Project Specifier

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420 N 5th Street, Minneapolis, MN, US Milwaukee, WI, US Until 8/21/2026 H-1B sponsor history First posted October 28, 2025 Last posted December 4, 2025
Job description

Overview:

Play a critical role in collaborating with the architecture, engineering, and interior design teams locally and firmwide at HGA!

 

Project Specifier (Two (2) positions - one (1) role in Minneapolis, MN or Milwaukee, WI and one (1) role in Washington, DC)

 

Working with project teams and discipline leaders, the Project Specifier role is a vital part of quality assurance and quality control, defining the qualitative and technical requirements of design and documenting compliance with regulatory standards and performance expectations.

 

In collaboration with project teams and discipline leaders, the Project Specifier role ensures that meet design intent, regulatory standards, and performance expectations.

 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Specification Development - create comprehensive documentation detailing materials, products, and construction methods aligned with project goals
  • Technical Advising - provide subject matter expertise to assist project teams in selecting and evaluating products, systems, and materials that align with project design and sustainability requirements, sustainability owner needs
  • Regulatory Compliance - assist in the coordination of specifications to document compliance with building codes, life safety requirements, and sustainability project goals
  • Quality Assurance - leverage specification development and coordination with design teams as an integral part of HGA's quality assurance / quality control (QA/QC) program
  • Research & Innovation - investigate new and emerging systems, products, and materials,their performance, application, and limitations
  • Communication - act as a trusted adviser and liaison to project teams during the construction administration phase

HGA is a multidisciplinary design firm rooted in architecture and engineering. We believe in the power of design to shape human experience and improve lives. Our collaborative culture fosters innovation, creativity, and excellence across all disciplines. 

In this role you will:

  • work closely with HGA's specification team, architectural, engineering, other discipline leaders, construction managers, consultants and clients, in the preparation of specifications documents in a manner that is responsive to the client's needs and deadlines and consistent with HGA architectural procedures, standards and quality expectations;
  • prepare and maintain master guide specifications using Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) formats and application guides;
  • prepare schematic design narratives and design development outline specifications for early design phase submissions;
  • lead coordination of material identification and annotation between drawings and specifications;
  • provide materials research and technical assistance to establish or evaluate quality and performance of systems and materials selected by the design team;
  • stay abreast of current technical literature, and changes in project delivery impacting construction documentation; and
  • work with other specifiers and HGA's Sustainability team to ensure sustainability best practices are incorporated into contract documents.
  • You will need to have:

    • Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field
    • 5+ years of experience in construction or architectural specification writing
    • Professional registration and/or CCS certification preferred; experience on large projects acceptable in lieu of CCS
    • Experienced with a variety of project types including LEED/Sustainable design
    • Deep knowledge of building materials, systems, and construction methods
    • Familiarity with CSI MasterFormat and other specification standards
    • Strong understanding of building codes, ADA, LEED, and other regulatory frameworks
    • Proficient use of Microsoft Office Suite and VisiSpecs, Deltek Specpoint, RIB SpecLink, or other specification editing software is essential
    • Experience with BIM and CAD tools preferred
    • Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
    • Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

    Salary Information:

    The pay range listed aligns to the geography of the office for which this position is posted. Actual compensation will be based upon work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer. Individuals in this role working more than 24 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in HGA’s robust benefit programs which include an annual bonus and success sharing bonus program, 401(k) guaranteed contribution, paid parental leave, medical, dental and life insurance plans as well as PTO and short- and long-term disability programs. Salary Range: $71,600 - $86,000 (Minneapolis/Milwaukee); $84,000 - $100,800 (Washington, DC) depending on location, qualifications and experience.

    Additional Information:

    At HGA, you’ll do the best work of your career. We design with impact by diving deep into the people and passions that shape every place. Empathy fuels us, curiosity drives us, and meaningful work leads to innovation. We celebrate individuality, embrace flexibility, and thrive together in the office three days a week.

     

    Join our nationally recognized, award-winning team of architects, engineers, and interior designers—help us shape what’s next.

     

    Learn more about us here

     

    Application Requirements & Instructions

    Please submit resume for consideration 

    About this role

    Summary

    Develop specifications, ensure compliance, advise on materials, and support quality assurance in design projects.

    Job title

    Project Specifier

    Experience level

    5+ years

    Industry

    architecture and engineering

    Location requirements

    Minneapolis, Milwaukee, or Washington, DC; remote work possible

    Salary

    $71,600 - $86,000 (Minneapolis/Milwaukee); $84,000 - $100,800 (Washington, DC)

    Visa sponsorship

    H-1B sponsor history

    Management role

    No

    Skills & keywords

    Required skills

    constructionbuilding materialsCSI MasterFormatbuilding codesMicrosoft Office

    Preferred skills

    CCS certificationLEEDBIMCADVisiSpecs

    Specializations

    specification developmentregulatory compliancematerials researchquality assurancesustainability
    Locations

    Structured locations inferred from the posting.

    Unknown location

    On-site

    Milwaukee, WI, USA

    On-site City

    Washington, DC, USA

    On-site City