Designer

Designer

Full-Time 29700 - 36300 £ / year (est.) Hybrid
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Create innovative designs and collaborate with a dynamic team on impactful projects.
  • Company: Join SOM London, a design-led studio committed to sustainability and excellence.
  • Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for professional growth and a vibrant team culture.
  • Other info: Portfolio submission is mandatory; showcase your design process and creativity.
  • Why this job: Shape major projects and develop your unique design voice in a global practice.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Architecture or Interior Design; proficiency in design software required.

The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.

A wealth of attributes, skills and knowledge to support the overall health of the firm.

Team: We value the power of interdisciplinary integration. A positive team culture in which everyone collaborates openly towards common goals is essential.

Firm: We have a history of making transformative contributions to the profession and our communities. We are constantly innovating and attempting to bring new approaches, solutions and processes to our work.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Creates and innovates with a strong conceptual design ability and integrates interdisciplinary criteria to effectively move the design of a project component(s) forward.
  • Demonstrates a basic understanding of Interiors and Architectural building materials and finishes, building systems, specifications, current and applicable building, design and detailing standards and construction techniques.
  • Able to enrich design concepts through technical strategies and effectively uses appropriate tools to research, design and document all project phases.
  • Demonstrates a basic knowledge of Interior Architecture and Architectural design including workplace planning and design concept development (hospitality and/or residential as applicable), design documentation, construction documentation, construction administration, and furniture (FF&E) and materials selection and specifications.
  • Manages time and workload to meet project task deadlines and commitments with regular interaction and direction from project leaders.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Completion of a professional degree in Architecture, Interior Design or a related field.
  • Effectively communicates with the project team and consultants through timely and appropriate written, oral, and visual means.
  • Demonstrates proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, Enscape, VR, Adobe Suite, parametric, rendering & graphics software; proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
  • Actively implements BIM/CAD project standards and procedures.

Portfolio:

A portfolio and CV are mandatory. The portfolio should clearly identify individual contributions and show the design process through sketches, diagrams, models, iterations, presentations and concept development through schematic design. Final renders or completed project photography alone will not provide sufficient evidence of design authorship.

Summary:

  • Location: London
  • Type: Full time

At SOM, we are a collective committed to shaping a better future for our clients, communities and planet. We aspire to create the most sustainable, impactful work through creative, interdisciplinary teams with all the resources and diversity of a global firm. We value those who are passionate about excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration. Together we can achieve great things.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Portfolio 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.

Why SOM London:

SOM London is a design-led studio working across disciplines, cultures and project types. We are inter-disciplinary and work independently in the UK, Europe, India and the Middle East. The role offers the opportunity to join a thriving studio with a rich culture, shape major projects, working with leading architects and engineers and build a distinct design voice within a global practice.

Success at SOM Means:

  • Ideas: We believe in a meritocracy of ideas. We look to everyone to actively contribute to the discourse in the firm.
  • Knowledge: We believe that expertise is the result of lifelong learning. We are not expected to know everything, but rather to passionately pursue answers, develop new skills and deepen our knowledge.
  • Product: We strive for excellence in the concept, quality, and delivery of our work.
  • Individual: We value individuals who bring the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity in the way they work.

Designer employer: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP

At SOM, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to professional development is evident through our comprehensive benefits, including flexible work schedules, health and wellness programs, and opportunities for continuous learning. Located in a vibrant community, we offer our employees the chance to work on transformative projects while contributing to a diverse and inclusive environment that values every individual's unique contributions.

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Contact Details:

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP 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 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

Conceptual Design Ability
Interdisciplinary Integration
Understanding of Building Materials and Finishes
Knowledge of Building Systems and Specifications
Design Documentation
Construction Administration
Furniture (FF&E) Selection and Specifications

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!

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. 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

✨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.