Specification Writer

TVS

$90K — $110K *
Real Estate & Construction
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 15+ years in architectural specifications, covering all project phases
  • Experience managing three full-cycle projects from design through construction
  • Strong expertise in large-scale and complex building types, especially Convention Center and Hospitality sectors
  • Master Spec format proficiency and CSI MasterFormat familiarity
  • Deep understanding of building systems and their roles in specification content
  • Ability to enhance existing pre-edit specification systems effectively
  • Strong communication skills for training diverse teams

Responsibilities

  • Produce and edit project specifications from design to construction administration
  • Expand and maintain the TVS specifications library, including tailored market-specific sections
  • Ensure specifications reflect design decisions and project-specific needs
  • Develop and deliver training programs on building systems and specifications
  • Create tools for project teams to gather and document specification information
  • Coordinate with Quality Review and project teams on specification consistency
  • Collaborate with architects to customize project specifications

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Life and disability insurance offerings
  • 401(k) Plan with company contributions
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Support for professional licensure and certification advancement
Full Job Description
We're looking for a talented and experienced Specification Writer to serve as a firmwide resource across our convention center, sports, cultural arts, hospitality, mixed-use, office workplace, and interiors practices. This is a multi-faceted role with equal weight placed on specification production and program-building: with time spent developing, maintaining, and expanding the TVS specifications library; working with teams to produce specifications and project manuals; and building and delivering a structured training program in partnership with the SVP of Talent. The right candidate brings deep technical knowledge, strong communication skills, and a genuine investment in elevating the quality and consistency of documentation across the firm. They will work within TVS's existing pre-edit specification framework and play a key role in expanding that library to reflect the nuances of each market we serve. RESPONSIBILITIES: Specification Production & Library Management: • Produce, edit, and maintain project specifications across all phases of delivery - schematic design through construction administration - in Master Spec format • Work within TVS established pre-edit specification templates and uphold firmwide standards for format, language, and structure • Expand the firm's library of specification sections, including the development of market-specific variations tailored to Convention Centers, Sports & Entertainment, and Interiors & Hospitality project types, among others • Ensure specifications accurately reflect building system decisions, material selections, and project-specific requirements provided by the design team • Maintain version control and organization of the specification library to support consistent firmwide access Training Program Development & Delivery: • Partner with the SVP of Talent to design, develop, and deliver a structured training program that builds firmwide literacy in building systems and the decisions that drive specification requirements • Create curriculum that helps project teams understand the "why" behind specifications - not just the format, but the building system logic that informs them • Develop and refine project-specific questionnaires that guide design teams through the information-gathering process for each specification section, ensuring teams make and document key building system decisions at the appropriate phase • Build accountability into the process: the questionnaire framework should function as both a decision-making tool and a quality control checkpoint for project teams • Tailor training content and reference materials to reflect the distinct requirements of each market type the firm serves Coordination & Collaboration: • Work closely with project architects and designers to gather project-specific information required for specification customization • Coordinate within the Quality Review Team to align specification standards with broader quality control processes • Support project teams in understanding market-to-market differences in building systems, regulatory requirements, material standards, and owner expectations. • Any other duties as assigned QUALIFICATIONS: • 15 or more years of experience in architectural specifications, with demonstrated involvement across all phases of project delivery • Experience on a minimum of three projects carried from early design phases through construction administration, demonstrating full-cycle specification responsibility • Significant experience with large-scale or complex building types; familiarity with a mix of Convention Center, Sports, Cultural Arts, Hospitality, Mixed Use, Office Workplace and Interiors projects strongly preferred • Proficiency with Master Spec format is required; working knowledge of the CSI MasterFormat organizational structure. • Strong understanding of building systems - structural, envelope, mechanical, plumbing, electrical - and the decisions that shape specification content, even when scope is limited to architectural specs • Demonstrated ability to read and work within an existing firm pre-edit specification system and contribute meaningfully to its expansion • Familiarity with how specification requirements differ across market types, including procurement environments, owner standards, and code considerations • Proven ability - and genuine enthusiasm - for translating technical specification knowledge into accessible training content for architects and designers at varying experience levels • Experience developing questionnaires, checklists, or structured intake tools to gather project-specific technical information from design teams • Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to build credibility across practice areas and with senior leadership • CSI credentials (CDT or CCS) preferred. Candidates without credentials but with equivalent experience and demonstrated expertise will be considered. • Architecture degree or equivalent technical education preferred If interested, qualified candidates should submit a resume and work samples or portfolio (no larger than 6 MB) through our careers website. TVS offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, as well as 401(k) Plan and ESOP program. TVS also offers resources and benefits to assist our employees with pursuit of professional licensure and certification.

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at TVS

More Real Estate & Construction Jobs

Find similar Specification Writer jobs: