Professional Architect

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM); Dubai; On-site; AED 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings program

Paid holidays

Professional development

Job summary

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) is seeking an Architect to join our Dubai studio. You will lead portions of innovative architectural projects, coordinating diagrams, 3D models, drawings and renderings while collaborating with cross‑disciplinary teams in a global practice.

You will contribute to high‑impact design strategies, integrate materials and construction methods, and mentor junior staff within a culture that prioritizes excellence, integrity, and sustainable design.

Qualifications

• Completion of a professional degree in Architecture or related field.
• Minimum 4 years of professional experience.
• Licensure process near completion; LEED accreditation preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, parametric and rendering software, and Adobe Suite.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace.

Responsibilities

• Actively leads distinct portions of a project with supervision by Project Leadership.
• Produces, coordinates and/or oversees presentation and contract deliverables (diagrams, 3D models, drawings, renderings).
• Communicates effectively with project teams, consultants and clients in written, oral and visual forms.
• Creates and innovates with strong conceptual design abilities across project portions.
• Collaborates across project, consultant and client teams to evaluate ideas.
• Demonstrates understanding of building materials, systems and construction techniques, and uses tools to document all project phases.
• Manages time and workload to meet deadlines and guides less experienced staff.

Skills

Verbal & written communication

Education

Professional degree in Architecture or related field

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Rhino

Parametric software

Rendering software

Adobe Suite

Google Workspace

Job description

Architect Location: DUBAI SOM

one of the most influential design firms in the world, is seeking innovative, creative, independent, and critical thinkers who aspire to the highest standards of excellence. Join our collaborative design practice as an Architect Professional for the opportunity to build a strong and thriving career.

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of a professional degree in Architecture or a related field.
• Minimum4 years of professional experience or equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Professional licensure process is close to completion; LEED accreditation preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrates high proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, parametric and rendering software, and Adobe Suite.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace.

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 Responsibilities

• Actively leads distinct portions of a project with periodic supervision by Project Leadership. Exhibits initiative, process innovation, problem solving, and decision quality with a high attention to precision and accuracy at an overall project level.
• Produces, coordinates and/or oversees presentation and contract deliverables such as diagrams, 3D models, drawings, renderings, physical models and animations.
• Effectively communicates internally with project teams and externally with consultants and clients through timely and appropriate written, oral, and visual means.
• Creates and innovates with a strong conceptual design ability. Integrates interdisciplinary criteria to effectively move forward the design of distinct portions of projects.
• Actively collaborates at a project, consultant team, and client team level by critically and constructively evaluating ideas. Contributes to and actively participates within the studio and office.
• Demonstrates an intermediate understanding of building materials, systems, specifications, codes, details and construction techniques. Is able to enrich design concepts through technical strategies. Identifies and effectively uses appropriate tools to design and document at all project phases.
• Manages time and workload of own work efforts and those of others to meet project task deadlines and commitments, with occasional interaction and direction from Project Leadership. Guides and teaches 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.

SOM offers opportunities to work on transformational projects, competitive salaries, health insurance, wellness, retirement and financial and other work/life plans.

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

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.

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.

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) is a global practice of architects, engineers, and planners renowned for designing buildings, interiors, and public spaces that push the boundaries of technical and environmental innovation. Our interdisciplinary teams collaborate across an international network of studios to deliver projects of lasting impact. Through our built work, research, and advocacy, we are advancing strategies to decarbonize the built environment. Learn more about our commitment to climate action.

Our practice was built to champion inclusivity of expertise, people, and ideas. Together, we cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset that equips our teams to face new challenges. Our studio culture offers opportunities for mentorship, growth, and leadership across project teams, offices, and employee resource groups.

SOM is proud

SOM is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, and we have been recognized with the highest ranking awarded on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index. We publish an annual Impact Report as part of our ongoing commitment to advancing equity in our practice and the profession.

Our Benefits

• medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and accident insurance.
• retirement support.
• free access to employee assistance programs for employees and family members.
• workplace flexibility.
• paid holidays.
• family leave.
• paid time off.
• reimburse costs for professional licenses, certifications, and exams.
• specialized, in-house career development and mentorship programs designed to help you advance your knowledge and expertise.

Notice to Applicants 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.

For more about SOM: www.som.com