Design Architect

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.

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 Summary

The Designer has responsibility for the quality of design for each project within the established scope of work, program, and budget objectives. Together with the Technical Designer, Project Manager, and/or Project Architect, the Designer is the day-to-day co-leader of the project, with significant responsibilities in the Concept Design through Design Development phases. They lead the production of design deliverables to convey a clear narrative and conceptual framework to internal and external parties.

Position Responsibilities 

• Contributes to the design direction and innovation(s) and furthers the development of architectural projects through all phases that are consistent with the scope of work and goals of the firm. Integrates criteria and input from all disciplines into design solutions.

• Communicates and maintains standards of quality for design and work products for the full internal and external team.

• Possesses a working understanding of the local parameters and criteria for the project, including relevant local codes. Oversees and leads the design, programmatic, contextual, and cultural research and analysis required for the project.

• Proposes and assesses materials and finishes for the project.

• Leads design documentation including but not limited to drawings, sketches, physical models, renderings, and animations for regular internal and external meetings and milestone deliverables. Design documentation should be consistent with firm standards for the publication and presentation of work.

• Drafts a comprehensive design narrative for the project that will inform the client and other disciplines about the design intent, as well as contribute to publications and business development initiatives. Supports the production of the technical specifications for the project.

• Communicates the design goals to the project team on a regular basis.

• Fosters positive relationships with clients and the design community.

• Remains committed to working within the established project budgets, schedules and work plans.

• When applicable, supports the team’s construction phase services scope including making periodic site visits to monitor construction progress and identifying areas needing correction and/or modification; attending visual mockup review; and assisting the Technical Designer in reviewing shop drawings for design intent.

• Attends and presents in owner/architect design meetings. Reviews and approves meeting minutes.

• Attends and facilitates weekly internal project team meetings.

• Works with IT, Marketing, and Records Management to archive all final and preferred drawings, renderings, and photos for future use.

• Actively participates in local and firm-wide Design Review Meetings and makes meaningful contributions to the advancement of activities led by these groups.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Actively leads a project team.

• Directly supervises, trains, and mentors team members.

• Engages in talent strategy to find specialists, leaders, and future professionals for the firm through resume review and interviews.

• Demonstrates leadership in the implementation of sustainable strategies in all project assignments and the associated development of staff knowledge.

• Creates and drives new ways of working through contributing to the development of services, standards, procedures based in an understanding of the business principles that protect SOM from financial and legal risk.

Minimum Qualifications 

• Completion of a professional degree in Architecture or a related field.

• Licensed in Architecture; LEED or other green building accreditation preferred.

• Minimum 8 years of experience or equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.

• General understanding of sustainable strategies and principles including familiarity with LEED or other green building rating systems.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Demonstrates proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, parametric and rendering software, Adobe Suite, and Google Workspace.

Our Benefits

Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life & accident insurance
Savings: 401K matching, pre-tax spending accounts, and employee discount programs
Work/Life Balance: Inquire about our 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

Compensation for this role is based upon experience, qualifications, location, and education and typically ranges from $95,000 to $120,000.

Our Culture

Our creative, interdisciplinary teams work like small, dynamic studios, with all the resources and diversity of a global firm.

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. Visit this page to learn more about SOM's employment policy and how to apply offline: www.som.com/employment_opportunities_and_policy

For more about SOM: www.som.com

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.