reviewing specification-related documentation and ensuring alignment with project delivery and contract structures.
• Review submittals, RFIs, substitutions, and shop drawings for conformance with specifications and provide timely, well-documented responses.
• Provide constructability and quality assurance input from design development through construction documentation to support successful project delivery.
• Contribute to the development, refinement, and maintenance of firmwide master specifications, document standards, and best practices.
• Develop and maintain sustainable specification content aligned with leading sustainability frameworks and certification systems.
• Engage with vendor and manufacturer partners to support product research, evaluate materials and systems, and stay current with industry innovations.
• Act as an internal technical advisor and subject matter expert to project teams, offering guidance on specification strategy, material selection, and risk mitigation.
• Participate in and contribute to training, mentoring, and knowledge-sharing initiatives to elevate specification quality across the firm.
• Collaborate across offices and teams to standardize processes, improve workflows, and support continuous improvement in documentation quality.
• Assist in resolving technical coordination challenges that arise during design and construction, ensuring that specifications support practical, buildable solutions.
• Utilize digital tools for specification management and workflow coordination, such as Smartsheet or similar platforms, to track tasks and maintain documentation.
• Support design-build and other alternative project delivery methods with appropriately structured specifications and procurement documentation.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in specifications writing for an architecture firm.
• Approximately 15 years of architectural practice experience, including at least 5 years focused on specifications development.
• Deep knowledge of building systems, construction materials, and products, including their appropriate selection and application in design projects.
• Extensive experience developing and coordinating Division 01 General Requirements and aligning specifications with project delivery methods and owner contracts.
• Proven ability to interpret design drawings and translate them into clear, technically accurate, and enforceable specifications.
• Strong understanding of procurement processes and contract alignment as they relate to specification development.
• Solid working knowledge of applicable building codes, regulations, and industry standards.
• Experience supporting quality management processes and resolving technical coordination issues on multidisciplinary project teams.
• Experience working on large-scale, multi-phase architectural projects across multiple project types such as multifamily, cultural, commercial, healthcare, education, institutional, or historic preservation.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to effectively advise project teams, coordinate with consultants, and engage with external vendors.
• Proficiency with digital tools used for specification management and workflow coordination, such as Smartsheet or similar platforms.
• Bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience contributing to master specification development, document standardization, and process improvement initiatives.
• Familiarity with sustainability frameworks and the ability to guide material selection in support of environmental and certification goals.
• Experience with design-build project procurement and other alternative delivery methods.
• Registered Architect license preferred.
• NCARB registration preferred.
• Accreditation or Green Associate credential related to sustainability preferred.
• Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) CDT certification or higher preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively on large, high-profile, and complex projects.
• Interest in mentoring others and participating in firmwide training and knowledge-sharing programs.

Work Environment

The role operates in a collaborative, hybrid work environment with a team of approximately 30-40 employees. Team members typically work in the office on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with the option to work from home on Monday and Friday. The culture emphasizes a work-hard/play-hard mindset, with regular fun office events each quarter and a highly collaborative atmosphere. The firm offers exposure to a wide variety of sectors and project types, including large, high-profile, and exciting projects, allowing professionals to diversify their experience beyond a single studio model. The organization provides clear career paths, supporting both upward progression and opportunities to broaden technical and sector knowledge. Professional growth is encouraged through paid exams for licenses, coverage of license-related taxes, and support for industry and association participation. The firm offers a competitive paid time off program starting at 20 days of PTO plus 10 paid holidays, along with annual raises and performance-based bonuses. The company has a long-standing presence in Florida and emphasizes stability, continuous learning, and cross-office collaboration in a modern, technology-enabled setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Washington, DC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $140000.00/yr.

Competitive salaries Annual discretionary bonuses and profit sharing 401(K) plans with matching investment Medical, dental and vision plans Mental health counseling Paid parental leave for new parents Tuition reimbursement Reimbursement for licensure fees, bonus for completing licensure Paid membership to a professional organization Paid time off and holidays

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Washington,DC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 29, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.