Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative design projects from concept to completion, ensuring quality and sustainability.
- Company: Join SOM, a global leader in architecture and design with over 1,200 creative professionals.
- Benefits: Enjoy mentorship, global exposure, and a collaborative culture that values your ideas.
- Why this job: Shape the future of design while working with diverse teams and impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Must be a licensed architect with 8+ years of experience in large-scale projects.
- Other info: Submit a portfolio showcasing your design work as part of your application.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ 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 seeking to hire our next generation of Design Leaders in the SOM London Studio to Shape the Future of Global Design — innovative leaders who can drive design ideas and deliver our most ambitious global projects.
At the forefront of transformative architecture, we are a design-driven studio guided by a shared commitment to design excellence, sustainability and innovation. Our open, collaborative culture empowers ideas to thrive across architecture, engineering, and urban design.
Your Impact
As a senior design voice in the studio, you’ll shape projects from concept to completion—integrating strategic vision with design excellence to lead interdisciplinary teams toward bold, future-focused outcomes.
You Will:
-
Champion the design process from early concept through delivery, ensuring constructability, performance, and exceptional quality.
-
Lead cross-disciplinary reviews and resolve complex challenges with creativity and clarity.
-
Mentor the next generation of talent and contribute to a dynamic, design-led culture.
-
Articulate compelling design narratives that inform clients, inspire collaborators, and elevate our global presence.
Who You Are
-
A licensed architect with 8+ years experience leading large-scale, complex projects.
-
A passionate advocate for impactful and sustainable design.
-
A natural leader who energizes and inspires interdisciplinary teams to achieve design excellence.
-
An articulate communicator —able to express design intent through documentation, dialogue, and publication. Able to develop an active design voice who can promote thought leadership, mentorship, and advocacy across the London studio and the wider Firmwide design community.
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.
Apply Now
If you’re ready to redefine what’s possible through design, we want to hear from you
For more information on the role and SOM’s values please click here
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: www.som.com/employment_opportunities_and_policy
For more about SOM: www.som.com
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Designer/Architect employer: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
Contact Detail:
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Designer/Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with SOM's design philosophy and recent projects. Understanding their approach to sustainability and innovation will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their values during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former SOM employees on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've mentored others in past roles. SOM is looking for someone who can inspire and energise teams, so be ready to share specific examples.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to communicate complex design ideas clearly. Practice articulating your design narratives, as this will be crucial in demonstrating your fit for the role during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Designer/Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Senior Designer/Architect position at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM). Pay attention to the specific skills and experiences they are looking for, such as leadership in large-scale projects and a passion for sustainable design.
Craft Your Portfolio: Since portfolios are mandatory for design positions, ensure yours is well-curated. Include 10-20 pages of your best work that showcases your design process, creativity, and ability to lead projects. Remember to keep it within the 5 MB limit and submit it as a single PDF attachment.
Tailor Your CV: Update your CV to highlight relevant experience, particularly your leadership roles and any large-scale projects you've managed. Make sure to include specific examples that demonstrate your ability to mentor others and drive design excellence.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, articulate your design philosophy and how it aligns with SOM's values. Discuss your vision for impactful and sustainable design, and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to their collaborative culture.
How to prepare for a job interview at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
✨Showcase Your Design Portfolio
Make sure to bring a well-organised portfolio that highlights your best work. Since the role requires a strong design voice, select projects that demonstrate your ability to lead complex designs and articulate compelling narratives.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Discussions
Given the emphasis on collaboration at SOM, be ready to discuss how you've successfully led interdisciplinary teams in the past. Think of specific examples where you resolved challenges creatively and clearly.
✨Articulate Your Vision for Sustainable Design
As a passionate advocate for impactful design, prepare to discuss your views on sustainability in architecture. Be ready to share how you've integrated sustainable practices into your previous projects.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Mentorship Skills
Since the role involves mentoring the next generation of talent, think about your experiences in guiding others. Be prepared to share how you've inspired and energised teams to achieve design excellence.
