Design Architect

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM); Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

SOM London is seeking a hands-on Associate Designer with 8+ years' experience to lead design on large, complex projects from first principles through schematic design. This senior studio role stays close to the work, leading through the design itself, mentoring designers, and shaping the creative direction across SOM’s global studios.

The role requires a track record of developing concepts through schematic design, strong editorial and storytelling skills, and the ability to guide clients

Qualifications

• 8+ years leading architectural design.
• Experience guiding interdisciplinary teams.
• Strong ability to turn complex ideas into clear narratives and presentations.
• Professional registration mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Lead design direction on large, complex projects from first principles through schematic design.
• Recognise and strengthen emerging design ideas, and help test and communicate them.
• Set the cadence across teams with clarity, momentum and consistency.
• Lead teams and workstreams while staying hands-on in the design itself.
• Build design narratives connecting concept, context, programme, structure, material and experience.
• Shape presentations with an editorial eye and persuasive visual storytelling.
• Translate design ambition into coherent spatial, structural, environmental and material strategies.
• Guide senior clients and collaborators through complex design decisions.
• Lead interdisciplinary reviews and maintain design quality.
• Work closely with clients, consultants and SOM’s global studios.
• Mentor designers and contribute to studio culture.
• Contribute to competitions, pitches and new business.
• Help shape the wider creative direction of SOM London.

Skills

Architectural design

Team leadership

Design storytelling

Concept development

Mentoring

Education

Professional registration

Job description

SOM London is looking for a hands‑on Associate Designer with 8+ years' experience to lead design on large, complex projects from first principles through schematic design. Design direction at SOM evolves collaboratively; the role is to recognise where it’s going, sharpen it, and hold the cadence that keeps teams moving with clarity and consistency. This is a senior studio role built around staying close to the work and leading through the design itself. It’s not a Design Management role.

The Role

• Lead and sustain design direction on large, complex projects from first principles through schematic design
• Recognise and strengthen emerging design ideas, and help test and communicate them
• Set the cadence across teams with clarity, momentum and consistency
• Lead teams and workstreams while staying hands‑on in the design itself
• Build design narratives connecting concept, context, programme, structure, material and experience
• Shape presentations with a strong editorial eye and persuasive visual storytelling
• Translate design ambition into coherent spatial, structural, environmental and material strategies
• Guide senior clients and collaborators through complex design decisions
• Lead interdisciplinary reviews and maintain design quality
• Work closely with clients, consultants and SOM’s global studios
• Mentor designers and contribute to studio culture
• Contribute to competitions, pitches and new business
• Help shape the wider creative direction of SOM London

Experience

• At least 8 years leading architectural design
• A clear record of developing concepts for large, complex projects through schematic design
• Experience leading teams, projects or significant design workstreams
• Strong judgement across form, programme, structure, material, environmental performance and context
• Ability to turn complex ideas into clear narratives and presentations
• Experience advising senior clients and guiding interdisciplinary teams
• A record of mentoring designers and contributing positively to studio culture
• Professional registration mandatory

Portfolio Guidance

Should clearly identify your individual contributions and show design leadership through a project’s development from concept to schematic design. Final renders or completed project photography alone won’t be enough. You’ll help shape major international projects, working alongside leading architects and engineers, and contribute to the continued growth of the London studio.

Why SOM London

SOM London is a design‑led studio working across disciplines, cultures and project types. We are inter‑disciplinary and work independently in the UK, Europe, India and the Middle East. The role offers the opportunity to join a thriving studio with a rich culture, shape major projects, working with leading architects and engineers and build a distinct design voice within a global practice.

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: 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.