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- Tasks: Lead innovative design projects from concept to completion, inspiring teams and clients alike.
- Company: Join a global leader in architecture and design with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Mentorship, global exposure, and opportunities for career growth in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of architecture and make a real impact on global projects.
- Qualifications: 7+ years of experience in leading complex design projects; passion for sustainable design.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace that values creativity and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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 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
- 7+ years experience leading large-scale, complex projects. Licenced preferred.
- 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.
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.
Portfolio & CV Mandatory
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.
SOM consists of a diverse, interdisciplinary group of architects, engineers, planners, interior designers, and more. We hire talented people who are passionate about design and offer a rewarding career experience.
Professional Designer in London employer: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill Llp (Som)
Contact Detail:
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill Llp (Som) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Professional Designer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks at events or online. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s polished and showcases your best work. We recommend tailoring it to highlight projects that align with the values of SOM, like sustainability and innovation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practicing your design narratives. We want to hear how you articulate your ideas and lead teams. Think about examples where you’ve overcome challenges creatively!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our firm.
We think you need these skills to ace Professional Designer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft Your Portfolio Wisely: Your portfolio is your chance to shine, so make sure it showcases your best work! Keep it concise, between 10-20 pages, and ensure it's a single PDF under 5 MB. Remember, this is your opportunity to tell your design story!
Tailor Your CV: When applying, don’t just send a generic CV. Tailor it to highlight your experience that aligns with the role of a Professional Designer at SOM. Show us how your skills and experiences make you the perfect fit for our design-driven culture.
Be Clear and Compelling: In your application, clarity is key! Articulate your design intent and experiences in a way that’s easy to understand. We want to see your passion for impactful design come through in your writing.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at SOM!
How to prepare for a job interview at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill Llp (Som)
✨Know Your Portfolio Inside Out
Make sure you can discuss every piece in your portfolio with confidence. Be ready to explain your design choices, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This will show your depth of experience and passion for impactful design.
✨Research SOM's Design Philosophy
Familiarise yourself with SOM's projects and their commitment to sustainability and innovation. Understanding their design ethos will help you articulate how your vision aligns with theirs, making you a more compelling candidate.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
Since the role involves leading interdisciplinary teams, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated on complex projects. Be ready to discuss how you resolved challenges creatively and how you inspired your team to achieve design excellence.
✨Articulate Your Design Narrative
Practice explaining your design intent clearly and passionately. Being able to convey your ideas effectively will not only impress your interviewers but also demonstrate your ability to communicate with clients and collaborators.
