About Ayers Saint Gross

Ayers Saint Gross is an internationally recognized design firm with expertise in architecture, planning, landscape architecture, graphic design, interior architecture, and space analytics. Since our founding in 1912, we have built a reputation for designing environments of enduring value. The focus of our expertise and most of our work supports mission-driven clients, particularly colleges, universities, and cultural institutions. Our design approach is inspired by a critical and analytical discourse, a respect for past wisdom, a mind to future potential, and a belief that we have an obligation to leave places better than we found them. Our mission is to engage people and places to create designs that enrich our world. With over 180 professionals, we are headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland with offices in Washington, DC and Tempe, Arizona. 

Position Overview: 

In the Specifications Writer role, you will be responsible for preparing project manuals including bidding, contracting, general requirements, and the requirements for materials, products, and systems selected by the design team, describing the project sufficiently to be built meeting the design intent. You will also be responsible for meeting due dates and acting as a product and vendor resource to project architects.

Role Responsibilities 

• Write specifications for a variety of complex projects and building types with a heavy emphasis of Higher Education projects with both MasterSpec and its intended replacement software, SpecPoint 
• Review in-progress drawings, with the Project Architect to develop coordinated technical specifications and offering modifications and improvements when appropriate; prepare notes about what is required. 
• Verify product appropriateness; identify special concerns; ensure appropriate product application. 
• Coordinate with project team to obtain pertinent facts about the project, evaluate constructability, determine where alternative solutions may be needed and provide recommendations 
• Propose continual development and improvement of master specifications including its specialized content for project type or regional conditions as well as sustainable content, based on project specifics. 
• Draft specifications to capture the project qualitative requirements 
• Ensure construction document (drawing and specifications) clarity and consistency. 
• Participate in project process meetings scheduled for assigned projects 
• Maintains awareness of industry reference standards and resources. 
• Develop and maintain a broad network of technical experts including manufacturers and product representatives 
• Act as a technical advisor and part of the project team from start to finish, coaching about materials and product selections, applications, and integration necessary to make the project successful 
• Assist in developing, refining, and maintaining firm guide specifications 
• Other duties as assigned.

• Associates degree; CSI membership 
• Preferred: B. Arch from an accredited program; Architectural licensure; 10+ years experience in architecture, including construction administration; CSI CDT; CSI CCS; LEED AP BD+C 
• Solid knowledge of construction materials and methods including sustainable solutions. 
• Understand appropriate industry technologies and software 
• Understand and incorporate use of contractor, client-specific, and construction management driven software as required 
• General working understanding of codes, regulations, and construction costs 
• Solid knowledge of internal standards and best practices 
• Working knowledge of Bluebeam (preferred), Adobe, and Microsoft Office 
• Strong problem-solving skills, communication skills, leadership skills, and mentorship skills. 
• Ability to work under pressure of tight deadlines 
• Bonus, experience in writing Hardware Specifications including setting up hardware sets with all associated Manufacturer items 

Why work at Ayers Saint Gross? 

• We are a design-driven firm working with exceptional clients. 
• We are an employee-owned company, with over 100 years of design excellence. 
• We encourage our employees to pursue local and professional advocacy groups. 
• We provide the opportunity to help with pro-bono initiatives that bring Architecture to the community. 

The salary range for this position is $90,000 to $130,000 annually. 

The actual offered salary for this position will vary depending on multiple factors including the candidate’s qualification, education, position knowledge, work experience, skills, ability, work location, and internal incumbent compensation for similar roles. We do not anticipate individuals hired into this position will start at or near the top half of the range listed; the decision will be based on each individual case. The salary range listed above does not include other compensation elements such as discretionary bonus opportunities, employee stock ownership grants, paid time off, medical insurance, and other wage and benefit opportunities. 

Ayers Saint Gross is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment based on merit, performance, and business needs without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Ayers Saint Gross is committed to providing accessible employment; specific physical and mental requirements for this position may be provided upon request. Please contact info@ayerssaintgross.com for additional information.