Project Architect

Job Title: Project Architect Specifications Specialist Job Description
This role focuses on developing, customizing, and coordinating project specifications for a portfolio of high-profile retail and commercial projects. The Project Architect will concentrate on the technical side of project documentation rather than design or production, working closely with project teams to ensure that specifications align with drawings and construction documents. This position offers long-term stability, the opportunity to become a key contributor to the firms project delivery process, and broad exposure to all phases of projects from inception through completion.
Responsibilities
- Review architectural and consultant drawings to understand project scope, technical requirements, and design intent.
- Customize and maintain prototypical project specifications for retail and commercial projects to align with specific project requirements.
- Develop and edit project specifications in accordance with CSI MasterFormat standards and established office practices.
- Coordinate specifications with project drawings and construction documentation to ensure consistency and completeness.
- Review project documents for alignment between drawings and specifications, identifying discrepancies and resolving them proactively.
- Work closely with architects and project teams to clarify technical requirements, material selections, and performance criteria.
- Assist in maintaining and updating specification standards, templates, and guidelines across multiple concurrent projects.
- Support overall project delivery efforts by ensuring that specifications are accurate, coordinated, and ready for bidding and construction.
- Independently interpret construction documents and project drawings to determine necessary specification updates and additions.
- Contribute to construction document (CD) production and coordination as needed to support project schedules and deliverables.
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously with minimal supervision, prioritizing tasks and deadlines effectively.
- Participate in a collaborative office culture where team members support each other across various phases of project work.
Essential Skills
- 10+ years of architecture experience, including at least 4 years of specification writing experience within architecture.
- 10+ years of specification writing experience in architecture, construction, or a closely related field.
- Strong ability to independently review and interpret architectural construction documents and project drawings.
- Expertise in CSI MasterFormat and specification organization, with the ability to develop and edit specifications to this standard.
- Proficiency with Revit and experience working with construction documents, construction drawings, schematic design, and design development.
- Demonstrated experience with construction documents and construction drawings for retail or commercial projects.
- Experience handling RFIs, submittals, and other construction-phase documentation.
- Excellent written communication skills and strong technical documentation abilities.
- High attention to detail and strong organizational skills, with the ability to maintain accuracy across multiple projects.
- Ability to manage multiple projects with minimal supervision while meeting deadlines and quality expectations.
- Comfort working independently while collaborating effectively with architects, project managers, and other team members.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience supporting retail, commercial, or large-scale prototype-based projects.
- Architectural background with direct responsibility for specification writing and coordination.
- Construction industry experience involving specification review, coordination, and integration with construction documents.
- Experience contributing to construction document (CD) production and coordination.
- Familiarity with project management responsibilities related to production, coordination, and client communication.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with a large volume of active projects.
- Strong client service mindset, with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally with clients and consultants.
- Interest in long-term career growth within a stable firm that invests in training and development.
Work Environment
This role is based in a small, approximately 25-person architectural firm with a long-established presence and a homey, welcoming office environment. Team members work in the office five days per week in a highly collaborative setting where everyone contributes across multiple phases of project work. The firm emphasizes work/life balance and offers flexibility to accommodate personal needs, even within the fast-paced nature of its projects. The practice focuses heavily on retail and commercial clients, including major national retailers, supermarkets, self-storage facilities, and car dealerships, with projects primarily located on the East Coast and registration in about 25 states. At any given time, the office manages roughly 45 to 70 active projects ranging from approximately $1 million to $35 million in value. The culture is service-oriented, with a strong emphasis on communication and long-term client relationships; every employee has some level of client contact and is expected to provide top-tier service. The firm invests significantly in training, taking time to develop staff and ensure a deep understanding of client standards and expectations, and hires with a long-term perspective, aiming to build careers rather than fill short-term project needs.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Park Ridge, NJ.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $95000.00 - $120000.00/yr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Full benefits package to be provided upon request
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Park Ridge, NJ.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 24, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Park Ridge,NJ. About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

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