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Role Description

Award-Winning 50-person distinguished architectural practice is actively seeking a Specifications Writer to join their growing Newport Beach, Solana Beach, Walnut Creek, or Ontario studio. This role is integral to supporting complex K-14 projects by developing and managing comprehensive architectural specifications that ensure quality, consistency, and technical accuracy across all project documentation.

• Partner closely with Project Managers and Project Architects to coordinate specification deliverables and effectively distribute workload across project teams.
• Create, organize, and maintain detailed architectural specifications for complex institutional projects across higher education and K-12 sectors, ensuring full compliance with project schedules, firm standards, and applicable codes.
• Provide authoritative guidance on building material and system selection, application, and sustainability considerations.
• Review and coordinate consultant specifications to ensure adherence to formatting standards, project manuals, and owner requirements.
• Continuously maintain and enhance firm master specifications by incorporating current codes, industry best practices, and emerging building technologies specific to institutional design.
• Assist with construction administration activities, including addenda preparation, RFI responses, substitution request reviews, and product submittal evaluations.
• Serve as the primary technical resource and mentor to design teams, promoting excellence in specification development practices.
• Position may require occasional travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Architectural Technology, Construction Management, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of dedicated experience developing architectural specifications. K-14 projects within the AEC industry are preferred.
• Comprehensive understanding of national and local building codes and reference standards, with demonstrated expertise in the International Building Code (IBC) and regulatory requirements specific to California jurisdictions.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies that support integrated practice, coordination, and efficient documentation processes.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication abilities with proven capacity to articulate technical concepts clearly and collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret project objectives and translate them into well-organized, code-compliant, and technically precise specifications.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple competing deadlines and priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous project experience in Higher Education, K-12, or other Institutional sectors.
• Professional certifications: CCS (Certified Construction Specifier), CDT (Construction Documents Technologist), LEED accreditation.