Technical Architect

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM); San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401K matching

Flexible work schedules

Paid family leave

Reimbursement for professional licenses

Job summary

A leading architectural firm is seeking a Technical Designer in San Francisco, California. The role involves leading technical innovation and ensuring architectural design quality across all project phases. Candidates should have a professional architecture degree, a license, and at least 8 years of relevant experience. Proficiency in design and model preparation tools is essential. The firm offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, supporting professional development and work-life balance.

Qualifications

• Completion of a professional degree in Architecture or related field.
• Licensed in Architecture; LEED or other green building accreditation preferred.
• Minimum 8 years of experience is required.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, and Adobe Suite.

Responsibilities

• Leads design and construction documentation.
• Fosters relationships with clients and design community.
• Manages quality control procedures.
• Conducts code review and analysis.
• Directly supervises, trains, and mentors team members.

Skills

Revit

AutoCAD

Rhino

parametric software

Adobe Suite

Google Workspace

sustainable strategies

LEED certification

communication skills

Education

Professional degree in Architecture

Licensed in Architecture

Job description

Position Summary

The Technical Designer is responsible for the technical innovation, integration, documentation, and execution of the architectural and engineering design intent in conformance with the established scope of work, program, and budget objectives. Together with the Senior Designer, Project Manager, and/or Project Architect, the Technical Designer is the day‑to‑day co‑leader of the project in all project phases, with significant responsibilities in the Design Development through Construction Administration phases. The Technical Designer leads code review and analysis, material and systems research, specifications coordination, and construction documentation. They manage quality control procedures and timely reviews through all phases of the project.

Position Responsibilities

• Contributes to the technical resolution and innovation(s) and furthers the development of architectural projects through all phases that are consistent with the scope of work and goals of the firm. Integrates criteria and input from all disciplines into design solutions.
• Communicates and maintains standards of quality for documentation products for the full internal and external team. Leads the implementation of the Quality Management System for assigned projects.
• Leads the research, review, and analysis of applicable codes. Provides code parameters and restrictions early in the design process.
• Proposes and assesses construction and building systems.
• Where a Project Architect is not present, collaborates with the SOM High Performance Design Group in tracking energy, water, and carbon use intensities on a project and provides documentation for AIA 2030 reporting.
• Leads design and construction documentation including but not limited to vignettes, animations, drawings and specifications. Construction documentation should be consistent with firm standards for the publication and presentation of work.
• Develops, coordinates, and reviews the technical specifications for the project.
• Fosters positive relationships with clients and the design community.
• Remains committed to working within the established project budgets and schedules.
• When required, works with the Digital Design Coordinator to implement the computer management program for the project.
• Leads the team’s construction phase services scope including making periodic site visits to monitor construction progress and identifying areas needing correction and/or modification; attending visual and performance mockup review; and reviewing shop drawings for design intent.
• Participates in the interview and selection process of contractors, where appropriate.
• Attends and presents in owner/architect design meetings and owner/architect/contractor meetings. Reviews and approves meeting minutes.
• Attends and facilitates weekly internal project team meetings.
• Actively participates in local and firm‑wide Technical Meetings and makes meaningful contributions to the advancement of activities led by these groups.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Actively leads a project team.
• Directly supervises, trains, and mentors team members.
• Engages in talent strategy to find specialists, leaders, and future professionals for the firm through resume review and interviews.
• Demonstrates leadership in the implementation of sustainable strategies in all project assignments and the associated development of staff knowledge.
• Creates and drives new ways of working through contributing to the development of services, standards, procedures based in an understanding of the business principles that protect SOM from financial and legal risk.

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of a professional degree in Architecture or a related field.
• Licensed in Architecture; LEED or other green building accreditation preferred.
• Minimum 8 years of experience or equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.
• General understanding of sustainable strategies and principles including familiarity with LEED or other green building rating systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrates proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, parametric and rendering software, Adobe Suite, and Google Workspace.

Our Benefits

• Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life & accident insurance
• Savings: 401K matching, pre‑tax spending accounts, and employee discount programs
• Work/Life Balance: Inquire about our approach to flexible schedules, paid family leave, paid vacation, backup child and elder care, and an employee assistance program
• Professional Development: Reimbursement for professional licenses, associated renewals, and exam fees as well as specialized in‑house career development
• Compensation: $100,000 to $140,000, based on experience, qualifications, location, and education.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.