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Architectural Specification Lead

At Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA), we focus on work-life balance and a collaborative team approach to meet client needs. In our work, we strive to Make a Difference in what we do, through dedication, sustainable designs, and community involvement. We design purposeful and distinctive learning environments and find our work to be challenging and rewarding.

 

Health & Welfare: We offer competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including 100% employer-paid base plan medical, dental, and vision coverage, and 25% employer-paid base plan coverage for dependents (medical only). An Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), and an employee-sponsored 401(k) plan are also available.

 

Work & Life Balance: Most roles offer a flexible hybrid schedule, with 24 hours in the office and 16 hours working from home. Additional benefits include paid time off (PTO), family leave, life insurance, long-term disability, free onsite parking, and a cell phone stipend.

 

Professional Development: Employee growth is supported through a Professional Development Program with access to learning cohorts, mentorship, and reimbursement for job-related continuing education.

 

We promote and celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion by proactively working to advance our culture and work environment where everyone can feel inspired, motivated, and engaged.

 

QKA is an equal opportunity employer and proud to be a Just® Organization.

 

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Utilizing knowledge of construction products, materials, and methods, the Architectural Specification Lead plays a key role in writing, maintaining, and refining master specifications for a variety of education-based building types. Collaboration with peers is essential to developing and sharing knowledge for best practices, sustainable design, details, products, and systems. The Architectural Specification Lead will lead project teams and coordinate the development of Project Manuals. Well-rounded knowledge of architectural project design and delivery processes is required. This position can be based in either of our California offices (Santa Rosa or Oakland).

 

This position is full-time, non-exempt hourly, and eligible for benefits. The salary range for this position is $120,000 to $160,000 annually. Compensation for this role is based on experience, job-related knowledge/education and qualifications. We offer the flexibility of a hybrid work environment, with an established 24-hour in-office/or in-the-field per week requirement after 90-days of employment.

Typical Responsibilities
  • Coordinate with QKA Master specifications and provide feedback on processes, document standards, quality requirements, and sustainability goals.
  • Edit Divisions 00 & 01 documents with varied owner requirements and multiple project delivery methods.
  • Serve as a technical, product, material, and building system resource.
  • Prepare specifications using SpecLink for projects across multiple project use, occupancy, and construction types.
  • Train, guide, and develop design staff in specification processes, procedures, and standards.
  • Engage with project teams and consultants to coordinate specification efforts.
  • Coordinate with in-house departments to help develop technical specifications for unique products and situations.
  • Advise technical and production teams on the integration specifications with construction drawings to deliver a fully coordinated set of construction documents.
  • Communicate the technical (building performance) and specification implications of design decisions to the team.
  • Stay up to date on project and client-specific standards and requirements, as well as climate and regional requirements, and their implications on the specifications.
  • Support Sustainability goals of the firm.
  • Assists review drawings at each phase to maintain consistent language between drawings and specifications.
  • Assist with evaluations and responses to product substitution requests.
  • Assist with quality checks of outsourced specifications.
  • Assist with quality management processes, and product research through validation of compliance with applicable codes, regulations, and standards.
  • Meet with product representatives to develop and refine new product selections.
  • Assist and be a resource to project team in preparation of addenda and other documentation as they relate to project specifications during construction administration.

 

These responsibilities are typical but are not all-encompassing. Each person is expected to work collaboratively as a team and to assist in any duties required to deliver a quality product on schedule, and within the project budget and the budgeted hours provided.

Knowledge and Experience

QKA understands that people have different professional and career pathways. Whether you are a person who took a career path through college or if you learned on the job through your own work experience, we want to talk with you about your specifics in regards to this position. We are looking for someone with experience, expertise, and knowledge to produce architectural specifications.

 

Professional degree in architecture from a NAAB accredited program or equivalent relevant work experience. Five+ years of experience producing specifications, and established understanding of the following:

 

  • Building technology and product research and specification
  • Sustainability, integrated design, and LEED guidelines
  • Building code; ability to research and apply/incorporate material requirements of all building and facility types
  • Membership with Constructions Specification Institute (CSI)
  • Certified Construction Specifier (CCS) certification is from CSI-preferred
  • Active Architectural or Engineering License preferred
  • LEED® AP with Specialty or GA (Green Associate) preferred
  • Basic familiarity with the use of BIM software and associated computer programs preferred
  • Strong knowledge of architectural design, engineering coordination, design trends, products, construction methodology, building systems, material application, and manufacturer-supplier appropriateness
  • Knowledge and experience with construction procedures and schedules.
  • Design experience and capability to properly define appropriate building envelope components, and material requirements of all building and facility types
  • Bluebeam Revu software proficiency preferred
  • Proficiency in MS Office-based software proficiency preferred
  • Familiarity with SpecLink software proficiency preferred
  • Exceptional work ethic, attention to detail, and quality of work required
  • Must take initiative and work in a team environment
  • Interest in developing knowledge of sustainable design, construction materials, engineering disciplines, and construction techniques
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