Senior Associate Designer — Lead Concept to Schematic

Archi-Tech Network; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

SOM London is seeking an associate designer to join our London studio, leading design on large, complex projects from concept through schematic design.

We expect eight+ years of architectural experience, a proven ability to guide interdisciplinary teams, and a strong editorial eye for design storytelling. This senior role focuses on design leadership, not management, and invites collaboration across clients, consultants and SOM’s global studios.

Qualifications

• Eight+ years of architecture/design leadership experience.
• Experience leading teams on large, complex projects through schematic design.
• Ability to turn complex ideas into clear design narratives for clients and teams.
• Professional registration is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• 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 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 strategies for space, structure, environment and materials.
• 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 leadership

Team leadership

Client communication

Editorial storytelling

Mentoring

Job description

SOM London is seeking an associate designer to join our London studio, leading design on large, complex projects from concept through schematic design.

We expect eight+ years of architectural experience, a proven ability to guide interdisciplinary teams, and a strong editorial eye for design storytelling. This senior role focuses on design leadership, not management, and invites collaboration across clients, consultants and SOM’s global studios.