Senior Architectural Designer & Design Lead

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 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.