Architectural Specifications Writer

About Us

SWBR is a nationally recognized design firm with expertise in architecture, interior design, structural engineering, landscape architecture, graphic design, planning and civil engineering. Since our founding in 1969, the focus of our expertise and most of our current work supports education, housing, and workplace design.

We are proud of the diverse range of backgrounds, personalities, and passions that make up our team. But for all our differences, we’re united by a core mission: to positively impact lives through meaningful design.

With 100 professionals, we are headquartered in Rochester, New York with offices in Syracuse and Troy, New York and a soon-to-be opened office in Buffalo.

We are currently seeking a full-time Architectural Specifications Writer.

Duties:

• Use knowledge of application of materials and methods during construction to write specifications for a variety of projects and building types including corporate, industrial, financial, educational, and healthcare according to MasterSpec.
• Assist teams in determining material and contract requirements for architectural projects.
• Conduct product research including reviewing product literature, manufacturers’ websites, industry standards, trade association publications, building codes, and sustainability rating systems as necessary to ensure that materials and systems are appropriate for the Project.
• Ensure that the specification is coordinated within itself and to the Contract Drawings. Ensure that specifications are clear and concise and exhibit correct format, grammar, and spelling.
• Maintain a written Project Manual (including specifications), which matches the project requirements.
• Organize Project Manual as necessary for distribution.
• Interact with consultants to ensure that their specifications are properly coordinated with the Project Manual.
• Respond to technical and editorial questions.
• Assist team in answering questions and develops addenda during bidding.
• Assist project team with construction of the project, including commenting on product submittals and substitutions.
• Solve projects with specifications when discovered during construction. Visit site and attend construction meetings when requested.
• Successfully meet project hourly budget requirements and deadlines.
• 95% office setting, 5% active construction site visits.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or vocational school education in Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Technology
• Minimum of 3 year’s previous Architectural/Engineering experience with at least 1 year of exposure to Specifications
• Previous experience editing MasterSpec, preferred
• Construction Document Technologist certification (CDT), preferred
• Familiar with building codes and ordinances
• Understanding of construction materials, systems, and methods
• Experience in writing construction specifications for building projects
• Solid research experience/methodology.
• Individual will work in a normal office setting and occasionally visit active construction sites, and must be physically able to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, and keyboard

Base Salary Information: $64,681 - $72,715

The above salary ranges represent a good faith range for incumbents of these positions. Actual offers will be based on experience, education level, and demonstrated skills and will be at the discretion of the employer.

We actively support professional development, including steps towards licensure and/or related accreditations, as a benefit of employment. SWBR offers an outstanding compensation and benefits package and provides a creative environment. Applicants interested in joining a progressive, energetic and family-friendly firm that rewards hard-working team players and offers unlimited growth potential in a multi-studio design setting should view our website at www.swbr.com/career/ to apply.

SWBR is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Veterans and Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.