Designer

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM); Greater London; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

SOM London is seeking a hands-on front-end designer with 6+ years’ experience to lead the design of large, complex projects from initiation to schematic design.

A CV and portfolio demonstrating individual design authorship are mandatory; you will mentor designers and work directly with clients and interdisciplinary teams.

The role focuses on originating strong architectural ideas, developing them clearly, and guiding presentations and design narratives through the project stages.

Qualifications

• Hands-on front-end design experience leading projects through schematic design.
• Ability to translate complex ideas into clear narratives and presentations.
• Experience leading teams and guiding interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Portfolio demonstrating individual design authorship is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Lead large, complex projects from first principles through schematic design.
• Generate, test and communicate architectural ideas.
• Build design narratives connecting concept, context, programme and experience.
• Shape presentations with clear visual hierarchy and storytelling.
• Direct teams through concept and schematic design development.
• Translate design ambition into coherent spatial, structural and material strategies.
• Collaborate with clients, consultants and SOM’s global studios.
• Mentor designers and strengthen design authorship culture.

Skills

Hands-on front-end design

Leadership of large projects

Mentoring designers

Storytelling & presentations

Job description

SOM London is looking for a hands‑on front‑end designer with 6+ years’ experience and a clear record of leading the design of large, complex projects from initiation to schematic design. A CV and portfolio demonstrating individual design authorship are mandatory.

The role is focused on originating strong architectural ideas, developing them with clarity and leading teams with cadence. It requires someone who remains directly engaged in the work, combining design authorship with the ability to guide clients, collaborators and interdisciplinary teams.

The Role

• Lead large, complex projects from first principles through schematic design
• Generate, test and communicate compelling architectural ideas
• Build clear design narratives that connect concept, context, programme and experience
• Shape presentations with a strong editorial eye, clear visual hierarchy and persuasive storytelling
• Direct teams through concept and schematic design development
• Translate design ambition into coherent spatial, structural and material strategies
• Work closely with clients, consultants and SOM’s global studios
• Mentor designers and strengthen the studio’s culture of design authorship

Experience

• At least 6 years’ experience leading design, not only project delivery
• A clear record of originating and developing architectural concepts through schematic design
• Strong judgement across form, programme, structure, material and context
• The ability to turn complex ideas into clear narratives and well‑crafted presentations
• Experience presenting design ideas to senior clients and collaborators
• The ability to guide teams while remaining hands‑on in the design process
• Professional registration is preferred.

Portfolio

A portfolio and CV are mandatory. The portfolio should clearly identify individual contributions and show the design process through sketches, diagrams, models, iterations, presentations and concept development through schematic design. Final renders or completed project photography alone will not provide sufficient evidence of design authorship.

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.