SOUTHFIELD, Mich.—The College of Architecture and Design at Lawrence Technological University is offering a new and unique Architectural Specifications Certificate program, debuting in the fall 2026 semester. Designed to help fill the gap in this critical professional role within architecture, the Architectural Specifications certification will help architecture firms meet the needs of all built projects.
Importance of Architectural Specifications
Lilian Crum, Interim Dean of CoAD, said, “The certificate program was created in response to practicing professionals who have identified a knowledge gap in specifications and project delivery. A student who pursues this certificate would have a head start on understanding the role specifications play in the practice of architecture (and engineering), which is something most emerging professionals do not have exposure to until much later in their career.”
Amy Baker, BSArch ’03, MArch’06, AIA, LEED AP, CSI, CDT, SCIP, Distinguished Architecture Alumni Award recipient ’23, and owner of a specifications consulting firm, led the effort in envisioning and developing the framework for the certificate program. She explained that this unique program was developed in response to industry feedback about a shortage of trained specifiers, with SCIP (Specifications Consultants in Independent Practice) stepping in to provide expertise and volunteers to help create the three-course curriculum. “The program, which will launch in the fall 2026 semester, fills a gap left by retiring senior specifiers and the lack of traditional mentorship in the field.”
What Are Architectural Specifications?
Architectural specifications complement architectural drawings by defining building materials, installation requirements, quality standards, and project administration processes as part of a project’s contract documents.
Program Specifics and Benefits
With the shortage of specifiers in the industry, LTU’s Architectural Specifications Certificate offers students who might consider this as a career path a competitive advantage pursuing specification- and construction administration-focused roles. Baker added, “Because the coursework aligns with and supplements CSI’s professional certification programs, a student may also elect to take those certification exams after completing the LTU courses, which would prepare them with industry-recognized credentials as they seek employment.”
This fully online program can be taken as part of an existing degree or as a standalone certificate, making it accessible to architects, engineers, contractors, building product manufacturers, and other professionals interested in specifications work. Course instructors are career specifiers and educators in construction management.
“There are specification writing classes at other universities,” Crum said, “but CoAD’s is the only certificate program that offers a 360-degree view of the practice of specifying in three coordinated courses.”
For details or to enroll, visit https://ltu.edu/programs/architectural-specifications/
About Lawrence Technological University
Lawrence Technological University is one of only 13 independent, technological, comprehensive doctoral universities in the United States. Located in Southfield, Mich., LTU was founded in 1932, and offers more than 100 programs through its Colleges of Architecture and Design, Arts and Sciences, Business and Information Technology, Engineering, and Health Sciences, as well as Specs@LTU—offering the communication programs of the former Specs Howard School—and LTU’s growing Center for Professional Development. Forbes and The Wall Street Journal rank LTU among the nation’s top 10%. U.S. News and World Report lists it in the top tier of best Midwest colleges. LTU is also listed in the Princeton Review’s “America’s Best 391 Colleges 2026,” which includes the nation’s top 15% of four-year colleges and universities. Students benefit from small class sizes and a real-world, hands-on, “theory and practice” education with an emphasis on leadership. Activities on Lawrence Tech’s 107-acre campus include more than 60 student organizations and NAIA varsity sports.