At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative design projects and mentor the next generation of talent.
- Company: Global architecture firm known for pushing design boundaries.
- Benefits: Comprehensive benefits, flexible work, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for growth and collaboration across disciplines.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on ambitious global projects in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in design leadership with a passion for sustainable innovation.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) is a global practice of architects, engineers, and planners renowned for designing buildings, interiors, and public spaces that push the boundaries of technical and environmental innovation. SOM London Studio is seeking a Design Leader to drive design ideas and deliver our most ambitious global projects.
Responsibilities
- 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.
Qualifications
- 7+ years experience leading large‑scale, complex projects.
- Licensed preferred (architect). A passionate advocate for impactful and sustainable design.
- A natural leader who energizes and inspires interdisciplinary teams to achieve design excellence.
- 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 firm‑wide design community.
Why Join Us?
- Collaborate across offices, disciplines, and cultures within an international studio network.
- Define your own career framework with mentorship, global exposure, and access to the firm’s most forward‑thinking leadership.
- Inclusive, entrepreneurial culture with opportunities for mentorship, growth, and leadership across project teams, offices, and employee resource groups.
Benefits
- Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and accident insurance.
- We offer retirement support, free access to employee assistance programs for employees and family members, workplace flexibility, paid holidays, family leave, and paid time off.
- We reimburse costs for professional licenses, certifications, and exams, and provide specialized, in‑house career development and mentorship programs designed to help you advance your knowledge and expertise.
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. We have been recognized with the highest ranking awarded on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index.
Designer employer: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill Llp (Som)
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture in its London Studio, where creativity and collaboration thrive. With a strong emphasis on mentorship and professional growth, employees are empowered to define their career paths while working on ambitious global projects that push the boundaries of design innovation. The comprehensive benefits package, coupled with a commitment to sustainability and diversity, makes SOM a rewarding place for passionate designers seeking meaningful impact in their work.
Contact Details:
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill Llp (Som) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Designer
✨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 & Merrill Llp (Som) 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 Designer
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 & Merrill Llp (Som)!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Skidmore, Owings & Merrill Llp (Som). 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 & Merrill Llp (Som)
✨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 & Merrill Llp (Som).
