Visualization Specialist

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.

Role Summary

The Visualisation Specialist works within project teams to translate architectural design into clear and compelling visual outputs. The role combines 3D modelling and rendering with animation, real-time tools, and AI-enabled workflows to support design development and communication across all project phases.

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. Each person can develop and contribute their 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

• Contributes to the development of a Project with periodic supervision by Senior Visualiser or Visual Design Manager.
• Produce high-quality still imagery, animations, and visual content for design development and presentation.
• Translate architectural drawings and models into accurate digital representations.
• Develop 3D models, materials, lighting, and environments.
• Apply post-production and compositing to ensure clarity and consistency.
• Support iterative design studies through visual exploration.
• Help design, develop and implement bespoke AI-driven workflows (e.g., ComfyUI Setups) tailored to the studio’s unique aesthetics and production needs.
• Implement real-time workflows within production processes.
• Manage multiple tasks and deadlines with a high level of organisation.
• Contribute to shared libraries, standards, and visualisation workflows.
• Effectively communicates internally through timely and appropriate written, oral, and visual means.
• Actively collaborates at a project team level by critically and constructively evaluating ideas.
• Demonstrates an intermediate understanding of building materials, systems, specifications, codes, details and construction techniques. Is able to enrich design concepts through technical strategies and effectively uses appropriate tools to design and document at all project phases.
• Manages time and workload to meet project task deadlines and commitments with periodic interaction and direction from project leaders while sharing knowledge with less experienced staff.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Inspires and leads others by example, participates in staff mentoring and training, clearly defines team member expectations and responsibilities, empowers others, and delegates where appropriate based on team members’ recognized abilities and potential.
• In collaboration with team members, contributes to a clear and consistent work plan to achieve the project budget, deliverables, and schedule.
• Actively engages in internal professional development opportunities.
• Contributes to the implementation of sustainable strategies in all project assignments and the associated development of staff knowledge.
• Contributes to the development of standards, policies, and procedures.
• Protects SOM from financial and legal risk.

Skills & Experience

• Degree in Architecture, Design, or related field.
• Professional experience in architectural visualisation.
• Proficiency in 3ds Max, Corona or other render engines, Unreal engine, Rhino, Adobe.
• Demonstrated experience in animation and motion workflows.
• Proven track record of moving beyond off-the-shelf AI tools to create custom AI pipelines for image generation, upscaling or automated post-production.
• Familiarity with scripting or visual programming (beneficial but not required, e.g. Python, MAXScript, Unreal Engine blueprints).
• Strong understanding of modelling, rendering, and image composition.
• Ability to accurately interpret architectural documentation.

Our Benefits:

• Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life & accident insurance.
• Work/Life Balance: Hybrid/Flexible schedules, paid family leave, paid vacation, backup child and elder care, and an employee assistance program.
• Professional Development: Reimbursement for professional licenses, associated renewals, and exam fees as well as specialized in-house career development.

Our Culture:

Our creative, interdisciplinary teams work like small, dynamic studios, with all the resources and diversity of a global firm. Here, you’ll collaborate with industry experts on some of the most exciting and transformative architecture, engineering, and planning projects in the world. We believe an inclusive environment improves our teams, our firm, and our communities and are passionate about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Our DEI Action Plan was created to bring meaningful change to our profession, starting with our own culture and practices. 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.