Our Atlanta Perkins&Will studio is looking for Specifications Writers to lead project teams throughout the written construction documents process. These individuals will be responsible for writing, editing, and coordinating specifications and related written construction documents for a variety of building types and construction types, including Healthcare, Higher-Ed, K-12, Science & Technology, Commercial / Civic, and Corporate Interiors. Candidates will advance in knowledge and experience with the objective of improving and enhancing the technical quality of the instruments of service produced by the Firm, through knowledge and information management, research, and education, and by working towards serving as a technical resource to members of the project team throughout the southeast region. Ideally a candidate would be located in a location where we have a studio, Atlanta, Miami, Charlotte or Raleigh, however, qualified, remote candidates who might be willing to travel occasionally will be considered.
As a Specifications Writer on the Perkins&Will team, you will:
- Work in partnership with the Technical Director and Operations Director to provide guidance on use of proposed building products and materials, their suitability for the intended application, and suggests alternatives when appropriate.
- Have a strong knowledge of building envelope components, interior plans, and material requirements of all building and facility types.
- Understand and contribute to meeting Firm and project goals for excellence in design, execution, and sustainability.
- Work in tandem with Project Managers and the Technical Director to schedule, allocate, and share workload to ensure adequate coverage for all projects.
- Plan, schedule, organize, and prepare construction specifications for the various phases / milestone deliverables of projects (including outline specifications when required).
- Work with Project Managers to provide knowledgeable input on material product selection for LEED certification.
- Prepare Procurement Requirements when required; receive owner’s Division 00 documents for inclusion in Project Manual; coordinate specifications Table of Contents and Professional Seals pages with owner’s documents.
- Ensure consultants receive and follow most current specification formatting requirements.
- Receive and review consultants’ specifications for coordination with Perkins&Will formatting requirements, Table of Contents, and Professional Seals pages.
- Maintain awareness of evolving building technology, systems, and building codes and ensure baseline specs are up to date with CSI and code compliant.
- Research new products, materials, and construction processes.
- Maintain awareness of industry reference standards and sources/locations. Ensure all latest references and standards are embedded in most current studio specifications templates.
- Maintain awareness of sustainable design ratings systems and sustainable products and materials.
- Maintain knowledge of and promote in-house specifications procedures and process. Conduct learning and development workshops with Project Managers to inform the group of the latest updates in Perkins&Will Masterspec.
- Encouraged to suggest new policies, and changes to existing policies, with Director of Operations and Technical Director and work closely with Technical Director to deliver Technical Excellence Program.
- Assist teams in preparation of addenda.
- Assist teams during Construction Administration phase to review submittals, substitution requests, and specifications related to RFI’s.
- Ensure tasks are completed in accordance with Perkins&Will standards and the Project Delivery
- Work in tandem with Technical Director to review project schedule for preparation of specification deliverables.
- Organize and plan accordingly to execute tasks and meet project deadlines.
- Self-check work for accuracy, omissions, and legibility.
- Collaborate with peer specification writers throughout the firm.
- Collaborate and provide specifications guidance in regional studios in Georgia, North Carolina, and Florida so familiarity with codes in these states is required.
- Mentor and train emerging professional and project managers on the specifications process.
To join us, you should have:
- 8-10+ years of professional experience.
- Post-secondary bachelor’s degree, Professional Degree in Architecture preferred.
- Basic understanding of architectural principles associated with project design and construction materials and
- Basic knowledge of building materials and codes, construction techniques, and relative costs, as well as building material characteristics, performance, and compatibility.
- Knowledge of CSI principles and AIA contract documents.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills; exemplary organizational skills.
- Proficient in MS Word and Excel required.
- Collaborative and professional work
- Revit experience preferred but not required.
- LEED AP BD+C or equivalent.
- Experience working with building codes in Florida is preferred.
Qualified and interested candidates should submit a resume and work samples. Include your resume and a compact, representative sample of your work (no larger than 6MB).
Perkins&Will is an equal opportunity employer and supports talent from diverse backgrounds that bring experiences, viewpoints and solutions that best serve our clients, community and enrich our work environment. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and active-duty wartime, campaign badge veterans or Armed Forces, service medal veterans are encouraged to apply.
EOE/M/F/V/D