New

Specification Writer V

Cannon Design
flexible benefit account, paid time off, 401(k), remote work
United States, Illinois, Chicago
225 North Michigan Avenue (Show on map)
Sep 04, 2025
If you think your skills, experience and aspirations make you a good match for this position, we encourage you to apply. ABOUT THE ROLE As a Specification Writer V, you will serve as a firm-wide leader and subject matter expert in architectural specifications. You will drive innovation, elevate quality standards, and influence strategic initiatives across CannonDesign's diverse portfolio of complex projects, including education, healthcare, science and technology, commercial, and interior design. This role demands deep technical expertise, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and a proactive approach to mentoring and thought leadership. HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL DO Lead the development and implementation of firm-wide specification standards and best practices. Serve as a strategic advisor to project teams and leadership on specification-related decisions, risk mitigation, and quality assurance. Manage and prioritize multiple large-scale projects and deadlines across various delivery types. Work as part of the project team, under the guidance of the Architect of Record, to produce Project Manuals utilizing the CannonDesign Master with specification editing software required. Author and oversee Division 00-14 Architectural sections, and as needed custom sections, for inclusion into the Project Manual. Manage multiple projects and deadlines - phases, milestone deliveries for various project delivery types. Mentor less experienced Specification Writers and Coordinators to best practices of the industry. With a Specification Coordinator, coordinate the Project Manual for all other disciplines. Review and provide revisions to project specific Keynotes. Review in-progress drawings, ensuring complete and coordinated technical specifications and offering modifications and improvements when appropriate. Propose continual development and improvement of master specifications including specialized content for project type or regional conditions and sustainable design content, based on project work. Maintains awareness of industry reference standards and resources. Participate in progress meetings scheduled for assigned projects. Educate less experienced staff regarding specification content. As required during CA Phase, assist project team with shop drawing and product substitution review. Collaborate with discipline leads to ensure integrated and coordinated Project Manuals. Conduct advanced reviews of in-progress drawings and specifications, identifying opportunities for innovation and improvement. Collaborate with peers, via regularly scheduled firm-wide specifications writers' meetings, to develop best practices, share knowledge and build community. Develop and maintain relationships with vendors, within the firm's compliance policies. Support Sustainability goals of the firm through specification strategies and advocacy. Act as a mentor to others. May perform other duties as required. HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL NEED Bachelor Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction or a relevant field required A minimum of 10 years of related experience required in the architecture, engineering, or construction industry - which must include a minimum of eight (8) or more years of specifications writing experience. Current Architectural, Engineering license or CSI certification required. Advanced knowledge in discipline and focused areas including project delivery methods. Detailed understanding of Contracts and relationship to Division 00 & 01. Knowledge of building codes and construction techniques is required. Advanced technical knowledge is essential. Ability to perform Coordination QA/QC across disciplines. Experience with Engineering Specifications a plus. Must possess business acumen, be a critical thinker and highly analytical. Must have excellent interpersonal, communication, teamwork, collaboration and conflict resolution skills. Must be proficient in MS Office, including Teams and OneNote, as well as BlueBeam Revu. Familiarity with Autodesk Construction Cloud and MS Lists is preferred. Familiarity with specification editing software is required; proficiency in e-SPECS for Revit is preferred. The salary range for this position is $116,930 to $146,190 annually. This salary range is the range we believe is the anticipated range of possible base compensation at the timing of the posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the anticipated salary range for the position. Employees may be eligible for discretionary bonuses. We offer a full benefit package including medical, dental and vision coverage and flexible spending account options and voluntary insurances. We have paid time off, flex-time schedules, remote work options and a 401k plan and employee perk programs. For a general overview of our benefits, please visit our careers page at https://www.cannondesign.com/careers/benefits. Actual compensation may vary from posting based on geographic location, work experience, education and/or skill level. For a general overview of our benefits, please visit our careers page at https://www.cannondesign.com/careers/benefits ABOUT OUR FIRM CannonDesign is a design practice where strategy, experience, architecture, engineering, and social impact converge. We don't just dream up solutions - we create and bring them to life in ways to solve some of the biggest challenges facing our clients and the society. At the heart of everything we do is Living-Centered Design, a bold commitment to using our talents to not just improve the world but to truly reshape it for the better. It's more than a philosophy - it's who we are, and it drives us to make a meaningful, lasting difference every day. ABOUT WORKING HERE We are relentless in our pursuit of client adoration (not simply satisfaction). Consistent delivery of the best service is what we are about. We are committed to ensuring our practice provides equal opportunities for all employees, as we strive to connect with communities around us and focus on the future of design. We support equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts that benefit all employees through the leadership of our DEI Council, our Employee Resource Groups which are open to everyone, and other community initiatives. We're about communication and transparency here. If you want to talk to someone about an idea you have, or a challenge that needs addressing, we're ready for you. Please note that candidates can only apply to our positions on our company Careers site. It's not uncommon for scammers to create positions that look legitimate on other sites; never enter your information or apply for CannonDesign positions on any platform. Should an issue arise that you feel we should be aware of, please contact us. Please provide your resume and portfolio when applying. As a condition of employment, all employees are expected to complete mandatory training, including compliance training, within required timeframes and adhere to our internal policies and our Code of Conduct. CannonDesign is an Equal Opportunity Employer. CannonDesign is committed to maintaining a work environment that is free from any and all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. It is therefore the firm's policy to prohibit discrimination and harassment against any applicant, CannonDesign employee, vendor, contractor, or client on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. It is also CannonDesign's policy to prohibit any and all forms of retaliation against any individual who has complained of harassing or discriminatory conduct, or participated in a firm or agency investigation into such complaints.