Architectural Specification Writer

Why join us?  

It’s an exciting time at AtkinsRéalis! We are rapidly growing in the US. Our company purpose is to build a better world for our planet and its people. We recognize the importance of making sure that our clients and employees, feel this purpose every day. AtkinsRéalis is proud of our company culture that promotes, diversity, equity and inclusion. Our company ethos include collaboration through the connection of people, data and technology. We are a global firm, who leverages having employees located throughout the world, creating valuable partnerships and doing our part to make this planet and its people, thrive.  We need energetic, passionate and eager professionals like you to join our team. There has never been a better time to be a part of AtkinsRéalis!  We are seeking a Specification Writer to join our growing teams in Washington, DC, Tampa, Fl, Miami, Fl. Houston, Tx, Dallas, Tx,  Denver,CO and Austin, TX.

AtkinsRéalis seeks a senior Architectural Specification Writer with excellent design and communications skills. Preferably the candidate filling this position would also be able to provide technical architectural guidance and quality control oversight in addition to specification writing. Successful candidate will work with all levels of staff within the firm and will take initiative to research and develop project specifications from start to finish.

About Us  

AtkinsRéalis is one of the world’s most respected design, engineering and project management consultancies. AtkinsRéalis has been providing infrastructure planning, engineering, construction, environmental consulting, urban planning, architecture, and program management services to public and private clients across the United States for more than 50 years. AtkinsRéalis has the depth and breadth of expertise to respond to the most technically challenging and time-critical infrastructure projects and the urgent transition to a low-carbon economy. 

How will you contribute to the team?  

• Write, edit, coordinate, and produce architectural outline specifications and 3-part specifications for various types of projects. 
• Oversee preparation of complete Project Manuals for projects of different scales and complexity.
• Review drawings and other documents to enable writing and editing architectural specifications per industry standards established by CSI MasterFormat.
• Collaborate and coordinate with multiple project teams and consultants to provide refine information included in the construction documents - drawings and specifications.
• Coordinate compliance with project requirements, firm standards, and existing laws, regulations, rules, and codes.
• Interpret project design requirements and translate those requirements into materials, methods, equipment, procedures, installation, and testing necessary to provide specification narrative descriptions which are used to procure, install, and erect building components.
• Perform QC review of design drawings for quality control, technical accuracy and coordination with specifications in BlueBeam or another digital format.
• Collaborate with project architects, managers, and designers in product and material selection.  Perform materials, product and finishes research. Coordinate with design teams and consultants and assist with material and system constructability analysis.
• Incorporate sustainable design solutions into projects.
• Prepare and review the procurement and contracting requirements, including Division 0 and Division 1 sections.  Coordinate those requirements with technical sections of specifications.
• Participate in QA/QC reviews and checks on project documents at various phases of project development.  Provide technical advice from design development through construction administration phases.
• Coordinate specification with BIM strategies and specification writing software.
• Coordinate and review engineering and consultant technical specifications and compile all into complete Project Manual.
• Provide specification support through Construction Administration.  Support CA team to ensure design intent is met during construction.  Assist team during construction phase to evaluate substitutions, submittals, and respond to RFIs.  Obtain feedback relative to specified product performance during CA.
• Provide Sr. Architects / Project Managers with status reports of progress on architectural documents.
• Ability to complete assignments efficiently, accurately, and in a timely manner and self-perform quality control on work prior to publication.
• Communicate regularly with the team and stay within the hours budgeted for tasks assigned.
• Strong time management and organizational skills required.
• Possess an Entrepreneurial spirit and a desire for career advancement.
• Resume with a large variety of project types both in size and complexity a plus.
• Performs such other duties as the Supervisor determine necessary to support the Architecture Practice.
• The Ability to provide technical guidance in architectural design in addition to specification writing is a plus.
• Assist in research and be a resource for new and changing building products.
• Develop, meet with, and maintain relationships with product representatives.
• Participate in developing and improving document standards and best practice procedures, coordinating with design, specification, LEED, QA/QC, and construction administration personnel.
• Stay current with product and system development, new methods and materials, code changes, and industry trends.
• Educate staff on issues related to specifications, keynoting, technical materials information, new product materials, and new technology.
• Research new and innovative products and update firm with important specification-related changes.
• Coordinate the scheduling and production of Project Manuals with teams for creation of on-time deliverables.
• Maintain technical documents and informational databases (codes, standards, technical literature).  Maintain list of technical resource contacts.
• Act as a resource for technical questions, technical detail review, submittal review, and material and product selections.
• Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:
• Familiarity will all types of specification formats
• Excellent written and verbal communication, organizational, and analytical skills.  Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong knowledge of architectural design, engineering coordination, design trends, products, construction methodology, building systems, material application and manufacturer/supplier appropriateness.
• Strong knowledge of construction procedures and schedules.
• Firm understanding of materials and methods, building codes and regulations, industry standards, CSI MasterFormat, construction contracts, and similar specification-related information.
• Strong knowledge of building envelope components, interior plans, and material requirements of all building and facility types.
• Strong knowledge of building codes, energy compliance requirements, OSHA, ADAAG standards, federal and state compliance requirements
• Ability to research and apply/incorporate findings into technical documents.
• General understanding of civil, structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and similar building systems.
• Ability to work both independently and in a highly collaborative team environment.
• Proficiency in specification software programs.  Proficiency in MS Office, including Word, Excel and Outlook.  Knowledge of Autodesk BIM 360 and Bluebeam.
• Ability to produce well-coordinated, detail-oriented, fully integrated specifications with minimal supervision.
• Ability to review and understand programs, drawings, and design narratives to discern design intent.  Ability to meet with project designers, architects, and managers to discern product desires before they are documented and help the design team decide on product selections in a timely manner.
• Ability to self-organize, work on multiple projects simultaneously, and produce results within deadlines.
• Understanding of various methods of project delivery, both private and public.

