Senior Design Architect - Lead Large-Scale Projects

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 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