Senior Specifications Writer

The Vancouver and Calgary studios of Perkins&Will are seeking a fulltime Senior Spec Writer. The incumbent is responsible for writing, editing, and coordinating architectural project specifications and related documents, including master specifications. This role could be performed remotely from anywhere in Canada.

Typical Years of Requisite Experience: 10+ years

Professional Licensure: Not Required

Common And Baseline Responsibilities

• Works in partnership with the local Operations and Technical Directors to provide guidance on use of proposed building products and materials, their suitability for the intended application, and suggests appropriate alternatives when needed.
• Implements existing policies and notes needed for Studio policy changes or updates.
• Works in tandem with Project Architects, Project Managers and the local Technical Director to schedule, allocate, and share workload to ensure adequate specifications coverage for all projects and to review project schedules for preparation of specification deliverables.
• Promotes in-house specifications procedures and processes, conducts learning and development workshops with Project Architects and Project Managers to inform project teams of the latest updates in Perkins&Will master specifications, and ensures latest references and standards are included in the Studio specification masters.
• Contributes to meeting Firm and project goals for excellence in design and execution and provides knowledgeable input on material product selection for LEED certification and Living Design.
• Demonstrates strong knowledge of interior and exterior building components, systems and assemblies, and material requirements for all project types in Perkins&Will’s Practice Areas.
• Plans, schedules, organizes, and prepares construction specifications for the milestone deliverables of projects (including outline specifications when required).
• Prepares Procurement Requirements when required; receives owner’s Division 00 documents for inclusion in Project Manual; coordinates specifications Table of Contents and Professional Seals pages with owner’s documents.
• Ensures project consultants receive the current specification formatting requirements.
• Receives and reviews project consultants’ specifications for coordination with Perkins&Will formatting requirements, Table of Contents, and Professional Seals pages.
• Maintains awareness of industry standards and stays informed about current references and resources, evolving building technology and systems, and building codes; ensures specifications are CSI- and code-compliant.
• Seeks first-hand knowledge of sustainable design ratings systems, products, materials, and construction processes.
• Assists teams in preparation of addenda during the bidding phase and responses to submittals, substitution requests, and RFIs during the Construction Contract Administration phase.
• Ensures tasks are completed in accordance with Perkins&Will standards and the Project Delivery Manual.
• Self-checks work for accuracy, omissions, and legibility.
• Collaborates with peer specification writers throughout the firm.
• Mentors and trains emerging design professionals on specifications content and processes.
• Implements a creative approach to plan and complete tasks and responsibilities on projects, within the scope of schedule and budget, in an organized, timely, and consistent way.
• Exhibits curiosity about design and the AEC industry at large.
• Communicates ideas and thoughts in a way that inspires others.
• Coordinates effectively and participates in meetings with clients, partners, and consultants.
• Functions as a leader in the Studio and with peer specifications writers throughout the firm.
  
  

High-level Summary Of Critical, Baseline Technical Skills And Certifications

Proficiencies

• Advanced understanding of architectural principles associated with project design and construction materials and methods
• Advanced knowledge of building materials, and codes construction techniques, and relative costs as well as building material characteristics, performance, and compatibility
• Advanced knowledge of CSI principles and AIA (US)/CCDC (Canada) Contract Documents
  
  

Software

• Deltek Master spec
• AIA Contract Software
• Word, Excel
• Adobe Suite
• RIB SpecLink
• Bluebeam Revu
  
  

Licensure/Certifications/Education

• Position requires a post-secondary bachelor’s degree, professional degree; professional degree in architecture preferred for continued advancement
• Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) CDT is required for this position
• LEED GA within 6 months of hire
• Professional Accreditation in one area of Living Design that interests you: LEED AP with Specialty, BREEAM AP, WELL AP, SITES AP, Passive House Institute Certified Passive House Consultant/Designer CPHC/CPHD, or ILFI Living Future Accreditation
• Professional Design Licensure (preferred)
• CCS preferred
  
  

The salary range for this role is $100,000 to $147,000.

If you describe yourself as a team player, proactive, enthusiastic, possess a high level of integrity and the willingness to make a significant contribution, we invite you to apply for this opportunity.

COVID-19 Health & Safety Policy

The health and safety of all employees is a priority. We presently require everyone to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to enter our studio or attend in-person client meetings or job site visits. This includes clients/guests coming to our studio. No waiver or requirement that the position advertised includes the capacity to be present in the studio is expressly or impliedly waived.

We thank all interested candidates but due to the volume of applicants, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

At Perkins&Will, we value diversity, inclusion, and equity. Our teams work collectively and respect each person’s unique perspective and contribution. Our diverse teams fuel innovation and creativity, which in turn support our excellence in design.

We believe that inclusion spurs creativity and that innovation is born from an engaged culture of diverse people and ideas. By moving beyond barriers and stereotypes of gender, race, colour, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, medical condition, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status; we are committed to building an organization that reflects the diversity of the communities and clients we serve.