What will you contribute?  

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture or equivalent in appropriate education and experience required.  Licensed architect is a plus.  If not licensed, Construction Specifications Institute certifications of CDT (Construction Documents Technologist) and CCS (Certified Construction Specifier) are an asset.
• 15+ years of experience in architectural practice required, with minimum 5-10 years in specification development and delivery of project manual.
• Experience with all phases of architectural projects, from initial start-up to project close-out.
• Experience in delivery of project technical documents and ability to interface with clients and consultants.
• Excellent ability to lead project tasks with minimum supervision deliver in timely manner.
• Resume with a large variety of project types both in size and complexity a plus.
• The Ability to provide technical guidance in architectural design in addition to specification writing is a plus.
• Experience with SpecsIntact is highly desirable (in addition to CSI MasterFormat).  

We recognize that what is important to people, continues to change. Some of our other benefits to ensure our employees feel supported, include continuing to offer health and dental coverage for domestic partners and a full list below. Our culture is one of providing support and training for our employees to thrive. We offer learning and development programs, training, career pathing opportunities, and a tuition reimbursement plan. At AtkinsRéalis, you will enjoy a robust rewards package which includes: 

• Competitive salary 
• Flexible work schedules  
• Group Insurance 
• Paid Family Leave  
• Two Floating Holidays 
• Paid Parental Leave (including maternity and paternity) 
• Pet Insurance  
• Retirement Savings Plan with employer match 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
• Learning and development programs, training, career opportunities and a highly regarded tuition reimbursement program 
• An inclusive culture of Employee Resources Groups centered around women, African-Americans, Hispanics, LGBTQ+, Neurodiversity and Emerging Professionals. 
• A Foundation that is employee-funded with a 2-to-
• 1 match from the company providing STEAM education for minorities from K-12 to college 

If this sounds like you and you would like to expand your career with us, apply today!  

AtkinsRéalis is an equal opportunity, drug-free employer committed to diversity in the workplace.  EOE/Minorities/Females/Veteran/Disability. 

Please review AtkinsRéalis Equal Opportunity Statement here: 

https://careers.atkinsrealis.com/equal-opportunities-statement 

AtkinsRéalis cares about your privacy and are committed to protecting your privacy.  Please consult our Privacy Notice on our Careers site to know more about how we collect, use and transfer your Personal Data. 

By submitting your personal information to AtkinsRéalis, you confirm that you have read and accept our Privacy Notice. Expected compensation range For Denver,CO and Washington, D is between $117,000 - $196,000 annually depending on skills, experience, and geographical location.  

Upon acceptance of an offer, all candidates must go through a drug screen test and background check. AtkinsRéalis is a federal contractor which mandates a satisfactory background screening report and drug test that supersedes state laws. 

Note to staffing and direct hire agencies: 

In the event a recruiter or agency who is not on our preferred supplier list submits a resume/candidate to anyone in the company, AtkinsRéalis family of companies, we explicitly reserve the right to recruit and hire the candidate(s) at our discretion and without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency.  https://careers.atkinsrealis.com/recruitment-agencies