Specifications Writer

At Perkins&Will, we believe design has the power to create a better, more sustainable world. We are seeking a Specifications Writer to develop and coordinate project specifications and procurement documentation that support design excellence, constructability, sustainability, and successful project delivery.

Working closely with architects, designers, consultants, and clients, you will translate design intent, building systems, and material selections into clear, coordinated construction documentation.

What You'll Do

• Prepare, coordinate, and maintain construction specifications, outline specifications, project manuals, and procurement documentation.
• Coordinate specifications with project drawings, design intent, applicable codes, owner requirements, and project delivery methods.
• Review documentation to identify conflicts, omissions, and coordination issues while ensuring accuracy, consistency, and quality before issuance.
• Provide technical expertise on building materials, assemblies, systems, construction methods, and product selections.
• Support project teams during bidding and construction administration, including addenda, submittals, substitutions, RFIs, and related technical reviews.
• Collaborate with clients, consultants, and multidisciplinary teams throughout project delivery.
• Contribute to the development of firm standards, master specifications, technical resources, and sustainable design initiatives.
• Share knowledge and best practices across Perkins&Will's national specifications community and support team development as appropriate.

Required Qualifications

• 2-8 years of experience in specifications, architecture, engineering, interior design, construction, or a related design and construction discipline, including at least 2 years preparing and coordinating construction specifications.
• Postsecondary degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Working knowledge of construction documents, building materials and assemblies, building codes, project delivery practices, and CSI standards.
• Strong organizational, communication, and quality-control skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• CDT (Construction Documents Technologist) and/or CCS (Certified Construction Specifier) credential.
• Professional degree, certification, or active licensure in architecture, engineering, interior design, or a related field.
• Experience with Division 00 procurement requirements, bidding processes, addenda, submittals, substitutions, and RFIs.
• Experience supporting sustainable, regenerative, high-performance, or resilient design projects.
• Proficiency with RIB SpecLink, Deltek Specpoint, Bluebeam Revu, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel.
• Active participation in professional organizations such as CSI, AIA, or related industry associations.
• Interest in pursuing professional development through CDT and CCS certification and advanced sustainability credentials such as LEED AP, WELL AP, Living Future Accreditation (LFA), SITES AP, BREEAM AP, Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification, or Passive House certification.

Salary Range Information

We foster a culture that is diverse and inclusive and strive for pay practices that are fair, and competitive and reflect our commitment to pay equity. Our compensation decisions include but are not limited to a candidate’s qualifications including skill sets, education, experience and training, licensure and certifications credentials if applicable, and business-related factors. This practice extends to all employees, including performance considerations for merit increases, job promotions, and transfer opportunities. We additionally review our pay practices, conduct pay equity audits, and ensure our managers are trained in our pay practices on an annual basis. At the time of posting this job advertisement, commensurate with qualifications, the annual pay salary range for this position is between $80,000.00 and $120,000.00, dependent on location and experience.

Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

At Perkins&Will we believe that inclusion spurs creativity and that innovation is born from an engaged culture of diverse people + ideas. By moving beyond barriers and stereotypes of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, medical condition, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status; we are committed to building an organization that reflects the diversity of the communities and clients we serve. 

"Design has the power to inspire joy, uplift lives, and strengthen the spirit of community."

*Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Perkins&Will has established and adopted an Equal Employment Opportunity Employment policy (“EEO”), which is part of the Company’s Human Resources Policy. The purpose of this EEO policy is to ensure that all employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis, and without regard to sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, gender reassignment, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state, or local law. In some cases, local laws and regulations may provide greater protections than those outlined here and employees will be covered by the laws of their local jurisdiction.

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

Perkins&Will will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.