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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 collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Mentorship, global exposure, and opportunities for career growth in a dynamic 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 team environment that values creativity and inclusivity.
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 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
✨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 highlights your best work. We recommend tailoring it to the specific role at SOM, showcasing projects that align with their design ethos and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising your design narratives. We want to hear how you articulate your ideas and lead teams. Think about examples where you’ve tackled challenges creatively and how you can inspire others.
✨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’s mission and culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Professional Designer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft Your Portfolio Wisely: Your portfolio is your chance to shine! Make sure it showcases your best work, highlighting projects that reflect your design philosophy and leadership skills. Remember, we want to see your journey from concept to completion!
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV. Tailor it to highlight your experience in leading large-scale projects and your passion for sustainable design. We’re looking for someone who can articulate their design intent clearly, so make sure your CV reflects that!
Be Authentic in Your Application: Let your personality come through in your application. We value authenticity and want to know what drives you as a designer. Share your thoughts on impactful design and how you envision contributing to our collaborative culture.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill Llp (Som)
✨Showcase Your Design Journey
Make sure to prepare a compelling portfolio that not only highlights your best work but also tells the story of your design journey. Include projects that demonstrate your ability to lead complex, large-scale initiatives and how you've integrated sustainability into your designs.
✨Communicate with Clarity
During the interview, articulate your design intent clearly. Practice explaining your thought process behind key projects, focusing on how you resolved challenges and led interdisciplinary teams. This will showcase your leadership skills and ability to inspire others.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since SOM values collaboration, be ready to discuss how you've worked with diverse teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you’ve mentored junior designers or facilitated cross-disciplinary reviews, highlighting your role in fostering a dynamic design culture.
✨Research SOM's Values
Familiarise yourself with SOM’s commitment to design excellence and sustainability. Be prepared to discuss how your personal design philosophy aligns with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of delivering bold, future-focused outcomes.
