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- Tasks: Lead innovative design projects from concept to completion, ensuring quality and sustainability.
- Company: Join SOM, a global leader in architecture and design with over 1,200 creative professionals.
- Benefits: Enjoy mentorship, global exposure, and a collaborative culture that values your ideas.
- Why this job: Shape the future of design while working with diverse teams and tackling complex challenges.
- Qualifications: Must be a licensed architect with 8+ years of experience in large-scale projects.
- Other info: Submit a portfolio showcasing your design work to apply.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ 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 to Shape the Future of Global Design — innovative leaders 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:
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Champion the design process from early concept through delivery, ensuring constructability, performance, and exceptional quality.
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Lead cross-disciplinary reviews and resolve complex challenges with creativity and clarity.
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Mentor the next generation of talent and contribute to a dynamic, design-led culture.
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Articulate compelling design narratives that inform clients, inspire collaborators, and elevate our global presence.
Who You Are
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A licensed architect with 8+ years experience leading large-scale, complex projects.
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A passionate advocate for impactful and sustainable design.
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A natural leader who energizes and inspires interdisciplinary teams to achieve design excellence.
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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.
Apply Now
If you’re ready to redefine what’s possible through design, we want to hear from you
For more information on the role and SOM’s values please click here
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. Visit this page to learn more about SOM\’s employment policy and how to apply offline:
For more about SOM:
Portfolios must be submitted for all design positions (Architecture, Interiors, Planning, 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.
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Senior Designer/Architect employer: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
Contact Detail:
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Designer/Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with SOM's design philosophy and recent projects. Understanding their approach to sustainability and innovation will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their values during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former SOM employees on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've mentored others in past roles. SOM is looking for someone who can inspire and energise teams, so showcasing your ability to lead effectively is crucial.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to present a compelling design narrative that reflects your vision and creativity. Practice articulating your design process and how it contributes to impactful architecture, as this will be key in demonstrating your fit for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Designer/Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of a Senior Designer/Architect at SOM. Familiarise yourself with their design philosophy and recent projects to tailor your application.
Craft a Compelling Portfolio: Your portfolio is crucial for this role. Ensure it showcases your best work, highlighting large-scale, complex projects you've led. Include a variety of design styles and processes to demonstrate your versatility and creativity.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your experience relevant to the position. Emphasise your leadership roles, project management skills, and any sustainable design initiatives you've championed. Use clear, concise language to convey your achievements.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, articulate your passion for impactful design and how your vision aligns with SOM's values. Highlight your ability to mentor others and lead interdisciplinary teams, showcasing your communication skills and design intent.
How to prepare for a job interview at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Make sure to present a well-organised portfolio that highlights your best work. Since SOM requires portfolios for all design positions, ensure it reflects your design philosophy and showcases your ability to lead large-scale projects.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a senior designer, you’ll need to inspire and mentor others. Be prepared to discuss your leadership experiences and how you've successfully guided interdisciplinary teams in past projects.
✨Articulate Your Design Vision
SOM values compelling design narratives. Practice articulating your design intent clearly and confidently, as this will be crucial in demonstrating your fit for the role and your ability to communicate effectively with clients and collaborators.
✨Emphasise Sustainability and Innovation
Given SOM's commitment to impactful and sustainable design, be ready to discuss how you incorporate these principles into your work. Share examples of how you've tackled complex challenges with innovative solutions in your previous projects.
