Specifications Writer
Who We Are:
Populous has designed and delivered some of the world's most memorable civic, sports and entertainment buildings, from iconic stadia to ground-breaking live music venues. Populous is where architects and designers of all kinds create moments bigger than ourselves. We’re a global specialized design firm with local roots in 11 cities across the Americas. Populous offers the best of both worlds: the resources and impact of the design giants and the tightly knit atmosphere and growth opportunities of smaller firms.
What We Offer:
Professional Development & Training Programs + Summer Hours + Flexible Schedule / Hybrid Schedule + Paid Architect Licensure & Certifications Exams + Wedding Pay + Freaky Fridays + Charitable Match Program + Market Leading Wellness Health and Welfare Benefits.
Who We Are Looking For:
We are seeking a passionate, creative, engaged, and technically proficient Specifications Writer to join us in a dynamic and collaborative design atmosphere.
The preferred candidate will have an interest in working in a dynamic and collaborative global design environment with a diverse range of public assembly building types, including the design of sports venues, convention centers, community buildings and transportation facilities. Applicants must possess exceptional technical abilities.
What Your Day Could Consist Of:
- Reviews drawings and other documents to write and edit specifications for projects and coordinates compliance with project requirements, institutional guidelines, Populous standards, technical conditions, acceptable standards, and existing laws, rules, regulations, and codes.
- Interprets the project design requirements and translates those requirements into materials, methods, equipment, procedures, installation, and certification testing necessary to provide the narrative descriptions which are used to procure, install, and erect building components.
- Participates in fostering a green workplace through sustainable work practices.
- Integrates sustainable design initiatives into specifications.
- Participates in QA/QC reviews and checks on project documents.
- Coordinates specifications with Building Information Modeling (BIM) strategies and specification writing software.
- Collaborates with project managers and architects with material and system constructability analysis.
- Performs product research; assists project designers with material selection and system research.
- Participates in quality management reviews and technical advice in design development through construction document phases.
- Assists project architects with shop drawing and product substitution review.
- Coordinates and reviews consultant technical specifications for conformance with Populous standards.
- Acts as a risk management resource to other project leaders.
- Develops and maintains relationships with vendors.
- Develops new specification sections as needed.
- Participates in developing and improving Populous document standards and best practice procedures and bridges the gap between design professionals, specifications, LEED, QA/QC and construction administration.
- All other duties and responsibilities as required.
Requirements For Success:
- Ability to work on a team, as well as independently. This role works very closely with architects, designers, consultants, and other spec writers to complete projects.
- 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.
- Strong knowledge of building envelope components, interior plans and material requirements of all building and facility types. Knowledge in sports, convention centers, aviation, healthcare, higher education, or other large assembly type building specifications is preferred but not required.
- Strong knowledge of building codes and ability to research and apply/incorporate into technical documents.
- Proficiency in specifications software programs such as e-SPECS preferred.
- Proficiency in MS Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Proficiency in NewForma platform preferred.
- Ability to produce well-coordinated, detail-oriented, fully integrated specifications.
- Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and produce results within deadlines.
Essential Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or equivalent in appropriate education and experience required.
- Construction Specifications Institute certification preferred (CDT).
- LEED Green or equivalent experience in sustainable design preferred
- Minimum 5 years in architectural practice with prior experience in specifications development.
Additional details:
- Overtime may be required.
Compensation:
- The projected salary range for this opportunity is $101,475 - $129,380 annually, and may be more or less depending on skills, experience and education.
Populous offers a competitive salary and bonus packages. We strive to offer our staff the best benefits package in the industry, at the lowest cost to employees, including medical, dental and vision coverage, 401k, flexible spending accounts, paid time off and continuing education benefits. Populous is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, status as a protected veteran or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable Federal, State or Local law.
No. 1 Most Innovative Company in Architecture by Fast Company
One of the 50 most innovative companies in the world for 2022 by Fast Company
No. 1 Firm in Cultural on Interior Design magazine’s Top 100 Giants
No. 1 Architecture Firm in Cultural Facilities by BD+C
No. 1 Architecture Firm in Convention Centers by BD+C
No. 1 Architecture Firm in Performing Arts and Concert Venues by BD+C
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