Architectural Specification Writer & Materials Specialist

Firm Description

Walker Warner Architects is an award-winning San Francisco firm with a staff of 70+ that has completed many residential, winery and hospitality projects in California, Hawaii and other Western states. Our work is tailored to the uniqueness and diversity of each client and place, maintaining a consistent focus on design excellence, thorough project management and superior service. We believe in collaboration, continuous learning and sharing, and actively support candidates on the path to become licensed architects. Our office is friendly and spirited, with regular happy hours, field trips and design-focused presentations. We are conveniently located in SoMa within walking distance of all major transit systems.

For more information about our projects and firm, please visit us on LinkedIn or Instagram at @walkerwarnerarchitects.

This position is based out of the San Francisco office and open to a hybrid schedule once onboarding and orientation is complete.

Role Overview

The Architectural Specification Writer will play a key role in helping us ensure our projects continue to meet the highest standards of quality and compliance. This is an exciting opportunity for someone to partner closely with each Project Team, lead the Specification Program for the office, develop materials and resources, and play an integral role in helping the firm achieve its Vision and Strategic plan.

Primary Responsibilities

• Confidently lead the Specification Program for the office
• Proactively partner with Project Teams to align specifications with design intent and project requirements
• Develop comprehensive project manuals and specifications across multiple sectors including high-end custom residential, hospitality, and workplace projects
• Stay current with changes in building codes, industry standards, technology advancements and construction processes
• Own and maintain the firm’s specification library
• Advise on and help maintain the firm’s physical sample library
• Advise, research, and explore materials selections on behalf of Project Teams
• Regularly review, and make edits as needed to specifications prepared by Project Teams to ensure accuracy and compliance with firm standards
• Provide proactive guidance and regular recurring training to Project Teams on Specification Program and key updates
• Act as a champion for office standards with regular participation and willingness to engage in office programs
• Willingness to engage in meaningful work that helps the firm achieve its Vision and Strategic plan
• Share experiences (lessons learned) and unique insight as applicable to increase the Firm’s common knowledge
• Other duties as assigned and required of the project and or firm

Qualifications

• 10 or more years of related professional experience, including experience building and leading the Specification Program across an office of similar size and complexity 
• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Design or similar field preferred or equivalent working experience
• Thorough knowledge of technical issues in multiple sectors including high-end custom residential, hospitality, and workplace projects
• Advanced knowledge of SpecLink or willingness and ability to learn this tool preferred. Advanced knowledge of another comparable tool may be considered.
• Proactive, forward-thinking and strong specification’s mindset
• Excellent time management and organizational skills 
• Extremely detail-oriented with the ability to produce accurate, succinct and complete work on time 
• Excellent verbal, written and graphic communication skills

Compensation and Benefits

Walker Warner Architects offers a competitive compensation package including fully paid health benefits for employees, profit sharing, employer 401(k) contribution, generous paid time-off and flexible spending accounts, plus so much more. 

The 2024 hiring base annual salary range for this position is $120,000 to $160,000.  Any offer of compensation will be determined by a candidate’s education, skills, and experience as assessed during the interview process.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter with indication of the role you are applying for.  We will acknowledge receipt of your information, but only candidates being considered for a position will be contacted directly.

Please no hard copies, drop-ins or telephone calls. Reposting this job description elsewhere is not permitted.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please contact Human Resources at [email protected].

Diversity

Walker Warner is an eVerify organization. We value diversity and know that diverse workplaces lead to a culture of innovation and more successful business outcomes. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

COVID-19 Vaccination

We strongly encourage all employees to be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 and provide reasonable accommodations consistent with legal requirements (e.g., for medical and religious reasons.)

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times