Architect- Specifications Writer

DLR Group is an integrated design firm with a promise to elevate the human experience through design. This fuels the work we do around the world and inspires our mission to improve the lives of our clients, our communities, and our planet. If this sparks your interest, you’re in the right place.

DLR Group's Phoenix, AZ office has an opening for an Architect - Specifications Writer. 

Position Summary 

As a key contributor to our design team, you will be responsible for the day-to-day design and technical development of Technical Specifications on our projects. The ideal candidate is passionate about producing coordinated Project Manuals that seamlessly linked with the drawings and appreciates the process of articulating design and quality control through the specification process. You will coordinate all aspects of project manual documentation and delivery, working closely with our integrated design team to produce high-quality work while ensuring adherence to project schedules, budgets, and work plans. 

As part of our integrated design team, you create buildings that elevate the human experience through design. You will partner directly with the Project Manager to ensure a high level of technical excellence of the project, the quality of project documents, claim prevention, team collaboration and communication. Additionally, you will collaborate with the cross-functional design disciplines in developing technical specifications. 

DLR Group is 100% employee owned and as such you’ll enjoy the opportunity to have ownership in the Firm. We rely on all our employee- owners to apply their financial acumen to grow the Firm profitably. 

What you will do:

• Develop technical specifications Project Manuals for projects by collaborating and coordinating with project teams and consultants to ensure a seamless flow of information from drawings to specifications. 
• Develop technical specifications per industry standards established by CSI MasterFormat. 
• Develop and integrate sustainable protocols into our specifications by collaborating with our Sustainability Group. 
• Support construction administration team(s) to ensure that the design intent is met during construction. 
• Research new, innovative products and update the firm with important specifications related changes. 
• Update and maintain office guide specifications.  Including meeting with product representatives to explore materials.
• Assist in integrating specifications with Revit through Visi-Specs. 
• Integrate QA/QC procedures and practice standards into project deliverables, resolving any issues.  
• Provide technical guidance to less experienced staff, fostering a collaborative learning environment. 
• Meet project deliverable deadlines and manage time effectively to maintain project schedules and work plans. 
• Participate in client presentations and contribute to successful project outcomes. 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Architecture (Graduate degree not required unless mandated by local licensure regulations). 
• Minimum of six years of professional experience in architecture, minimum of 3 years of specification writing experience.
• Professional architect licensure required; CDT (Construction Documents Technology) required; CCS (Certified Construction Specifier credential preferred; LEED AP and other certifications preferred but not required.  
• The ability to utilize Visi-Specs as a specification writing tool is required. 
• Proficient in Revit, Bluebeam, and standard architectural software. 
• Understanding of the selection and integration of building systems. 
• Understanding of public project delivery and requirements. 
• Ability to coordinate and execute multiple overlapping tasks/deadlines. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Attention to detail. 
• Strong organizational skills. 
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to multitask and maintain quality standards. 
• Demonstrates initiative, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to continuous learning. 

*TO BE CONSIDERED, PLEASE SUBMIT CURRENT PORTFOLIO/WORK SAMPLES IN PDF FORMAT*

DLR Group is an integrated design firm delivering architecture, engineering, interiors, planning, and building optimization for new builds, renovations, and adaptive reuse projects.

We are 100% employee-owned: every employee is literally invested in our clients’ success. At the core of our firm are interdisciplinary teams engaged in every step of project lifecycles. Our teams champion true collaboration, open information sharing, shared risk and reward, value-based decision making, and proficient use of technology to deliver exceptional design. We are pursuing the goals of the 2030 Challenge, the ME2040, and the SE2050, and are an initial signatory of the China Accord and the AIA 2030 Commitment.

Through our values – commitment, creativity, environmental stewardship, fun, integrity, ownership, sharing, teamwork – we elevate the human experience through design, together.

DLR Group follows a four-day in-office work model, with employees having the flexibility to work somewhere other than the office on Fridays.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/M/F/Veteran/Disabled employer.