At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design on large, complex projects and mentor emerging designers.
- Company: Join SOM London, a dynamic design-led studio with a rich culture.
- Benefits: Shape major international projects and work with leading architects and engineers.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative environment while developing your design voice.
- Qualifications: 8+ years of architectural design experience and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
SOM London is looking for a hands-on Associate Designer with 8+ years' experience to lead design on large, complex projects from first principles through schematic design. Design direction at SOM evolves collaboratively; the role is to recognise where it's going, sharpen it, and hold the cadence that keeps teams moving with clarity and consistency. This is a senior studio role built around staying close to the work and leading through the design itself. It's not a Design Management role.
The Role
- Lead and sustain design direction on large, complex projects from first principles through schematic design
- Recognise and strengthen emerging design ideas, and help test and communicate them
- Set the cadence across teams with clarity, momentum and consistency
- Lead teams and workstreams while staying hands-on in the design itself
- Build design narratives connecting concept, context, programme, structure, material and experience
- Shape presentations with a strong editorial eye and persuasive visual storytelling
- Translate design ambition into coherent spatial, structural, environmental and material strategies
- Guide senior clients and collaborators through complex design decisions
- Lead interdisciplinary reviews and maintain design quality
- Work closely with clients, consultants and SOM's global studios
- Mentor designers and contribute to studio culture
- Contribute to competitions, pitches and new business
- Help shape the wider creative direction of SOM London
Experience
- At least 8 years leading architectural design
- A clear record of developing concepts for large, complex projects through schematic design
- Experience leading teams, projects or significant design workstreams
- Strong judgement across form, programme, structure, material, environmental performance and context
- Ability to turn complex ideas into clear narratives and presentations
- Experience advising senior clients and guiding interdisciplinary teams
- A record of mentoring designers and contributing positively to studio culture
Portfolio Guidance
Should clearly identify your individual contributions and show design leadership through a project's development from concept to schematic design. Final renders or completed project photography alone won't be enough. You'll help shape major international projects, working alongside leading architects and engineers, and contribute to the continued growth of the London studio.
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. 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.
Design Architect in London employer: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
At Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture in our London studio. As a Senior Technical Designer, you will not only lead transformative projects but also benefit from unparalleled mentorship and career growth opportunities within a diverse and inclusive environment. Join us to shape the future of global design while making a meaningful impact in architecture and urban planning.
Contact Details:
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Architect in London
✨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 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 Design Architect in London
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!
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. 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
✨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.
