Senior Technical Designer

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM); Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Retirement support

Paid time off

Licensing support

Mentorship programs

Job summary

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) seeks an experienced architect to lead portions of large projects, coordinating with consultants and clients to deliver high-quality, sustainable design. The role emphasizes precision, technical excellence, and the integration of interdisciplinary criteria across all project phases.

The candidate will manage presentation and contract deliverables, mentor junior staff, and contribute to development of standards and processes while ensuring compliance with

Qualifications

• Professional degree in Architecture or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of professional experience.
• Licensed Architect with current registration.
• Proficiency in Revit, BIM and AutoCAD.
• Proficiency in 3D modeling software - Rhino and rendering software.
• Advanced knowledge of building systems, construction types, and sustainability.
• Proficiency in construction management software.

Responsibilities

• Lead distinct portions of a project with supervision by Project Leadership.
• Produce and coordinate diagrams, 3D models, drawings, renderings and animations.
• Communicate with project teams, consultants and clients clearly.
• Develop design concepts integrating interdisciplinary criteria across large or small projects.
• Collaborate with teams and mentors to develop staff and deliverables.
• Check and coordinate project documents for compliance with technical requirements.

Skills

Project leadership

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Communication

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Education

Professional degree in Architecture or related field

Licensed Architect (registration)

Tools

Revit

BIM

AutoCAD

Rhino

Rendering software

Construction codes

LEED

Job description

About SOM

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

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.

Position Responsibilities

Actively leads distinct portions of a Project with periodic supervision by Project Leadership. Exhibits initiative, process innovation, problem solving, and decision quality with a high attention to precision and accuracy at a project level. Produces, coordinates and/or oversees presentation and contract deliverables such as diagrams, 3D models, drawings, renderings, physical models and animations. Effectively communicates internally with project teams and externally with consultants and clients through timely and appropriate written, oral, and visual means. Creates and innovates with a strong conceptual design ability and integrates interdisciplinary criteria to effectively move forward the design of distinct portions of large projects or entire projects of a small scale. Actively collaborates at a project, consultant team, and client team level by critically and constructively evaluating ideas. Contributes to and actively participates within the studio and office. Demonstrates an advanced understanding of building materials, systems, specifications, codes, details and construction techniques. Is able to enrich design concepts through technical strategies and effectively uses appropriate tools to design and document at all project phases. Proactively checks and coordinates project documents (including but not limited to drawing set organization, details, dimensions, interdisciplinary coordination items, specifications coordination) for compliance with the project’s technical requirements. Manages time and workload of own work efforts and those of others to meet project task deadlines and commitments, with occasional interaction and direction from team leaders while guiding and teaching less experienced staff.

Leadership Responsibilities

Inspires and leads others by example, participates in staff mentoring and training, clearly defines team member expectations and responsibilities, empowers others, and delegates where appropriate based on team members’ recognized abilities and potential. Develops and/ou manages, in collaboration with team members, a clear and consistent work plan to achieve the project budget, deliverables, and schedule. Actively engages in internal and external professional development opportunities. Contributes to the implementation of sustainable strategies in all project assignments and the associated development of staff knowledge. Contributes to the development of standards, policies, and procedures. Protects SOM from financial and legal risk.

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of a professional degree in Architecture or a related field.
• Minimum 6 years of professional experience or equivalent knowledge, skills andabilities.
• Licensed Architect with current registration in your region.
• Demonstrates strong proficiency in Revit, BIM and AutoCAD.
• Proficiency in 3D modeling software - Rhino, parametric and rendering software, and other graphic software preferred.
• Demonstrates advanced knowledge of architectural building systems, Construction Types I, II & IV, sustainability, and integrated design.
• Proficiency in various types of construction management and software preferred.
• Demonstrates advanced knowledge of building code and ability to research and apply into technical construction documents.
• LEED accreditation preferred

Compensation

Compensation for this role is based upon experience, qualifications, location, and education and typically ranges from $90,000 to $120,000.

For more about SOM: www.som.com

Working at SOM

SOM is a global practice of architects, engineers, and planners renowned for designing buildings, interiors, and public spaces that push the boundaries of technical and environmental innovation. Our interdisciplinary teams collaborate across an international network of studios to deliver projects of lasting impact. Through our built work, research, and advocacy, we are advancing strategies to decarbonize the built environment. Learn more about our commitment to climate action.

SOM Is Proud To Be An Equal Opportunity Employer

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.