At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design on large projects, shaping concepts and guiding teams through the creative process.
- Company: Join SOM London, a dynamic design-led studio with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Opportunity to work on major international projects and develop your design voice.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment with excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in architecture while mentoring and shaping future designers.
- Qualifications: 8+ years of architectural design experience and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
SOM London is looking for a hands-on Associate Designer with 8+ years' experience to lead design on large, complex projects from first principles through schematic design. Design direction at SOM evolves collaboratively; the role is to recognise where it's going, sharpen it, and hold the cadence that keeps teams moving with clarity and consistency. This is a senior studio role built around staying close to the work and leading through the design itself. It's not a Design Management role.
The Role
- Lead and sustain design direction on large, complex projects from first principles through schematic design
- Recognise and strengthen emerging design ideas, and help test and communicate them
- Set the cadence across teams with clarity, momentum and consistency
- Lead teams and workstreams while staying hands-on in the design itself
- Build design narratives connecting concept, context, programme, structure, material and experience
- Shape presentations with a strong editorial eye and persuasive visual storytelling
- Translate design ambition into coherent spatial, structural, environmental and material strategies
- Guide senior clients and collaborators through complex design decisions
- Lead interdisciplinary reviews and maintain design quality
- Work closely with clients, consultants and SOM's global studios
- Mentor designers and contribute to studio culture
- Contribute to competitions, pitches and new business
- Help shape the wider creative direction of SOM London
Experience
- At least 8 years leading architectural design
- A clear record of developing concepts for large, complex projects through schematic design
- Experience leading teams, projects or significant design workstreams
- Strong judgement across form, programme, structure, material, environmental performance and context
- Ability to turn complex ideas into clear narratives and presentations
- Experience advising senior clients and guiding interdisciplinary teams
- A record of mentoring designers and contributing positively to studio culture
Portfolio Guidance
Should clearly identify your individual contributions and show design leadership through a project's development from concept to schematic design. Final renders or completed project photography alone won't be enough. You'll help shape major international projects, working alongside leading architects and engineers, and contribute to the continued growth of the London studio.
Why SOM London
SOM London is a design-led studio working across disciplines, cultures and project types. We are inter-disciplinary and work independently in the UK, Europe, India and the Middle East. The role offers the opportunity to join a thriving studio with a rich culture, shape major projects, working with leading architects and engineers and build a distinct design voice within a global practice. At SOM, we welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace. We believe an inclusive environment benefits our employees, our firm, and our community, while also enriching and challenging our own thinking about design. We are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.
Portfolios must be submitted for all design and project management positions (Architecture, Interiors, City Design, Graphics, etc). Applications without work samples will not be reviewed. Portfolios should be one PDF attachment, 10-20 pages, maximum 5 MB. Submit portfolios as part of your application in the section where the application asks you for your Resume or CV.
Summary
Location: London
Type: Full time
Design Architect in London employer: Skidmore, Owings and Merrill
Skidmore, Owings and Merrill is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture in the heart of London. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees are encouraged to grow their skills through mentorship and cutting-edge projects, making it a rewarding environment for those passionate about structural design and BIM technology. The company also offers competitive benefits and a dynamic atmosphere that inspires creativity and excellence.
Contact Details:
Skidmore, Owings and Merrill Recruitment Team
