Junior Designer - Architecture

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) in Chicago seeks an Architect with strong design and BIM skills to contribute at a project under supervision. The role emphasizes precision, documentation, and collaborative problem solving across disciplines.

You will produce diagrams, 3D models, drawings, renderings, and presentations, collaborating with project leadership to advance design through all phases. A professional degree in architecture and proficiency in Revit/AutoCAD are required.

Qualifications

• Completion of a professional degree in Architecture or a related field.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrates proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, parametric and rendering software, and Adobe Suite.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace.

Responsibilities

• Contributes to the development of an aspect of a project under the direct supervision of project leadership.
• Exhibits initiative, process innovation, problem solving, and decision quality with a high attention to precision and accuracy at a task-specific level.
• Produces presentation and contract deliverables such as diagrams, 3D models, drawings, renderings, physical models and animations.
• Effectively communicates internally through timely and appropriate written, oral, and visual means.
• Creates and innovates with a strong conceptual design ability.
• Integrates interdisciplinary criteria to effectively move forward the design of a project component.
• Actively collaborates at a project team level by critically and constructively evaluating ideas.
• Demonstrates a basic understanding of building materials, systems, specifications, codes, details and construction techniques.
• Effectively uses appropriate tools to design and document at all project phases.
• Manages time and workload to meet project task deadlines and commitments with frequent interaction and direction from Project Leadership.

Skills

Communication skills

Education

Professional degree in Architecture or related field

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Rhino

Parametric software

Rendering software

Adobe Suite

Google Workspace

Job description

Position Responsibilities

• Contributes to the development of an aspect of a project under the direct supervision of project leadership.
• Exhibits initiative, process innovation, problem solving, and decision quality with a high attention to precision and accuracy at a task-specific level.
• Produces presentation and contract deliverables such as diagrams, 3D models, drawings, renderings, physical models and animations.
• Effectively communicates internally through timely and appropriate written, oral, and visual means.
• Creates and innovates with a strong conceptual design ability.
• Integrates interdisciplinary criteria to effectively move forward the design of a project component.
• Actively collaborates at a project team level by critically and constructively evaluating ideas.
• Demonstrates a basic understanding of building materials, systems, specifications, codes, details and construction techniques.
• Effectively uses appropriate tools to design and document at all project phases.
• Manages time and workload to meet project task deadlines and commitments with frequent interaction and direction from Project Leadership.

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of a professional degree in Architecture or a related field.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrates proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, parametric and rendering software, and Adobe Suite.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace.

Compensation

Compensation for this role is based upon experience, qualifications, location, and education and typically ranges from $55,000 to $62,000.

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.

At SOM, we are a collective committed to shaping a better future for our clients, communities and planet. We aspire to create the most sustainable, impactful work through creative, interdisciplinary teams with all the resources and diversity of a global firm. We value those who are passionate about excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration. Together we can achieve great things. Success at SOM Means Ideas: We believe in a meritocracy of ideas. We look to everyone to actively contribute to the discourse in the firm. Knowledge: We believe that expertise is the result of lifelong learning. We are not expected to know everything, but rather to passionately pursue answers, develop new skills and deepen our knowledge. Product: We strive for excellence in the concept, quality, and delivery of our work. Individual: We value individuals who bring the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity in the way they work. Each person can develop and contribute their wealth of attributes, skills and knowledge to support the overall health of the firm. Team: We value the power of interdisciplinary integration. A positive team culture in which everyone collaborates openly towards common goals is essential. Firm: We have a history of making transformative contributions to the profession and our communities. We are constantly innovating and attempting to bring new approaches, solutions and processes to our work.

Working at SOM

Through our built work, research, and advocacy, we are advancing strategies to decarbonize the built environment. Learn more about our commitment to climate action. Our practice was built to champion inclusivity of expertise, people, and ideas. Together, we cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset that equips our teams to face new challenges. Our studio culture offers opportunities for mentorship, growth, and leadership across project teams, offices, and employee resource groups.

SOM is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, and we have been recognized with the highest ranking awarded on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index. We publish an annual Impact Report as part of our ongoing commitment to advancing equity in our practice and the profession.

Our Benefits

• We offer medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and accident insurance.
• We also offer retirement support, free access to employee assistance programs for employees and family members, workplace flexibility, paid holidays, family leave, and paid time off.
• We reimburse costs for professional licenses, certifications, and exams, and offer specialized, in-house career development and mentorship programs designed to help you advance your knowledge and expertise.

Notice to Applicants

Portfolios must be submitted for all design positions (Architecture, Interiors, Planning, 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. Learn more about SOM's employment policy.