Description

We seek licensed Landscape Architects with specifications expertise. This position can be placed in any of our seven Design Workshop locations. Direct application link: Specifications Writer

Design Workshop Inc. is an internationally recognized firm focused on landscape architecture, urban design, community and regional planning, market analysis and strategic services. We believe that when environment, economics, art and community are combined in harmony with the dictates of the land and needs of society, magical places result-sustainable places of timeless beauty, significant value and enduring quality. Through a closely collaborative process at all levels, Design Workshop is dedicated to creating legacy projects for our clients, for society and for the well-being of our planet. Our pioneering efforts have been recognized with hundreds of awards from such organizations as the American Society of Landscape Architects, the American Planning Association and the Urban Land Institute.

Requirements

• Analyze drawings and project documentation to draft, review, and refine specifications in alignment with project requirements, institutional guidelines, firm standards, technical criteria, industry best practices, and applicable laws, codes, and regulations.
• Develop, organize, and deliver construction specifications across applicable project phases and milestones.
• Development of a firmwide master set of specifications.
• Prepare and evaluate procurement and contract documentation.
• Coordinate and review consultant technical specifications to ensure consistency with firm standards and the overall project manual, while confirming adherence to current formatting conventions.
• Conduct product and materials research; support project designers in evaluating and selecting appropriate options.
• Collaborate with internal teams on the preparation and refinement of specifications and project manuals.
• Demonstrate strong design sensibility, excellent organizational and communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively across disciplines.
• Stay current on building technologies, product innovations, material advancements, regulatory updates, and industry trends to bring relevant expertise to project teams.
• Support construction observation efforts by reviewing product submittals, assessing substitution requests, and providing recommendations on compliance with specifications.
• Manage multiple projects concurrently, maintaining deadlines and delivering quality outcomes while working both independently and as part of a team.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of professional experience in landscape architecture, including at least three years focused on writing, editing, and developing specifications at a progressively responsible level.
• Bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture, construction management, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience supporting design teams with research on materials, fabricators, and manufacturers for landscape architectural projects.
• Solid understanding of landscape architectural design, engineering coordination, construction methods, products, design trends, and building systems, with the ability to communicate these effectively in both written and verbal form.
• Skilled in developing and editing specifications, preparing project manuals, and managing formatting and document production across disciplines.
• Comfortable interfacing with clients and contractors, applying technical expertise to guide decision-making and ensure high-quality project outcomes.
• Ability to update and refine in-house master specifications and maintain other reference resources.
• Proficient in interpreting construction drawings, program requirements, criteria documents, and technical details.
• Expertise in editing, formatting, and developing custom specification sections, as well as assembling comprehensive Project Manual deliverables across multiple disciplines.
• Membership in the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) required; CDT certification preferred. LEED AP credentials are highly valued.
• Software skills: Bluebeam Revu, Bluebeam Studio, Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD and Revit

Compensation

The salary range for this opportunity is $85,000-$100,000 and a final offer to join the firm is based on our understanding of your demonstrated professional skills and experience. We are an ESOP company funded entirely by company contributions; employees participate in ownership. This is designed as a long-term retirement benefit, with employees’ accounts increasing as the value of the business increases. Similarly, we expect that as you contribute to growing the firm that you will continue to grow your compensation by qualifying for annual pay-for-performance merit increases, discretionary bonus payouts based on the firm's profitability and professional advancement awards. In addition to pay, we provide comprehensive health, wealth and well-being benefits including employer paid medical plans with health savings account (HSA) options; dental and eyecare coverage; life, disability and pet insurances; a 401K plan with a 5% company match; personal time-off benefits including financial support for volunteer efforts and the pursuit of professional memberships and certifications.