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- Tasks: Lead innovative design projects from concept to completion, shaping the future of architecture.
- 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: Make a real impact on transformative projects while inspiring the next generation of designers.
- Qualifications: 7+ years of experience in leading large-scale projects and a 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.
- Able to develop an active design voice who can promote thought leadership, mentorship, and advocacy across the London studio and the wider Firmwide design community.
Why Join Us?
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.
Professional Designer employer: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
Contact Detail:
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Professional Designer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend design events, workshops, and meetups in London to connect with industry leaders and fellow designers. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role at SOM.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s polished and showcases your best work. Tailor it to highlight projects that align with SOM's focus on sustainability and innovation. Remember, first impressions count!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching SOM’s recent projects and design philosophy. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their vision and how you can contribute to their ambitious goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Professional Designer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Best Work: When putting together your portfolio, make sure to highlight your most impressive projects. We want to see your design journey and how you've tackled complex challenges, so choose pieces that really showcase your skills and creativity.
Tailor Your CV: Your CV should reflect not just your experience but also how it aligns with our values at SOM. We’re looking for passionate advocates for impactful design, so don’t hesitate to emphasise your leadership roles and collaborative projects.
Craft a Compelling Narrative: In your application, articulate your design philosophy and how it connects to the role. We love seeing candidates who can express their design intent clearly, so tell us what inspires you and how you envision contributing to our studio.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our culture and projects!
How to prepare for a job interview at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
✨Showcase Your Design Journey
Make sure to prepare a 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 initiatives and your commitment to sustainability, as these are key values for the company.
✨Articulate Your Design Philosophy
Be ready to discuss your design philosophy and how it aligns with the studio's vision. Think about how you can articulate compelling narratives around your projects, showcasing your ability to inspire and engage interdisciplinary teams.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
Since collaboration is at the heart of their culture, prepare examples of how you've successfully led cross-disciplinary teams in the past. Highlight specific challenges you faced and how your leadership helped overcome them, demonstrating your natural ability to energise and inspire others.
✨Research and Engage
Do your homework on Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and their recent projects. Show genuine interest by discussing how you can contribute to their ambitious global projects and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will show that you're not just looking for any job, but that you're truly invested in being part of their team.
