Job Description

Job Type

Full-time

Description

The award-winning team at GGLO, a collaborative design firm, seeks an Architectural Specifications Writer for our Seattle office to support our growth in multiple locations, disciplines, markets, and project types.

About GGLO

GGLO is a design practice for architecture, urban design, landscape architecture, and interior design, founded in 1986. GGLO has built a strong reputation for transformative and contextually sensitive design. With offices in Seattle, Los Angeles, and Boise, we work as a single, collaborative studio focused on connecting people through beauty and innovation.

About the Role

The Architectural Specifications Writer GGLO seeks will be a producer of technical specifications and an advisor to teams on materials, specifications, and construction documentation. This person will be a technical liaison to project teams, coordinating project specification deliverables and design guidelines throughout all phases of project design. They will work with project teams to define the quality of materials and workmanship, assist in quality management, and incorporate the specification requirements of construction and project documents. This role requires a high level of collaboration and mentorship, the ability to multi-task and work cross-functionally across all locations in the firm, and a desire to grow teams through internal and external education. Success in this role means delivering innovative education and training firm-wide, partnering with the quality management team to verify requirements are met within project and office-wide specifications, and building and maintaining relationships with product manufacturers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Firm Responsibilities

Develop GGLO's specification templates, processes, and standards; develop and maintain office-wide cross-discipline custom specification masters and inserts
Research, advise, and make available specification technical resource tools to project teams and individuals involved in the production of specifications
Assist with quality management (QM) processes
Validate compliance with applicable codes, regulations, and standards
Participate in design team meetings and department staff meetings, offering opportunities for process and standard improvement
Understand product design requirements and translate those requirements into specifications for materials, methods, equipment, procedures, installation, and certification testing necessary to install and erect building components
Participate in developing and improving GGLO standards and procedures
Bridge the gap between design professionals, specifications, sustainable design requirements, QM, and construction contract administration
Function as a technical leader and active member of GGLO's Practice group
Participate in fostering a green workplace through sustainable work practices and integrate sustainable design initiatives into specifications
Upkeep and organize the specification resource library
Meet with resource vendors to develop and refine new product selections

Project Responsibilities

Advise project teams as they write Schematic Design narratives
Develop 3-part specifications from narrative as the project develops and defines product requirements
Understand and administer the established process by including a checklist for each specification section and identifying principal decisions needed for each project
Assist Principals and Project Managers during development of fee proposals related to materials selection and specifications
Consult with Project Managers, Project Architects, Project Interior Designers, and Project Landscape Architects to meet deadlines, and engage in quality management process
Interview project teams and review design documentation to prepare specifications; assist teams in determining material and contract requirements for projects
Participate directly in meetings and communications with Pre-Construction services consultants and contractors, builders, sub-contractors, and fabricators, when required, during all phases of design to understand project constraints and needs, and assist with developing solutions for the design team
Review drawings and specifications to coordinate nomenclature
Coordinate specifications with Building information Modeling (BIM) strategies and specification writing software
Assist project teams in resolving problems related to the use and installation of building materials and products which arise during design and construction

About You

Professional Knowledge & Experience

Experience in GGLO's core markets preferred, including mixed use multi-family residential developments, hospitality, retail, tenant improvements, and open spaces
Demonstrated understanding of building codes, building systems, and construction material standards
Knowledge of design, industry trends, construction methodology, and material application
Strong project experience, with a clear understanding of building technology and practical knowledge of coordinating specifications with drawings
Extensive knowledge of professional practice issues and documents relating to specifications, including requirements for front-end specifications
Ability to communicate with, and understand the needs of project teams

Technological Expertise

CSI Certification such Construction Documents Technology (CDT), or Certified Construction Specifier (CCS), or equivalent preferred
Knowledge of sustainable design principles - LEED accreditation preferred
Previous experience with medium and large-scale mixed-use projects

Requirements

10 + years of experience in an Architectural/Engineering firm; or with a General Contractor
Architectural licensure
Architectural Degree from an accredited University
Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, Masterspec, Masterworks, and Bluebeam
Authorization to work in the United States

Why GGLO?

We offer a stimulating and exciting team-oriented design environment where our employees are challenged to bring their best creative spirit to their work. Our workplace is respectful and diverse, with teams which thrive on engagement, learning and innovation. We take great pride in working together to deliver the highest-quality design solutions for our clients, and leading innovative design into the future. Additionally, we offer paid licensure and industry memberships, professional development, mentorship programs, and a collaborative, stable environment. Along with competitive salaries, we offer a generous benefit package including fully paid Medical, Dental, Vision, Short- and Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance, 401K with employer match program, time off, transit subsidy, bicycle parking, pet friendly atmosphere, opportunity for annual Profit-Sharing contributions, as well as an annual discretionary bonus opportunity for all employees.

Please visit our careers page at www.GGLO.com to apply. We look forward to hearing from you!

GGLO, LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and maintaining an inclusive culture.

This job was posted on Wed Dec 29 2021 and expired on Wed Jan 05 2022.

Minimum $35K /yr

$74K /yr Average

Maximum $163K /yr

Tasks

Organize material and complete writing assignment according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.

Maintain records and files of work and revisions.

Edit, standardize, or make changes to material prepared by other writers or establishment personnel.

Select photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts to illustrate material.

Interview production and engineering personnel and read journals and other material to become familiar with product technologies and production methods.

Develop or maintain online help documentation.

Assist in laying out material for publication.

Study drawings, specifications, mockups, and product samples to integrate and delineate technology, operating procedure, and production sequence and detail.

Arrange for typing, duplication, and distribution of material.

Observe production, developmental, and experimental activities to determine operating procedure and detail.

Review manufacturer's and trade catalogs, drawings and other data relative to operation, maintenance, and service of equipment.

Analyze developments in specific field to determine need for revisions in previously published materials and development of new material.

Draw sketches to illustrate specified materials or assembly sequence.

Review published materials and recommend revisions or changes in scope, format, content, and methods of reproduction and binding.

Confer with customer representatives, vendors, plant executives, or publisher to establish technical specifications and to determine subject material to be developed for publication.

Skills

Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Knowledge

Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Clerical - Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Communications and Media - Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.