Project Architect/Specification Writer - DLR Group

We are 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 Architecture team has an opening for a Project Architect specializing in Specification Writing!

DLR Group operates within a hybrid work model, supporting flexibility between office time and work from home.

Location: Washington, DC

As a Project Architect focusing on specification writing at DLR Group, you will coordinate with architects, engineers, interior designers, owners, construction managers, and other specialty consultants to prepare project specifications for bidding and construction.

If you are a collaborative thought leader with a strategic mindset, this is the position for you! DLR Group is 100% employee-owned so you will have the opportunity for ownership in the Firm within a year of joining it. We rely on all our employee-owners to apply their financial acumen, creativity, and client leadership to grow the Firm profitably.

Position Summary:

You will be responsible for preparation, management, and quality control of project manual development for large and small projects. This includes coordinating with project teams in multiple offices and on multiple project types simultaneously to produce a quality work product while adhering to project schedules.

In addition to your project responsibilities, you are expected to stay current on product developments, new materials, code changes, and industry trends to bring expertise to the project teams regarding product selections.

The successful candidate will:

• Be proficient in writing technical specifications.
• Have a comprehensive understanding of the various design disciplines and the ability to coordinate and lead them in developing project specifications.
• Provide positive and constructive mentorship and support to other team members.
• Have extensive knowledge of all aspects of professional practice from concept design through project close-out.
• Have strong design aptitude, outstanding organizational and communication skills, and the ability to collaborate with others effectively.
• Review drawings and schedules, identify and propose technical solutions to design challenges.
• Produce accurate documents aligned with firm standards for project assignments.
• Prepare written Architectural Project Specifications/Project Manuals for Bidding and Construction.
• Prepare Construction, Procurement, and Contracting Requirements when requested.
• Communicate to Project Manager the progress of assignments according to the established project schedule and work plan.
• Provide material/product technical and Construction Documentation support to the firm.
• Provide review of Submittals when substitutions have been submitted and when PA finds specific significant issues.
• Participate in Office initiatives

Required Qualifications:

• Ten or more years of architectural practice experience with a minimum of five years of experience writing architectural project specifications.
• Bachelor of Architecture degree from an accredited program.
• Construction Documents Technology (CDT) certification.
• Knowledge of applicable construction codes and procedures.
• Knowledge of CSI’s Project Delivery Practice Guide and AIA’s The Architect’s Handbook to Professional Practice.
• Experience in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, AIA Contract Documents, and AIA MasterSpec.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional License/Registered Architect
• Certified Construction Specifier (CCS) certification.
• LEED, WELL Accreditation.
• Experience in the use of REVIT and CAD computer modeling and rendering software.
• Experience working with Sustainability language for specifications
• Experience working with Sustainability consultants to ensure inclusion of sustainable products.

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.

Our comprehensive Benefits at DLR Group include: medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, employee stock ownership, and bonus opportunities. Compensation considerations are based on location, experience, and skills. The potential pay range for this role is $100,000 - $120,000.

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

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V