At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and deliver innovative aviation and transport projects from concept to completion.
- Company: Join a global leader in architecture and design with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health insurance, wellness programmes, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment that values your ideas and supports your professional journey.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on transformative projects while developing your design leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 6-10 years of experience in architecture or design, especially in aviation or large infrastructure.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) is a collective of over 1,200 architects, designers, engineers, and planners working across studios in London, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington D.
C., Hong Kong, Melbourne, Riyadh, and Dubai.
We are looking for a Senior Aviation Designer to join our London studio.
This role will focus on the design and delivery of innovative aviation and transport projects.
As our airport portfolio grows, we’re seeking someone who combines strong design thinking with solid planning and coordination skills and who can help strengthen and support the wider team as we take on multiple aviation projects.
Role Overview This position blends strong design capability with a growing focus on aviation and transport projects.
You will play a key role from concept development to delivery, working closely with interdisciplinary teams to connect design intent with technical, operational, and performance requirements.
The role is for someone who is collaborative, motivated to deepen their expertise in aviation, and confident in communicating ideas clearly.
We are looking for someone who: Has an active interest in aviation design, and applying your experience to drive innovation within the studio.
Contributes to the design and coordination of aviation and transport projects from concept through delivery.
Develops clear and consistent design studies, drawings, diagrams, and presentations across project stages.
Integrates design intent with operational, technical, and performance requirements through collaboration with architects, engineers, planners, and specialists.
Supports design reviews and helps resolve project challenges with clear thinking and well-coordinated information.
Assists with project planning, documentation, and organisation of deliverables to maintain team alignment and programme goals.
Communicate design intent effectively with colleagues, consultants, and clients.
Contribute positively to team culture, supporting others and sharing knowledge openly.
Work confidently in fast-moving, interdisciplinary environments where planning and design evolve together.
Hold qualifications as an architect or designer with 6 to 10 years of experience, including work on airports or large, complex infrastructure projects.
Why Join Us?As part of our international studio network, you’ll collaborate across offices, disciplines, and cultures, engaging with diverse perspectives to deliver design excellence on a global scale.
We don’t just offer a role, we will help you define your own career framework.
We will support your growth as a design leader through mentorship, global exposure, and access to the firm's most forward-thinking leadership.
At SOM your ambition is matched by opportunity, and your ideas have a platform to influence the built environment at every scale.
SOM offers opportunities to work on transformational projects, competitive salaries, health insurance, wellness, retirement and financial and other work/life plans.
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.
Visit this page to learn more about SOM's employment policy and how to apply offline: For more about SOM: Portfolios must be submitted for all design positions (Architecture, Interiors, Planning, 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
- Type: Full time
Senior Aviation Designer in London employer: Skidmore, Owings and Merrill
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, particularly in our London studio where the focus is on innovative aviation design. We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive health benefits, and robust opportunities for professional growth through mentorship and global exposure, allowing you to shape your career while contributing to transformative projects. Join us to be part of a diverse team that values your ideas and supports your ambition in making a significant impact on the built environment.
Contact Details:
Skidmore, Owings and Merrill Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Aviation Designer in London
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from Skidmore, Owings and Merrill who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Aviation Designer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at Skidmore, Owings and Merrill!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Skidmore, Owings and Merrill
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at Skidmore, Owings and Merrill.
